SSM DePaul Weight Loss Center

I'm going to a seminar at DePaul Hospital in St. Louis next week.  Has anyone been to this center or seen any of the surgeons there?  If so, would you recommend them?  If not, who would you recommend in the St. Louis area? Thanks

Sarah not I but my sister went to De Paul and had Dr. de la toria...i think that is how you spell it lol  Any way she is out of town right now but hopefully she can get back to you and tell you something whe n she gets back.   welcome to the Missouri board. 

I have heard that Dr. de la Torre and Dr. Scott are both fantastic!   I have heard such GREAT things about both of them.  That is where I wanted to go, but I have medicaid & they don't accept that anymore.  I would feel very comfortable with either of them.  Dr. de la Torre also goes to Columbia, which is where I am going, I havent made up my mind if I want to use him or Dr. Fearing.  The ONLY reason I wouldn't  us de la Torre is because I am sure it takes longer to see him.   Good Luck to You!!!    (((HUGS)))   Angy

HI Sarah, I went to Des Peres and my Dooctor is Dr. Minkin. He has been great and very informative through the whole process. I'm so happy with the decision of WLS. All the best to you! Maureen

Thank you all for such a warm welcome.  I need as many opinions as possible.  I keep going back and forth with it.  I'm 33 years old, 285 lbs and 5'7".  I just found out that my insurance will cover 100% of the costs pending I meet the requirements.  Which I don't see as a problem since I have high cholesterol, acid reflux, sleep apnea, sciatica, and asthma.  I'm looking through this website, CM, and any other websites I can find in order to talk to people about their experiences with WLS.  It seems as though everyone has had different reactions to the whole experience...some seem to have little to no side affects and then others have numerous problems. 

Things that are running through my mind are 1.) I'm addicted to food.  I think about it all the time and I love the way it tastes and makes me feel.  It's a love-hate feeling.  But I feel the only way I can physically lose the weight is through surgery.  I've yo-yo'd all my life. I just can't do it on my own.  I've conquered quitting smoking, quitting drugs (10 ys ago) but I can't seem to conquer my food addiction.  I feel like this is the only way out before it gets worse.  2.)  Will I be miserable from eating liquids and barely enough food to satisfy me....or does the surgery keep you from having those cravings? Do people gain the weight back? Does your stomach stretch again if you eat too much food?  Do you have digestive problems?   3.)  I may want to have another child in two years. How will this effect my pregnancy?  Will I gain the weight back? 

So these are only a few topics that run through my mind constantly.  My husband is extremely supportive either way and he will help me every step of the way.  I'm a size 26 and lately that is getting tight.  At this point I'd be happy to wear a size 12 again.  I want this so bad but I'm scared.  I think about loose skin, saggy boobs....everything.  But nothing is as bad as how I see myself right now. 

I heard about the gas pains after surgery. Did you have laproscopic?  Did you leave the same day?  I would love to be able to go back to work after a week.  I work behind a desk so there isn't any strenious activity for me.  Plus we really can't afford for me to stay home more than two weeks.

Welcome to OH.  I,too, haven't had the surgery, but I urge you to go to a seminar there you will get  alot of your questions answered.  I am going to Dr. Horbostel and went to his seminar.  He said pregnancy  after surgery was not a problem.  About gaining weight back the way I've heard it described is that this surgery is a tool--not a majic bullet.  Grazers--people who nibble all day are most likely to gain the weight back,  because the new pouch can accept small amounts of rich carbohydrates at a time,  pigging out makes you nauseaous and can cause vomitting so most people give that up. Also you can go back to work quickly, within a week.  There will be other experienced people who can better answer your other questions.  I have the same feelings about food.  I think  about food a lot as I plan for this surgery.  Will I able to give up fook for the rest of my life?  Do I have to?  Can I  find that comforting feeling somewhere else?  These are questions I still  don't know.

I had mine done at SSM DePaul. They are fantastic. Great surgeons, great staff, great aftercare. I'd recommend them to anybody. If you're worried about the more psychological aspects, you can call the clinic and ask them for a recommendation for a good therapist to see for ongoing counseling -- seeing somebody who understands food issues and what we go through with this surgery is invaluable.

I am attending the seminar at DePaul next Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm.  I guess that's the seminar you will be attending.  I've considered WLS for the past year and a half or so and stopped pursuing it when my dh begged me not to.  Also my ins. wanted the co-pay up front which we couldn't do.  So.......I realize now that I HAVE to do this.  I'm at 312 and more uncomfortable by the day.  This is my last chance. Lori in Columbia, IL (suburb of St. Louis)