DePaul Health Center Bariatric Center
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I did not get to see Dr. Scott, so have no idea whether he is likable or not. I met with Dr. Della Torre, who performs the surgery with Dr. Scott.
My first impression was this office overbooks patients. My appointment was at 1:30 and I didn't see Dr. Della Torre until 3:30. Since I still had a 4 hour drive home at that point, the unnecesasry 2 hour delay was not warmly welcomed.
Dr. Della Torre began the session by asking my permission to tape record his comments to me concerning surgical risks. I asked him if he was sending the tape home with me for review. No. I asked if he was doing this for litigation purposes, and he replied yes. Apparently he is being sued by a bypass patient. He said he had just instituted the tape recordings 2 weeks ago, so he is apparently being sued by a Recent patient. eeewww.
I was extremely uncomfortable listening to him talk to himself on the tape recorder. When I asked if I might interject a question now and then he said yes, but every time I did he quickly replied "I'm going to run out of tape". Clearly this communicates to me he was more interested on this particular day in covering his legal *** than interacting with his new surgical candidate-me.
He stated he has performed 500 of these surgeries in 5 years. I found this encouraging.
He explained the 2 occasions that would turn a laparoscopic procedure to an open procedure: multiple adhesions which prevent his ability to proceed safely, or a liver so enlarged he can't get to the areas he needs to reach laporoscopically. This dispelled the inaccurate information being offered by the KC weight loss support group, who told me anyone who was over 300 pounds (I'm not) couldn't have a lap. procedure because the laparoscope was too small to reach through massive layers of fat.
He also dispelled a rumor I'd heard but not believed from others at the KC weight loss support group: it is NOT physically impossible to regain any and all weight lost due to this surgical intervention. In fact, he'd done a "re-do" for a lady who had gained every bit of her weight back that very morning. sigh.
I haven't met Dr. Scott or his partner Dr. Delatorre yet....they don't see patients until they are approved by their insurance. I think that is a smart idea due to the high volume of applicants. Janet is super sweet though busy, busy, busy!!! I called my insurance company to check status on the claim about a week after she said she had sent it and was told that they never received it. I called and left a message with Janet letting her know they hadn't received anything. Two days later Janet called and told me I was approved!!! I wanted to put my arms right through the phone and hug her!! My first visit with Dr. Delatorre will be on 4/12/01 for pre-op testing and my surgery will be on 4/30/01. I'll let you know more when I meet him :)...although I have only heard good things about him and I've read his medical credentials and they are excellent. Since he teaches this procedure to other doctors I feel his competency is would also be rated as excellent.
2-8-01 I went to do all the tests neede to get done before surgery. I met with Dr De La Torey...who Dr Scott and him do the surgery together. Dr D. Was AWESOME!!! He said his main job that day was to talk me out of the sugery. I know that sounds crazy; but he wanted to make sure I understood everything good and bad. I am still having it! He spent at least an hour with me answering any questions. He is a very pleasent Dr. and sincere. The Staff...Janet is the Program Director who I love...always in a hurry, first impression was great! My surgery date is 2-13-01 ..Happy Valentines day to me!!
I've actually just met w/Dr. DeLaTorre...haven't met Dr. Scott yet. Dr. D. was great...explained the procedure (RnY Lap) and prepared me for the worst, which in my case would be to have to convert to an open! (I'm a BIG baby about staples and stitches! Lap incisions I can handle.) My surgery was rescheduled once, which was kind of frustrating when you're traveling a long distance and have to take vacation time, but hopefully it was for the best!
I really enjoyed talking to the therapist that the Dr's office refered me to, and had a nice long visit with him...and yes, there were some tears involved. Janet, the office manager is very efficient, but I think they're overworking her with all the volume of new patients. She always sounds so rushed when you're on the phone with her. She's nice, though.
All in all, I'm looking forward to getting to the "other side!"
I met with Dr. de la Torre on 1/18/01 for my first visit. He is Dr. Scott's partner. He was very nice, & very informative, & gave me all the risk of surgery first, before discussing the benefits, etc. He did not appear rushed, & I didn't have to wait very long to see him. I was disapointed that they had to move my surgery date from 1/23/01 to 1/30/01, a week later than planned, & only informed me of this at this appointment, & all the arrangements had been made for my husband, sister, & myself to be off of work for the surgery on 1/23/01. The office staff was nice. I met with Janet to finish up the paperwork, discuss Insurance matters, copays etc, & also get pre-op orders. I had my pre-op tests done the same day, & the hospital staff at Crossroads Hospital was very nice, friendly, & helpful. I also met with a nutritionist, a head nurse, & pt to give me the info I need to know for after surgery care & diet.
10/31/00-Dr.'s office called and told me the doctor will be out of town and they have to postpone until after the 1st of the year. Emailed Dr. and explained that my insurance ends on 1/1/01.
11/8/00-Dr.'s office called with new surgery date. It's 12/21/00. Have lots of time to get ready for holidays before the surgery.
12/06/00-Met Dr. Scott today. Liked him from
the start. He seems very upfront and honest.
12/21/00-Surgery date. Out of surgery in 1 hr. and 10 minutes. Dr. Scott said my surgery went extremely well. He is so nice I
cannot recommend him enough.
Dr. Scott is a wonderful doctor and I would recommend him to anyone. His staff is wonderful and the program director Janet is excellent! They were all very helpful with my surgery in what to do and what not to do.
Dr. Scott is the absolute best!
I contacted Dr. Scotts office towards mid september 2000. I filled out the paperwork all the time telling them how big I am. They got the insurance approval and they scheduled the dates in early november. They scheduled my first visit for 12/15/00 and surgury for 1/30/01. I made my arrangements with my employer and have been trying to patiently pass the days (which seem like years).
I wound up having appendectemy done by this doctor and his associate about a week after I got the approval. That went off without a hitch and I have no problems with his skills, or bedside manor.
I received a call today from Janet (his coordinator) being advised that He refused to operate, because I was too big. He will only treat people up to 400 lbs, there was nothing they could/would do and refered me to a Dr. Egan in St. Louis (even though not more than a month ago he did operate on me.
To say I am furious, would be an understatement. Had I been advised of this to start I could have been wasting my time with another doctor. Due to this oversight of information, I have to find another surgeon, Wait another 3 months before I even get to see them, and then get scheduled for sugery. All the while, the insurance has approved the proceedure and I might have to start over after feb 1 because my boss is changing insurance companies.
My employer is ticked because I had all dates scheduled and I now have to change them. Even more so, I am angry, that after trying to be as patient as I can, I have to start all over and drag out what has already been long to the point of torment, when A simple one line placed in his info packet/ or on his wall saying we treat the fat, but not the fat- fat would have saved some frustration.
If you are under 400lbs, He would seem to be an decent doctor.
Dr. Scott and his staff are great! He recently performed a Lap RNY that was broadcast live to a Surgeon Convention in Chicago, and received a standing ovation. He is a skilled and detailed surgeon, with a good bedside manner. I also appreciate the he and his staff have taken the time to have a comprehensive aftercare program in place. It has definately helped!
