DePaul Health Center Bariatric Center

My first impression of Dr De la Torre was tnat he was very intelligent and looked a little younger than I thought he would look. His staff exudes the same professionalism,intellegence, and openness that he did. It made me feel like I selected the best medical practice in the WLS/Bariatric field. He does emphasize aftercare and has a structured aftercare program. He went into the risks in detail. On a scale of 1-10, I would definitely rate him a 10. I would prefer a surgeon to have both bedside manner and surgical competence, however if he was lacking in an area I would rather for him to have surgical competence. I only saw him during my pre-ops class and in the operating room. People, personally I believe this doctor and his staff is one of the best in his field. If you choose him, I don't think you would be sorry.

I really liked the team at Dr De La Torre's office. Nancy is the nurse that everyone sees most often. I only saw Dr De La Torre briefly before the surgery, on surgery day and once afterward. The nurses and nurse practioners are the ones who take care of you and they were wonderful. They made sure that I was prepared for the surgey and knew exactly what to expect. I had a private room n the hospital and everyone on our floor had bariatric surgery so all the nursing staff etc knew how to best take care of us. The staff was very supportive and the after care was extensive.
Nancy helped a lot when I had difficulty eating and neeced to make some adjustments.

We had a full day at the Dr's ofice in a groups of people who had gone through all the preparation for the surgery. This day went over risks, the surgery process, recovery, the level of commitment that we needed to make for recovery and success. We also went over products such as Isopure and talked about the importance of the protien and which were the best ones as far as taste and nutrition.
Afterward we each had an individual exam and consultation to decide if we wanted to set up our surgery. Not everyone decided to go through with the surgery and they turned down two people I talked to because they thought they were not ready for the commitment to a life long change.
As far as the surgery went, It took aout four hours, I was up and walking that evening and I had no complications escept that my IV would not stay connected so I di dnot have any pain medication from right after midnight until sometime the next morning. I was not in pain so it was OK.
After talking to others about their surgery, complications, recovery etc. I feel blessed that I chose Dr De La Torre as his surgical skills are wonderful. His bedside manner is not so great so that is why he has a staff who has those qualities. They were accessable by phone in between appointments and were always friendly and eager to help.
The opnly thing I did not like is that after the surgery, usually your surgeon comes in to tlak to you about how the surgery went. This did not happen. After my surgery, I never saw Dr De La Torre again. His partner took out staples in the office. My husband said that Dr De La Torre came and talked to him about the surgery but my husband is not good at communicating what the Dr said. I had to talk to Nancy to find out particulars about my surgery. I just like to hear about my personal procedure from my Doctor, that is something that is important to me and that was lacking in this experience.

Dr. De La Torre was terrific! I read that his bedside manner left alot to be desired, so I was prepared for that, but he was great to me! The day after surgery I felt queasy and was having trouble and he came to see me twice and eventually got me feeling much better!

I think his skills are the best in St. Louis, especially with Dr Richardson as his partner. I don't think there is a better team in the country for Lap WLS.

Dr. Scott is a very nice Dr. He is located at the University Hospital in Columbia Missouri now. He makes sure you know all the "ins and outs" of surgery. I informed him I have researched this for a year before deciding and he said he is glad when his patients know what is what. He is very easy to work with, understands where I am coming from and I feel very easy around him and very very confident!
I have talked and worked with his assistants, Kassie and Natalie, and they have always been there to answer my questions and to help me in any way! Natalie, she has had the surgery,so she understands where the patients are coming from. A very helpful staff!
There is nothing I like least about them!
To sum the Dr. and staff up: They have a very nice "bedside manner", very helpful, they listen, they make sure I understand "everything" about this surgery, leaving nothing out! They make it clear how important the after care is and also let you know they will be there for me if I have questions or run into any problems. I couldn't have asked for a better Dr.!

I first saw Dr. Scott when I attended the informational meeting in January. I was very impressed with his knowledge as well as his obvious concern for the success of his patients. I have met with him once at his office in Columbia and am even more impressed. Even though he was quite busy that day, he was more than happy to discuss any concerns and questions I had. He wanted to be sure I had a thorough knowledge of what I was looking at. When I had to go to a cardiologist to be cleared for the surgery because of something Dr. Scott read in the report from my stress test, my cardiologist was very impressed that Dr. Scott caught one small phrase, that could have meant big problems, and sent me for clearance. Said it shows I'm in good hands. And I'm sure that I am as well!

I liked Dr. De La Torre. I think he is very good at what he does. I did not feel he was very personalbe but we can't be good at everything and if he is going to be good at something, I would prefer it to be the surg. aspect and not the "telling my family what all went wrong" kind of way.

I met Dr. Roger De La Torre on 5/5/05. He is very good at what he does. He leaves nothing out.He actually tries to talk you out of it.He is good at what he does and he knows it.Nancy shes AWESOME. Anytime I had a question or concern I would email her or call her she always got back quickly. If you want to be totally confident in your decision then I suggest you get the best Doctor ever..That would be DE LA TORRE....
I give him five stars *****...He leaves nothing on the table..No doubts, no worries..Alot of people say he doesnt have a very good bedside matter..He was awesome... He laugh, joke and a great time..
IF YOU WANT THE BEST...YOU WILL GET THE BEST. Polly T Lap RNY 5/11/05

My very first impression of Dr. De la Torre was that he looked like a perfect blend of Ben Afleck and "The Fonz".
Then I noticed that he seemed to know his stuff. He answered our questions during the orientation very well, and the consult went equally fine.
I thought he was too strict when I researched what other RNY doctors were letting their patients eat, but then I found some that were stricter, so I'm happy with his rules. Besides, at my 1 week check-up, he took a week off of my liquids only! Had I not been happily married and oozing from where he had quickly (and almost painlessly) yanked my tube out, I would have kissed him!

The first time that I saw Dr. Scott was at my clinic appointment. This is where several people go in to talk with several different professionals regarding the surgery (psychiatrist, nutricionist, exercise specialist etc). The doctor then came in and spoke of the risks involved. He was very thorough and made sure that all the risks are understood.

Then I met him with my personal appointment with him. He talked with me again about the risks, and stayed to answer any questions that I have.

The staff is amazing, although the Columbia office is being set up at this time, so it will get even better I'm guessing.

The aftercare program for Dr. Scott is very structured. There is a step by step process to follow after the surgery. It is all outlined in a packet of information.

Dr. Scott works hand in hand with Dr. De La Torre, and I feel very confident that they will do an amazing job with me and any other patient that comes through.

He is nice, kind and thorough. He is in the middle of moving an office to Columbia, MO so there is no complete staff as yet. However, the surgical coordinator and others who assist in getting patients ready, are wonderful, namely Natalie.

There is a very structured aftercare program with a great deal of printed material to refer to, as well as, a detailed office visit program.

He is very honest about what to expect from the surgery and how dangerous it might be. I felt confident all would go well. It did!

He works with Dr. Roger De la Torre, so you know you are in doubly good hands.

I'd say both competance and beside manner are just right!

I really have nothing negative to say, all went well and I am feeling GREAT!