Question:
Has anyone used Dr. Yates in St. Louis MO for their surgery???

I am scheduled for open rny in St. Louis on 11/11 and Dr. Yates will be my surgeon. I like him very much and find him easy to talk to and personable(very important to me). Has anyone had him as their surgeon? Were there any problems? Was he there for you post-op, did you receive good post-op instruction? I appreciate your answers in advance!Has anyone been admitted to Normandy Community Hospital? how did you like Normandy? I'm worried about it being such a small facility? Do you suggest a private room? Thanks!!    — jennifer H. (posted on October 21, 1999)

October 21, 1999
I've heard good things about Dr. Yates, but never met or talked with him. I have however consulted with a doctor a lot closer to you .. Dr.James Kane in the Chicago area. There are several comments on here about him if you look under surgeons in IL on our surgeon list. Since I needed a revision to my original surgery from 1994, and had hernias in need of repair as well, I ended up going back to my original surgeon, as Dr. Kane felt it was better to go to him since he knew precisely what he'd done the first time around. As for facilities, My original surgery was done at a VERY large Hospital in South FL .. my Revision was done at a very SMALL facility in South FL ... I had FAR more personal attention and care from the staff on my revision at the smaller hospital, than I did with the large one. Overall, my experience with the surgery in August, was far more personal and caring than the first one. And I would recommend a smaller facility any time now! Semi-private vs. Private ... Unless your insurance approves it ... if you "choose" to have a private room, you'll be paying alot of out of pocket expenses that you weren't expecting, because most all insurance companies approve a "semi-private" room. However, in both cases, I had no one in my room but me, even though it was technically only a "semi-private" ie, could've should've had a roommate. I believe that most of the WLS docs and facilities try to keep you in your own room unless they are just overwhelmed with patients and have to use the space. Best of luck to you!!! I'll be thinking of you! (I would've written privately, but you posted annonymously) If it were me, I'd consider changing to Dr. Kane, only so I'd be closer to home.
   — Sherrie G.

October 27, 1999
I am a patient of Dr. Yates. He performed my surgery 4/99. I would highly recommend him. I received very good post-op care and have been very happy with the surgery so far. I had my surgery at Christian Northeast Hospital so I don't have any experience with the program at Normandy.
   — Joyce S.