Robert Keating Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

I have just scheduled my first consult. His nurse that I talked to was a bit snippy at first, but warmed up when she saw I had done my homework on my insurance.

06/22/02 I saw Dr. Keating and really liked him. He was very honest and upfront. Answered all my questions. Other than the fact the office was running very late (over an hour wait).

08/19/02 Dr. Keating's office has been great in answering all my questions. My follow-up went well, and I don't have to go back until Sept. 23. He has a great sence of humor too.

He is young. He had a lot of information to tell me & my family, but I knew most of what was coming already.I think he is getting overloaded with wls pt.s, as he is the only one in C.R. to do RNY. I'll bet that there were 3 or 4 other waiting to be seen.
His nurse, Deb, is very friendly and helpful.
The person who answers the phone needs to take a few courses in politeness, however.
If you are planning on having him as your surgeon, know your stuff, because he doesn't seem to emphasize/educate about after care of the pouch. Addressed all risks of surgery, no structured aftercare program.Will wait to rate him until AFTER surgery!! So far so good however!

I met with Dr. Keating on Monday, May 6th and found him very willing to answer all my questions. He has a great deal of patience and when I left I felt very confident that he was the perfect choice for me. His staff is also wonderful to deal with. His nurse Deb, is more than willing to help you in all aspects and she is very good about returning calls. The only thing that we did not discuss was a follow-up plan for me after the surgery. But I will be addressing that issue with him before the surgery date. From every one that I have spoken too, that have had him as there surgeon, have spoken very highly of him.

First meeting 4/26/02: Knowledgeable, professional, understanding, patient, straight forward, reassuring, YOUNG! Provided a very consise and (from what I've researched) accurate profile of risks and benefits. Answered all my questions and then some. He did not talk down to me at all. He acknowledged that I had done my homework. His philosophy is to provide a tool that the individual then makes work through behavioral changes--good old diet and exercise. Feels the real work of weight loss is up to the patient. He says he is careful not to foster dependence on himself and his staff, and believes in a return to a mostly normal life (take some supplements, but don't go on overload). Aftercare consists of follow up visits to him over the course of a year, no support group, no nutrition classes. He'll work with your doctor and also others from the community for pre-op testing. He was encouraging about the surgery being an accepted and mainstream way to treat morbid obesity. Currently he's the only surgeon in Cedar Rapids doing the RNY.

Dr. Keating seems to be a very competent and compassionate surgeon. On my initial consultation he did his best to put me at ease, explained the procedure fully and answered all questions that I had. He has not done a lot of RNY's, though he is becoming more in-demand now that word is out that he does bariatric surgery. Over all, I trust him and really think he and his staff have done a wonderful job in helping me get approval through my insurance company. If it were not for his nurse Deb I would still be waiting somewhere in limbo! One added note about Dr. Keating - he himself is a person who used to be obese. He has lost over 100 pounds, though he was lucky enough not to need surgery to do so. I believe that is why he is so compassionate towards his WLS patients.

Dr. Keating was great. He was sure to explain the procedure and make sure that I understood everything. His nurse which I can not remember her name but she is awsome. I was calling her about twice a day before my appt w/keating asking her questions upon questions. She always made sure she got me an answer.I havent had my surgery yet and so far he and his staff is great.