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My first impresion of Dr. De La Cruz was his age. It was great to find someone who was young and fresh! I knew he was on top of hte latest research. He is bright, friendly, and personable. He had a wonderful sense of humor and definitely is competent in his field. He was very patient! He took time to answer all my questions. I really liked the way he actually looked at me and listened while I shared my trials for the past 6 months. I had already done my homework and knew most of what I needed to know. He was able to address my concerns and was so supportive. I know I'll be fine with him. I've had a hard time with another surgeon and group and his staff and his bedside manner was a breath of fresh air. He does have a very intensive after care program. He requires his patients to attend a support group on the first Tuesday of every month for the first year. What a relief to find someone who is competent and caring. Melanie and Amy were great in the office, too! I got the feeling that I was a person and not just another number.
*April 10, 2003 - I wanted to add something special about Dr.de la Cruz - after wasting what seemed like months with another surgeon, I finally know why I was finally lead to Dr. de la Cruz! His follow up care is tops bar-none. He has been communicating and involved in every aspect of my after care. He is responsive and I am more convinced than ever of his competence in his field. I think having a skilled surgeon is critical, but having an outstanding follow up is just as important. Dr. de la Cruz meets both criteria. I'm glad I have him to follow me up through this journey! Thanks Dr. N!
**more updates!
There is a running joke in our home that we should get a discount for all the times we have been back to Dr. Nestor. Since my RNY in 2003, our family has had my gall bladder removed, a hernia repaired, a rare abscess removed, my daughter's splenectomy and my husband's rny. Now I have a hernia that needs repair and am exploring a revision. There is NO DOUBT that the only place to go is UM Bariatrics. I will have to travel considerable length, but it is more than worth the effort to get the best care available. I wouldn't let anyone else touch me surgically. By far the best staff and best surgeon.
He is an excellent doctor caring and professional, I could not have done better. I recommend him highly to everyone.
What was your first impression of him/her?
Super serious doctor. LOVED the fact that he was young. That meant all the recently acquired knowledge was fresh in the brain.
How did your impression change over time?
I truly think Dr. de La Cruz is a dedicated professional, highly interested in his specialization. And if one is able to see through the little portals of professionalism, I was able to see a doctor who uses his right and left brain, a completely scientific person with the ability to be incredibly abstract. Flexible, adaption skills well intact. Decisive, not afraid to face a challenge.
What did you like least about him/her?
Perhaps his seriousness, which may be may be mistaken for an aloofness. It's benign. He really is serious.
What should future patients know about him/her?
Well, they say "Different strokes for different folks." If you are the type of person who is looking for a surgeon on "the cutting edge", he was my # 1 choice on the menu. Dr. de La Cruz has a strong academic backround, superior clinical training and manages to be calm in the wake of any tides. (Trust me when I tell you that I have unintentionally tested his ability to be kind in the face of adversity..which was me.)I specifically looked for a surgeon who was young (that means totally fresh and filled with lots of RECENT academia and clinical challenges. Credentials were of paramount importance to me. He met my strict standards of undergraduate qualifications, as well as medical training in a large well known institution. Your relationship with your doctor is critical. It is formed from day one. Do your homework. I looked and researched for 18 months.
How would you describe his/her office staff?
Patient, concerned, polite, informative, and like ALL bariatric surgeons offices, probably overworked. But, you would never know that, as they smile. Maybe it's a contagious smile thing they all have, but I have felt cared for.
How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?
Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?
Again, if you are looking for someone on the cutting edge, then this is your doctor and Mercy is your hospital. I have been able to see the growth of Saturday walks with all of his patients, to an entire availability of aftercare exercise programs. He is a true believer in the multidisciplinary approach. He sent me to see the psychologist when I was having difficulty coping. And I adore his nutritionist, Dr. Alix Landman. I see her as much as I see him. I always knew that she would be one of the most important people in this process of surgery and the aftermath. She has literally calulated all nutritional components needed to battle my unfortunate wound infection. I take lots of things (mineral/vitamins/supplements) which Dr. Alix has recommended to enhance healing. Meetings are mandatory.
How would you rate him/her overall?
Which is better, surgical competence, bedside
manner, or both great?
Scale of 0 to 10. He is a strong 9. Actually, he is a 10, but I rarely assess the highest possible score to any "human". I have been very pleased and again trust me when I tell you that my post surgical course has been wicked, due to my body's seeming slow ability to combat superficial wound infections. I already addressed surgical competence. Bedside manner.........you can expect a surgeon who is available, concerned, and get this (hold your breath)....he actually LISTENS to what you are saying. AND he actually formulates plans to meet YOUR needs, as best as can be done realistically. Rare, very rare.
Last, but not least is the nurses and entire support staff (even secretaries and housekeeping) on the 7th floor of the Carrol building where I have been a post surgical patient twice now, are AWESOME. This may have been the best part of my misery. (As one can expect to some degree with any surgery). They were all professional, polite, caring and timely, which again..........(how rare is this??)
