Heart of America Bariatrics Bariatric Center

I thought Dr. Wagner seemed shy and quiet. I loved his office manager, Sarah. She really will work hard for her patients at getting approval. She never gives up!

Young doctor, very professional. The whole NewStart program is geared to Bariatric surgery and all of the staff seem well informed and made you feel informed going into the surgery.

I really enjoyed talking to him and picking his brain regarding the future of WLS. I believe that he really weighs (pun not intended) all options to see what the best "fit" is when choosing WLS for each patient. He took his time, answered my questions and we discussed all options. I DO believe that noone should enter into having WLS of any type before they come to grips with their particular problem of how they got to their present weight. Any type of surgery is a tool and having WLS shouldn't be taken lightly. Dr. Wagner and I are definitely on the same page here.

I would definitely recommend him to others.

He looks very young,he is soft spoken and very interested in your situation.
Only got better. I have a great respect for him.
Extremely friendly and knowledgable.
Nothing.
He is an excellent Doctor. He is very quick to see you if you need him and so is his staff.
Very strongly. He is very strict about the aftercare and what he expects you to do.
He is affiliated with the New Start Program in St.Louis and works through their structure for aftercare, which is very good.
I have to respect him for the way he approached the risks. He was straight forward and discussed them with me honestly.
Excellent! Probably one of the best Doctors I've ever had.
He has both! They are both important and he fills the bill.

This man is the best surgeon in my 53 years of life that I have ever met.

Dr. Van L. Wagner is a doctor that truly cares about his patients.

He is a little quite, bt I take that as,he truly is listening to you, his patient. He is always there when you need him. I have never met a nicer doctor in the Medical field.

Surgeons have a reputation of not having very good bedside manner, not this man. He would check on me twice a day and listened to me and when I needed him he was there to take care of my concerns. I truly believe I have met a Doctor that really cares about his patients and his work. He seems to truly enjoy what he does.

I couldn't ask for more in a surgeon. I rate this Surgeon and his Office Assistant Sara AAAAAAAAAA++++++++++ Both of these wonderful people are a true assets to the Bariactic Community.

I have nothing negative to say and in response to the question that no person can be 100% you are wrong about this Surgeon, Dr Van Wagner is a 100% and I thank God that he was my doctor since my life was in his hands.

He looks young

Knows what he is talking about

Sara is wonderful and got my insurance approved fast!

My first impression of Dr. Wagner was during a seminar he led in Jefferson City, Mo.

We was very prepared and open to questions from the floor. He also provided insight into all the different types of surgery.

My first impression was right on target. He is a caring man with a great bedside manner, and is open to any and all questions or concerns you have.

His office staff is Sarah. She is absolutely wonderful. She is a caring individual, who never has a frown on her face, or seems upset about anything.

I can't think of anything I don't like about Dr. Wagner. Future patients should know to be honest with Dr. Wagner and share all questions or details with him, he will be a great support for you and your recovery if you do that.

Aftercare is very important, he follows up after surgery while you are in the hospital, and at one week, two weeks, and monthly.

He absolutely discusses the risk of surgery. However, I will again emphasize that you need to be honest and upfront with him about everything that concerns you prior to and after your surgery.

On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, I would rate Dr. Wagner a 10++. He is wonderful.

The question of surgical competence or bedside manner is a difficult one to answer. My feelings are that they go hand in hand and if the Dr. has a good bedside manner it is because he is competent and cares for each individual patient. That is what Dr. Wagner does.

Dr.Wagner and Sara are awesome !!!!!!!! They are both very helpful and understanding and are always there to answer any questions.

Dr. Van Wagner was a great guy. he explained everything to me and my fiance' and did not rush into anything. Sarah is Dr. Wagner's assistant and angel to deal with she was a really big help.

Dr. Wagner seemed polite and appeared boyish, youngish at first. During my first consult he was very pleasant, supportive and helpful. Sarah, his office assistant, was extremely helpful and followed up wonderfully. She helped the whole process move smoothly.

At the 2nd consult, Dr. Wagner talked with me but he seemed a little distracted. I had to meet with him twice b/c I went from a lapband which was denied by BCBS to GBS which was approved. I was really scared about the drastic change, but he did help to alleviate some of my concerns. Mostly he gave me a book to read on the procedure and said that the final decision was up to me, but he thought that the gastric bypass would help me loose the weight.

On the day of surgery, he came by to see my 2 or 3 times. He answered my and my husband's questions. Each day after surgery he came by to see how I felt. This was very important to me. This experience helped solidify my high opinion of him b/c his visits and talks made me feel like he really cared. It made me feel well cared for.

Overall, I would rate him very highly. He is professional and seems compassionate. He and Sara will help you through whichever surgery you choose.