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

Dr. Roger A. DeLa Torreof Bridgeton Mo. was my surgeon, I thought he was a very good Dr., Yes he does have an aftercar program. He addressed the risks but I had confidence in an knew he was good an I knew I had to do something about my weight and I had a real calm about it, I knew I would be alright. I would rate him a number 10. Even before surgery as they were trying to get my IV started they use a numbing solution so it doesn't hurt so bad if they don't get the first time

My experience has been great. I went to a seminar where I got to hear Dr de la Torre speak before I had the surgery he is very nice and very knowledgeable. His experience and credentials speak for themself. His office staff is awesome. His nurses are all wonderful. They are as excited to see you succeed as you are. I am now almost 8 months post-op and have had some complications, his staff has always been right there to help me figure out what to do and Dr. de la Torre and his collegue Dr. Scott have performed two more surgeries on me (gallbladder and hernia repair) and were still as knowledgeable and efficient as with the bypass.

Dr. DeLaTorre is an excellent surgeon. My first impression of him was that he was not supportive of the VSG, but willing to perform it for me. He was concerned I wouldn't have the results they've seen with the RNY or LapBand. However, once he was assured I'd done my homework and had made up my mind, he was pleasant and supportive. His staff is a bit overworked and hard to reach, but try to be as helpful as they can when I call with a question. About 10 days after surgery, I called him after hours on his emergency line as I had a minor episode that scared me...he called me back in less than 5 minutes, and was very pleasant. I was impressed with his responsiveness. However, the only downside is I think he needs to educate himself on the issues surrounding the VSG, and begin offering this as an alternative to his other patients so that they are informed of their choices. Since I was the first to have this procedure done in his office, I'm sure at this will improve as he has more VSG patients. They have a good aftercare program they offer. I would opine that surgical competence is more important than bedside manner. He definitely has the former, and is not too bad at the latter overall.

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. 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.

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.