What surgeon did you use?

Hi Everyone, I am just starting out and heard from many people that Dr. Eagon is very good at Barnes/Jewish in St. Louis.  I cannot for the life of me get a hold of anyone at his office number.  I called the Washington University Bariatric Surgery Dept. and they said they would send me information.  That was a week ago.  How did you all get your surgeons and did they get back with you very quickly? Thanks!  Lori

Hi Lori~ I have no idea who Dr. Eagon is. I had Dr. Ramaswamy in Columbia, MO. It really wasn't hard to get in contact with them. I went to the seminar and faxed in all my paperwork immediately. My primary care physician sent over a referral for the surgery and WA LAH..4 months later (June 6, 2007) I had the surgery (RNY). They get so busy that you must stay on them. I learned this pretty quick.  So, my advice is to keep on them and be determined if this is what you really want/need.  Cheryl

Hi Cheryl, Thanks for the post!  After I wrote here, I went to the DePaul Hospital in St. Louis website - they have the Seal of Excellence which I understand is a good thing to have - Dr. DeLaTorre has done 3,000 or so of the WLS - he sounds like someone I'd like to work on me!  Anyway, I filled out the online form - we'll see what happens - I will also call them on Monday.  How are you doing 2 months post op?  How did you feel afterwards?  How long did you take to recover?   Where do you live in Springfield?  I lived there 4 years while attending Drury back in the 70's. Thanks again! Lori

Hi Lori~ Yes, I am 2 months post-op. I am taking it day by day but it is hard still trying to get to "know" my new stomach. One day something agrees with it and another day it doesn't. That is frustrating and trying to get all the protein and water in. It took about a month to recover from the pain. I am feeling really good now. I was a size 16/18 June 6th and now I am in 10's. I live off 65 and Chestnut Expressway.  Cheryl

I used Dr. Scott in Columbia MO and I absolutely loved him. His partner is De La Torre and I was told he was also present for my surgery. I would do it all over again. Good luck on your progress. Hugs

Hi Cheryl and Chelle, Thanks for the information.  I did read that Dr. DeLaTorre also works in Columbia.  Is Dr. Scott the head of the Bariatric Dept. at DePaul?  I thought I read that but can't remember.  Did it take you around 6 months from the paperwor****il the surgery?  I'm figuring Jan. or Feb. for my surgery.  Actually I don't mind that because I'd like to have it when it is cool/cold rather than this horrible heat.  Another week of 102 temps - unreal isn't it?  Cheryl, 65 and Chestnut Expressway is by Drury isn't it?  I sure have good memories of those days!   Thanks again ladies!  Lori

I called my surgeon, Dr. Hornbostel in Sedalia , or rather his office and they told me that first i had to attend one of his seminars. when there they gave me a packet of papers to fill out and mail in, I did so that very night and mailed them the next day. I had already went on their web site and filled out my personal paper work and emailed it. So we went from there. They told me what all i had to have done before the appointment they set up with the Dr. for our first meeting and after that it was all a go. Hope you find who you want and find it as easy as i did.   Oh by the way there are lots more hospitals than in st. Louis that have the certificate of excelence. ...  hope all goes well for you and that it wont be long and drawn out process for  you. will be praying for you and welcome to the Missouri board.

Thanks, Jan! Hopefully they will get my on-line request  tomorrow - I plan on calling them tomorrow also.  I think a seminar is scheduled in a few weeks that I will plan to attend - that should get the ball rolling.  Have you had the surgery yet?  If so, how was it?  I'm a little concerned I may have to have an open because I had 5 female surgeries in the past.  They are lower than the stomach though so that really shouldn't matter I hope. Lori

YES I had my surgery last year on August 14th so im just almost one year out now. It was a piece of cake for me. No problems at all. great and have lost enough to go from size 22/24s down to so far into a 10. feel great. and would do the surgery over and over and over.

I have had a couple of surgeries before the weight loss surgery and i was able to have it Lap thanks for coming on the bords. hope you will come back often.   Jan

Hi Jan, WOW!  That's great that you went down to a size 10 in that length of time!  I can't wait!  I'm in a 26/28 now and SO uncomfortable!  Thanks for letting me know you had surgeries and they were able to do the lap.  I sure hope my case is the same. Lori