Galo Grijalva Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,FACS,FASMBS

Dr. Griljava is a wonderful surgeon. He is very knowledgeable and shares that knowledge with you. I am very upset about the Arnot closing the Bariatric Program. I am one of the last patients to undergo the RNY bypass. He is a very busy surgeon and will no longer be with the Arnot after May of 2011. Now I have to find someone unfamiliar with my case in Syracuse or Rochester. That makes me unhappy but not with Dr. Grijlava. I've been told that the Guthrie will be starting a bariatric program in the future but without Dr. Grijlava. I wish him all of the best and hope he will be back to our area in the future.

my first impression was he was very blunt about the surgery and the aftercare.The staff was amazing!!

Dr Grijlava is wonderful! He is so knowledgable and has been a great person to get what I need as far as so many questions reagarding my surgery! I have had him do an endoscopy as well as removing my gallbladder, he has an excellent bedside manner! Im very lucky to have him to be doing my surgery on Jan 4, 2011

What was your first impression of him/her? Dr. Grijlava was very nice and well educated.

How did your impression change over time? My impression only got better as time got closer to my surgery date.

How would you describe his/her office staff? The office staff was wonderful. They were very helpful with all paperwork and insurance info. They were very pleasant and non judgmental.

What did you like least about him/her? There was nothing to like least about him. He was wonderful and very professional.

What should future patients know about him/her? He is safety first.

How much does he/she emphasize aftercare? When i left the hospital, i knew exactly what had to be done.

How did he/she address the risks of surgery? Dr. Grijlava was very upfront with any and all possible risks associated with surgery, especially smoking. (he got me to quit once and for all!)

How would you rate him/her overall? Out of a 10 i would give him a 9.

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great? Both were great!

I have met with Dr. Grijalva only once so far. He was very thorough in his explanation. His approach is straight to the point. Even though he seems a bit quiet, my husband and I really liked him. I have met with the Nutritionist, the Social Worker and the Insurance person - they are WONDERFUL! I really like the friendliness in his office.rnrn12/27/2009rnI am just 4 days away from my Lap-Band Surgery. I am VERY excited! I have been doing quite well on the 1200 calorie/day diet. EXCEPT for the day my son came home for Christmas from the Army. He wanted to surprise his girlfriend so we met at Red Lobster.......she was with me and he was with my husband (his step-dad). I started out really well, staying away from those delicious biscuits....but then! OH WELL! That was just one day. The rest of the days I've been doing VERY WELL. Today, I even hosted Christmas for my extended famil and only had what I was allowed to and did not go over on my portion sizes. I am very proud of myself. As long as I keep drinking water - I really do feel good and the hungry feeling will go away!