SnowHollow

John C The support group at Des Peres Hospital is the 4th Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. HTH Annie

Hi Jamie I agree, the nutrionist I met with a DPH during the pre-testing was not very helpful. She was late, gave a hand out that was different than what Dr. M gives out, and she read the handout to us (she did 2 at one time - which is against HIPPA rules). The handout was very confusing, because the pages were printed out of order. Anyway, the support group started out rather slow. They had a DIFFERENT nutritionist leading the group this time. Not sure who normally leads the group and this lady was not sure whether she would lead the group in the future. This lady was ok, not real enthusiastic. The discussion started out slow, but, when a lady who had not had surgery started asking questions, there was a lot of good discussion. We will probably go again, but, may not attend each month.

Hi MD2b I am a self-pay patient of Dr Minkin. Isn't it amazing that companies and insurance companies don't cover this surgery? They just don't understand that this will reduce the medical expenses in the future. Anyway, I had my surgery in January, 2008. Hospital charges --> 11,000, Dr. fee -> 5,000, Anesthesia --> 1,000 (they don't tell you about that charge). As previously stated, the Dr fee for fills are covered for the first year, however, because he does it in the radiology dept, there is a radiology fee each time you have a fill (not sure how much that is yet). There is a support group the 4th Thursday of every month. I went to my first last Thursday. Good luck, if you have any other questions, please ask.

Orsemus Dr Minkin does his surgery at Des Peres Hospital (270 and Doughtery Ferry). I am now 5 days post surgery and feeling pretty well. Still on a liquid diet, hopefully that will change after I see Dr Minkin towards the end of the week.

Dr Darin Minkin banded me on 1/23/08 I have found him very easy to talk to, very thorough. I would definitely recommend him.