the scoop on Dr. Paul Cunningham/Syracuse

but, they didn't even ask if i was going through an insurance company ... i don't have to go through one ... i can get my hands on the cash ... even tho i was not happy with Arnet, they did tell me that i was within their age limits, so that gives me hope that there may be others whose limits are higher ... i will keep searching ... thanks for your input and good luck with your surgery!

I understand that.... my friend wanted to do it and she has the cash too, but they still wouldn't.  I think there are others out there... I do think the Utica docs will do it - someone said something at a support group!

Lin

I'm Lin and live in Watertown. I don't know about this doctor either, but I am going to the Finger Lakes Weight Loss Center - Dr. Carl Weiss -- he "was" in Syracuse but has his own practice in Auburn and he is WONDERFUL!!! The follow-up for Lap-Band is great.

While I'm just finishing up all of the pre-op work before submission, I highly recommend him!!

Lin

hello Lin ... i'll check how far Auburn is from me, and go from there ... i'm so happy to know that your surgery went well and everything is going great for you ... thanks a lot for the info!

I'm still waiting for the insurance approval and to get 6 blasted pounds off! LOL So, no surgery for me yet. I had hoped to have it in October (after we went to Cleveland to celebrate my husband's 60th birthday at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) but our dog just blew her knee out and had to have surgery, so all of our vacation $$ is in her now! LOL But... maybe I'll have it in September. All I know is it has to be before 12/31!

Keep us posted on your search!!

Lin

O, i'm sorry ... i thought you already had your surgery ... God bless you for taking care of your dog ... first things first!  i just adopted a cat and two kittens from a shelter that was closing for lack of funds, and when you have somebody else depending on you for their well being ... well, there really isn't a choice, is there?  okay, so you must be really excited ... September is so close ... just weeks away ... i'll keep you posted and YOU do the same >>> i'm so excited for you!

Hello, I go to Arnot Medical Center and you are so right if you dont feel comfortable then dont do it!! I had a appointment with Dr. Rahman and when I left there I told my husband that I didnt want him as my surgeon and he said "I understand, so then lets find someone else."  Thats when I changed doctors and went with Dr. Cole. And trust me when I said I dont want Dr. Rahman the office was like why not and the office had things to say about it but I stood my ground and I issued my complaints and said Id prefer to have Dr. Cole and even though I had to wait 2 months to see Dr. Cole in my eyes it was VERY WORTH IT!!  I drilled Dr. Cole with every question and every concern and he was straight forward with me with no holds bar answers.  And when I came home and told my husband about it he just said alright well I will meet him with you next time.  So long story short, my husband went with me to see Dr. Cole and when we left he said "darlin I think you made a very good decision. I like him!! I feel good letting him do this surgery on you." I FINALLY RECEIVED MY HUSBANDS APPROVAL (which is very hard to get)!!!

So with that being said, just keep searching for what is comfortable for you.  Your surgeon is going to be your best friend and you have to beable to talk and express your fears and concerns with him and his staff. Like I said theres other doctors in other offices that could probably accomadate your wishes.  Good Luck in your search and on your wls journey!!

hi ... i'm really glad you sent me that message ... i'm not having any luck looking in Syracuse ... they said i was too old for their program ... based on what you just told me about your experience with Dr. Cole ... i'm thinking that i should call Arnot back and see if they will scheduled me an appt. with him ... i can look past the staff's ignorance ... as long as i have confidence in the surgeon ... thanks so much! :)

Im glad I could be of help to you.  I must warn you, Dr. Cole is only in the office 2 days a week and hes a older gentleman and he only does open RnY.  But if you look at his profile on here I believe the oldest person hes ever done surgery on was 78.  Like I said maybe their staff was having a off day but when you get in to meet them like Angela and Deb and the nutritionist the people you will be working on the side of youll find they are really caring concerned people. I know they were probably tired of hearing me call their office about insurance and everything and about the young blonde receptionist, I have to say shes the snootiest person there. So good luck hon and if you have any questions just drop me a line!!!