OUT-OF-TOWN & VIRTUAL CARE
World-Class Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery — No Matter Where You Live
Patients from all 50 states travel to Miami to receive bariatric and metabolic surgery from
Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz, MD, FACS, DABOM — a nationally recognized surgeon known for exceptional outcomes, advanced minimally invasive techniques, and an uncompromising commitment to safety.
We make the entire process seamless, efficient, and supportive, so you can access world-class care without multiple trips or unnecessary barriers. Whether you live in Florida or across the country, you’ll receive the same level of expertise, preparation, and long-term support.
Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz, MD, FACS, DABOM — a nationally recognized surgeon known for exceptional outcomes, advanced minimally invasive techniques, and an uncompromising commitment to safety.
We make the entire process seamless, efficient, and supportive, so you can access world-class care without multiple trips or unnecessary barriers. Whether you live in Florida or across the country, you’ll receive the same level of expertise, preparation, and long-term support.
Expertise & Outcomes
Why Patients Travel to Us
Unmatched Safety Record
Safety is our highest priority. With more than two decades of experience and thousands of successful procedures, Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz, MD, FACS, DABOM consistently delivers complication rates significantly lower than national averages— even in complex and revisional cases.
Our meticulous preparation, advanced minimally invasive techniques, and high-volume expertise translate into safer operations and smoother recoveries.
Our meticulous preparation, advanced minimally invasive techniques, and high-volume expertise translate into safer operations and smoother recoveries.
Exceptional Outcomes
Patients choose us because the results speak for themselves:
- High long-term weightloss durability
- Dramatic improvement in diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea
- Outstanding outcomes in revisional and complex cases
- Low complication and reoperation rates
A Destination-Level Program
We have built a streamlined, concierge style pathway specifically for out-of-town patients. Every step is organized, coordinated, and communicated clearly so you always know what comes next.
We Accept All Major Insurers
Our team works directly with your insurance company to determine coverage and obtain authorization whenever possible.
If your plan covers bariatric surgery, we will help you navigate the process from start to finish.
If your plan covers bariatric surgery, we will help you navigate the process from start to finish.
The Complete Process
Your Step-by-Step Journey
step 1
Your First Step: Virtual Surgical Planning Session
Before traveling to Miami, you will meet with Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz, MD, FACS, DABOM through a Virtual Surgical Planning Session. This is a non-clinical virtual meeting where we:
What Happens During This Visit
Review your history, goals, and prior surgeries- Discuss potential surgical options
- Answer your questions
- Determine whether you are a candidate to travel to Miami for an in-person medical evaluation
- Outline your next steps
This session ensures you feel informed, confident, and prepared.
step 2
Pre-Consultation Education: 3-Video Series
Once you decide to move forward, our team coordinates everything you need.
Before your Virtual Surgical Planning Session, you will watch our three-part preoperative education series. These videos explain:
Why Obesity Needs to Be Treated
All the Treatment Options
Understanding the Different Surgical Options
Patients arrive to their first session knowledgeable and full of meaningful questions— exactly how we want it. An educated patient is the best patient.
Pre-Op Testing in Your Home State
You do not need multiple trips to Miami. We coordinate:
- Labs
- Imaging
- Medical clearances
- Nutrition evaluations
This is care coordination, not medical practice — and it makes the process dramatically easier for you.
step 3
Pre-Op Class With Our Coordinator
Before surgery, you will attend a virtual or in-person pre-operative class with our coordinator.
This class prepares you for surgery day, recovery, and the first weeks after your procedure.
This class prepares you for surgery day, recovery, and the first weeks after your procedure.
- What to expect during your hospital stay
- Pain control
- Mobility
- Hydration
- Early diet progression
- Discharge instructions
- Travel considerations for out-of-state patients
Patients consistently say this class makes them feel prepared, calm, and confident.
step 4
Two Weeks Before Surgery: Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD)
For the final two weeks before surgery, you will follow a very low calorie diet designed to:
Before you ever enter the operating room, you will already have:
- Shrink the liver
- Reduce surgical risk
- Improve visibility during surgery
- Make the procedure safer and more efficient
- This step is essential — and we guide you through it.
step 5
Planning Your Trip to Miami
When to Arrive
Most patients arrive 1 day before surgery.
How Long to Stay
Patients stay overnight in the hospital after surgery, and typically remain in Miami 5–7 days total before traveling home.
Where to Stay
We recommend hotel zones close to the hospital for convenience and comfort.
What to Bring
We provide a simple packing list so you feel prepared.
Support Person
We strongly recommend bringing someone with you for the first 24–48 hours.
step 6
Your Surgery Day
On the day of surgery, you can expect:
- A calm, experienced surgical team
- State-of-the art minimally invasive techniques
- A focus on safety and precision
- Clear communication with your support person
- A smooth, efficient experience from start to finish
All patients stay overnight in the hospital for monitoring, comfort, and safety.
step 7
Your Post-Op Stay in Miami
During your stay:
- You will recover comfortably
- You will have access to our team
- We will monitor your early progress
- We will ensure you are safe to travel home
Once cleared, you can fly home with confidence.
step 8
Traveling Home Safely
We provide detailed instructions for:
- Hydration
- Mobility
- Compression
- Medications
- Flight safety
- Warning signs to watch for
We make sure you travel home safely and comfortably.
step 9
Virtual Follow-Up
After you return home, we continue to support you through:
- Virtual check-ins
- Virtual education
- Virtual care coordination
- Nutrition guidance
- Lab coordination with your local providers
We make sure you travel home safely and comfortably — and that you feel supported every step of the way.
step 10
All post-op appointments are scheduled BEFORE surgery
You will already know your:
- 1-week visit
- 1-month visit
- 3-month visit
- 6-month visit
- 12-month visit
- Annual follow-ups
You will always know exactly when your next visit is — no guessing, no confusion.
step 11
Long-Term Success From Anywhere
Your long-term success is our priority. We support you with:
- Nutrition guidance
- Body composition monitoring
- Metabolic labs
- Support for plateaus or regain
- Access to medical weightloss tools (in-person only)
- Life-long partnership
You are never on your own — no matter where you live.
Our Office Is Always Available
You can reach us at any time during your recovery. Questions, concerns, reassurance — we are here for you. Out-of-town patients receive the same level of supportas local patients.
step 12
Our Philosophy
Common Questions (FAQ)
How long do I need to stay in Miami?
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When can I fly home?
Immediately — metabolic changes begin within days
Can follow-ups be virtual?
Yes — we offer virtual check-ins, education, and care coordination.
Will my insurance cover surgery?
We accept all major insurers and work directly with your plan to determine coverage and obtain authorization whenever possible.
Do I need a support person?
Yes — we strongly recommend bringing someone for the first 24–48 hours.
What if I have a question after I leave?
Call us anytime. You are never alone.
