The Surgical Weight Loss Institute of Kansas City Bariatric Center

My first impressions of the doctor was arrogance. Then I thought, of all of the staff, how the heck could any of them understand how I feel, they're all normal! But they have a true passion for what they do and a real compassion for those that suffer this disease. Very knowledgeable, very open, quick to respond, yet will take the time to research something ( such as an informational website that I found and had them look over for me.) So far, so good. The real test remains. 11*01*06

I heard about Dr. De La Torre from a member on this site. She told me I should meet him before I made a decision on the surgeon I should use. I had already sent in a non-refundable deposit to be considered for another well respected program. After meeting Dr. De La Torre, it was an extremely easy decision to make. I gave up several hundred dollars without blinking to make sure HE was my surgeon. He's nice, compassionate, intelligent, extremely capable, and when you meet him you know you will be in great hands. I had no worries prior to surgery after that. He is amazing. I just KNEW this is where I was supposed to be.rnrnI've only seen him several times, but each time he has been reassuring, calm, and pleasant. I feel like I could ask him anything and he would take the time I needed.rnrnDr. De La Torre's office staff are incredible. I dealt the most with Nancy and Kathy, and both are very knowledgeable, professional, funny, and approachable. You can call them anytime if you have a question. They seem to love their jobs. Because of them, I am looking forward to my next visit! In fact, both came to see me when I was in the hospital and brought me some cool \"parting gifts\".rnrnDr. De La Torre's Weight Loss Program at SMM DePaul Hospital is a Bariatric \"Center of Excellence\" which sets it apart from all of the others. There is a wonderful aftercare program and support groups.rnrnAs far as the risks involved, Dr. De La Torres takes at least an hour or two to tell you all about the surgery, how it works, what he will do, and about all the risks involved. He does mention the benefits, but really emphasizes what could go wrong. Then he asks you if he has talked you out of the surgery. Only then will he give you a surgery date. He takes it very seriously, as he should. rnrnWhat I think every new patient should know is that Dr. De La Torre's statistcs are wonderful. He has very few complications and deaths as a result of this surgery, many times better than the national average. He has done this procedure over 3,000 times and holds the patent on many of the surgical instruments used in the procedure. He was one of the pioneers of Laproscopic RNY and can probably do this surgery in his sleep.rnrnIf I were to have to rate him on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best, I would give him a 15! He's competent, kind, and a great guy. Of course, this is just my personal opinion, but I had a wonderful experience with him and an extremely easy recovery due to his skill in surgery.rn

'First Impression: He's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. rnrnMy impression of him was right on the second I met him. Every time I've met him he's just gotten better. He's VERY knowledgeable and nice and listens to you

Dr. Scott is a very nice man, polite, soft spoken and very imformative. I would definately recommend him to those interested in a kind, compassionate doctor with a great bedside manner.:)

Dr. De La Torre is personable and authoritative. His office staff is absolutely wonderful. Every interaction I have with Nancy reinforces that impression.

My "Pre-op" day was November 3, 2005. Dr. De La Torre described the risks of the surgery in great detail. We even signed a permission slip for him to tape his talk, which I'm sure covers him for insurance purposes. The "risk talk" lasted about an hour and was very thorough. We all had the opportunity to ask questions and our concerns were addressed honestly.

In terms of surgical competence, I beleive Dr. De La Torre is excellent. My surgery went well, with no complications and my recovery time prior to returning to work was about 2 weeks.

Other than the first post-op appointment (1 week) when my drain was removed, I have not seen Dr. De La Torre. All appointments have been with his nurse Nancy, who seems terrific. That said, I would think you would see the Doctor every once in a while.

The first impression i got of my surgeon was that he looked different in person than he did on his picture,his office staff was wonderful,he also was very informative about the risks and benefits of the surgery,he was very honest and willing to answer any questions that you may have.He has a great bed side manner,I would recommend Roger A.de la Torre and Depaul Weight Loss institute to anyone considering weight loss surgery.

He is very professional and informative. I had no doubts about his skills and felt very sure of my decision for this surgery. His office staff is also very caring and willing to help you in any way possible.

Dr. Scott has been most Thurogh. I have learned things about my lapband that were never told to me. His group is all about safety. Many tests, lots of instruction and many other Drs involved. He is very knowledgable on WLS, even teaches the laproscopic proceedures. His associate travels aroiund the world teaching special techneques. He even has many patents on specialized equipment he has invented to perfect the laprascopic proceedure. I reccommend them to anyone.

I would recommend Dr. De La Torre and the staff at DePaul Weight Loss institute to anyone. Everyone was very knowlegeable and supportive during my pre-op, surgical stay and at my first post-op appt. DePaul has a very structured after-care program and they encourage you to attend support group meetings. I feel very comfortable contacting Dr. De La Torre, Nancy or Kathy if I have any questions in the future. In my opinion, you have to choose a surgeon with excellent surgical competence and a warm, supportive bedside manner--Dr. De La Torre has both characteristics. As my sister would say, Dr. De La Torre and the staff at DePaul Weight Loss center ROCK!! My stay at the hospital, in my opinion, was fair. The nursing staff at the hospital was kind and helpful, but I had a long delay in recovery (while the hospital had to wait for a bed to open up) and had to wait several hrs to be discharged (the dietary worker was late bringing my liquid tray---she was on the phone in the dietary dept). The covering surgeon for Dr. De La Torre, Dr. Richardson stated "Why is she still here, she should have been discharged hours ago?" So, based on my experience, be prepared to do alot of waiting during your hospitalization.

Dr Scott is a very busy man. His office and staff are well trained and courteous. Because Dr Scott is a highly sought after doctor your office wait may be a little lengthy. I have to say that I saw the other staff in his office more than I saw him. But overall I would say that he runs a tight ship. I am grateful that I was put in contact with Dr Scott and his office and all the information that was given to me on my new journey.