Dennis Cohen Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

Well, Dr Garber and staff were definately not what i expected, I thought that most of his staff were rude and unknowledgable(of course i must say the office manager (previous patient of Dr Garbers better eat something) she was a total B----. I must say though there was one very pleasant girl(woman)and probably the only one who knew what was going on, I believe you must get all your facts and do your own doctoring before you enter this office.

Though I must say the monthly meeting was very informative, only because you are actually with pre and post patients. I really wanted to believe in this dr. but i only felt like i was a dollar sign not a person truley being cared for. (he had become a lil big for his britches)

I have heard many better results through stonybrook hospital...and they never lost a patient!!!

My husband and I first met with Dr. Cohen on June 19, 2003. He was as pleasant and caring as Dr. Hutcher was at the Information Meeting. Dr. Cohen throughly went over my medical history with us, he not only answered all of our questions, but he continually asked if we had any questions about him, the surgery, or anything else. Dr. Cohen described the surgery to us with the greatest detail and, most importantly, in layman's terms; he covered all the risks as well as the benefits. He also went into great detail of what to expect after surgery, months after surgery, as well as the immediate post-op days. Although Dr. Cohen is the new kid on the block for this office, I have no qualms about his performing my surgery. I find him to be incredibly compentent and have full confidence in his skills.

A few days later, before I had the chance to call and inquire about it, my surgery was approved, and Hillarie (whom I have not yet met) had scheduled all of the other appointments and classes I would need. What a jewell she is!!

The other ladies in the office are true treasures as well. Although I do not know her name - the lady with the dark short hair (and will I be embarassed if that is Hillarie!) - she and I could easily become the best of friends! She has a great personality and is always smiling, out-going, and friendly.

I can honestly say that I am happy I chose Commonwealth Surgeons for my surgery. I live in Charlottesville and while Dr. Schirmer (UVa) is also among the best in the field, I never felt 'connected' when calling his office just to get information about the surgery. I always felt that my calling was a huge inconvience for his office. I have never felt this with Commonwealth Surgeons, no matter if I call or visit the office.

My first impression of Dr. Cohen was somewhat nervous. He answered all my questions and the first thing that worried me is that he was the newest in his field. The other doctors were more experienced. I liked him because he was very nice and always ready to give you the time needed to answer your questions. He was never in a rush and seemed to be very pleased with the progress that I had made. His staff was very informative and also ready to help in any way.
He told me the risks of the surgery and also pointed out the advantages in which I can totally understand now. The only thing that he needs to learn is to do it laproscopic. That is my only regret is having a long scar on my stomach. The time I was in the hospital, I only saw him one time and I feel he needs to be in there every morning for follow-up. I know his colleagues were there but it was not the same.