Miami Hope Center Bariatric Center
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Dr. Rabaza is phenomenal! Very informative. He seems very serious, hardly smiles but I care more about the care he provides. He is very patient and will answer any questions you have. Procedure was in and out. No complications. His staff is very professional and helpful as well.
When it comes to office visits i wasn't a big fan. He only sees WLS patients on fridays and i often had to wait up to an hour after my appt time to be seen. But the staff was friendly. After surgery they kind of got on my nerves because no matter how well i did at losing weight they only ever pointed out how much i had to go and told me to cut out all carbs and blah blah blah. i really didn't wanna hear it. i wanted more support and encouragement and not lectures. which is why i stopped going.
However, if you want a HIGHLY skilled surgeon (because lets face it, thats why you're here, i highly recommend dr. whittwell. he is an excellent surgeon. i had no drains, no complications, everything went great.
My initial impression of Dr. Whittwell and his staff was favorable and that has only grown over the months. I walked into my initial consultation with many questions and he was never impatient with me, but instead took the time to answer to my satisfaction. I wanted a doctor with experience who has done bariatric surgery for a number of years and Dr. Whittwell met that requirement. We discussed the different surgeries. I explained why I felt I wanted to have the sleeve gastrectomy and together we agreed that it would be an appropriate choice. I do not feel that he is in favor of doing Lap Bands but would prefer patients make a different choice, however, if a patient is insistent, I think he will do the Lap Band.
He and the other members of the surgical team are certified as bariatric team of excellence. I had my surgery at South Miami Hospital which is also a bariatric center of surgical excellence.
His office staff is excellent. His daughter Claudia always responded to questions. Patricia, the physician's assistant is terrific.
He has an extensive aftercare program and the progression for the patient from clear liquids to solid foods takes longer than some other surgeons. While it's tempting when other patients discuss getting to soft foods by week three, I chose Dr. Whittwell for his reputation so I feel if he wants me to spend a longer amount of time on each stage, then I'm going to follow his instructions.
The only negative I have, and it is really more of a less-positive than a full negative, is that post-surgery I thought I'd see him more often in the hospital but I think I only saw him once. However, when I didn't see him, I saw Patricia, his physician's assistant, and her examination of my incisions, etc. was thorough.
Overall, if someone I knew wanted to know whether I would recommend Dr. Whittwell, the answer is absolutely yes!
He was my first choice when I began to look into surgery and I am so happy I was able to be his patient! He has the hands of an angel. When I first met him I felt completely comfortable and everything about him was very assuring. He's a very busy man, but has an amazing team that is always there to assist you when he is not. He made sure that I completely understood what exactly I was getting myself into. I can honestly say that he is the best all around and I wouldnt recomend any other surgeon to any body. He is genuine and caring.
WHAT CAN I SAY?? SUPERB STAFF, SUPERB PROGRAM....GREAT SUPPORT SYSTEM. THEY WILL ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS, RETURN CALLS,EMAILS.... VERY PROFESSIONAL...HE EXPLAINED EVERY POSSIBILITY(VSG,LAP,RNY) PRO/CONS OF EACH. HE ASKED ABOUT MY LIFESTYLE AND HOW EACH WOULD FIT INTO MY FUTURE LIFE... HE WORKS OUT OF SOUTH MIAMI HOSPITAL(CENTER OF BARIATRIC EXCELLENCE).
I WOULD ENCOUROAGE ANYONE IN THE MIAMI AREA TO MEET HIM AND IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE THE STATE, YOU ARE ALSO IN FOR A TREAT!
My first impression of Dr.Whittwell was good and over time the impression just improved with how well he guided me thru this process. The office is well run by Dr. Whittwells daughter and wife very proffesionally run.Yes he emphasizes after care very strictly. Yes he did address the risks of surgery. I would rate him overall as excellent.I have refered several people to him already. I would rate both great he surgical competence, and bedside manner.
Dr. Gonzalez impressed me from the moment I had my first info session with him. He is high energy and sharp. I wanted a no "BS" doctor and he was it. Upfront and honest. He was quick to deal with my post op medical issues and made sure at all times I was taken care of.
Dr. Gonzalez was my first choice 6 years ago, but unfortunately I was unable to get an appointment with him soon enough and I regreat having selected another bariatric surgeon in another city (whom I will not name). My original gastric bypass pouch was too large and I was able to consume a lot since the first time I was able to eat solids foods. I lost aproximately 70 pounds and I regained most of them, I never got close to my goal. I heard that my insurance was approving revisions and this time I was able to get an apponintment with Dr.Gonzalez. The first impression I got of him is that he is very knowledgeable, to the point and very experienced. I have met him 9 months ago, and I am 5 days post-op and my impression of him has not changed. His office staff was very helpful and always returned my calls and addressed my concerns. Dr.Gonzlez is affiliated with South Miami Hospital where there is an established after care program, all the professionals there are experienced, and compassionate; they emphasize on us patients asking questions and caling them when in doubt about anything.rnAll the risks of this surgery were clearly addressed by Dr. Gonzalez during the first presentation. On a scale of 1 to 10, so far I give him a 10. Dr. Gonzalez's bothe surgical competence and bedside manner are great.