Ray Villanueva Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

As far as a person he was great to me, however I was only Dr Rays 2ND Barbaric Surgery and he told me as far as a worse case scenario I was the WORSE case scenario! I developed a tear in the pouch and under that I developed a puss pocket to which I had drainage tube
I had a feeding tube up my nose for several weeks after coming home
I lost 90lbs in my first month. My spleen was removed during surgery to which I was never told why. It's been 13yrs and now I have no immune system, I have developed a blood disorder because of the severe Mal nutrition and at 47 I have zero quality of life really. I just suggest to all who wants this surgery please investigate!!

While I believe that Dr. Villanueva was competent medically speaking, he was rather insensitive concerning the emotional aspects of the surgery. At one of my post-op visits he responded to my admitting that I was depressed with disdain and acted as if I were nuts (as in \"you lost weight, what do you have to be depressed about?\").rnrnMedically, I wouldn't have a problem recommending him, but it would be a good idea for him to brush up on his interpersonal skills and bedside manner.

I never got to meet him. I spoke to his wife several times on the phone and she was very rude. When I called to make my inital appointment, she asked what type of insurance I had and when I told her she said that they would not cover surgery. I explained to her I worked in insurance and I had already spoken to my company, but she would not hear any of that. She then started to tell me her best friend had the same type of insurance and they would not pay for her surgery. So I explained to her that there are many types of insurance policies included self funded plans that the employer can decide what benefits are covered. Then she said well I guess that makes sense and she started giving me days that I could come in, AT THIS POINT I DECIDED to tell Her that I had changed my mind and I would find a doctor who actually wanted the see me and hung up. So I am not looking for a new doctor to make an appointment with.

I have been to Dr. Ray twice. First for my initial consultation, and then for my pre-op physical. I really like him. He is blunt, and doesn't sugar-coat anything, 2 qualities that I appreciate. He emphasizes that he is very conservative when it comes to your care. He keeps his patients in the hospital for 5 days, period. This impressed me. He even talked to me about 2 of his patients who had died, and why this happened. He is also aggresive about your aftercare, stressing excercise, NOT laying around. My surgery is scheduled for March 3, 2005, so I will know more about his bedside manner then. But for now, I would rate Dr. Ray very highly!

My first impression of Dr. Ray was that he seemed be be knowledgeful and understanding to my needs. As others have stated he bascically lays everything on the line for you and does not sugar coat anything.

His staff was awesome. Everyone was very pleasant to be around. They were all smiles. Everyone was very knowledgeable.

Future patients ahould know that he doesn't sugar coat and he asks you are you ready to die. He is very real. If you haven't thought about that, it will make you think.

He does take the time out to go over risks and he makes you sign a sheet telling you the risk to make sure that WLS is what you want.

Dr. Ray is a competent surgeon. I don't have any problems. He is very straightforward.

Dr. Ray impressed me with his straightforward, but friendly manner. Don't bother going to see him unless you have all the records his office requires, but if you are willing to follow the rules he is a great choice.
He accepts Tenncare, wish was a blessing for my situation. His staff are all very knowledgable, at put you at ease.
He feels strongly about using an NG tube after surgery to lower the risk, and will not waver on this point. He takes several precuations including hospitalizing his patients for the first five days.
I have heard from other patients that the care at the local hospital in also phenomenal. I will post more on this later.

My first impression was I didn't know how to take him, but I began to learn that he was testing me to make sure that I was really ready for the surgery.
After we talked for about 15 minutes I understood his reasoning for the attitude to begin with, people had tokd him they were ready, he fought with their insurance, got them approved, then the day of surgery they were a no show.
His office staff were friendky with me.
The remark that he made about me being ready to die.
You need to be prepared to ask him questions and be prepared for some questions (serious) from him.
Totally, aftercare is the most important phase of this surgery.
I am not for sure but I am prepared with a notebook with info about pre-opt after-care and diet.
He explained that most people that are referred to him are on their last feet and that this is their last resort, in other words they are ready to die.Overall I would rate him as good so far. I will let you know ABOUT BEDSIDE MANNER AND THE REST AFTER MY SURGERY........

I work with Dr. Villanueva (most commonly known as "Dr. Ray") at the hospital in which he practices as I am part of the surgery crew. Therefore, I know that he is an excellent surgeon and is very capable of all aspects of this surgery, but I also feel that I am probably not the least biased person to give my thoughts on him. I do know that if there is ANY way possible for your insurance to be approved, his office will find that way and make it happen.

DR. RAY( AS HE IS CALLED) SEEMED VERY KNWLEDGABLE. HE SEEMED VERY COMPASSIONATE. EVEN ABOUT INSURANCE MATTERS TO. I WAS IMPRESSED. I HAVE ONLY SEEN HIM ONCE AT THIS POINT AND I DO FEEL HE IS A VERY GOOD DOCTOR. HE EMPHASIZES SAFTEY ABOVE ALL ELSE. THIS IS AND WAS ENCOURAGEING FOR ME. I WILL ADD MORE AS I GET TO KNOW HIM BETTER.