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  • Name: Jen Halliday
  • Username: groovyjen21
  • Location: Elmira, NY, USA
  • Member Since: 9/27/2005
  • BMI: 30.7
  • Post Op
  • Surgery Type: RNY (02/22/06)
  • Surgeon: Robert E. Cole, M.D.
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Surgeon Testimonial

Robert E. Cole, M.D.
My first impression of Dr. Cole was that he was a pretty straight forward guy. He seemed to be a cut-and-dry person; he didn't mince words. He gave me the facts straight and I really appreciate that. It's funny because the first time I ever met him he came over to the bench in the exam room and sat next to me. I was freaking inside. I was like, "Why is this guy sitting next to me??" And then he put his hand on my arm!! But soon I relaxed. He wasn't doing it to make me feel uncomfortable; he was trying to make me feel more at ease. It's a stressful time, to be going to the doctor to tell him that you're fat and are at the end of your rope; that you don't want "morbid obesity" to be on your chart anymore!!! Over time, I got used to Dr.Cole placing his arm on my arm, as a reassurance that I was human and not just what everyone saw me as: A fat woman. I loved his office staff, and I still do to this day. It's funny, I'm post-op, and I feel like I'm bothering them sometimes. Not through anything that they say or convery through tones, but I just call them a lot. And you know? That's okay. They answer any questions you have with enthusiasm and encouragement! They're wonderful! As far as what I want future patients to know: Enjoy the process. It goes by very quick. Relish every minute of it. Your insurance WILL most likely cover this surgery, even if you have to take drastic measures to have them cover it! (I was approved after four days, so no drastic measures here!) Aftercare- Dr. Cole's office has a great aftercare program. They encourage going to the monthly support group meetings, you see Colleen up to the 5th week, and you have the opportunity to see Dr. Cole or Sarah whenever you need them. They are always available. That's what I appreciate about this program!!! Did Dr. Cole cover the risks of the surgery? Absolutely. He actually sounded like he was trying to talk me out of it! :) You know, though, for all the talking to he did to me about the risks and complications, nothing, and I mean NOTHING, could have prepared me for the emotions that I would feel post-op!! And the breaking of the bondage that I had with food....that was something I wasn't fully prepared for! People could tell me until they were blue in the face, but I just thought that I would do okay with that, and I did. I really did, but it was SO hard!!!! I can't stress enough that you need to face your food demons and try to right some of the destructive patterns before surgery or you will have a VERY difficult time post-op. I MOURNED the loss of food and the fact that I couldn't eat a Tour of Italy from Olive garden. How silly! But it was a real loss. I deal with food cravings and just substitute other healthy choices now. It is a constant learning process. Oh....but thank GOD that Dr. Cole's office is always available. The last questions is: "Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great?" I think, for me, surgical competence was the most important thing. Dr. Cole could've been this amazing, gentle guy with the best bedside manner of any doctor in the world....and have a lot of patients with horrible complications because he's a bad surgeon. Luckily, he's got both things nailed down: A great guy with the amazing talent and skill to operate on people and give them their lives back!! Look at his patients: They are healthy and happy because of his incredible skill. How would I rate Dr. Cole, overall? There is not a number or a scale on earth that could measure my appreciation and satisfaction with this man! I cannot express in words how grateful I am to him for taking such care with not just me, but with my family. He has touched our lives and has enhanced mine. I will forever be in debt to this angel of a doctor! Thank you, Dr. Cole.
Member Interests
  • Animal Rescue - Omigosh, if I could have land, I would rescue animals!
  • Musical Performance - I just love musicals and opera and ballet! Broadway here I come!
  • Photography
  • Backpacking - I hiked the West Rim Trail of the PA Grand Canyon. (trail head is in Wellsboro)
  • Horseback Riding - This is one thing that I can't wait to do after surgery!
  • Scouting - Crew 1971 New Hampshire Daniel Webster Council (Yes, that's Boy Scouts!)
  • Youth Work - I am a youth pastor at my church and love every one of my teens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Christianity - Jesus Christ is #1 in my life!!
  • BMI over 50 - My BMI was 59.6, now it's 39.7

Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by dianetish on 2/26/06 4:17 am
    Congratulations!!! I know what you mean about the feelin of laughin or actually coughin which I went thru when i got home yesterday. OMG!!! It is gonna take some time to get used to. But we will be fine and loving it!!!! talk to you later.
  • Comment by Deb K on 2/25/06 8:56 am
    Jen, you did a great job getting through surgery. Congrads, you will be loosing soon enough. Take it easy when you come home, keep your feet up so you don't get blood clots. Do the best you can with eating, I know it will seem like alot of food and drinking, it does get better. Keep in mind you will be back on your feet before you know it. My surgery was one year ago on Feb 22...you can do this and you will feel so much more healthier and happier. God bless you - I will keep you in my prayers. Deb k
Click here for the surgery support page
Jen Halliday's Blog
Jen Halliday's Blog


Down 101 Pounds!!
on July 16, 2006 2:28 pm

7-16-06
Man, it has been TOO LONG since I've updated! Lots to tell, lots to tell. Of course, the main thing being that I am much healthier and happier than I have ever been in my life! I not talking about the number on the scale, folks. (although that is amazingly lower!) I'm talking about how I feel when I walk, how I feel when I work and don't get tired out so quickly. I mean, my back fat is smaller....c'mon, you KNOW you know what I'm talking about on that one!! I almost had to get a seperate bra for my back boobs pre-op!! Okay, not really, but CLOSE.  ;-)  I feel better now that my massive bosoms don't tug down on my shoulder blades when I walk or exercise! It doesn't hurt when I lie down on my back.....because my buns are smaller. I swear, my butt used to start at my shoulder blades and end at my knees! I swear! It's much smaller now.

Enough about my physique. When I went to the doctor's office, I found out that I have lost, overall, 101 pounds! Since surgery, 90 pounds are gone. YAHOO!!! That was about a week and a half ago. I was never really concerned about my weight loss; I knew it would happen because that's the nature of the surgery. That's what is supposed to happen. However, I have been (and remain) more focused on the eating part of my surgery. I want to make sure that my life doesn't go down the path that it was on before. I think that I'm doing okay. I could always improve, but I feel like I'm doing great in the eating department. I eat stuff like soy or veggie burgers, fresh avacado, fresh fruit & veggies, SF products, whey protein shakes, South Beach Diet Meal Replacement bars, and the list goes on.....of healthy things to eat!! I am thrilled to eat better, and I have a whole new pallette of things that I eat! My eyes are open to newer and better things!

And all honor and glory should be given to my Heavenly Father. He has given me the strength to carry on, through the rough times and the rougher times. I am who I am today because He gave me peace about my surgery, and the self-control to carry through with the tool He allowed me to get.

Hey, blessings to you all, pre- and post-ops! Strength and peace be to you!!

Jen

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