AdventHealth Med Group Bariatrics at Tampa Organization

From a medical perspective I'd give Dr. Murr, Dr. Rodriguez, and Dr. Radeke along with all of the staff 5 huge stars without a question or doubt, but the Office Staff, Susan and crew, wouldn't get one star. The Post Op (30+ days) care would rate less than 2 stars. I am not a needy, pain intolerant person, so I was not needing to call them constantly. But I did have a set back (developed ulcers in and around my pouch) that took multiple phone calls to be addressed. My insurance authorizations were a mess. Despite being an extremely easy process, Susan and company made it an ordeal worthy of a weaker person just giving up and saying forget it.

My surgery 1-1/2 years later was a success. I lost 153 lbs, which that office doesn't know since I haven't seen them since I was 90 days out. I just let my Primary take over my care. I'm no longer diabetic, or having high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, or any of their tag along problems. I did trade them for a different set of concerns, I take 50,000 Vitamin D weekly, a B-12 injection about every 4 weeks, still can't eat most starch, meat, or anything greasy. But that's okay - those things got me in trouble to begin with - I take my multi vitamins and I feel better than I have in years.

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!!

Dr. Murr is a nice guy; however, there were some strange things surrounding my actual procedure. First, I was scheduled to have surgery at 11:00AM. I was knocked out at early in preparation for this time, but my surgery did not occur until around 1PM. There was someone scheduled before me so either there were complications or something else happened.

My care at TGH was good, but the IV tubing was way too short. I could not get up without cords and needles being yanked around. At my first visit post op Dr. Murr did not like the look of my wounds and had one of his assistance reopen one of my wounds in his office - with a scapulae, while I was awake and my wife looked on. Not fun. But, they claimed it was nothing to worry about. I remember thinking that someone has to have a screw loose to wake up in the morning and go to work happy that they get to cut into someone.

The reopened wound made me have to use the pain medication for longer than I wanted too. I suffered extreme cramping for about 8 months with nothing to help me until I found that Omeprazole worked.

Post care is really non-existent afterward. I think I saw Dr. Murr twice in 18 months.

I cannot eat anything that is bulky like bread, under cooked vegetables, large chunks of meat. If I do eat these things it just comes right back up. Also, there is no logic behind what foods cause dumping. Anything I eat can cause dumping, or not. The dumping manifests as think mucus that is heavy when it hits water. No food usually, just thick mucus. I have actually even dumped after a glass of water once or twice. Sugar, interestingly enough, is not as bad as I thought it would be.

Would I recommend Dr. Murr? Considering my experience with doctors I would say yes. Could you do better than Dr. Murr? Maybe. You can most definitely and most likely will do worse. I lived through it and have lost the weight. You can't argue with the results.

Also, I am not so sure this surgery is for the weak in stamina or constitution. It can really zap you. You need to be in good health before you have it. I was in good health before, but I can see how this surgery could hurt you more than help. I would not recommend it for women who want to have children afterward. Too much stress on the abdomen even lyposcopic. I am not sure I would recommend it for older people either.

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.

He is a very nice guy, polite and very informative, he wanted to make sure you had all the information regarding your options. His staff was always nice and answered the phones on a consistent basis. I found him to be very good at what he does, his office makes the insurance approval process painless, although it will cost you a pretty penny ($750).

Dr. Murr has always been calm and low-key and reassuring, explaining everything completely including risks (both in written and verbal formats) and he inspired my trust. His office staff is generally helpful and professional, and the only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is the accessibility by phone. Usually I end up leaving a message for the nursing staff rather than speaking with someone, receiving a return call within 24 hours. Dr. Murr's office has always offered opportunities for support meetings (although they are not conveniently scheduled and located for me) and pre-surgery info meetings. Because he is so low-key, you need to make sure you remember to ask any questions that you might have. At this hospital, it is part of USF and so you meet with doctors who are still in their residency or learning time. You can always specify that you do not want one of the residents, however. I have had yearly followup visits with Dr. Murr since my surgery, and I have been pleased with how he has taken care of me. He's been very encouraging and willing to listen.

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!

I was very excited to meet my doctor as I had heard such great things about him from a coworker,who was a patient of his. His first words to me when he walked into the room was " your weight has made you very ill and we are going to make you better". I felt undrestood for the first time about my weight. He has a team of doctors and staff whom are wonderful. I was well informed as to the procedure and post op. He had me run tests to insure I was ready for this life changeing procedure. But my opinion of the front office differs, I found that if you need your hand held though the process... The front office doesnt assist. On a scale of 1 to 5 . 5 being the best rating I could give my doctor and his incredible team. Then a 5 it is. Front office a 3 out of 5.