David Coster Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

My surgeon will be Dr. David Coster, Grinnell, IA. Dr. Coster was recommended to me by several patients who have had gastric bypass done by him. I found him to appreciate my research and listen to my requests. He does not like to perform “distal” surgeries, because of the malabsorbtion problems. We compromised on bypassing 100-120 cm of intestine with a small, 15cc pouch. I have seen his work on other patients and the scars are very decent-looking. He also performs the panniculectomy.

My first impression of Coster was that he was very compassionate, very understanding, and very caring. I love his staff. They are all very friendly and suportive. There is not one bad thing I could say about him. Dr. Coster does the VBG and the RNY. He performs these surgery's all the time. He has been doing these types for 9 years. He stresses getting enough protein. Low-Fat, Low-Calorie and a High-Protein diet. He is very encouraging, and supportive. He also told me that getting the RNY could lead to having an Iron Defficiency. All my test came back perfect. I take a chewable Flintstone vitamin everyday with my kids. I am doing and feeling great. Thank to Coster. Oh one more thing. This is a tool to help you loose weight. Not a cure.

Wow!I had such a peace and a trust just from the hand shake. My impression did not change over time. I had all the trust that I could possibly have. The office staff is wonderful. It is kinda your home away from home. There was not anything that I did not like about my Doctor. Future patients that decide to see Dr. Coster should not be afraid at all. He is very honest with you and he has a great warm heart. The aftercare that he provides is wonderful, I could not ask for better. The risk of the surgery that Dr. Costers talk about was becoming malnutrient.I would overall rate Dr. Costers out of a 1-10 he gets a BIG "10". Both surgical competence and the beside manners were wonderful.

He has major experience in revision surgeries from VBG's to Rwy. His staff is extremely nice. He and his staff are definetely angels. Thus far there is nothing bad I can say, the consultation and discussion of my past history and surgeries went very well. He explains everything and you leave his office knowing you are in the best hands. If your insurance denies coverage for the surgery his staff is very upfront in the costs. They printed me a form stating his fees are $3000 for a revision surgery from a VBG to a rwy with based on no complications included in the costs, and the costs are Dr. Coster's fees only. He just lowered his prices : )
He explains if you are a good canidate and the risks. I rate him the best out of all my physicians I have seen over the years thus far. I can not get over the fact that such a great surgeon is in the middle of Iowa and not marketing the fact that he has so much experience and he is just great! He is one of Iowa's hidden treasures, and his staff are his diamonds. They are just great!
The only negative I have is that my insurance "Iowa Health Solutions" sucks! Sorry but that is the only word that definetly describes my insurance that I can think of : )

My surgeon will be Dr. Coster (Grinnell, IA).

I was initially impressed by the office, small but the seating, eventhough there were arms on the chairs, they were plenty big enough (I ALWAYS cringe at chairs with arms!)

Everyone including Dr. Coster was very professional and understanding.

I was a bit scared when the only literature that was offered was about the VBG and not the RNY (which i had already decided would be best for me), however after a short consultation, Dr. Coster recommended the RNY and assurred me that he was very comfortable with this option.

He gave me some great honest feedback - my BMI was the highest he'd worked with, but he went over the surgery and what things he would do differently because of my size.

After my first visit, he had me do all the prep-work - EKG, blood work and talking with the dietician. This made me feel that things were going to move along smoothly.
.....
1 week after my appointment - Supposedly the Dr. office sent off the forms for prior approval the day of my appointment, but I called the insurance company today to find out how things were coming along in the approval process and they hadn't even seen any paperwork yet!

After a few calls to the Doc's office expressing my concern, they agreed to try to get the forms off in the next few days.. follow-up calls finally got the forms sent out (Apparently they were short staffed due to a couple gals quitting - a bit disappointing to me for the delay, but they're doing the best they can with short staff)

After harrassing the insurance company daily *laf* they finally told me that I was approved (thank goodness they didn't deny me in spite for my obnoxiousness) - yet the doctor's office still wouldn't budge until they had papers on their desks (probably good thinking on their part.. still kinda depressing for me though *g*). 4 more days of wating and bugging the doctor's office finally helped them find my approval information somewhere within their office (I believe that they were probably using the letter to prop up a wobbly desk, but I can't blame them too much. I know how it is to be understaffed and over-booked)

The date is now set for Jan 11th - a couple more appointments with various people and I'll be all set for the 11th...

Addendum (much later) ... I was sick the week of Jan 11th, so we went in on the 18th.
The surgery was a success and I've been losing an average of 20 - 25lbs a month now for over 6 months. I have so much to say about the whole thing, but as far as the surgeon goes, he has been wonderful. There have been some times that I feel that he didnt listen to my needs and I ended up suffering because of it, but otherwise, how could i complain when i have lost an entire grown person already :)

Dr. Coster of Grinnell, Ia. Very compassionate, and understanding. Great bedside manner, and nice nurses. I have had very through aftercare.