I am a teacher andhave a 16 year old daughter.
Weight Loss Survey ResponsesClick Here To View
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Robert E. Cole, M.D.
Dr. Cole is a very straight forward surgeon. He gave all the information at the first consultation. He explained the risks and benefits of this type of surgery. At first it was in a 'down-talking' manner, I thought. But then I realized he was being extremely careful in his explaination so nothing was left out. However, he didn't tell me that I would have hair loss due to the lack of vitamins. I was very upset to find this out after the surgery.
He filed the insurance papers and when he received the approval, he let me know so I could schedule the surgery. He personally called me to keep me abreast of the insurance issues.
Dr. Cole isn't afraid to touch an obese person like some doctors are, nor did he ever make me feel I was a failure as a person because of my weight problem.
The staff at his office are wonderful. If I ever had any questions, I could always call them and they would call back with an answer within a day.
Aftert the surgery, every ppound lost was a victory. Dr. Cole and his staff are always eager to encourage and help in any way they can. He offers places to gain more information about nutrition and support groups. He does admit that he doesn't know everything about the proper amounts of certain foods to maintain a balance for me.
Insurer Info:
RMSCO, STHP
The approval came quickly but the pay to the doctor was a fight. Before surgery, they said they didn't need certain information, then before they would pay, they required it. It took 90 days before the doctor was paid.
Prior to surgery, be sure to include all medical information even if they state it isn't needed.