Finding a Surgeon/program in STL

I live in Illinois just across the river from St. Louis. My family physician has suggested I consider bariatric surgery. He gave me some programs and surgeons to consider, De Paul, BJC, and MMC in Springfield, IL. I have BC & BS of IL, they cover De Paul, Des Peres, St. Alexius New Start, and MMC in Springfield, IL. I am looking for any feedback on any or all of these programs and doctors. I have looked at all of the websites and get a 'feeling' for each. But this is such a huge decision I would really appreciate some feedback good or bad from people that have experience with these programs.
 

Thanks in Advance,

Tara M Hayes RT (R) (CT) 

I know there are people on this board who have used DePaul and St. Alexius successfully. I had surgery in Springfield, MO so have no firsthand knowledge to share but you might find someone to post or go to the main RNY board. This board used to be really active but most now post on Facebook only. It really makes me angry that we've been deserted for the open spaces of Facebook. I, personally, don't think I have enough to say to publi**** to the whole world.
Good luck to you - you won't regret a decision to change your life and health - well maybe a little for the first few days post-surgery!!
Hugs,
Lana

DePaul's program is very comnprehensive but they have grown so much in the last few years you do seem to get lost in the process if you do not stand up for yourself.  I do feel lost now that I am 6 months + post op.  The after care meetings are very difficult for me to attend as I have to leave work early or take the day off, drive across the entire city to attend and then navigate the parking lot.  And for someone just regaining mobility it is VERY difficult.  Parking is sparce and far end of the lot at that time of the day 530 pm. That said Dr Scott is a GREAT surgeon.  I had absolutely no problems with recovery, minimal pain, and scars are minimal.  I really did not care to much about the laproscopic scars, I will never be a model or wear two piece swim suit. the care in the ICU stepdown and the medical floor was great and comprehensive with dietary consult in your room.  And very easy to access  the dietician after surgery.  I just wish there had been some PT consult I had and have great difficulty in walking and re gaining my center of gravity after the great amout of weight loss.  That all said I am completely happy with my decision to have a VSG, vertical sleeve grastrectoomy at SSM DePaul.  I was self pay as well as my insurance has an exclusionaly clause and denies any WLS.  Maja

I also recommend the program at Depaul  I have had several surgeries there.  2 lapbands and then a revision to VSG in Aug 2010.  Was very happy with  the SSM Weight Loss Institute surgeons and staff and the hospital.  

Okay you heard others and I will add my vote for Dr. Scott and Depaul. I think the office is growing so fast they have a hard time keeping up. But that said, I go to the support groups both at DePaul and in South county. Both are good. The staff are always willing to help,the surgery was good, more painful than I expected, but no complications. I did have a stricture 3-4 weeks out, but that was a simple repair and they got me right in to see Dr. Morales, who got me right to the next procedure. Handled everything very professionally. I do not the Tenet system (parent co. of DesPeres and St Alexius) so I would not even consider those for me. BJC has been doing the surgeries for YEARS. I would trust them. JMHO.

I tried to go through Depaul a little over 3 years ago.   Very Nice people but overwelmed. 

They had me attend their seminar and fill out their packet.  They turned in the paperwork to the insurance I did their pysch test and then was denied by my insurance due to a lack of a 6 month diet.   Depaul after talking with them would administer the diet but they wanted $400/month for the food and med test. I couldn't afford that and walked away.  Never did I get a call back from Depaul to see what was going on once I was denied.

In November of last year I changed doctors and the new PCP suggested that I explore WLS and I had several friends that had surgery through St Alexius and recommended them.  I called them and they got me right into a seminar and a couple of days after that St Alexius called and informed me of my insurance benefits and requirements whi*****luded a 6 month diet.  They at that time offered me a chance for them to administer the 6 month diet which I took them up on.

As of today I have completed my 6 month diet and once again waiting for a approval from the Insurance.  I can tell you that I have been very impressed with the staff at St Alexius as they have been very helpful and friendly. The surgeon Dr Frowell is very knowelegable and friendly as well.

Just an fyi, Dr. Scott is great, but he is no longer at DePaul.  As of April 1, 2012, he works at Des Peres Hospital.

Also, Dr. Mario Morales at DePaul is very personable.

Both Drs. Scott and Morales helped me thru some complications a few months back.  Neither is my original surgeon, but they stepped up to the plate to help me.  It can be very hard to find a bariatric surgeon  that will take on a patient that had her gastric bypass performed by a different surgeon

I would highly recomend both.  I found Dr. Morales to be more personable than Dr. Scott, but Dr. Scott has been performing the surgery a lot longer than Dr. Morales.  Dr. Morales was actually trained by Dr. Scott.   

Oh, the front office staff at DePaul's weight loss institute is very friendly.

Cheers,
Dawn