Lester Cooperstone Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

My first, second and total impression of Dr.
Cooperstone was that he really knew what he was doing, was not impressed with himself (which is very important to me) and has a weird, dry sense of humor. His office staff is a textbook description of caring, efficient and going above and beyond. They also gave me a great deal of material to read and directed me to websites which could help me.

There is a structured aftercare (and pre-care) program which I truly think that you have to be crazy not to use.

Dr. Cooperstone is very clear about what is involved and makes extremely sure that you understand the risks and life changes also.

I am discovering that after surgery, he tells you what you need to know as you need to know it. I think that this is a great approach, especially for someone like me who wants to know everything all at once.

I was especially impressed by Dr. Mintz, the hospital internist that Dr. Cooperstone had me see in advance and by the entire nursing/support staff at North Shore--Syosset.

Surgical competence is probably more important, but I would not want a surgeon I couldn't talk to.

My problem is probably a personal one in that I use pshchotropic meds on a regular basis. It was a major relief to learn that that is a non-issue for Dr. Cooperstone, but I think that there has to be a way to make sure that there is a clear plan on tapering off and going back on meds---this is also probably very difficult because meds have to be refigured for ones which can be crushed and for a new body weight and mental outlook.
I probably was not sufficiently proactive in this respect.

I think very highly of Dr. Cooperstone. He is extremely knowlegable and professional and has not lost any of his patients because he is so though.
My initial impression has not changed at all.

Fern his office manager is wonderful and worked hard to get the authorization.
Their is nothing I disliked about the office and staff.
The Doctor and staff are always there for you no matter what.
I go back every three months and follow up with my personnal doctor for bloodwork.
Yes they do.
He discussed everything out right I knew all the risks prior to surgery and also explained the surgery in detail.
I think the Doctor is wonderful.
Both are great.

My first impression of Dr. Cooperstone was, as expected, pleasant. I felt I already knew him and his assistant, Fern, from all the things I had already read about them on the internet. He was very informative and thorough about pre op and the actual procedure. I have done so much reading that he didn't tell me anything I hadn't already learned. He did discuss the risks but again, I already knew. We didn't really get into aftercare. He has recently started an aftercare support group that meets once a month. He invited me to join the next meeting and meet his post-op patients before I decide. He said I need to quit smoking and schedule a second appointment and we will discuss the surgery I choose and aftercare. I am having a hard time deciding between VGB and RNY. I think I want the VBG because it is less invasive. Then there is the thought that if I'm gonna do it, go all the way. My husband wants me to have the VBG though he will support my choice. I expect to continue to like this Dr. as I have read so many good things about him. I'll let you know!!!

Well I am 2 weeks post op and I want to tell you what a wonderful Dr. he is and what a fabulous bedside manner he has!!!!! He is the best!!!!!

he is a really nice guy

his staff is friendly and helpful

I think that Dr. Cooperstone is great. He helped me save my life and it is something that I will never forget. Everytime I go for my check-up he makes me laugh. He makes me feel good about myself when I am down. All I can say is thank you Dr. Cooperstone. My impression of the doctor has only improved over time. His staff is the best Fern will go above and beyond duty to help you get you approved for your surgery. Future patients should know that he is a very dedicated and caring doctor, who will explain everything that you need to know for the immediate present and the future on your journey road to a normal life.
Dr. Cooperstone emphasizes aftercare even before you have the surgery, he wants you to fully understand both the surgery and your life after the surgery. I would rate the doctor a 10. While both his surgical competence and bedside manner are good, I think his surgical competence is better. Dr. Cooperstone is not one to sugar coat the future, he expalins to you that this is a long and hard future and one that will require plenty of dedication and hard work.
No surgery is for everyone and this may not work for all. If this surgery is something that is in your future do plenty of research and dont just take my word for it.

I am a registered nurse and have explored the possibility of weight loss surgery for over four years and had visited numerous surgeons. I am very critical. I can only say wonderful things about Dr. Cooperstone and his office staff (Fern). Everything was clearly explained. Fern worked closely with me regarding insurance clearance. A rapid appeal of an initial denial was submitted and authorization was obtained. There are monthly pre-op and post-op support support meetings, an angel program, an online chat group, a clothing exchange. The surgery went well, the hospital was great. I have no hesitation, as a health professional as well as a patient, to receommend Dr. Cooperstone to anyone. The quality and support cant be beat!

When I met with Doctor Cooperstone for my initial visit I was extremely nervous and was unsure of what to expect. Thank goodness a friend came with me to ask the questions that I forgot to ask because I was too nervous. What I like best about Dr. C was his honesty. I felt like he laid all of the information out very clearly. His office and staff have a very positive vibe. His approach and services that are offered through his office are very client centered which is important to me. He was very real and was able to make the surgey and life after very real to me. Unlike other doctors whose offices were like a showcase and who were offering a "sales pitch" - Dr. C's office helped to make me feel comforatable and connected to other people facing the same difficulties. This was extremely important since I have felt so disconnected for so long. The hundreds of before and after pictures hagning in the office offered true inspiration. Dr. C has a very dry and sometimes sarcastic sense of humor which can be alarming to some. I find humor to be healing- so it works for me. Regarding his focus on aftercare - his message was pretty simple... follow the plan that is set for you and walk, walk, walk!

HE WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL AND HAS A SENSE OF HUMOR.MY IMPRESSION OF HIM CONTINUES THE SAME. HIS OFFICE STAFF DOROTHY AND ESPECIALLY FERN IS THE BEST.THE ATTENTION THEY GAVE ME AT THE OFFICE WAS A +++++++.SORRY BUT I HAVE NOTHING !!! HE IS VERY PROFESSIONAL, PRESENTABLE, PLEASANT PERSONALITY, EXPLAINS EVERYTHING VERY WELL . TO THE POINT TYPE OF DOCTOR. HE EMPHASIZES THAT AFTERCARE IS FOR THE REST OF YOU LIFE AND ONE MUST TAKE THIS PROCEDURE VERY SERIOUS. YES HE DOES AND HE GIVES YOU ALOT OF IMFORMATION. OH HE DID !!! HE DOESN'T OMIT THE FACT OF THE RISK INVOLVED AND HE TAKES THIS MATTER SERIOULY. HE IS 10+++++. ALL OF THEM ARE GREAT AND KNOW I AM IN GOOD HANDS !!!!!.

I met with Dr. Cooperstone on September 30th 2003. Dr. C seemed very nice and his reputation is inpecable. I have an upper gi scheduled and then i hope to have my second appt. and schedule my surgery.

I found Dr Cooperstone to be a delight!! His office was so wonderful thru out the entire process.