"1/23--I have not met Dr. Cole yet. I sent him and email on 1/19/01 and he responded to it on 1/21. Based on the information I provided including my height, weight, the fact that I have NYS medicaid and my plea for help, he suggested I make an appt. I subsequently called his office and received a consultation appointment date of 2/9. Will update after...
2/9--I met Dr. Cole today. He was very nice and went to great lengths to make sure I understood the risks and the benefits of the surgery in detail. He does the Roux-en-Y open procedure and was very upfront about his lack of experience in doing this particular procedure laparoscopically. I appreciated that. Although I would prefer to have the surgery done lap, I feel good about having him as my surgeon and will have the open. Aftercare is stressed so much. He explained that I have to be willing to commit to a lifelong behavioral change. No more sitting in front of the tv with a bag of Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookies and a quart of Nestle Quik Chocolate Milk!
2/12--Called Dr. Cole's office to assure him that my decision was made and I definitely want this surgery. Asked for first possible surgery date. Received call back with date of 2/22. WOW!
2/16--Saw Dr. Cole again today for my preoperative exam. I reaffirm my belief that he will take the very best care of me. Another surgeon, Dr. Douglas McKane of Horseheads NY will assist him and I feel doubly safe having not one but two competent surgeons taking care of me. To top it all off his receptionist and his nurse Joanne are wonderful!
3/21--Dr. Cole is a wonderfully skilled surgeon. I am so very pleased now one day shy of 4 weeks since my surgery date. I had one complication since the surgery and Dr. Cole took immediate action to ensure that the problem was diagnosed and treated. I am so grateful for the attention he pays to me. If I have a concern, one phone call to his office means I will get a response by that evening. I am ever so happy. Follow up care to date has been great."
