Wondering if

anyone has had and experience with the bariatric unit at DesPere Hospital in St. Louis, mo., I am researching and trying to find a good Dr. and Hospital that will take a 65 year woman and it also be easy to reach and not a hassle to get to. I live in Illinois about 70miles north of St. Louis and it is rather costly now and a long drive. . Any information any of you can give me will be appreciated. 

will you be using medicare to pay for your surgery? if so i think that Dr. Hornbostel in Sedalia is the only one close to you that will take it.. good luck on your quest and welcome to the MO> board.

Yes and also have BCBS for supplement.  Thank you for your welcome I do see That Dr. Hornbostel is very busy , seems like everyone likes him. Also for me Sedelia is a long way.

I know Sedalia is a long way was for me too but with medicare you have to have a hospital that is a Center of Excelence and a Doctor also. As far as i know Dr. Hornbostel and Bothwell hospital are the only combination there is. There are some other places that have gotten their center of excellence but for some reason they arent accepting medicare patients yet. Be sure you check with them about that . Dr. Hornbostel is good and you couldnt find a better hospital even tho it is a small hospital they are very with it about the baratric surgery patient.

Carolyn, Yes, Dr. Hornbostel is a bit far away.  He is so worth the drive though.  There are plenty of doctors in St. Louis but Hornbostel's methods are so worth it.  For one he doesn't use staples to close incicisions and no drain tubes.  I have a neighbor who had the same surgery and was very uncomfortable after surgery.  She didn't do much for the first few weeks.  I was outside and walking around the day home from the hospital.  There are more risks for infections with drain tubes.  Please compare the doctors before making a final decision. Kelly

medicare, i have it and had my surgery at barnes jewish hospital by a doctor j. christopher eagon.  he was nice and they are a COE and he was great!!!  it is 3 1/2 hours for me to go up there but worth the drive!!!!  dr. eagon works with washington university the phone number is 314-454-8877  it wont hurt to call and ask if they would take you. good luck britt

Thanks Britt ,I will add him to my list,  I have heard of him but One of the Egans , I do not think it was him would not take me because of my age. But I will check it out.   thanks everybody for responding  carolyn

Hi Carolyn, I went to MO Bariatrics in Columbia, MO. With Dr. Fearing. I know when I had surgery November 2006, they were working on becoming a COE so they could accept medicare pts and they were working on it-you might give them a call and see if they are certified now-if so-I recommend Dr. Fearing very highly, Im not sure if they are any closer for you than Sedalia-but their #573-882-5673.  If I can answer any other questions, please dont hesitate to contact me, ok? I do know that they accept pts who are 65, so your age wont be an issue with her.  Good luck and I will keep you in my prayers. Janet