Roger De La Torre Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

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.

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.

My first impression was that he was confident in his surgical capabilities, he has excellent credentials, and thoroughly discussed the procedure risks and benefits. My impression was good and I have confidence in him and did not feel rushed and was impressed that he said not to hesitate to call if he could answer any questions that I may have later. The office staff was very proffessional and pleasant and repeated that if I needed to call for anything that they were available. I did not mind having him tape record the review of risks of the surgery, and knew to expect it after reading other profiles on this site. He seemed to have a genuine concern for my wellbeing as a whole and even though I do not have sleep apnea wants me to stay the first day and night post-op in the ICU due to some of my co-morbities and has arranged an internal medicine specialist to assist in my care post-op. He emphasized aftercare and the importance of the life long changes that I will have to make in order for this to be most successful. They have a very structured aftercare program. I feel surgical competence is the most important, but I think his bedside manner is good as well.

I have met Dr. de la Torre twice now. He is very professional and extremely nice. I also have the utmost confidence in him. I found out that he has like 12 patents on the devices he uses for the surgery and is world reknown. His office is beautiful and his staff is very understanding and nice. I think he has one of the best programs there is. His program is inclusive of diet, nutrition, excercise. To address the risks of surgery he has on open session for his patients which he records to cover himself and you are allowed to ask as many questions as you want and the risks are explained in detail and are not sugar coated at all.

4/8/02 I have been speaking with Donna at the office and she was very helpful setting up my appt. this week to see the Dr. for the first time. I live in Kansas City and will be in St. Louis on business so the timing is right. Will update more after I meet with the Dr.
4/13/02 I have now met with Dr. De la Torre and was very impressed. Met with Nancy in his office and she was also very helpful. He did tape record the negatives of the operation, which I anticipated. I was impressed to hear that other surgeons come from all over to learn from him and his associate Dr. Scott. Next week two surgeons from the Mayo Clinic are coming. Impressive! My date is now set for 5/7 and I'm very anxious. I know this is going to be great in the end.

The doctor and his staff were outstanding. They do a lot of pre-op which I felt was good. Especially meeting with the dietician.

I really liked Dr de la Torre. He was complete in his explaination of the risks and respected the fact that I am a Registered Nurse currently working in an ICU of a large teaching hospital. He did not talk down to me. Some surgeons do that. Why, I don't know. It's a God complex or something! What's the difference between God and a surgeon? God knows he's not a surgeon. Just a little medical humor! Nancy, the program coordinator was very helpful. Set up all of my pre-op testing for me and then scheduled my date!

I was very impressed with my surgeon and his way of dealing with the morbidly obese. He did a wonderful thing of trying to talk me out of the surgery by telling me everything that could go wrong. THEN he told me what I could expect after surgery. Most of his staff was very nice and helpful. I had my surgery laproscopic and thank god it went smoothly. They have a wonderful dietary program that helps you and a physical therapist that comes and teaches you how to get yourself back to moving immediately after surgery.I owe a big thank you to his residents in training, Dr. Follwell, whom is the greatest, Dr. Mayland, whom was there for my surgery and took good care of me. I would definately recommend these guys.

Based on some of the other posts in regards to Dr. del la Torre....I was more nervous than I would have ordinarily had been. I had read he was cool, hurried, non-chalant or uninterested.....but I dare say that is NOT the doctor I visited with.
He is an unimposing, young surgeon with a calming smile and pleasant demeanor. He recorded a portion of our conversation where the risks of surgery were discussed...even allowing me to summarize my understanding of these risks. He switched the recorder off....we spoke again for a few moments and he expressed that he felt I was a very good candidate for the procedure.
The appointment ran late as i was taken in late.....of no fault to anyone in this office. Dr. de la Torre was first wisked away to an emergency surgery involving a "leak" and then again to an emergency appendectomy. This didn't bother me at all....as I simply filed the information away under "good to know". What if it had been me with the leak? I am happy to know that he is available for his patients at a moments notice.

The office staff was very kind and equally pleasant and helpful.
Overall...I have nothing negative to say about this Surgeon or his staff.
I will be sure to address the issue of his bedside manner after surgery.

Thanks!
Kristen

Update: March 15, 2002:
I have only a few notes to add. It seems that Dr. de la Torre, although an oustanding surgeon is a bit on the cool and hurried side. I saw him once before leaving the hospital and he saw me a total of less than five minutes when removing the drain and stples....hurried and uninterested in anything I had to ask or say.

I do not take this personally.....but it is important for others to know that he is a surgeon and just that. You will find that his demeanor is efficient and direct albeit hurried. Most surgeons are...so do not expect that "family doctor" coziness or bedide manner.

The same goes for the office staff. They barely acknowledged me on my return and were also very cool.

I had called the doctor while experiencing the pain I described in my profile and all of their replies was "I don't know what to tell ya". basically deal with it. So....I am glad to know this now....so that all future visits are as expected.

Thanks,
Kristen