James Stephen Scott Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

Dr. Scott was great he told me what I could expect and what he would do if I experienced any early complications. I was so relaxed and ready for this surgery I knew it was the right choice. He has a lot of experience with laparoscopic RNY gastric bypass surgery. I also remember choosing him because he was the surgeon who took out my gallbladder three years ago. I have had problems that started 10 months out with hypoglycemia he said it was not common after surgery and didn't know what was going on. I eat hardly any sugar or simple carbohydrates. I am still trying to get control of the hypoglycemia. I found that patients post op can experience what is called the late dumping syndrome where an hour or two after eating carbohydrates or simple sugars your sugar will drop rapidly mine does but he never told me about late dumping. It still happenens when I just eat protein too.

dr. scott straight to the point. appeared very professional, nice, very busy. office staff was outstanding. i was not impressed when they would not continue a 3rd post op apt. supposily given areason that insurance changes made it difficuly, and can only do a post op if there was problems, not knowing who i was or my insurance, (on the phone conversation), so i have not seen nor heard from dr. scotts office since i phoned them for a post op 3rd which would bring me back to dec.2000.
dr. scotts office is very clear with the facts about the surgery prior to surgery, they want you to be very aware of whats intailed, and gives you a outline packet for you to read and keep and is very helpful, and is very much real, very factual ithink. i went in to surgery with everything very clear to me, and knew the diet before hand i pretty much feel dr. scott educates his patients well, but its up to you to read it, and by all means i think having a seriuos surgery as this you should be well aware of whats ahead of you its important. yes, i would recommend dr. scott to anyone. he emphasizes all the risks, and it should be taken seriously. i will rate dr. scott at a10. i know that his support groups are excellent, and your questions get answered, i have not gone, i work the nights they have them, but i have been told they are superb. dr. scotts bedside manner is the best it could be for a busy dr. i would say,oooh ehhh, ok. he did a wonderful job on the incisions , no problemo. i know if i really needed to see the doc, i would be able to, but as it stands he did a good job and i am doing so well, i guess i don't need to see him, i'll ask janet questions if i have to.

Hello, I haven't met with my surgeon yet, I do have a surgery date tho. My question is this: Have anyone out there had to pay for their surgery because insurance would not? If so, did they have to pay a set fee at the hospital in Wentzville? I don't understand how a hospital can charge a flat rate for a 2-4 day stay. This is what I was told. My surgeon is Dr. Scott, and my surgery date is 4/2/01/ I would love any comments on this, and also anyone who has been a pt. of Dr. Scott's. How was the hospital> I am told I will go to Crossroads Hospital in Wentzville. Thanks for any responses. L.L. 5/10/01 update, I have read so much. Has anyone had Dr. Scott as their surgeon? Do you have a ng tube and other tubes after a lap? How long are you usually in the hospital? Also, do you start out on clear liquids, soft diet or what? I know I will learn about this when I see the nutritionalist, but that is a month away. Any feedback from people having laps would be greatly appreciated. Also, how soon can you drive after surgery? Have a beautiful day, Linda L.

My surgeon was very information and took the time to answer all of questions. The office staff are extremely helpful and are always positive. When I chose to have GBS I did alot of research and decided to have Dr. Scott perform the surgery because of his experience and reputation. He is very straight forward and honest and I have recommended him to many people considering GBS. I would rate Dr. Scott overall with and 10. His surgical competence and bedside manner were both great.

I did not get to see Dr. Scott, so have no idea whether he is likable or not. I met with Dr. Della Torre, who performs the surgery with Dr. Scott.
My first impression was this office overbooks patients. My appointment was at 1:30 and I didn't see Dr. Della Torre until 3:30. Since I still had a 4 hour drive home at that point, the unnecesasry 2 hour delay was not warmly welcomed.
Dr. Della Torre began the session by asking my permission to tape record his comments to me concerning surgical risks. I asked him if he was sending the tape home with me for review. No. I asked if he was doing this for litigation purposes, and he replied yes. Apparently he is being sued by a bypass patient. He said he had just instituted the tape recordings 2 weeks ago, so he is apparently being sued by a Recent patient. eeewww.
I was extremely uncomfortable listening to him talk to himself on the tape recorder. When I asked if I might interject a question now and then he said yes, but every time I did he quickly replied "I'm going to run out of tape". Clearly this communicates to me he was more interested on this particular day in covering his legal *** than interacting with his new surgical candidate-me.
He stated he has performed 500 of these surgeries in 5 years. I found this encouraging.
He explained the 2 occasions that would turn a laparoscopic procedure to an open procedure: multiple adhesions which prevent his ability to proceed safely, or a liver so enlarged he can't get to the areas he needs to reach laporoscopically. This dispelled the inaccurate information being offered by the KC weight loss support group, who told me anyone who was over 300 pounds (I'm not) couldn't have a lap. procedure because the laparoscope was too small to reach through massive layers of fat.
He also dispelled a rumor I'd heard but not believed from others at the KC weight loss support group: it is NOT physically impossible to regain any and all weight lost due to this surgical intervention. In fact, he'd done a "re-do" for a lady who had gained every bit of her weight back that very morning. sigh.

