Robert E. Cole Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

Dr. Cole is a very straight forward surgeon. He gave all the information at the first consultation. He explained the risks and benefits of this type of surgery. At first it was in a 'down-talking' manner, I thought. But then I realized he was being extremely careful in his explaination so nothing was left out. However, he didn't tell me that I would have hair loss due to the lack of vitamins. I was very upset to find this out after the surgery.
He filed the insurance papers and when he received the approval, he let me know so I could schedule the surgery. He personally called me to keep me abreast of the insurance issues.
Dr. Cole isn't afraid to touch an obese person like some doctors are, nor did he ever make me feel I was a failure as a person because of my weight problem.
The staff at his office are wonderful. If I ever had any questions, I could always call them and they would call back with an answer within a day.
Aftert the surgery, every ppound lost was a victory. Dr. Cole and his staff are always eager to encourage and help in any way they can. He offers places to gain more information about nutrition and support groups. He does admit that he doesn't know everything about the proper amounts of certain foods to maintain a balance for me.

My first impression was this man has no bedside manner. Over time, I realized that it's because he does not pull any punches, he's very straight forward.

When I first met Dr. Cole, my husband was going
in for his pre-op appt in April. Dr. Cole was
very caring, very informative, and very helpful.
The first night when my husband was in the hospital,
Dr. Cole came in at midnight to check on him.
When he was done with my husband, he specifically
came over to me, to see how I was doing.
He won my heart that day. His staff is very
friendly and helpful. We were able to call at
any time if we had questions. With my husband,
we had no problems, and I dont expect any
as well. My husband is going in for regular
check ups and for the most part he has done
beautifully.
I would recommend him to everyone that is
close to my area. You will not be sorry.

He is very nice, thorough and really cares. Very understanding and will FIGHT for you.

Dr. Cole is very good at explaining the whole thing. Everything, good and bad is put out there on the table and I really like that.
The office staff is very friendly and they are willing to go that extra mile for you.
Aftercare is said to be my choice, but without good choices I will not achive the results that I have set for myself.
Surgery is addressed as any surgery, there are risks.

I was very impressed by Dr. Cole. I have had my initial visit with him and although it was obvious I had researched the surgery, he made sure to go through every single detail of it with me so there was no question that I understood what I was considering. The office staff made me feel right at home and treated me as a person..not another $$. Dr. Cole and his philosophy of weight loss surgery impressed me so much that regardless of the doctor's performing the operations locally, I will drive 1 1/2 hours to have him as my surgeon. He definitely emphasized aftercare. He indicated there is a definite aftercare program. Dr. Cole was very careful to cover all the risks of the surgery along with the possibilities for success and failure. Due to his experience and associations, I am confident in his ability which is equalled by his bedside manner. I would highly recommend this doctor. I will post more after my surgery.

Dr. Cole was a wonderful caring man. He wanted to hear all I had to say and we talked about everything. The good and the bad.
He has always been happy to see me and say how great I'm doing. Offers himself to my support all the time. He is very willing to educate my group.
His office staff is the bes. They all care how you are doing adn are happy when you lose a poound..just as excited as you are to lose that pound.
Dr. Cole has a wonderful before care and after care. He also is willing to work on things with you to help you out. Also not afraid to listen to what you have to tell him to teach him.
I would have to say that Dr. Cole is a wonderful doctor adn surgen. He was also the 3rd surgen I spole with before I had my surgery.
He is a great doctor all around from beginning to end. He has only gotten better everytime I have seen him.

2-15-2001 I met Dr Cole today. He was very nice and understanding. He went to great lenghts to show me how much food I would be able to eat after the surgery. He explained that this srugery was a life changing event, and that I must do my part. That all the surgeries in the world wouldn't help me unless I changed my eating habbits.

2-16-2001 I Called the Dr back today. They called me back the same day They have scedualed my surgery for March 8th and Pre-op testing for March 1st The Joanne and the Other office ladies are very nice.

2-22-2001 Got a call today from Dr Cole's Joanne said "that I need some documents faxed to the insurance". I called my PCP needless to say they were none to helpful. I am going to change PCP(primary care Physician) when all is said and done. They work for me. Thank God Dr Cole's interceded for me and the records will be faxed by Monday morning first thing.
Thanks ladies!!!


3-19-2001 Had first check up after surgery
I lost 19lbs in 11 days I am so amazed. Dr Cole took out my drain and the staples it was a good thing that I took the pain med I was just a bit uncomfortable but I made it through and I know I will be Feeling better soon.


3-29-2001 Well I'm three weeks out and have lost a total of 32 pounds. yepeee wa hooo Dr Cole has been absolutely wonderful! I am trying to start a support group and He has been behind it that all the way. I think with his his support and the support of many others we will soon have a group up and running.


4-30-2001 We had our first meeting it went really well. I was real pleased to finally meet everyone. Dr Cole continues to be wounderful I am learning a lot. Dr Coles Staff Dottie and Nurse Joann continue to be patient and kind with all questions.

1/23--I have not met Dr. Cole yet. I sent him and email on 1/19/01 and he responded to it on 1/21. Based on the information I provided including my height, weight, the fact that I have NYS medicaid and my plea for help, he suggested I make an appt. I subsequently called his office and received a consultation appointment date of 2/9. Will update after...

2/9--I met Dr. Cole today. He was very nice and went to great lengths to make sure I understood the risks and the benefits of the surgery in detail. He does the Roux-en-Y open procedure and was very upfront about his lack of experience in doing this particular procedure laparoscopically. I appreciated that. Although I would prefer to have the surgery done lap, I feel good about having him as my surgeon and will have the open. Aftercare is stressed so much. He explained that I have to be willing to commit to a lifelong behavioral change. No more sitting in front of the tv with a bag of Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookies and a quart of Nestle Quik Chocolate Milk!

2/12--Called Dr. Cole's office to assure him that my decision was made and I definitely want this surgery. Asked for first possible surgery date. Received call back with date of 2/22. WOW!

2/16--Saw Dr. Cole again today for my preoperative exam. I reaffirm my belief that he will take the very best care of me. Another surgeon, Dr. Douglas McKane of Horseheads NY will assist him and I feel doubly safe having not one but two competent surgeons taking care of me. To top it all off his receptionist and his nurse Joanne are wonderful!

3/21--Dr. Cole is a wonderfully skilled surgeon. I am so very pleased now one day shy of 4 weeks since my surgery date. I had one complication since the surgery and Dr. Cole took immediate action to ensure that the problem was diagnosed and treated. I am so grateful for the attention he pays to me. If I have a concern, one phone call to his office means I will get a response by that evening. I am ever so happy. Follow up care to date has been great.