David Coster Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

Had my surgical consultation 12/7. I thought Stephanie (PA) was AWESOME and I liked Dr. Coster too. Because of my BMI and build, he is recommending an Open RNY instead of Lap RNY. I'm okay with that knowing how they do the tummy tuck will basically remove my scar from the Open RNY. Having had 2 c/sections - battle wounds are nothing to me. :o)

At first I thought my surgeon had a \"god\" complex. He seemed so cold and aloof at the intake meeting.rnrnSince then, and having to have had 2 surguries, I have grown to like him. What I like best about him is when ever I am talking to his PA or another doctor, they keep their distance. They either speak to me from a chair across the room or stand at the foot of my bed.rnrnDr. Coster sits on my bed next to me. He talks to me like we are buddies. He doesn't watch his language and tells it like it is.rnrnFurther, I don't think the PA or any other doctor has actually touched me for more than to just check me out in order to do their job. rnrnDr. Coster hugged me in his office and told me how sorry he was that I was having such a hard time (2 surguries and a rash). When he sees me in the hospital I get a slap on the back or a \"chuck\" on the arm or a knowing leg pat when things are going bad. It makes me feel like a human when I am afforded these little things from him, and not just patient number .......

I think he is a awesome person. He sat down with me and my family and explained things and what would be taking place and the risks. Everyone I met at the office was just as awesome as he was especially his assistant Stephanie. What I liked most about them was that they follow you for 5 yrs after you have surgery. That totally impressed me on that.

'A truly caring individual with an excellent reputation. I trusted my wife's life with him twice and didn't hesitate to trust my life with him also. He is an excellant surgeon who is also great to talk to

He was nice...To the point. Visit went rather quickly. Office staff are friendly and very helpful. The have an excellent aftercare program. He does like to make smaller incisions, for the open rny, which is a plus. I would give the whole experience with him and his staff an A+++, and would highly recommend them to anyone!!

my surgery was Dec 7th 2005 by Dr Coster

well the first time i seen dr.coster i thought he was very friendly. he looked at my chart and then talk to me and allways made eye contact he also seen if i had any problem and made sure that i would be a good candit for the surjury. he alos did his dictation in frount of me so i caould here what he was saying so i would not wonder what he would have said. the day of my surjury he made me feel good and not scared he made my family feel good also i would give him a 10 he great i reccomend him to anyone who is thanking about having it to come to grinnell it's worth it:)

what can i say about this doctor he cares i mean he really does and he wants you to know he cares , he takes the time so that you know whats going on and hes great i trust him with my life and i would again

This is just the surgeon my PCP suggested I go to. Dr's office made the call today to set up my consult. Will let you know more later after I have my consult with him.

11/12/04
Had my consult with Dr. Eibes today. My first impression of him was that he was a very confident man in the type of surgery he performs.. Was kinda leery at the thought of being cut open, but he explained why it is that he believes that open is safer than lap, and after hearing his reasoning my husband and I both agreed. His staff was the best. Always hesitant about gettin on a scale but they made me feel like it was no big deal. He's straight and to the point but more than willing to answer any questions I had. The thing I least liked about him was the rolling eye thing, but I guess we all have our quirks lol. All in all I'd say he was a very caring person, compentant and very detailed when it comes to explaining the proceedure. I'd recommend him to anyone! So far nothing negative about him at all..
04/13/05
Just recently found out that Dr. Eibes is no longer with grinnell. So not sure who my surgeon will be now. Probably Dr Coster.
05/11/05
I found out today my official date and that Dr. Coster will be the one performing my surgery! Can't wait to meet him!
06/27/05 Dr Coster was absolutely wonderful. He'd come right on in your room and hop on the bed and say.. "how ya doin today" He gave me a big high five before he left and told me I looked and did awesome!

