Miguel Lopez-Viego Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I had gastric sleeve, told they made it small but I've only lost 25 lbs. I can eat anything and drink right after I eat. I feel it's not working

Bethesda no longer has a bariatric coordinator so there really isn't a "program". One meeting with a nutritionist and one with the surgeon prior to surgery. Post surgery there are no support groups available and no follow-up with the nutritionist. There are several follow-up visits with Dr. Lopez Viego and his manager Gypsy which are very useful. Dr. Lopez Viego is an excellent surgeon, with a great track record. He is also warm and informative during consultations. Bethesda Hospital, like most, lacks communication and coordination of care, but the experience was basically fine.

He first came off as nonchalant but very knowledgeable about the procedures he performs. After time, he warmed up but still keeps his distance. His staff is awesome and fills in the gaps, especially Gipsy and Sandy.rnrnHe is very serious about your success and if he feels you aren't doing your part, he will fill your band tight. He prefers to do it gradually, however, he doesn't play games and doesn't expect you to either.rnrnOver all there was no surprises, he laid it all out without sugar coating anything and taught you that this is a tool to weight loss it is not a magic cure. He reiterates this at every step.rnrnI have no qualms or doubts about his abilities or his methods. He is a good guy.

What was your first impression of him/her? rnThat he had a good sense of humor, was very likeable and easy to approach. Very knowledgeable and high success rate, no complications, I felt very safe moving forward.rnrnHow would you describe his/her office staff?rnSandy, the bariatric coordinator, I have heard there is no one like her at other centers. I am told she is your best friend, before, during and after surgery. I know her from another facility, and she has immense knowledge and know-how. Not only is she a nurse and has the medical side, she's a counselor and works with women with disordered eating so she has the psychological side.rnrnHow much does he/she emphasize aftercare? rnThere is an amazing support group at this facility.rnrnHow did he/she address the risks of surgery? All of the risks were addressed that have ever been addressed at any other centers I went to. In fact, some of the information I had received from other nurses and PAs was, according to the surgeon, incorrect. So it pays to have an actual surgeon who will talk up front to you.rnWhich is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great?rnTo me surgical competence is most important, but when you add bedside manner, which this person has, it creates a great deal of comfort. You want to feel as though you are being treated like a person, not a number. It helps you feel more comfortable in such an uncomfortable situation. It's taken me years to get the guts to do this, and I am so glad because those years led me to this surgeon. They have had no complications, no deaths, no strictures, no blood clots... They have such a great success rate and the complications are just not there. He is a surgeon, he has been doing abdominal surgery for so long, this is some of the same things he has done on other patients, just for different reasons.rnrn

My surgeon was AWESOME....I am a nurse and had worked at the hospital I had surgery at for 4 years...I was familiar with my surgeons work...so I knew his work, beside manner...etc. Sandy the coordinator of the bariatric program is the best ever...I am 3 years post op....I have moved away from florida...but she is still just a phone call away...when i fall off track...when I have questions....Bethesda memorial hospital in boynton beach...is a fantastic program...from beginning to end...I wouldnt have done it anywhere else.

My first impression of him was that he was very tall and very handsome. A little cockey and very sure of himself, Which I liked. He is very honest and will tell you that this is not a quick fix and that you relly need to work at this. My impression has stayed the same. He s an excelled surgeon and I would reccommened him to anyone. And, would go back for any general surgery need that I would have. Afterall, I trusted him with my life. I can't say enough good things about Sandy, his surgical coordinator, she is great! As Dr Lopez-Viego says, \"she is the program.\" She makes herself very accessable before and after the surgery. The rest of the office staff leave little to be desired. Not very friendly. There isn't really anything that I don't like about Dr LV. Both he and Sandy stongly emphasize the importance of aftercare. (support grp and nutritional counseling) rnDr LV was very open both in his informational session and one on one regarding the risks of this surgery. Prior to meeting Dr LV, I had been to every Dr's informational session in Palm Beach and Broward County. There was just something about him that I really liked. He has a great bedside manner and excellent surgical competence. The best of both worlds!rnrnThe only downside that some may have is that he is always late. Late for surgery, late for appointments. But, I'm married to a latin man and I'm used to it. This is nothing new to me. I'd wait hours if I had to.

He is a handsome guy. Performs great surgery. His office staff are not easily accessable nor with great direction. Thank G-d for Sandy Arioli, who works at Bethesda Hospital. She made everything go so smoothly. I think that's the key. For me it was. Sandy is the hospital Administrator who really takes an interest in how I am doing - EVERY DAY!! She is easily accessable by Email and even gave me her cell phone number!! She is great. Did I forget to mention that Sandy was in the OR with Dr. L assisting him all the way! Yes, she is a surgical nurse as well. rnrnI think your surgeon only needs to be competent and it's really not important how his bedside manner is.

First impression was - he's cocky enough to be a great surgeon. Upon further inspection - he's funny & kind enough to trust and take this journey with.rnI highly recommend him to anyone considering the option.rnHe's always late & ten minute appointments can mean a two hour wait - but it's worth it.rnAsk lots of questions - he's great about not giving you the sugar coated version of things (Mmmm sugar).