Has anyone here had their surgery in St. Louis?? If so can you give me your input on Dr. Richard Follwell or any other gastric surgeon here? Everything I've read about him is good but I can't find any info on how many sleeves he has performed. Please reply if any of you live in Missouri and know anything. Thanks!!

Hi Lisa! I'm not from St.Louis but I am from Jefferson City. I am scheduled for April 11.

Great, congratulations! I actually live near Cape Girardeau. Is your surgeon Dr. Follwell? If not, who are you using. I would love to follow your story. I don't have a date yet. I'm self pay so don't think it will be as long as it would be if insurance was paying. My insurance pays nothing.. LOL

My surgeon is Dr. Ramaswamy at University Hospital in Columbia. I would love to stay in touch!!

Kathy

Good. I will add you as a friend if that is ok? I sure wish you the best. I keep going back and forth about having the surgery because I'm so scared. I know I have to though. Last option. Good luck and God bless! I will look for you posting after surgery. Remember everything ok...LOL I need to know.

Lisa

Lisa --thank you! I will keep you informed.

Kathy

I live in St Louis n I'm scared about doing the surgery. I just finished my paperwork for depaul hospital weightloss center. So now I'm playing the waiting game to c if I'm approved. Good luck on your journey!!

I don't know anything about him, sorry. I live in Springfield and I have Dr. Edwards at Mercy doing the surgery on Wednesday the 28th! Good Luck to you!

Hi! I live in St. Louis, and had my surgery in August 2011 with Dr. Varela at Barnes. LOVE HIM!!! I have had such a wonderful experience, and would recommend him to anyone. Good luck!

Thanks everyone!! Appreciate the feedback. I'm surprised that no one has heard of him! Maybe i will research other avenues.

Hi! I live in St. Louis, and had my surgery in August 2011 with Dr. Varela at Barnes. LOVE HIM!!! I have had such a wonderful experience, and would recommend him to anyone. Good luck!

You look great! Is there a Bariatric Center at Barns? I'm wondering if the cost is higher. I'm a self pay because my insurance will not pay for it. I'm so ready to do this. Thanks for the info Kristina!!

I live in St Louis n I'm scared about doing the surgery. I just finished my paperwork for depaul hospital weightloss center. So now I'm playing the waiting game to c if I'm approved. Good luck on your journey!!

Good luck to you too NeNe! I'm scared also. I still have all the paperwork to do, just not sure who I'm going to have do the surgery.

I too am from MO, having surgery in May.

I too am from MO, having surgery in May.

That's great! Congratulations. Where are you having surgery? I'm trying to find out some info on Dr. Richard Follwell from "My New Self Bariatrics" in St. Louis. I'm really scared and not sure I've chosen the right physician. Eventhough, he has 12 reviews on his site that are all very good. I always second guess myself....

I have chosen Dr. Van Wagner, I know several ppl who have used him for this precedure. My insurance requires I have the operation done at a bariartic center of excellence. He is really great. I have alot of confidence in him but that doesn't mean I too am not fearful of what could happen! The closer it gets I get more worried no matter how prepared I think I have my self!

I have chosen Dr. Van Wagner, I know several ppl who have used him for this precedure. My insurance requires I have the operation done at a bariartic center of excellence. He is really great. I have alot of confidence in him but that doesn't mean I too am not fearful of what could happen! The closer it gets I get more worried no matter how prepared I think I have my self!

I am familiar with Dr. Wagner. I actually started this journey back in 2008 and he was the one I had my appointment with at that time but thyroid issues prevented me from having the surgery. I know that Dr. Follwell and Dr. Wagner practice at St. Alexis Hospital. Dr. Follwell performs surgery at Des Peres Hospital as well. That is where I will be having my surgery if all goes as planned. My insurance will not pay. I'm so bummed about that! I can't understand why some insurances will pay and others will not. My husbands employer pays a hugh premium for us every month. Well, Good luck again. I wish you the best!! Let us know how it goes. I would love to follow your story.