New Start Program in St Louis, MO

I have an upcoming surgery consultation with Dr. Norbert Richardson in St. Louis, MO, next week.  I would love to hear from anyone who has had surgery through the NewStart Program in St. Louis, MO.  I'm anxious to meet people who have been through the whole thing, dieting before, nutrition afterward and as much as you'd like to tell me!!  Please drop me a line if you feel like talking (good or bad), I'd love to hear anything!! Barb

Hi Barb I  had my surgery through NewStart and Dr. Richardson was my surgeon!  I had my surgery in 2004, so things may have changed with the program since that time.  When I had my surgery, I did not have to do a liquid diet before surgery.  I also was not required to lose any amount of weight before surgery.  I could go on and on..... so if you have specific questions - ask away. 

Barb... I had my surgery with Dr. Van Wagner through NewStart.  I'm well over 3+ years out.  I had to do the 2 week liquid diet which was a pain in the hiney (I deal with low blood sugar) but it was doable. I am hoping that NewStart has gotten better since I went through the process.  I WILL warn you that their office staff left much to be desired when I dealt with them.  Talk about delays, loosing paperwork, slowness, failure to return calls, HELLSBELLS failure to do anything to speed along the process.   I switched Drs. within the program and only then did things happen.   Make sure that you make copies of EVERYTHING that you submit..and if I were you I would submit everything in one unit and send it certified/return receipt or hand carry it.   Hopefully they have gotten things working better now... but back then...OHHHHHHMYMYMY... it was so not funny.... Hang tight and get all your duckies into a row...  also...does your insurance cover WLS?   Pixielf~*

I'm using SSM DePaul, and everything has been spot-on fantastic. No need to follow-up with them or keep track of them, they've been on top of everything. They're very diligent at SSM DePaul -- I got approved by insurance on my first try (after Aetna-required dieting). I'm still pre-op -- my expected date will be in late February. I have 100% faith, not just in the surgeon but in the whole office.

I had my surgery on Monday and went through NewStart.  I was very pleased with everything - especially the staff at St. Alexius.  They were wonderful!

 Hi Barb,  I too went through New Start  and  Richadson did my surgery. New Start was great. You have to keep on top of your paperwork so not to get lost in the shuffle. Richardson is a good doctor. I did have to do a 2 week liquid diet before my surgery.  It will be up to you to find a good support group and you will want to monitor your blood work making sure you get all theProtien, Water,  vitamins and suppliments you need to stay healthy.  Know one will call you to see if you are doing your part to exercise or if you are eating right. In the end, you are accountable to yourself. So it helps if you are a self starter or can find someone to be accountable to.  Congratulations!  Stay in touch.

Dr. Richardson did my surgery 3 1/2 years ago.  I loved him!  He will take care of you and will help you out if you need him after surgery.  I had  a bowel obstruction less than a year after my gastric bypass surgery.  I called him after the ER told me I just had gas, told him my symptoms, and he met me at the hospital door to take me to surgery.  He is great.  My boyfriend is now going to use him for his upcoming surgery, and my brother used him a year ago.  So, if you have specific questions you want answered, just ask, and I will help you how I can.

I had my surgery at SSM DePaul too. It was a fantastic experience.

I had DeLaTorre. He was great and so is their staff.