The Surgical Weight Loss Center Bariatric Center
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My first impression of him is that he is very serious about this work and he wants his patients to take it seriously as well. I have only met with him once, so my impression hasn't changed. I would have liked him to be a little more "warm and fuzzy", but other patients think he's a great doc, and that's the most important. He has a monthly support group that he attends, has an email discussion list, and states he expects lifetime follow-up from his patients. He definitely addressed the risks of the surgery, maybe too much! Again, I think that's the part of him that wants to be sure his patients are taking this seriously. My first impression was good and hopefully will continue to be so as this progresses.
4/29/02: I had my surgery on 4/9/02 w/ Dr. Gonzales. He has a better sense of humor than my first impression led me to believe. He is mostly warm in dealing with patients. He doesn't seem to offer a lot of information as things go along, but answers questions well. He continues to really emphasize the need for aftercare (support group and follow up appointments). He also goes over how the surgery is a tool and its success is up to me and my behavior. I'm healing very well -- better than expected based on what other people tell me, I've never had any kind of surgery before.
I would strongly encourage any future patients to come prepared with questions, be clear on the potential complications of this surgery, and be committed to following up w/ his office.
I like Dr. Gonzales and would recommend him to others.
Dr. Gonzales was charasmatic. He was very informative and was not hurried. I first met him at a support group meeting. He took the time to answer a wide range of questions. When I met him in the office, I was welcomed by friendly staffmembers. The office was attractive and had chairs that were comfortable for obese people. The wait time was a wee bit lenghty; but it gave me the opportunity to chat with other patients. He came into the room asking what my goals were for surgery. He was a great listener and explain the surgery that he thought was appropriate for me thoroughly. When I told him that I had questions, he allowed me to read through my page and a half of questions giving thought to each. When he did not know an answer he made sure his staff was called to the room to answer it. He did dicuss the risk as well as the benefits I should gain from surgery.
Immediate response to my email. I was impressed with that. I honestly didn't think I would hear back. The few times I have called the office, the staff has been very helpful and patient. I will be meeting Dr. G on May 9 for consult.
April 18, 2002,
Today I met with Dr. Gonzales. I had my appointment moved up from May 9, to April 18. Everything went very well. Dr. G. is very kind, confident and knowledgeable. He said he would do the duodenal switch on me, (insurance providing). I was thrilled. I had everything already faxed to his office (blood work, psych evaluation, nutrition evaluation, and I thought a letter of support from my pcp), that was the first thing I had done prior to meeting with Dr. G., I was told by my PCP office that it was sent. Well, today when I was at appointment, it was discovered it was never sent. So...., now I have to get that faxed over. Anyway, Connie (the office manager) was very helpful and patient with me.
After waiting for over a year, I finally called Dr. G's office after the first of the year. They were wonderful on the phone. I was disappointed that it took so long to get an appointment but that's what happens when you wait!
I went to my appointment last week (4/4/02)and thought he was great. He and the office staff were kind and warm and helpful. I have a checklist of things that I am pulling together, got my blood drawn today etc. and am in the limbo stage prior to insurance approval.
There was nothing I didn't like about him or the staff. The packet they had was very organized and covered a lot of info. We discussed the risks but Dr. G. was able to put my husband at ease. I am glad for my choice of Dr. G. but love my regular doctor who recommended him so I had no doubts.
ANYONE READING THIS PRAY FOR ME! {\0/}
04/16/01 - It was very nice meeting Dr. Gonzales. He was very informative without a lot of medical terms. I was very nervous at first but the more he talked, the more relaxed I became. He seems to be very easy going with a 'no question is a stupid question' kind of attitude. I'm looking forward to our next meeting.
Dr. Gonzales is very caring. I feel very secure in his ability. His staff is very helpful and took time to answer all my questions every time I called.He explained the procedures and risks and he listened to me. He is very upfront about the risks and insists that those who will be helping with aftercare be told of the complications that could possibly happen. He is a Christian and that was one of the reasons that I chose him. He is very genuine in his concern for the well being of his patients.
My experiance with Dr. Gonzales was very positive. The most efficient way to rate him in my mind would be to say that I could not think of anything I did not like about him from start to finish. He is a very warm and caring person whose professionalism is very obvious. He left nothing to chance, and I was impressed by how organized everything was from the time of my surgery through post op. He makes you feel as though he is your advocate as well as your doctor. I have read some real horror stories from people who have had WLS done by other surgeons. In my case, I was home after 4 days in the hospital, and back to work in two weeks post op, and I have never had any pain at all. That can not be just dumb luck, when I read about others who have had to have two and three additional surgies after their first WLS to stop leaks or have had complications.
I have only met Dr Gonzales once but he was so nice and it was as if he had no other patient but me. My husband felt a lot better
after talk to him and Connie. At this point I would feel very comfortable with him doing the operation. I was really amazed howe VERY up front he and the whole staff was. Also I was not supposed to be able to see Dr. G until April 10th, but had a cancellation and got to see him Jan. 13TH.
Had consult 12/19/01. Went very well. Already felt like I knew Dr. G. from support group. Wish I had written more questions down to ask- but will for next appt. Discussed BPD/DS. Am still getting some info for my file. I put more emphasis on surgical competence, so I feel lucky that Dr. G. also has a great manner.
