Michael Lara Bariatric Surgeon M.D.
Dr. Lara is probably in his mid-30s, I am guessing, and has privileges at Del Sol Hospital, El Paso, TX, for surgery. I would say that he has a rather cool (not as in hip, LOL) personality, but he is nice. I do believe he is a good surgeon and that is what one wants. He checked on me per protocol while I was in the hospital and seemed sincerely interested in how I was doing and progressing. The only time I have seen him really \"light up\" about something was when I asked him during a pre-op visit how he got interested in WLS, especially lap-RNY. He seemed genuinely excited about the work he does and that is comforting in itself. If you have any serious allergies to drugs, you must make certain that you keep telling Dr. Lara about them. Please remember that I am only commenting and making suggestions based from my own experiences.
When I first met Dr. Lara he was very professional and very compassionate about helping those who are suffering with obesity. I met him at a seminar when he came to Albuquerque in April 2006. He was also accompained with his medical partner, Dr. Jorge Acosta. After the seminar, both doctors had confirmed my decision on wanting to schedule bariatric surgery by the end of the summer. The doctor's office at Del Sol Bariatric Center was warm and inviting. The staff were very friendly and helpful. They are all very professional yet personable. Future patients will be happy with their doctor appointment, I haven't heard of any complaints, every person that comes in always has a smile. One can ask tons of questions to all staff and doctors and you will be given an answer and more. They encourage you to ask questions, and they always ask if you have any concerns. The aftercare for me was long distance from Albuquerque to El Paso, but I could call anytime or email and get response as soon as possible. They come to ABQ every 4-6 weeks and I come to meet the doctors, nutritionist, and RN. They are like family to me. rnBefore the surgery, the doctor does address all last minute questions, and the risks of the surgery. I highly rate them a \"10!\" rnAll areas of contemplating bariatric surgery will be covered via questions, pictures, testimonies, and once you begin the initial consultation to the day of the surgery one will be happy and taken care of with care and professionalism. I am happy that I will have Dr. Lara as my doctor for life, and Del Sol Bariatric Center as my favorite place to go to address my health and weight issues.
Even though he is a young surgeon, he is excellent, very caring and meticulous, and presents himself well with professionalism. I look forward to my check ups especially because he is so encouraging. The staff at the Del Sol Bariatric Center are absolutely wonderful and even more encouraging. The nursing director of the program, Laurie, has been where we were/are and knows a lot of info to keep us directed and on track. After care and support attendance is always encouraged personally by Dr. Lara, and he and his partner often show up to support group meetings also. Risks were addressed well, professionally, and in layman terms. I would give Dr. Lara a 100% rating. He has great bedside manner,however he can be blunt if you do not follow dietary standards. He is extremely competent with patient safety in mind at all times. I have seen him scold his staff if things do not meet his expectations or things missing from the medical chart, or if things are not totally ready for a procedure. Most surgeons are like that any way. Dr. Lara goes through all of the lab results with a fine tooth comb, making sure I was in good shape.
My first impression was that he is extremely handsome and how was I going to let him see me so fat.
His office staff was wonderful, I highly reccomend Dr. Lara and his very competant staff.
I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Lara and his staff, I felt my care before and after was handled as if I was their only patient.
Their aftercare was awesome.......I also happened to be his model patient.
His surgical competence and bedside manner were both great.
It was not an easy surgery by no means but I felt that before and after I was treated as if I was the only patient and every little question was treated as if it was my first and it was handled with sensarity and caring each time.
1/5/06
Dr. Lara is so great! I wish everyone could meet him and his staff. Talk about being professional, knowledgeable, and caring. He did not sugar coat anything he and his staff made sure I knew everything about the surgery, risks, etc. Overall, a superb experience! THANKS ALL AT DEL SOL!
10/31/05 Met my surgeon in Albuquerque on the 29th. He seems great! I meet with him at his office in Novemeber and am ready to get the ball rolling again. I hope things work out this time.