Looking for PHP in Elmira area

I live on the southside of Elmira and am currently looking for a new primary physician. My current PHP who I've only had for a couple years doesn't seem to truely understand wls. She has told me that a surgeon wouldn't even talk to me for a number of reasons. I am currently seeing Dr. Cole in Horseheads about wls and he says she is completely wrong. I am an excellent candidate and I'm currently going through all the steps toward getting a date. I also have severe sleep apnea and my PHP doesn't seem to understand about that either. I didn't like my previous PHP because he didn't listen and just always was in a hurry when I would go to see him. I am concerned that after I get wls and I need to go to the doctor for anything that my PHP understand the conditions I currently have and my new anatomy. It doesn't make a difference to me whether my PHP is male or female. I would like someone in the Elmira or Horseheads area or close to it. Also I work in Montour Falls, so if they had an office in that area it wouldn't be bad. Preferably they would be associated with the Arnot Ogden Medical Center as the hospital they have associations with. One doctor I had once did blood work right at their office which was extremely convenient since I work out of town. So that would be a plus but not a necessity. Any suggestions???

Hi My PHP is in Elmira and is associated with the Arnot Ogden Medical Center. It took a long time for my PHP to agree to let me have the surgery. There are many doctors still unaware of the progress that has been made with the procedures. Though at the current time he is not taking new patients. Maybe you can call the different doctors associated with Arnot to see if they are up to date with the RNY procedures and tell them that you are currently a patient of Dr. Cole. Dr. Cole and Dr. McKane have a wonderful reputation in this area. I had Dr. Cole as my surgeon and on the day of surgery both Dr. Cole and Dr. McKane did my surgery. They are both wonderful Drs. For myself having the surgery is the best thing I've done for myself in a long time. I have absolutely NO regrets in having it done. Andrea

Thanks for the encouragement Andrea! I am definitely all go on the surgery, but I'd be more comfortable knowing my primary physician is behind me and understands me and my anatomy.

Hi Diane! I live in Elmira, too, but on the Northside, near Kennedy Valve. (Hi, Andrea!!) My PCP is Dr Thomas Mitchell of Orchard Family Health Care. It's in Horseheads at the very end of Westinghouse Road; it meets the end of Watkins Road & turns into Route 14 going towards Watkins Glen. Anyhoo, he is an amazing doctor! Even when we moved here to Elmira after living in Horseheads my whole life, I didn't want to change doctors. He takes care of me and listens to what I am saying, as well as gently giving advice on how to live better. He is an excellent physician and I highly recommend him!! He is currently associated with the Arnot Ogden system, and he is taking new patients. He talked with me before surgery and encouraged me to go see Dr. Cole. He said a few weeks before my surgery that he was happy that I was taking a step to better my health and my life. So, I would recommend him. His office takes most kinds of insurance. Hey, have you been to the support meetings at Arnot? They are awesome! I would very highly recommend those, too. Well, Diane, good luck. The process before surgery is tough at times, but very worth it, even if you are just looking into surgery. Jen Halliday

Thanks Jen! I'm going to check my list of accepted doctors but I'm sure he's on it. I've been looking at the list of names trying to decide where to start. That's how I got my current doctor. I have been to the last 2 support meetings so we have probably seen each other. At the March meeting I was sitting next to the door and left early. I had another appointment. I'm planning on being at the meeting in April. I'd love to meet you then.

Hi All! I'm up here in Burdett - the "other" side of Watkins! It's cold here tonight! I did not have WLS, so can't help anyone there. My interest is in Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery. I have heard that Dr. Dawn Heil is excellent. One of her partners is Dr. Mark Anthony. I think they are down by St. Joes hospital. I believe it's called Southern Tier Plastics. After all of your weight loss, you might want to check them out. Lee

Thanks Lee! I'll keep them in mind if I ever get to that point.