The Surgical Weight Loss Institute of Kansas City Bariatric Center

Pre-Op Consult Visit:
My first impression of him was that he was very knowledgable, capable, and a little cocky. Maybe self-assured would be a better term. In my one-on-one consult with him, I felt like he would have stayed there as long as I wanted him to while I asked questions, however, I don't think he put a lot of thought or feeling behind his answers. I understand that he probably answers the same questions over and over again, but hey, this is the first time I'm asking them!

The office staff seemed very friendly and helpful, but a little rushed. I had to wait over an hour after my scheduled appointment time before I was taken to a room. I waited another 15 minutes there before the doctor came in.

I believe my overall impression so far is that he doesn't have the greatest bedside manner but I won't be awake when his skill-level matters most so I'm not going to complain too much! :-)

10/4- I'm am going to have to say that my opinion of Dr. DeLaTorre has changed quite a bit. During the surgery and the few times he visited me in the hospital, he was much more open, caring, and willing to listen. I got the drain out yesterday and he was joking around and being fairly playful. Overall, he is a serious guy but I think he also has a lighter side that shines through every once in awhile. He is an excellent surgeon and would recommend him to anyone!

My first impression was exactly how I thought he would be. From reading other numerous posting I was prepared that he was going to be very forthright in telling us things that COULD go wrong. He was very thorough and took time for any and all questions. All in all I feel very confident in his skills.
His staff was great as well apparently they have restructured the program. You meet as a class (mine was 9)which starts off with Nancy the program director, then the nutrionest (she was really informative she cleared up for mt that you don't have to take all these new expensive vitaminsespecially for bariatric patients. and you shouldn't lose yur hair if you get in the protien they recommend). After her came the physical therapist. she just gave your basic info about exercise. After her came the Doctor. After that you all file back upstairs and get comfy because it takes awhile for everyone to be seen. They also see reg patients in between the class. Ofcourse I was last, but good things come to those who wait I suppose;).
I went back he took a bit more personal info, went back out to the waiting room for my turn to meet with Nancy to schedule my surgery. She also gives you orders for all your pretesting to be done 10-14 days before surgery. Alas my day there was finished. I left there at about 4:30 and had arrived at 10. So it is a long day be prepared. All in all it was a great experience and I cannot wait to begin life on the otherside as i have heard it described. hmm I am soupposed to say something negative. I guess it would be the long wait. But you get that anywhere in the medical field.

I find that Dr. De La Torre is a 'straight to the point' kind of guy. He is nice and will answer any questions you have.
He does a good job of answering questions about the surgery in the group setting before you see him one on one. So, most of his talking about complications etc. is only needs to be given one time. He is very open and upfront about the possible complications and risk that are involved with the surgery.
Nancy and the office staff have been very nice and helpful.
They ALL make a point of repeating that this surgery is 'ONLY' a tool to aid in your weight loss. You can still blow it and screw up your body if you don't follow the aftercare instructions!

On a scale of 1 - 10 I would probably rate the doctor a 9 right now. Ask me again after 11/4/02 and I'll let you know the final grade.
I would give him higher marks on surgical competence than bedside manner. I would MUCH rather have the competence than the bedside manner business.

BEING A REGISTERD NURSE, I FEEL I HAVE A GOOD SENSE FOR A PHYSICIAN WHO IS GOOD OR IS NOT SO GOOD.
I JUST MET DR. DEL A TORRE YESTERDAY FOR THE FIRST TIME...HE APPEARS TO BE A QUIET PERSON, ONE WHO REALLY DOESN'T LIKE TO BRING ATTENTION TO HIMSELF...HE'S EXTREMELY POLITE AND VERY PROFESSIONAL..HE'S APPEARS TO BE VERY SKILLED AND KNOWLEDGABLE IN HIS FIELD
I HAVE NO SECOND THOUGHTS REGUARDING THIS MAN DOING SURGERY ON ME....HE WAS VERY UP FRONT WITH ALL THE RISKS!!! AND BENEFITS OF THIS SURGERY...HE EVEN TRIED TO TALK US OUT OF IT....HE REALLY WANTS US TO KNOW THAT THIS IS A COMPLETE LIFE CHANGE AND NOT A QUICK FIX...

HIS OFFICE STAFF WAS VERY POLITE AND PROFESSIONAL..

WHAT i LIKED THE LEAST ABOUT DR. DEL A TORRE WAS THAT HE DIDN'T SMILE ENOUGH....HE SHOULD HE HAS A REALLY NICE SMILE...

FUTURE PATIENTS SHOULD KNOW THAT HE SEEMS LIKE A COMPOTENT PHYSICIAN

AFTER CARE IS WRITTEN OUT FOR YOU ON PAPER...
NANCY CORBET THE OFFICE MANAGER AND MISS BLEDSOE THE DIETICIAN WERE VERY INFORMATIVE ON HOW OUR RECOVERY PERIOD SHOULD GO...

TO THE VERY LAST QUESTION...SURGICAL COMPETENCE OBVIOUSLY IS THE GREATEST ATTRIBUTE...BUT A CARING PERSONALITY AND A GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR IS AN ASSET...

9/28/02 DR. DE LA TORRE IS WONDERFUL..HE AND HIS ASSOCIATES THAT HELP WITH MY SURGERY..HE HAS A TERRIFIC BEDSIDE MANNER...VERY CARING...