First impression of my Dr. huh? Well, he was very upbeat and personable. Looked directly at me while we were talking. With alot of Dr's they look around or at the paper, etc... Dr. Coster looked directly at me for the most part of the interview. My impression of him has not changed. The office staff was pretty efficient, so no complaints there. I really don't think there was anything I didn't/don't like about him - so far anyway. Future patients should know that he does not take this proceedure lightly. He lets you know that this is not a surgery to be entered into lightly. He wants you to get active ASAP and does have an aftercare program. Mine is scheduled for April 7. They are suppose to set me up with a series of exercises at that time. For now, I am walking. He let me know that all surgeries have risks and asked me if I was willing to take that risk. Of Course, I WAS. My long term complications were probably more risky than the surgery. Overall I would give him an A. Both his bedside manner and surgical competence were both great. He even came in to check on me every day till I went home. Even on Sunday! I know, I didn't have anything negative to say. So far he has been wonderful. I will let you know if, at any point, my feelings change. Today is March 31. My surgery was January 23. So far I have lost 43 pounds and dropped from a tight size 26 jean to a loose 24, tight 22. And a size 46 shirt to a 42. I am losing it everywhere. And I wouldn't change a thing. Will update you again after April 7.
Sarah
;-)
P.S. On my board it says my BMI was 40.7 post-op. It was actually more. At 265# my BMI was 46.9. Now at 222# it has dropped to 39.3. I still have about 105# to lose, but I'm still inspired! S ;-)

I'm back!! Today is April 7, '04. I weighed in today at 218#. That's a loss of 47# in just under 11 weeks. I am doing really well. BMI is 38.6 now. Doc says I am right on target and now I can have regular food. Still no raw veggies though, except for lettuce. Other than that, as long as I watch my carbs I can eat regular foods. My next appt is May 5 and depending on how it goes we may change my appts to every other month. ;-)

Hi again! Today is Friday, May 7. My appt was Wednesday. My weight is now 206# and my BMI is down to 36.5! Still no raw veggies other than lettuce, but that's okay. Will see Dr. C again on June 23.
Sarah

I'm back!! Today is Friday, June 25, 2004. I saw Dr. Coster on Wed the 23rd. Have lost 77 pounds and now weigh in at 188# a BMI of 33.3 and have gone from a size 26 to an 18. I even put a bathing suit on layaway until I can pay for it next week. I am also considering a YMCA membership. Anyway, I'm doing very well. No clothes to share though. My mom is having the surgery on July 12, so am saving them for her. I hope she does as well as I have. I have been really fortunate. No problems to speak of. Will see the Dr again on August 25. Hopefully another 20 pounds will be gone by then. So, I am really going to try and increase my physical activity. Later! ;-) Sarah

Hi again! Today is Wednesday, August 25, 2004. My appointment went well today. I have lost a total of 91 pounds! My current weight is 174#. We went ahead and scheduled my next appointment for October (27th?). Also, we are going forward with the reconstructive surgery if the insurance goes through. I haven't lost anything in my breasts and they hurt so badly most days that I can barely stand it. Since Dr. Coster doesn't do the breast reduction he referred my to a Dr. Mark Reece or one of his associates. I have an appointment with his associate Dr. Timothy Schurman on September 20. Hopefully we can do the tummy tuck and the breast reduction and lift done at the same time, so that I won't have to miss as much work. Wish me luck, and I will check back in September.
Later! ;-) Sarah
Well, here it is the end of October. Sorry I didn't check in sooner. I saw Dr. Coster on October 27th. I am doing great! My current weight is 164 pounds and my BMI is 29.0. I will see the plastic surgeon on January 19 for the second interview and if all goes well, we have a tentative surgery date to have abdomino plasty and a breast reduction on February 15th. It has been a wonderful year!! Will check back in January.
Hi all! Today is 1-26-05. I saw Dr. Coster yesterday. I am down to 151#!! My BMI is now 26.7!! I am to go back in July. My tummy tuck and breast lift/reduction is scheduled for March 1. I am so excited!! Dr. C seems to think that will get rid of another 10 pounds. Dr. Schurman at the Iowa Clinic will do this surgery. Will update you in a couple months. All is still well. No complications. ;-) Sarah
Hi Everyone!! Today is 3-31-05. I went back to work a week ago. My tummy tuck went ok and the breast lift and reduction has turned out wonderfully. We may have to do a revision on the tummy, because it is pulling upward on the right and is noticably larger than the left side. My breasts, however, look GREAT! Dr Schurman took me from a 36 DDD to a 36 C. That's it for now. Will check back in toward the end of April after my checkup with Dr S. ;-) Sarah