Morton Plant Mease Hospital/Dr. Gonzalvo

Hi. I've just made the decision to move forward with a gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y). I'm in the process of reseaching surgeons in my insurance network. Has anyone had any experience with surgeons at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, FL? One doctor's name is Dr. Gonzalvo.

I live in Orlando, but my insurance doesn't cover surgeons at Orlando Regional or Florida Hospital. 

Any input is appreciated.

Also, what can I do while I'm biding time doing my required six-month diet? (Yes, I'm that far away from surgery).

Thanks!

What Insurance do you have?
If it's through a Medicare Pan, you'll need to use a Surgeon who has the "Center of Excellence Award".

I have Blue Cross Blue Shield. They normally don't cover bariatric surgery, but my employer elected to have it covered as part of our benefits (yay!).

I had Dr Gordon in Clearwater who is affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital.  My insurance required a hospital of excellence, but accepted Morton Plant.  Dr Gordon and his staff are great.  Dr Gonzalvo is also with him.  My stay at Morton Plant was great and everyone was wonderful.  Good luck in your adventure.

God Bless

That's good to hear. Since I posted my message, I went to an info session at Florida Hospital @ Celebration and have decided to have my surgery there. They're a Center of Excellence and they're also who my primary physician will refer me to!

That's good to hear. I'm glad it went so well for you. Since I last posted a message, I attended an info session at Florida Hospital Celebration and have decided to have my surgery there. It's a Center of Excellence and it's also the only place my primary physician will refer me to! This journey seems long, but I'm hoping the next six-eight months (diet and approval process) will fly by).

I used Dr. Gordon and I think the Dr you mentioned is in his office.  I had my surgery at Morton Plant.  No complaints. Dr. Gordon in in Largo and also goes to Dunedin Hospital, His phone number is 727-586-3751.   Good Luck

Susan G.

Dr. Gonzalvo was my surgeon at Morton Plant in Clearwater in August of 2007.  I think the world of Dr. Gonzalvo. He is a very caring and pro active doctor who is very up to date on all the latest in the field of weight loss surgery. I have had the most positive experiences with he AND his staff over the course of the last year and a half and highly recommend him. Morton Plant Hospital was ok. They were very under staffed and not able to meet some of my needs. Nothing life threatening but very uncomfortable and embarrasing.  I had a few situations where I needed assistance and there was no one available. That, I'm afraid is the way of the world now and will not be any different at any other hospital. Just make sure you have friends or family there to help you.

Marianne C.
Obesity Help Support Group Leader for Pasco and Hernando County