Ballas Surgery Center in St. Louis or St. Alexius Hospital

Can anyone tell me about the Ballas Surgery Center in St. Louis. I am planning to have Lap-Band Surgery there. The other alternative would be St. Alexius Hospital. I am planning to do outpatient surgery. Thanks

I hjeanead surgery 4 years ago at St. Alexius Hospital. I was really happy with the care I received there.

Hello! I am one of Dr Wagner's patients and had realize banding surgery at St. Alexius Sept 18th of this year. I thought about doing the outpatient procedure, but overall am glad I stayed in the hospital overnight. I think it would have been fine to have the surgery as outpatient, but I never had surgery before so I was anxious about all of it. My husband was very glad that I stayed overnight. St Alexius had a private room for me so my husband stayed there with me, on a sleeper sofa loveseat. The nursing staff was great, cannot say one negative comment about them. I had some nausea the first day/night of my surgery and some pain, so it was good they were able to use the IV to get those meds to me asap....and I never had one problem. The next day, they sent me to get a upper GI to make sure I could swallow and the band was placed properly and we were home by noon. Overall, I was very happy with St Alexius and Dr wagner.

Good luck to you. What procedure are you having?

I am planning to have Lap Band before the end of the year if I can jump through all of the hoops. I have had lots of surgery in the past so that's why I thought I could handle out-patient just fine. I am glad to hear you like Dr. Wagner. I like him as well, but I was not referred to him so I don't know a lot about him. I attended one of his seminars. Is there a reason you chose the Realize Band instead of Lap Band? Thanks for writing back.

Are you trying to go through insurance? I am guessing your insurance covers outpatient, if so? I was thinking most insurance companies will only approve inpatient surgeries. ??? I could be wrong! :) I am not sure why more of Dr Wagners patients don't post here. I see some posts occasionally and there are a few regular Dr Wagner posters too. I didn't really have a real strong opinion between the realize band and the lapband. There were a few things the realize band is supposed to be better about: more flexible so less stuck episodes, the clamping port instead of the stiched is supposed to cause less port flips, the online support software. Nothing too earth shattering. Dr. Wagner seemed to be leaning that way too, but he said it was up to me. He said he liked what the studies had shown with the realize band over the lapband, but is anxious to see his own patients results before deciding for sure. So far, I am happy. I am losing about 2 lbs/week since my surgery. I know some people lose a TON right after surgery, but I also know some who don't lose any until they get restriction...so I am pleased with the 2lbs/week.  I don't know very much about Dr Wagner and I was not referred to him either. I found him on the internet and then attended his seminar. But I have been pleased with him so far. His staff is great. I am sure they will do everything they can to get you in asap after you get your approval. I was scheduled for my surgery the very next week. Good luck!!

I'm not familiar with the Ballas Surgery Center.  But I will tell you I had surgery (RNY-self pay) with Dr. Wagner at St. Alexuis Hospital back in June.  I love Dr. Wagner and St. Alexius was great.  I couldn't have asked for a better experience.  I stayed 2 nights at the hospital, private room and the nursing staff was great.

Good luck,

Julie

Thanks for replying. I am glad to hear you like Dr. Wagner. I am trying not to get too excited about my surgery until I find out that I am approved. I think banding is a good option for me. I am wondering why we don't hear much from Dr. Wagner's patients on this forum. Thanks for writing in.