The Surgical Weight Loss Institute of Kansas City Bariatric Center

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I first saw Dr. Scott because I had VBG in Dec 2002 and needed a revision. He was very thorough and took copious amounts of notes. He also went over various revision options for me, and scheduled an endoscopy. After the endoscopy, he determined that I had a gastro-gastric fistula and a blockage. Essentially, my staple line tore due to my opening being blocked. The only remedy for this is RNY, which I will have on 7/30/08. Due to the complications, both Dr. Scott and Dr. de la Torre will perform the surgery. I had a slight problem with my insurance company, initially, because they didn't like the cpt code the doctor was using. Dr. Scott spoke with my insurance company's medical director personally, and even gave them his personal cell phone number. They were able to agree on a valid cpt code that worked for both the doctor and my insurance company. I'm a little nervous about the surgery because I know the risks are increased with a revision, but I have full faith in the surgeons competence and skill.

He was/is great. Not very personable but treated me very well.

Dr. Scott knows his stuff, and so does his office staff. I was impressed by the ease with which the insurance process was handled. In addition, every piece of guidance that they've ever given me was right in line with generally agreed-upon guidelines according to my research. I've never gotten some kind of crazy \"what are they thinking?\" type of advice like I've heard other people's surgeons give. Even more impressive, Scott/DeLaTorre & staff are constantly updating themselves with new research and changing their guidelines accordingly -- the manual that I'd received in September was already out of date by January!rnrnTheir aftercare program is responsive and comprehensive. This is not a cut-'em-and-shove-'em type of practice; they are truly concerned that each of their patients be successful in the short- and long-term.rnrnMost importantly, my surgery went very smoothly with no complications! I felt at ease going into the surgery because I had complete faith in Dr. Scott.rnrnStick with DePaul -- it's head and shoulders above the other program in STL.

I have met with my surgeon 5 times, my lovely insurance company required 4 visits prior to approval. The center that I have choosen has lots of really special people on staff. The surgeons, nurses, dietitians, psychicritist, exercise therapist, and the office staff are all knowledgeable and experts in weight loss options. I personally feel that my surgeon is more than competent. The risks of the surgery are explained in depth and it is explained that you cannot have the surgery unless the risks are completley understood. I feel that I am lucky to have this surgeon in the St. Louis area. The word around town and in the medical population is that Dr. Scott and De La Torre are the pioneers for weight loss surgery.

When I met Dr. De La Torre, I was immediately impressed. He was knowledgeable and had a great bedside manner. My impression remains the same. The office staff is great; very helpful. The only thing I can even remotely complain about it that there isn't enough of him to go around, so I had to see his associates a lot. Oh! And I have to drive 2 hours to get there. :( The program is very before AND aftercare oriented. They have specific criteria you MUST meet and they don't mind telling you that you are not a good candidate if you fail to comply. They are blunt and to-the-point with regard to risks and will not perform the surgery if you are not willing to do the things required to reduce the risks. LOVED HIM!! Surgical competence AND a great bedside manner are very important to me...he really filled the bill!

My first Impression of Dr. De Le Torre was that he was a quiet, confidant man. Mr original surgeon was Dr. Scott but he left before my surgery was scheduled. After meeting with Dr. De Le Torre I felt confidant in proceeding as planned. I have only met the good doctor once. I am four weeks out and have had no complications so I am very pleased with his work so far.rnrnThe office staff at Missouri Bariatrics have been incredibly supportive to me. Two persons in particular - Dr. Kevin Suttmoeller and nurse Natalie Suttlmoeller showing caring well beyond the standard doctor/patient relationship. I am very pleased with the staff and clinic and would recommend them to anyone.rnrnThe only negative I can think of is that other office staff have been slow to respond to calls and e-mails. I believe this problem has been addressed with the hiring of a new office manger, who himself is a baritric post-op.rnrn

Hmmmm, well I have to be honest and say that I've never MET the surgeon, at least that I can recall.

I remember being prepped for surgery, receiving my IV and something to calm me down, then saying good-bye to my husband and son. That's all I remember until I was back in my hospital room.

So if I met Dr. de la Torre, it was while I was already drugged and half-way gone!

After the surgery, I was seen by many of the doctors on his staff. I can not remember them all by name, but they were all very friendly and professional.

I have absolutely no complaints about his staff! And I would highly recommend this team to anyone considering bariatric surgery.

She was great a really sweet preson told me everything that was going to happen and was just GREAT checked on my everyday and sat and talked really to to earth and I can't say anything bad about her

I've followed Dr. De la Torre for about 7 years now. I've attended many of his seminars over the years. He is very knowledgeable and confident in his skill as a surgeon. His staff is wonderful and Nancy Corbett is great. She makes you feel at ease and is willing to answer any questions you may have. I will update this after my surgery.