Hilario Juarez Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

I've never met Dr.Juarez one of his assistance saw me after Dr.Zahn sent me to him because after been approved with Cigna insurance on an appeal Dr.Zahn no longer took Cigna insurance. I had one fight after another for 11 months until My surgery date was set. Dr.Juarez office staff was nice but I do feel I would have gotten in sooner if he would have been able to prepare for all the extra people that Dr.Zahn sent him.I haven't been told much about the surgery although my son did have it several years ago. I am concern about the menu after surgery and what type of protine to use. I have heard good things about Dr.Juarez and do know he has done many of these surgeries. My life has been a rollercoster ride for the last year and I know I can do great thing after this.

I had started out with Dr. Zahn but after I got approval for surgery, the hospital he works out of wouldn't take my insurance so I had to start all over with Dr. Juarez. My son works in surgery and says Dr. Juarez is a very good surgeon, he has worked with him on trauma cases. At my consultation I really did all my talking with his PA Eric, who was very personable and knowledgeble and willing to spend time to explain everything and answer any question I had. Dr. Juarez just breezed in for a brief minute, he seemed very good natured. Well I really just need a good surgeon and he is known to be one. His office staff seemed very nice and efficient.

Well forget the efficient part. Since I'm Cigna I can't use the Weight Management Program Dr. J uses. That means no preop teaching or postop teaching except what you ask when you see the dr. They also forgot to tell me what preop testing was needed( they said they would).2 weeks before surgery I left several messages to find out what was needed, when I finally got a hold of someone I was able to schedule my lab, xray and EKG but the place they suggested I call to set up the Upper GI was booked past my surgery date. Dr. J's office wouldn't return my messages so I called around until I found a place who would do the upper GI and take my insurance. I scheduled it the friday before my surgery but then it took a couple calls/messages before Dr. J's office faxed the order for the upper GI to the facility. Luckily the hospital called 2 days before surgery since they had a different surgery time than the time I was given by the office. If the hospital hadn't called I would have shown up late and missed my surgery.
Luckily for this website and the Arizona WLS site so I know what I need to do the day before surgery and postop because with Cigna patients not being able to use the St Lukes weight management program really sucks since Dr. J's office uses them to do all the teaching and support. Of course Dr.J is the only surgeon who takes Cigna at this time. He's an excellent surgeon but his office is used to all the patients pre-op and post-op needs being met by the St. Lukes Weight Management Program. The office isn't staffed or equiped to handle us Cigna patients.

I had my initial consult on June 20th. I thought Dr. Juarez was very informative and well-natured. Office staff seemed fine. His office was really packed. He explained the procedure (Lap RNY) and we talked about how much intestine he would bypass, dependent on my BMI. He drew me pictures of the surgery, which was helpful. I had done a lot of research prior to seeing him, and I went with lots of questions. He answered every one to my satisfaction. I feel confident in his skills and experience.

Dr Juarez seems to be a very qualified surgeon. I have met several of his pts, and all they have to say about him are good things. He makes a great surgical cut...very straight. Friends showed me their surgical area...haha.

My initial visit with Dr. Juarez was OK. It was a two hour wait in a very small office and I should have been more prepared with questions to ask him about the surgery. Instead, he asked me some basic questions and that was it. He said I should know within 6 weeks if I'm approved for the surgery.

My initial impression of Dr. Juarez at the time or orientation was very good.

My one and only office visit with him was 1 week before Christmas adn therefore, he and his staff was very harried.

His office staff was very nice, even if they did loose a good portion of my paperwork(twice). Of which I had to make all the phone calls take some of it down and the do the running around to get duplicate information to them.

Yes, i understand that he does have a structured aftercare program. Unfortunatley, as a Cigna member, I am denied access to it.

My surgery is scheduled for August 8th. I will have a much better feeling for the rest of the questions then.

Met Dr J at the seminar. He was bright and funny and made me feel at ease. His office staff is polite and friendly and seem to have compassion for all that are seeking the surgery, even after dealing with patients all day they still seem to treat you like you are the only patient. Jackie at the office is really nice and returned my calls. There isn't anything that I didn't like about him, he was straight forward with me. He tells it like it is.
He stresses the importance of a life change. Dr. J has a structured pre care and after care although I have not experieinced the after care he did stress the importance of after care.
All the risks were covered in detail. I would rate him as very caring, and he seemed to care for those that he treats.
I have not had the surgery so after the surgery and follow up care I will return and rate DR.J again.

I haven't met yet with Dr. Juarez, but I am scheduled to attend his seminar on June 22, 2001. I have a consultation date with him on July 3, 2001. So far everyone that I've spoken to has loved Dr Juarez and his staff.

July 3, 2001...
I met with Dr Juarez today for my consultation for surgery, I must say I was very impressed with his "bedside manner" and his pure willingness to sit and answer my questions when he was so busy. He informed me that he did not think that I would have any problem at all getting approved by aetna hmo. His office staff was very helpful, especially Angelia when it came to tracking down my referral which had been misplaced. I think what I liked most about him was his sense of humor...when things get so serious you must have a release....He was great and I cannot wait for my approval!

July 23, 2001....

I am truly thrilled with Dr Juarez and his staff! I just recieved my approval less than 3 weeks after my consultation and from the time they submitted my paperwork to approval was less than 5 hours!! They dealt with Aetna for me and showed results!! Thank you to Jackie, Diana, and Angelia for ALL of your help!

I went to both Dr Zahn and Dr Newhoff's seminars. Both seem to be very experienced, and strong minded about their experiences with the surgery. Dr Zahn happens to be a " In Network" provider, so I have opted to go with him. I had no negative feelings towards either of the Dr's. Both seem to feel strongly that they have a good program, and both want patients to be succesful. I have found, however, that most people liked one, but disliked the other.. Very interesting.
UPDATE: I have decided to try for the LAP RNY with Dr Juarez. I was able to personally meet with him, for about 20-30 mins. He openly and honestly answered all of my questions and his office seemed very professional. However, I now seem to be struggling trying to find out the status of my approval letter. Update: I had my surgery on 11-9-00- as of 1-22-01 I am down 54 lbs and my scar is great. I opted to go 'open' for a quicker surgery, and they took my gallbladder out too. Dr Juarez is great. Don't just consider him for LAP. He is awesome with the open procedure..Remember, keep on his office staff to get stuff done.

I met with Dr. Juarez's assistant, Emil. He was very kind, understanding, and patient. I hope to meet with Dr. Juarez before surgery.