Dr. Cole Said No!

Hello Everyone - I have been stalking you all for a long time. My story is a bit difficult for me to share, but now feels like the right time.

Four years ago, I bought a pair of walking shoes and lost 150 lbs - exactly half of my body weight.Then I had a botched panniculectomy, whitch left me both physically and emotionally messed up. I have since regained all of the weight.

Two years ago, I decided to take a huge leap of faith and put my trust in another surgeon for WLS. I chose Dr. Robert Cole in Horseheads, NY. He is an incredible surgeon, and had been recommended to me by my GYN, who had gone to him for her own WLS. She did warn me that he could be a bit "gruff" though.

Unfortunately, I was to find that out the hard way. I began the process - my consultation with him was rescheduled to an associate because of a delayed flight. I saw the nutritionist, the physcologist, went to the introductory class, applied for insurance, etc. - all without having even met Dr. Cole yet.

I was unaware that by consulting with his partner, I had become that Dr.s patient, that that was office policy. I truly thought I could request the surgeon of my choice. It all became such a mess. Already leery, I didn't handle any of it very well. I'm sure they perceived me to be the rudest person on the planet - but it was the exact opposite! I kept telling them I was in unfamiliar territory, and I needed a hand to hold.

Well anyway, I was kicked out of the program, by phone and registered letter. Not only was Dr Cole refusing me WLS, he made it clear he would not perform any surgery whatsoever for me under any cir****tances.

My faith in the medical profession has been badly shaken. When I am ready, I will have to go further from home to locate a surgeon. Until then I will keep stalking here, learning as much as I can from all of you!

Best of luck - everyone looks so good!!
Lee

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I was devastated.

Hi Lee,
What a nightmare,  the office policy should have been made clear to you when you agreed to reschedule with the associate.  I know it is little consolation but try to believe that everything happens for a reason.  Seeing how they treated you it is probably for the better because if  Dr. Cole did the surgery  you would be looking at a long term relationship with this office and imagine what that could have been like. 

I somewhat understand how you feel, I also had a doctor refuse to do my surgery after going through 90% of the required consultations.You find yourself replaying the conversations over and over in you head wondering how you were so misunderstood.   I have found another surgeon that I am comfortable with , I have to travel one hour to his office the other doctor was 10 mins. from my home.  

Anyway, due to situtations beyond my  control I have had two surgery dates cancelled and am currently waiting for a new date but I feel he is worth the wait.  I have to believe everything happens for a reason otherwise I make myself crazy. 

Good luck to you.  I hope you feel up to seeking out another Doctor soon. 
Eileen

That sounds like b.s. if i have to see another doctor because of the cir****tances they dont become "my doctor" and i agree with eileenr.. it sounds like it worked out for the better what jerks.. you need to feel comfortable with everyone in that office since you deal with them on a regular basis its your dime and your time and your health !

Lee may I ask where you live my surgerons are now in syracuse,,,and Utica most sweetest people ever want more info feel free to email me [email protected]

thanks so much for the good thoughts! I guess I just wanted to share that experience with youall. And also try to put some feelers out there for a new surgeon.

I live in Upstate NY - the Finger Lakes area. Near Corning, Elmira, Syracuse. I am only interested in having the Vertical Sleeve Gasectomy, and since that isn't done as much it narrows down my choices. Of course I would like to be as close to home as possile.

Intensity65, do you know if they do the sleeve where you ae going?

Thanks so much for the advise, and well wishes!

LEE

lee,
  I am a support group leader for Vestal Ny (Wednesday July 14 at 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Vestal Public Library is our next meeting) We have people in our group who have had their surgeries done at Arnot, Cayuga Medical (Ithaca), Wilson Hospital (Johnson CIty), Rochester, Syracuse, Scranton and Bassett (In Cooperstown where I had my lap-band).  If you would like to come talk to our group to find out about the different programs please feel free to do so.  It is important that you feel comfortable and confident with your surgeon and surgical team to make your operation a success.  Often times we build up an experience in our minds to such a great extent (I know I am guilty of this) that the reality can't ever live up to our expectations.  With WLS it is such a life atlering change you need to have all the positives on your side that you can.  Please let me know it there is anything else I can do to help you out.

Hi,

Try the Highland Bariatrics Group in Rochester, NY!  O'Malley.

Meg

I am sorry that you had a negative experience at Arnot Bariatric.  They performed my surgery and it was a thorough and diligent process--my recovery was text book and I would recommend my surgeon to anyone considering WLS.

I wish you the very best in your journey and I hope that you are able to find a surgeon that meets your personal needs. 

Shammy - Congrats on your surgery!

I know that Arnot Bariatric is excellent, and I would not want to discourage anyone from going there. For some reason it just didn't work out for me.

It would be lovely to stay in touch with you - thanks for the reply, and good luck.
Lee

Thanks for the info Teri! I can't make it to the class this week, but hopefully soon! I've got a zillion questions.

Most important is will my insurance Champus cover the sleeve? From what I can see, insurance companies are dragging their feet on that one.

Lee