Met with the surgeon today. He was very knowledgeable and a very nice man. He held a seminar for about 8 patients and answered all questions. Afterwards, we were taken up to meet with the surgeon individually and again had the chance to ask questions. He was very frank about the risks of the procedures and all in all, he and his staff make a very favorable impression.

I was absolutely, completely, utterly and thoroughly impressed with Dr. de la Torre, and his staff. I had my diet class and consult on August 29th, and it was WONDERFUL! The dietician was very thorough with her explanation of what you can and can't eat, how much, how to prepare it, etc. Nancy was awesome, explaining in detail what to expect along each step of the way from the time you get to admitting the day of surgery, to the time you're discharged. And Dr. de la Torre ... I don't know what to say about him other than amazing. He's got excellent credentials, and is very, very down to earth. He's not in the least bit arrogant. He's very thorough, takes time to completely answer all of your questions, tells you upfront what the risks and possible complications are of the surgery, knows their complication rates in comparison to surgeons performing surgery open as well as nationwide stats, and his biggest interest is getting you through the surgery, in to recovery and off to start a new and healthier lifestyle. Midwest has an excellent support group, and a structured time line of follow up appointments. You even have to sign an agreement saying you will comply with all appointments and follow ups required.

I LIKED DR. MITCHELL WHEN I FIRST MET WITH HIM. THE PEOPLE IN HIS OFFICE WERE EXTREMELY HELPFUL WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I DO WISH HE WERE ABLE TO DO THE LAP, BUT WAS WILLING TO DO WHAT I NEED TO DO TO GET THINGS DONE.
I did switch doctor's after I ad my gallbladder surgery. I switched to Dr. Stephen Scott i Wentzville, Mo. He did my gallbladder surgery, and then later my hernia repair and tummy tuck. I absoutely love him. He was wonderful. He hasa super support group each week which I so appreciate. The support group has keptme in the right direction.

I haven't seen Dr. Scott yet, but have spoken to his office staff, Janet Duce. She has been very helpful, and although busy, seems always to have the time to talk to me.

March 28, 2000
I had my first visit with Dr. Scott. I had read from others that he doesn't have much of a personality, but he seemed fine to me. Maybe it was because I wasn't expecting very much. Janet was very helpful in helping the insurance process, but it seemed like it took forever. I was pretty certain I would be approved, but they wouldn't even schedule an office visit before I got approval. So once I FINALLY got approval, my surgery was scheduled for nearly 2 months from that time.

Dr. Scott and Janet both emphasized aftercare and being compliant with with insructions and recommendations. They do have a structured aftercare program, but I live too far away to take advantage of it. Future (or potential) patients should know that Dr. Scott had done hundreds of these procedure--over 600. Three hundred or so of them have been laparoscopic. He seems very calm, confident without being arrogant, and knowledgeable. I will post more on this after my surgery next week. While I do think that bedside manner is a good thing, I'm am definitely looking more for surgical competance.

August 18, 2002
I am nearly 2 years post-op, and lost over 100 pounds. I have maintained that with no problem. I hadn't been in contact with Dr. Scott for over a year, but had a question I figured only he could answer. I actually emailed him on his website, and received a reply THE NEXT DAY. That was followed by a phone conversation with him and a follow-up visit. I have NOTHING negative to say about him at all!! As far as I'm concerned, this man (and my therapist) saved my life! He continues to stress aftercare as a way of life, and I felt no less interest or concern from him because I am 2+ yearts post-op.

Dr. de la Torre seemed very patient and answered all my questions..he was very thourough about explaining the risks and the benefits. He does record his discusions with you and does have you sign a release for the recording. The office staff was very friendly and helpful and they took care of everything for me. Dr. de la Torre does emphasize the aftercare program and the new lifestyle changes you will need to make. His surgical competance is the thing that I think is the most important, I already have my husband and friends for my moral support. He did seem rushed but all in all I think I made the choice with him!!!

Dr. DelaTorre was recommended to me by a lady I work with. She had LAP surgery back in late November and she's lost over 100 lbs. already.

May first appointment with the surgeon was on May 30th. His office has a morning long group session that includes Nancy going over the ins/outs of the surgery, what to bring to the hospital, what to expect, etc. etc. etc. This helped to ease my mind SOO much. Then the nutritionist came in and spent probably over an hour explaining the different stages of the food plan for the best success. Then the physical therapist came in to go over different exercises to do in order to help with the excess skin after the weight is gone. At the end of this morning-long session, Dr. DelaTorre came in. He tape recorded his portion because he went through all the risks/reasons why we shouldn't have this surgery. But, then, bless his heart, he told us about all the wonderful benefits that can be gained from this surgery.

8/2 I had my surgery on July 30th and was released to come home at noon on Aug. 1st. I am a little disappointed in the fact that I didn't see my surgeon prior to surgery and he never did any follow-up visits. Surgeons from his staff (interns) did the follow-up visits. I understand that he is an extremely busy man, but I heard his name called over the intercom several times while in the hospital, so I know he was there. I just expected a little more "personal" touch.

This session got over around 12:30 and my appointment with the surgeon was at 1:30. After meeting with him one-on-one, I was more committed than ever to having this surgery. My husband was even impressed with his knowledge, caring and true understanding of what it means to be morbidly obese.

I haven't had surgery yet, but I don't anticipate that my opinion of him will change any. He is one of very few people who understand that obesity is NOT just because someone eats too much and exercises too little.