About a month and one-half ago, I hurt myself loading a heavy piece of ready to assemble furniture into a customer's car with another employee. I developed an epigastria hernia right above the naval. At first, I balked at the idea of going 1500 miles away from home to some strangers I never heard of to cut my body. I had had a laparoscopic surgery for a left inguinal hernia done 6 1/2 years earlier and thought that my doctor had done a pretty good job and did not want to change. After a few phone conversations, I agreed to go to their website and call them. The associates at the institute were extremely empathetic and assured me I would get first rate care and services. 

Everything was handled for me, from transportation to accommodations. I was put up in a first rate Marriott and was given several phone numbers, including Vivian's home number, in case something went amiss. The office visit went well. Dr. Graham explained what type of surgery and anesthetic would work best for my situation and why. He answered all my questions and the ladies at the institute were extremely helpful in putting me at ease.

The surgery started at 8:30 AM with an epidermal. At 9:10 AM, I asked the doctor how it was going and he told me he was done (that's funny, but after the tranquilizing shot and epidermal, I was so relaxed that I do not remember the surgery). 

Two hours later, I walked a mile to mile and a half to the mall and then through it.  I did not use any pain medication of any kind save for a non-medical magnetic devise over the wound.  After a week, I could run and removed the bandage. After two weeks, all the tape was off and just a small red scar 1 1/2 in bump and two skin blips from the shaving before surgery or the tape remained.  Maybe in another two weeks, I'll be 100% there, too. 

I credit the institute with a world-class procedure and craftsmanship and the immediate ice pack on the wound after surgery for swelling reduction. The folks at the Larkin Hospital were real friendly and caring too. The Hernia Institute was like an old friend or an old pair of shoes that your are very comfortable with. They handled everything and were very caring and considerate of my needs. Very refreshing for a time when health care cutbacks and healthcare administration take out the personal caring element. I cannot say enough for Vivian, Dr. Graham and the associates. I am deeply grateful, impressed and thank you from the bottom of my heart. I would recommend or refer them to anyone. 
Thanks again,
T.R.
P.S. It is refreshing to see a truly client-centered health institute that makes you feel like they're one of the family-warm and caring. 

I want to thank you all for the care and kindness you showed. It is nice to know there are people who care. You don't see that much these days.
~ C.S., Deltona, Florida

My special thanks to everyone who assisted in my care from the contacts before with flight instructions down to the surgery and to the point of flying home. My wife and I applaud you all and wish all medical facilities could achieve this one-on-one personal care to all patients, which would cause more people to trust their hospital and medical facilities instead of putting off needed procedures.
~ S.I., St. Augustine, Florida

The people at the Hernia Institute care about YOU. This is real and very hard to find. My wife and I thank you.
~ A.J., Raleigh, North Carolina

We couldn't have been treated better. There was a genuine concern for our travel plans and our stay above and beyond the surgery. Patient and spouse were both important to the staff. Thank you so much for taking such good care of us!
~ B.H., Colombia, South America