The Surgical Weight Loss Institute of Kansas City Bariatric Center

I just finished the pre-op class. He seems very concerned with his malpractice liability, so he went into graphic detail of everything that can go wrong, his personal stats, and how he never promises a laparoscopic outcome. He did mention AMOS indirectly, saying that internet support groups are great, but he never reads them because he doesn't want to hear anything bad about himself. :) He explained that even though he's the surgeon, we probably won't see him after surgery in the hospital, because he's part of a team and an associate takes care of the after-visits.

During my personal visit, I noticed that he didn't seem very interested in me as a person-- for instance, I tried explaining my problems with major depressive episodes after any surgery, and he just looked confused and said, "You plan on being depressed afterward?"--as if I *choose* depression (up until that point, I had been feeling pretty proud of myself for being responsible enough to recognize the pattern beforehand. His question made me feel like I was a silly little girl who was about six inches tall.) Also, I'm taking a pretty hefty dose of Vicodin daily now just to maintain; when I asked what the normal take-home meds were, and what dose, he just said liquid Lorcet, but wouldn't tell me how much--I guess it looked like I was a drug-seeking patient, when that's not the case. It's just that over the years, I've built up a tolerance for most of the narcotic meds, and some of them just don't work anymore.

For anyone who watches ER, Dr. De La Torre reminds me of Dr. Romano's less compassionate cousin. Excellent surgeon, zero bedside manner. He does five surgeries every Monday, kind of like an assembly line. I got the distinct impression that he's really just in this for the money. (An idea which was reaffirmed when they required me to sign a contract saying I would do binding arbitration instead of a jury trial if I ever had any malpractice concerns. He does have the right to sue me in small claims court, according to the contract. Cute.)

The nurse, Nancy, was great. She was able to explain that basically, Dr. De La Torre does the surgery and the follow-ups, but most of the aftercare is left up to you and your PCP. Any meds you'll need in the hospital, besides the actual surgical ones, have to be prescribed by the PCP.

Overall, though, I decided to go with De La Torre because he has an excellent record and I have an excellent PCP. My mother is also a nurse case manager--so I know that I'll be in good hands throughout the procedure, with people who know enough medical jargon/lingo to be my advocate when I'm too whacked out to make any sense.

I did alot of research, I think he is a very competent and progressive surgeon. I have been very please with his staff and efficiency. The "all day" appointment covers generally everything including risk, and gives the opportunity for you to ask any question not covered. The only thing I think that might make the overall experience better is a least one actual encounter with the doctor after surgery. I was out before he came into surgery and haven't seen him since, that is a strange, detached feeling. I in no way doubt that I was in good hands, just not much "connection" with the man, who has your life in his hands!

Dr. De la Torre was very pleasant. He spent alomost 45 minutes just discussing the various procedures and my options. The office is very busy, but had the time for you if you need it.

My first impression of Dr. De Le Torre was wonderful, he explained the surgery even the not so good side of it and the mortality rate all the things you don't want to hear but ned to hear. He has wonderful bed side manner and is awesome to look at. His office staff were very helpful and very curtious, willing to go the extra mile to make you feel comfortable.

I have been soooooo happy with Dr. DeLaTorre's office. I had a very bad experience with another place in St. Louis called New Start. They jerked me around for 5 months, only to find out that the Dr. I was going with (Dr. Gaskin) was no longer doing surgery due to the malpractice insurance. Also, during the course of those 5 months, they never even sent any of my paperwork in for insurance approval.

I went with Dr. DeLaTorre's office on Monday, February 3rd, 2003. It is now Monday, March 17th, and I already have insurance approval and all what I am waiting for right now is to spend a day at the hospital, where they will go over everything with me of what I can expect with my surgery, and I will meet the Dr. that day. When I get done with that, they will set my surgery date, which they are telling me may be as early as the end of April or beginning of May.

Needless to say, I have been very happy with his office. They have been very fast with all the paperwork, and have been eager to answer any questions that I had, without making me feel like I was "bothering" them.
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7-3-03
I am 2 1/2 months out of surgery (10 weeks) and I have lost 62 pounds so far!!!!! Very hard in the beginning, but I feel absolutely wonderful now...Best decision I ever made!!!!!!
********************************************10-31-03
I am 6 1/2 months out of surgery and have lost 105 pounds so far and 87 inches off my body!!! This was the best thing I could have ever done!!
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I had my consult today. It was an all day affair. Nutrition talk, exercise talk, risks and benefits talk, any and all questions and answers, history and health interview and finally sign the proper paperwork and schedule your PATs and surgery date. I was the second to go back so I was able to leave before most. He and his staff seem very organized and caring. De La Torre in particular comes across as a very educated, well-spoken individual. He may however, have a bit of a complex. He's great at what he does and knows it and knows everyone in the room knows it. That's o.k. by me. I say, "If you got, it flaunt it!" Don't get me wrong. He is fairly humble about it all but a few things he said made me realize it's there. He doesn't gloat. It's subtle but it's there. Overall, I like him. I like him a lot. To me, he appears to know his stuff! I'm certain he'll do a fine job. The Lord will be guiding his hands anyway.

Will get to meet him on Oct 9th

9/21/03
I have not met with my surgeon yet but will Thursday.

9/25/03
Met with Dr. Gaskin. I wasnt impressed with him at all. I called New Start and switched my surgeon to Dr. Fabito.

9/30/03
Called New Start and changed my surgeon to Dr. Scott because Dr. Fabito now does not do the Lap Band. OK I will eventually find the right one! LOL Hopefully this will be the right one.

10/01/03
I was contacted by New Start that I needed a referral from PCP for the insurance company. Went to see my PCP today and got the referral. Still on track. Still working towards the goal. Focused on the dream. I WILL NOT GIVE UP!!:-)

i met dr de la torre briefly he asked if i had any questions and i didn't but from my first impression he seems real nice he does make sure you know the ups and downs of the surgery i have already had my surgery done by him and i think he is excellent i had no previous illnesses or problems and the surgery didn't cause me any i recommend him to everyone i have nothing negative to say about the dr or my hospital stay only that i liked the night staff nurseys better than the day ones

HE IS VERY NICE.OFFICE IS SOMEWHAT DISORGANIZED. HE EMPHASIZES AFTERCARE VERY MUCH, AND THEY HAVE A AFTERCARE PROGRAM IN PLACE. HE MENTIONED ALL THE RISKS OF SURGERY, INCLUDING THE RARE DEATH.