I was very pleased with the service of Dr. de La Cruz. He was down-to-earth, yet very professional. On the day of my first initial consultation,(which was December 10, 2002.) I was very nervous. I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know whether or not I would feel comfortable talking to a complete stranger about my personal fight with obesity. I also was a bit hesitant, due to the fact that Dr. de La Cruz has only been doing the lap band procedure since August 2002. He has more experince with the Gastric Bypass. Nevertheless, after meeting with him, I feel more secure. I was very pleased with my first visit! The doctor weighed me, explained the procedure in detail, and then asked if I had any questions. He even scheduled my sleep test for 2 days later! He gave my a tentative date (January 17, 2003)on my first visit, which happened to be my actual surgery date! WOW...that was awesome!!!! There were no delays at all! After the surgery, he was also very supportive. (unfortunately, the hospital service was very poor!)
My first impression was very favorable. He took his time explaining everything to me and was very sensitive to my responses, etc. I continue to be very impressed by him and his staff.
The staff works very hard to get their patients approved. I've been treated well every time I've called or seen them.
When you make your appointment to see him, please make sure you get detailed directions! I was lost for an hour! :)
The doctor wants each patient to commit to support groups for one year. He is currently in the process of establishing an online community for his patients.
UPDATE...
I had my surgery on the 17th and am extremely convinced I made the right choice when it comes to surgeons. He was extremely caring and easy to talk to. He was also very professional and I had a great experience. :)
my first impression was of a positive caring dr. that impression has not changed. I recently found out his staff is made up of his family and that explains how great they are. dr de la cruz has an after care group and he emphasizes the importances of attending to help answer questions and give and receive support. it has bee 2 weeks since surgery and since then i have had 2 friends go see him and they feel the same. i saw several dr's before deciding on him and i'm glad i waited. he addressed the risks in his monthly talks at the hospital.. its been a positive, easy experience so far and him and his staff certainly have a lot to do with it
Truly the most awesome doctor I have ever met.
I feel incredibly comfortable with him. He is very knowledgable
intelligent, and caring. I have never met a doctor that cares about his patients like he does.
He has NO ego, which in my experience is rare for a surgeon. HE TAKES HIS TIME WITH YOU!!!!
He genuinely takes the time to know your concerns, and tells you as much about him as you would like.
So by the time surgery is scheduled you are confident and excited.
His office staff is very very competent, and sweet. My first impression that
they SMILED!!!! Wow! What is that? I know I aggravated them because I kept ringing the buzzer.
(You know, the one in the waiting room.) They were gracious and helpful.
Like others before me that I have read, I cannot say enough great things about him.
I bless the person that sent me to him!!!
Aftercare is mandatory. But that's great, because I feel like I joined a family.
this is a place were I finally feel understood.
Rating overall....hum 1-10, then I rate him off the scale. (Pun intended)
Please do yourself a favor, and call him!
My first impression was that the info on the web was correct. He does appear very young. He is also very dedicated, intellegent, professional, caring and an excellent doctor and surgeon. My impression of him only improves. I would and have recommended two other patients that were waiting like me to contact him.
His staff is very good. They are hard working and enjoy working for Dr. Munoz.
Aftercare is parimount to him. He requires his patients to attend the support groups. You must also consult with a nutritionist that is an associate.
He is very open about the surgery risks and makes certain you are comfortable with your decision.
I would rate he overall from 1-10 as an 11.
I would have to say that his surgical competence and bedside manner are both exceptional. He was there to see me each day early. Two days only. By the second day I was ready to go home.
Dr. De La Cruz-Muñoz was very professional and explained in detailed the entire procedure. He took the time to answer all the questions and always very pleasant. He portrayed confidence and I trusted him from the start to go ahead with the gastro-by-pass. He was and is always available for questions. Very good in follow up and he emphasize aftercare.
Overtime, my impression have not changed. I think he is still excellent and very much approachable. He runs monthly support groups and includes nutritionists. He also schedule group walks so that people we had the same procedure can benefit from each other experiences.
His office staff is always friendly, they respond efficiently to patients needs and handle all the insurance paper work for you in an expidite manner. They are always there to help.
What I like least is that he made me join a Gym. Which is for my own good. I hate gyms. But in the long run I think I will end up thanking him for that.
Future patients should know that he will be there for them every step of the way.
He emphasize aftercare program. He holds 2 support groups a month, one for gastro-by pass patients and one for the banded procedure.
The support group are structured and dieticians are always present.
He does explain the risk of surgery in two types of setups. One is in a conference style that he holds once a month, very thorough and the second one is on a one to one basis in his office. In addition, patients who have already had the Procedure are available for questions after the monthly conference. The support Group is scheduled on the same day of the conference.
I think that he is an excellent surgeon and has excellent bedside manner. Honestly, I cannot say anything negative about him and desagree that 100% positive reviews are generally less informative.