Stephen D. Cotton Psychologist MSW, Ph.D

08/12/03
I met with Dr. Stephen Cotton to be evaluated for Lap Band Surgery through Life Shape of Florida Surgical Weight Loss Center. The surgeon is Dr. Mark Fusco. I heard several compliments about Dr. Fusco, which I was relieved to hear. It helped relieve some of my own anxiety.

Dr. Cotton was very easy to talk to and provided a very relaxed environment. He seemed to be real aware of the feelings
associated with obesity. We discussed all the efforts to lose weight and the fear of gaining it back. We discussed how long this weight loss frustration has been going on in my life. I even shared a story from 4th grade that I actually remember. Dr. Cotton is going to write a letter of referral for me, diagnosing me with a Mood Disorder due to my excessive weight and the affect my weight has on me emotionally. I couldn't ask for anything more perfect or true. Dr. Cotton has outstanding listening skills that really helped me to open up and share my experiences concerning weight loss and gain over my lifetime. We also discussed the changes I will have to accept after my surgery. I'm looking forward to those changes.

I did tell Dr. Cotton that I understood the Lap Band surgery was a tool and I'm ultimately responsible for the success of the Lap Band surgery. Above and beyond the weight loss, is my Health issues. The weight loss is a side benefit to correcting my health problems. My over all opinion of Dr. Cotton is excellent. I felt I was dealing with a very compassionate, caring Doctor who knew the need to evaluate me fairly for my own protection. And I personally thank him for that. He approves of the Lap Band surgery for me, and will have the letter to Dr. Fusco by early next week: August 18th - August 20th, 2003. I will request a copy of the letter for my own files. The fee was $140.00 for one hour evaluation and I paid with a personal check. I received a paid receipt that I will submit to my insurance company.