" 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 "
"It seemed a bit older than what the pictures looked like, but it was still very clean and very fresh looking. Coffee for your companion is only available out of a vending machine and I'm told it is not very good. The only newspaper from the States, that she was able to find, was USA Today and it cost her $4.50. Don't expect to keep up on the news except by TV. The USA Today she bought was 4 days behind and she had to walk to the beach to find it.
The hospital was very quiet. "
