Armando Joya Bariatric Surgeon M.D.
I had an excellent experience. I was so nervous, but everything went off without a hitch. The whole team was extremely nice, compassionate, and attentive to my needs, questions, concerns etc. When I needed something extra for pain, they handled it. I felt very well cared for. As an RN, I can say the hospital in Mexico was cleaner than the one I currently work for. The docs were much nicer too. Aftercare was well described in a written format downloaded through email. I would recommend Dr Joya to anyone. I especially loved my anesthesiologist. My husband went with me, and they fed him in the hospital so he didn't have to travel alone in a strangle place and he slept in my room that night. The only possible negative thing (and I knew it going in, so I'm not comlaining) was that the nurses were not fluent in English. Also, narcotics are hard to get a hold of in Mexico if you do have excessive pain issues. But Dr Joya and Nathalie did come through after some brief frustration.
1.First Impression: quiet and reserved, but at the same time warm and friendly.rnrn2.How did your impression change over time?rn I continued to have high regard for him and his staff, Dr. Joya and Dr. Espinoza saw me everyday in the hospital and Dr.Espinoza saw me everyday,while I was at the hotel. rnrn3. How would you describe his office staff?rn I never visited his office as I went directly to the hospital from the airport and from there to the OR all within 2 hours of arriving. His patient facilitator is awesome, speaks perfect English, French and Spanish, and is very busy, but makes sure that you can be in contact with her at anytime 24/7. Gerald who arranges surgery dates and responds to all our preop questions is very personable. I spoke with him at length when I first contacted the Dr.Joya site. rn4. What did you like least about him?rn He is very busy and quiet. Not a man of a lot of words. I might have asked more questions, but then I was also post op when I saw him and not really \"bright\" enough to ask good questions. I will get to see him again in a couple of weeks for a 6 week check up.rn5. What should future patients know about him ?rn He is very well credentialed and trained, having trained in advanced laparoscopic procedures and advanced training in oncology in Miami, Fl. He is very conservative requiring a 2 week clear liquid diet, and gradual introduction of solid food after surgery. Very gradual. rn6. How much does he empahsize aftercare?rn With the VSG there is very little need for aftercare. He gives clear, precise post op instructions and is always available to answer questions via Gerald. I've asked several questions since coming back and he is always resonsive. I am seeing my PCP for aftercare and if he feels that I need more specific aftercare, he will probably refer me to our local bariatric MD, but I am not anticipating a need for that, since with the sleeve there are no problems with malabsorption, vomiting etc etc etc. rn7. Does he have a structured aftercare program ?rn He might for his R-NY patients, but I am not aware of one for those of us with the VSG. I think that because we come from such a long distance for the procedure it is not realistic to have an aftercare program with him.rn8. How did he address the risks of surgery? rn His web site is very explicit about the surgery, how it is done, in detail and prior to the surgery, his patient coordinator goes over each possible risk, prior to signing the surgical consent. I did not speak with him until moments before the surgery, but I already felt very comfortable with him as a surgeon. rn9.How would you rate him overall? rn On a scale of 1-10 10 being best, I would give him an 8-9. I'm a talker and he is very quiet and not a talker, so I missed getting to talk to him at more length. rn10. Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great?rn I'm an RN and have met many doctors that have a great bedside manner and can't operate worth beans. I much rather go to someone that is not as cozy with a bedside manner, but has a great reputation as a surgeon. When a doctor has both,that is very nice. rn Post note: I visited with Dr.Joya in the hospital when I was there as the companion of another gal that went there for her VSG. I was doing so well, that there was no reason for me to see him on pt doctor basis at that time. I am released from the care of my PCP and will only need to see him if there's a problem and so far it has been a very smooth post op course. rnrn
I had RNY by Dr. Joya on Dec 11, 2006.rnThe entire experience has been fantastic to date. I am currently at the Krystal Resort and return home tomorrow. Several other patients were here at the same time as me, and to my knowledge all were very pleased with Dr. Joya, Dr. Espinosa, Nathalie, San Javier Marina Hospital (facility and staff) and the Krystal Resort.rnrnIf you want a very experienced surgical team, great support, great facilities and staff, Dr. Joya and his team are very hard to beat.
Dr. Joya did a great job on my surgery and I would see him & his team again in a heartbeat. The hospital was clean and comfortable. The care was attentive and responsive. (Though I did have to advocate a little for myself when it came to pain control.) The people of PV are warm and nurturing by nature. I felt an instant connection to Dr. Joya and his assistant Natalie is very good. Dr. Espinoza came to see me each morning at the hotel. He was equally professional and caring. I would highly recommend my surgeon for those who are considering the VSG. (Please see my re-cap blog for more information.)
Dr. Joya was a very nice caring man very proffesional and a very capable surgeon. All his support staff were great. Dr Joya. held my hand as i went to sleep on the table. Incisions were very neat and tidy and scars are minimal. Some people still cant understand why I would go to Mexico and \"risk\" my life well I dont see it that way. I'm a nurse and have worked with many Dr's and dr. Joya is one of the very best by far, i wouldn't change my surgeon or where I had my surgery in fact when I lose what i need to I will go back for some lifts. I just wish he was closer.
I had a great experience having my RNY surgery done by Dr. Joya. All of the staff were very friendly and very accommodating to my family and I. I was very impressed by how friendly everyone was. It has been a really long time since I have been around a Dr that seemed to know what I was going through as an obese person and that treated me like I was a human being. Going to Dr. Joya was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. rnrn