John Paul Gonzalvo Bariatric Surgeon D.O.

Dr. Gonzalvo and his medical team all met with me and together we decided what the best surgery for me was. My sleeve surgery was performed on Monday, 11/25/2013. The staff at Tampa General Hospital were very attentive and made me feel that my surgery was the most important surgery of the day.

Amazing. I came in fully knowlegable and ready to go with my insurance. It was a long process but worth the wait. He changed my life. I was 279 lost 125 lbs. 100 First year. I am now a competitive rower who went to worlds in 2010. I have gained weight currently 163. Weight train 2x wk plus 2x cardio. Row 3x wk at least 6k. But extremely strong and fit. Better for me at this weight. I will be 56 in Jan. Look 20 years younger than most. So get moving!!

Where do I start about Dr. Gonzalvo hmmmm let me see; all I can say is he TRULY SAVED MY LIFE, I was over 400 pounds and struggling to hold on. But this man, THIS MAN he saved me I am so happy with my results so far, my weight is coming off, im healthier, off my diabetes and blood pressure meds. Life is GOOD, thank you Dr. Gonzalvo for taking on this nobody and making me a Somebody!

What was your first impression of him?: I was a little nervous at first but after a couple of visits everything was a-ok!

How would you describe his office staff?: Wonderful very caring and helpful (LOVE me some Jan)

What should future patient(s) know about him?L He's a great doctor; he doesn't sugar coat things, he answers all of your questions thoroughly!

How did he address the risks of surgery?: He made them very clear

How would you rate him overall?: On a scale of 1 to 10...A 10 definately!

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great?: Both great!

I had a revision several years ago and the connection between my bowel and my stomach has stretched, allowing food to bypass my stomach. The doctor was nice however, he was unable to give me any options outside of taking diet pills. He couldn't even give a prescription for those as he does not prescribe them. Basically a year and a half, multiple medical tests and expense later for nothing.
He stated he had very poor results with revision options. I would not waste my money or time going to him for a revision. He may be a great doctor for initial surgery.

I was very happy with my choice of surgeon! Dr. John Paul Gonzalvo, although a very quiet, reserved guy, is a very experienced in the field of bariatrics. He tells you like it is... He explains all the risks of surgery beforehand and tells you of the life you will live afterwards, so that the patient knows exactly what they are getting into. He answers all questions thoroughly. He cares about his patient's well-being. He doesn't rush you, like alot of doctors do. I would recommend him in a heartbeat!

Dr Gonzalvo is one of the nicest doctors you will find. Him or those in his office unless every issue and question has addressed.

My surgeon was very nice, direct and informative. Over time I was more impressed with his knowledge and sensitivity for his patients and the problems that go along with obesity. The office staff was amazing, they brought me step by step thru the whole process so I could get approved by my insurance. I would recommend him hands down over the other people that are in his group. When I went into the surgery, there were no surprises, he let me know everything to expect. Any questions I had he answered fully.
I don't think I could have found anyone better then Dr. Gonzalvo. I say that because I went to 2 others and kept moving on until I found someone that I felt was there for me, for the long haul. He is and will be. Thank you Dr Gonzalvo, your awesome!!!

Love my surgeon! Quiet in demeanor but very pleasant! What I like best about him is that he is very thorough! Your visit is not over until all of your questions are answered!!! All risks concerned were addressed. Aftercare stressed and plan given to you in a forward manner. Bedside manner is impeccable! Michelle

What was your first impression of him/her? Nice and friendly. Open about what he expects.rnHow did your impression change over time? It hasn't change. I still find him nice and friendly and easy to talk to.rnHow would you describe his/her office staff? Fun and friendly and helpfulrnWhat did you like least about him/her? rnWhat should future patients know about him/her? rnHow much does he/she emphasize aftercare? Explains what is expected of you for aftercare and post-oprnDoes he/she have a structured aftercare program? For someone who probably needs a little more structure than most, I think the aftercare could be a little more structured. rnHow did he/she address the risks of surgery? When discussing the surgery in general, we discussed the good the bad and the ugly of GBSrnHow would you rate him/her overall? I have enjoyed being his patientrnWhich is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great? Both were great during my pre-surgery and time in the hosptial.rn

Dr. John Paul Gonzalvo is the second surgeon I met with. I chose another doctor who quit just as we were submitting to insurance. I think it was a blessing in disguise because when I met with Dr. Gonzalvo I came out with a much better feeling. I was also very impressed with their entire program and the staff. Dr. Gonzalvo even showed up at one of the support group meetings I attended. The previous surgeon never did that. At this point I am still pre op. I have 14 days to go before my surgery. I have been very impressed and pleased with the attentiveness by everyone in their office. I will update more as I continue on in my journey. At that time I can tell you more about my impression right after surgery and then the aftercare I receive post op. rnrnAugust 29th... 2 Weeks Post Op.....rnSince my surgery is in the past now I can better give report as to my impression of Dr. Gonzalo and his staff. I came through the surgery with flying colors. I had very little pain from the time I left the hospital and was able to walk a mile twice a day starting the very next day. I met with Dr. Gonzalvo a day short of my 2 week post op date and he removed my staples. As always he took as much time with me as I needed and did not make me feel rushed. I was very impressed also at the time Dr. G. took looking at each bottle of vitamins that I was taking and advising me on each one. rnI was so happy with my outcome that I wanted to praise him and thank him but he is such a humble, quiet man that he would have none of it. The staff in his office were all so pleasant and excited for me as well. I have not yet met a person on his staff that I don't thoroughly like. It is obvious they are all very dedicated to and love their jobs.rnDr. G. informed me that their surgical team is taking over full control of the WLS program at Morton Plant in Clearwater. They will personally be running the support groups and overseeing the nutrition and after care program as well. Previously Morton Plant had their own staff that worked with the surgeons and patients. I was thrilled to learn that they are doing this and think it is a great step for the patients. rnI HIGHLY recommend Dr. John-Paul Gonzalvo to do your WLS if you are in search of a surgeon. Just read my blog and you will see how well I did after surgery. That in itself is quite a testimonial.