I haven't met Dr. Scott or his partner Dr. Delatorre yet....they don't see patients until they are approved by their insurance. I think that is a smart idea due to the high volume of applicants. Janet is super sweet though busy, busy, busy!!! I called my insurance company to check status on the claim about a week after she said she had sent it and was told that they never received it. I called and left a message with Janet letting her know they hadn't received anything. Two days later Janet called and told me I was approved!!! I wanted to put my arms right through the phone and hug her!! My first visit with Dr. Delatorre will be on 4/12/01 for pre-op testing and my surgery will be on 4/30/01. I'll let you know more when I meet him :)...although I have only heard good things about him and I've read his medical credentials and they are excellent. Since he teaches this procedure to other doctors I feel his competency is would also be rated as excellent.

2-8-01 I went to do all the tests neede to get done before surgery. I met with Dr De La Torey...who Dr Scott and him do the surgery together. Dr D. Was AWESOME!!! He said his main job that day was to talk me out of the sugery. I know that sounds crazy; but he wanted to make sure I understood everything good and bad. I am still having it! He spent at least an hour with me answering any questions. He is a very pleasent Dr. and sincere. The Staff...Janet is the Program Director who I love...always in a hurry, first impression was great! My surgery date is 2-13-01 ..Happy Valentines day to me!!

I've actually just met w/Dr. DeLaTorre...haven't met Dr. Scott yet. Dr. D. was great...explained the procedure (RnY Lap) and prepared me for the worst, which in my case would be to have to convert to an open! (I'm a BIG baby about staples and stitches! Lap incisions I can handle.) My surgery was rescheduled once, which was kind of frustrating when you're traveling a long distance and have to take vacation time, but hopefully it was for the best!

I really enjoyed talking to the therapist that the Dr's office refered me to, and had a nice long visit with him...and yes, there were some tears involved. Janet, the office manager is very efficient, but I think they're overworking her with all the volume of new patients. She always sounds so rushed when you're on the phone with her. She's nice, though.

All in all, I'm looking forward to getting to the "other side!"

I met with Dr. de la Torre on 1/18/01 for my first visit. He is Dr. Scott's partner. He was very nice, & very informative, & gave me all the risk of surgery first, before discussing the benefits, etc. He did not appear rushed, & I didn't have to wait very long to see him. I was disapointed that they had to move my surgery date from 1/23/01 to 1/30/01, a week later than planned, & only informed me of this at this appointment, & all the arrangements had been made for my husband, sister, & myself to be off of work for the surgery on 1/23/01. The office staff was nice. I met with Janet to finish up the paperwork, discuss Insurance matters, copays etc, & also get pre-op orders. I had my pre-op tests done the same day, & the hospital staff at Crossroads Hospital was very nice, friendly, & helpful. I also met with a nutritionist, a head nurse, & pt to give me the info I need to know for after surgery care & diet.

10/31/00-Dr.'s office called and told me the doctor will be out of town and they have to postpone until after the 1st of the year. Emailed Dr. and explained that my insurance ends on 1/1/01.
11/8/00-Dr.'s office called with new surgery date. It's 12/21/00. Have lots of time to get ready for holidays before the surgery.
12/06/00-Met Dr. Scott today. Liked him from
the start. He seems very upfront and honest.
12/21/00-Surgery date. Out of surgery in 1 hr. and 10 minutes. Dr. Scott said my surgery went extremely well. He is so nice I
cannot recommend him enough.