Please Help: Question

Hi Everyone I have my first appointment with Dr. Cole on Tuesday. WOW I can't believe it's so close. I understand he doesn't do the lap surgery. I do understand that he is one of the best. I was looking through the site and trying to find surgeons that are in this area that do do the lap. Well i found one in Ithaca which isn't too far from where I live. Has anyone heard of Dr. John Mecenas?? He is on Trumansburg Road in Ithaca. For financial reasons the lap would be better for me. I was told my my employer that disibility only pays $135.00 a week and there's no way I could live on that. So if I have the lap done I won't be out of work as long. What would you do if you were me?? Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee Help Me!!!!! Andrea

Andrea, I havent heard about him, but I had mine done lap in Rochester by Dr. Boss, he was AWESOME I had my staples taken out a week later, and then I felt absolutely WONDERFUL!!! This is worth it, and good luck with your journey.

Thank you Terri. Rochester is about 2 hours from me. I was looking for closer but my options are still open for everything. I'm just really thinking of every option. I will learn more I'm sure when I talk to Dr. Cole on Tuesday. I still can't believe Tuesday is almost here.

Andrea, Hun I had Dr Garber, he is in New Hyde Park on Long Island, Near the Nassau Queens border. I am not sure where Horseheads is but maybe that might help.... ~hugs~ take care and keep us posted.... Debra P

Hi Debra I'm about 5ish hours from Long Island. Thanks for the help

Andrea, I see Dr. Simon at the Bariatric Center of University Hospital in Syracuse. I absolutely love him. He's a wonderful surgeon with a great personality. Wouldn't be that far of a drive for you if you jump on the thruway. There are, I believe, 5, surgeons in the office. 4 of the 5 do lap. It does take some time to get your first visit depending on which surgeon you get and surgery is about 6 to 7 months from your initial consult. I know that seems like a long time, but they are wonderful there and I think the preparation time is invaluable. This is such a huge decision and life altering procedure. I personally feel that having all the preparation time is essential. I had my first visit January 2005 and my surgery is scheduled for August 15th. The time has really gone by very fast. I have 36 days left and am very excited. There is paperwork that has to be submitted along with I believe a $50 filing fee. You can check out their website at upstate.edu/uh/surgery/bariatric/ At any rate, good luck and keep us posted with your decision. Tammy

It is a huge decision and I'm trying to make the right one for me. Syracuse is further then Rochester. Ithaca is only about a half hour to 45 minutes. I'm hoping that someone here is familiar with the Dr there. I am still deciding exactly what I want to do.

Andrea - Click on the "find a doc" link at the top of the page. When you hit NY, you can scroll down towards the bottom and find Dr. Mecenas. There are 18 people's comments there - if you click on their names, you can also likely email them to ask more specific questions. Good luck! Alison

Thank you Alison I will do that.