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.