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

I wanted to be sure to write a review about Dr. Scott, but first a little background... I had a lapband in 2008 by another surgeon, which I didn't have any problems, that process went fine. I lost 70 lbs and then I got pregnant with my daughter. No major problems with my band while pregnant. After having my daughter, I had repeated issues with my stomach prolapsing and slipping. So after many months to a year, we decided my band needed to be permanently unfilled and I would need to decide if I wanted to have it taken out, live with it, or try a new band. Those were the only options my original surgeon gave me, as his policy is one surgery only...one chance, even if it was a mechanical failure, you weren't given other chances. This is something people need to think about when choosing a surgeon...if something happens, what would your options be.

So...I thought long and hard about everything and wanted to pursue a revision to VSG. It is difficult to find a surgeon who will take a patient from another surgeon. Thankfully Dr. Scott wants to help those of us whose original surgeon isn't willing or isn't skilled to do revision work. Dr. Scott is a very professional, to the task kind of Dr. He is short and sweet and doesn't chit chat, but I trusted his expertise and experience and that is the main thing I needed.

Just over a week ago, he removed my Realize band, revised me to the Gastric Sleeve, removed my gallbladder, and repaired a hiatal hernia that he found during surgery. My surgery went very well and I feel very good at this point.

I am very thankful for Dr. Scott, his skills, and his willingness to help those of us who need help to fix our problems that other surgeon's won't touch. Thank you for being a leader in your field in the St. Louis area!

**Also, Dr. Scott is now at the Des Peres Hospital, at mynewselfbariatrics.com. DePaul Hospital no longer will accept other surgeon's patients.

Dr. Scott's office at SSM Depaul Weight Loss has been wonderful from the beginning. You know from the start each step that you must take and they are always there to answer any questions. If you leave a msg. It may take until the next day to get a call back, but that isn't bad at all. The wait time in his office is minimal. And the gals there have always had a big smiles. The entire office makes you feel comfortable from the dieticians to Dr. Scott himself. Dr. Scott is very confident and I can say after my very first visit with him, I have no reluctance in giving him my trust. He is very thorough and take the time to answer your questions completely and give you all the information you need to make your decision. Thumbs up to an office that actually cares about the patients :)

* UPDATE Dr. Scott is now with DesPeres Hospital http://www.mynewselfbariatrics.com/

Dr. Scott has a very pleasant disposition. Always has a smile on his face and very professional. He made me feel very comfortable right away, and confident in his ability to do the job.

Dr. Scott did a very good job with my RNY surgery last Oct. 12. I was released from the hospital on Oct. 14th and did not need any pain medication after leaving the hospital.

I have had no complications from the surgery.

I have seen Dr. Scott Twice and both times, positive and very business like. First time I saw him was not sure of questions and was very anxious because of previous visits with other bariatric surgeons. Second time he was very up front and no nonsense.

5/8/08 I had my consult with Dr. Scott today. He seemed professional, very brisk and caring. He looked me in the eyes when he spoke with me and asked me lots of questions, told me what he thought and asked me what I wanted and if I had any questions. You could tell parts of what he was saying he had said lots of times to others. He picked things he needed out of my responses to help me get the help I need. He had someone set me up with the all day class later this month and I was told I would likely get a surgery date at that time. His staff seems busy but very friendly and accommodating.~~5/21/08 Had my pre-op class. Very looong. Talked to the Dr, nurse, dietician, and exercise guy. Did pre-op testing like EKG, bloodwork and got a date!~~5/28/08 Dr. Scott was a lot more personable and reassuring going into surgery. He was very much in his element. What I did not like was that going into this he knew I have an anxiety d/o. On the a.m. of surgery I couldn't take my meds and asked if I could have something. Dr. Scott told me to ask the anesthesiologist who told me no-flat out. I think that the situation was poorly handled.~~5/30/08 Into surgery again. Dr. explained why and was very understanding of my fears. I reached out to him and he held my hand. Did not see him much after the surgeries and he asked for lots of bloodwork (but I DID have complications) even though I am an extremely hard stick.~~6/8/08 Dr. very prompt in returning all the calls we made to him. Confident without too much pride, he makes me feel like he knows what he's doing and he's done this all before. Also very understanding of my pain. I was never made to feel bad for letting him know I hurt and he does something about it.

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.

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.

DR. Scott was very personable, and took the time to answer any and all questions I had. I felt he had let me and my husband know exactly what to expect and gave us the confidence we needed going forward.
I however have not met with him since surgery, but his associate Dr. Morales and his nursing staff have done my follow-up care and I am quite happy with all of them.
They have monthly support group meetings that are hosted by the nurse and nutritionist that are recommended for all patients.

I had RNY on 08/10/10 I thought Dr. Scott was fantastic. Straight to the point about risks and complications like like! Entire staff at SSM was great as well. I am so happy that I chose SSM because I was with another clinic prior. I have a new life and Dr. Scott gave me that!