Robert Cooney Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

I HAVEN'T MET MY SURGEON PERSONALLY YET, HE WAS AT THE FIRST MEETING I WENT TO WHICH WAS A GROUP MEETING. THE DIETICIAN I WILL HAVE WAS THERE ALSO. I ALREADY HAD MY FIRST MEETING WITH HER. SHE WAS VERY NICE AND VERY INFORMATIVE. MY FIRST MEETING WITH MY SURGEON IS ON DEC. 5TH. BUT HE ALSO GOT UP AND TALKED AT THE GROUP MEETING. HE ADDRESSED THE RISKS OF SURGERY VERY THOURGHLY.AND HE ALSO ANSWERED QUESTIONS FROM THE PEOPLE, AND HE ANSWERED THEM COMPLETELY AND HONESTLY. HE MADE A VERY GOOD IMPRESSION ON ME. AS I LEARN MORE ABOUT HIM I WILL POST IT. I WILL BE TALKING TO YOU LATER. NAOMI (NOMIE) ROBINETTE

1/24/02 - This was my second visit with Dr Cooney and he asked if I had any additional questions in reference to the actual procedure. He then explained the PAT portion and the post op side of it. He hit every detail that I needed to know. I would definately recommend him to anyone because of him and the wonderful program at Hershey Medical Center.

12/12/01 - Met with Dr Cooney for my first surgical consult and really liked the way he explained everything that was involved in the surgery. He drew pictures for me and my family and had a great bedside manner.

11/01 - I had my first group appointment and met Dr Cooney. He had a great bedside manner and was very informative. My first impression was that he really wanted to help people. I will be going to see his nutritionist on 11/28/01.

My first impression of Dr. Cooney was that he seemed a little reserved but projected a professional image. As the examination continued, he became a little more conversant but maintained his professional demeanor. He took the time to fully layout the by-pass surgery goals, associated risks, and other related issues. Overall, I have no qualms about him performing the surgery.

My first impression of Dr. Cooney was that he was all business but was very imformative concerning the surgery. I met him a 2nd time during a support meeting at the Medical Center and he seemed more at ease. By the third meeting I felt very much as though he is genuinly concerned about this patients. Dr. Cooney is a very skilled surgeon well versed in this procedure. I feel very confident that I am in good hands! The med center has post op programs and an aftercare program as well. At this time my marks are high.....if it is different it will be reported in post op comments.


I am now 1 day shy of a week post op and I feel as though I was in good hands with Dr. Cooney. My recovery has been quick so far and without complications. I do feel as though one should take as long as it takes to completely understand what you are getting ready to do. I was as prepared as you can be and it really made a major difference. I am having some adjustments that seem a bit weird but 5this is to be expected.

My surgeon is a kind and compassionate dr. who is experienced which makes me feel comfortable with him. He takes his time with his patients, and really cares about all aspects of the person. He tells you what to expect without holding anything back which can be scarey, but I want to know all. I will have my surgery soon, and look forward to being under his care.

I did a lot of research before I chose
Dr. Cooney, and I feel that I have chosen a very reputable and accomplished surgeon. Dr. Cooney is not only a bariatric surgeon, but a trauma surgeon as well. Knowing this information gave me an instant feeling of peace and confidence in his surgical skills. He illustrates the surgerical procedure and gives great detail about the risks and benefits. He takes his time to answer each and every question that you ask, and never makes you feel as if you are being rushed. At both appointments, I did have to wait a considerable length of time in his office, but when I am on the "calling" end of this journey, I want him to stop and take care of me, so I didn't mind that at all. I just wished I had brought a bottle of water along. He emphasizes that this surgery is a tool, and that it will require a great deal of effort on my part, and he has very structured before and aftercare programs. I also found him to be very compassionate. Overall, I am very pleased that he accepted me as his patient, and together we will change a life!

Dr. Cooney was great. He was very professional but really seemed to want to provide you with information. The office is very busy. Numerous physicians work out the office. He reviewed the surgery explaining about risks involved. He talked about specific percentage risks for him. He has done over 400 gastric bypass surgeries. He is the head of the trauma surgery dept. and head of the baratric surgery dept. He does emphasize the entire program at Hershey which includes a support group, dietician and follow-up care for a period of two years. I feel he has high standards and he holds himself a set of very high standards. I would recommend him. I did have to wait quite a while to see him, but he did not seem rushed during the consult.

My first impression of the doctor was that he was really informative, not pushy about the surgery, but very happy with the work that he does. My impression has stayed the same over the course of my treatment. He is very helpful with what I even feel are obscure questions, and he is very supportive. The staff are great as well. Especially the residents. They have been very helpful with minor problems with my incision. The thing I like the least is going for an appointment that itself takes only fifteen minutes, but being at the office two to two and a half hours waiting. Aftercare is loosely structured. There are the 2 week, month, 3 month, 6 month, year follow-ups. A support group is there to keep you structured the rest of the time. The doctor addressed the risks of surgery in detail in two different pre-op appointments. I think overall he is a super doctor! Surgical competence is definitely his forte, although bedside manner is not bad, just rushed since he heads the program.

I first met Dr. Cooney at a support group meeting. He seemed very knowledable and friendly. I had my first visit on 5/9/01 and I still have the same impression. However, I didn't feel like we cliked, maybe I just have to get to know him better. I have talked with a former patient and she thinks he is teriffic.

The whole process at Hershey Medical is based on knowledge and groug support. They have a grueling schedule of prerequisites. You first meet with a dietician and must have your pcp order blood tests and provide medical records. Then an appointment with the surgeon where he fills you in on everything that can go wrong and schedules any other tests that might be required. You must also complete a psyciatric evaluation form and then meet with a psyciatrist. Next your second visit with the dietician and then the final visit with the surgeon where you finally get your surgery date and he writes the special request letter to your insurance. You have a post op visit with the dietician and are expected to attend monthly support group meetings arranged and supported by everyone above.

I think surgicial competence is the most important on my list and I would rate Dr. Cooney 9 on a scale of 1 to 10.

My surgeon was very niice and explained everything in a way that was understandalbe
His staff were all very kind
The only thing I did not like all that well was that he did not smile that often,
aftercare was very well explained
all potential risks were addressed and any concerns were taken care of
I rate him as a very caring and intructional surgeon