Testimonials
Patient Stories
Before surgery, severe acid reflux was affecting nearly every aspect of Adela’s life. She experienced daily nausea, pain, throat irritation, and frequent vomiting after eating. The symptoms became so overwhelming that simple daily activities were increasingly difficult, and she often felt like she simply had to live with the discomfort.
When Dr. Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz recommended gastric bypass surgery, Adela admits she felt both nervous and hopeful. However, after discussing the procedure, its benefits, and the long-term impact it could have on her health and future with her daughter, she felt comfortable moving forward. She trusted that surgery offered a path toward a healthier and more active life.
Since undergoing gastric bypass surgery, Adela's transformation has been dramatic. Just one month after surgery, she has already lost 40 pounds and reports feeling better physically and emotionally than she has in years. She describes having more energy, greater mobility, and increased confidence. Activities that once felt difficult are now much easier, and she feels empowered by the progress she has made in such a short time.
Perhaps most importantly, her reflux symptoms have completely resolved. The pain, nausea, vomiting, and discomfort that once dominated her daily life are gone. During her evaluation, Dr. de la Cruz-Muñoz also identified a hiatal hernia that was contributing to her symptoms, providing an explanation for pain she had struggled with for years. Today, Adela describes her outcome in simple terms: "He saved my life."
Twenty years after undergoing sleeve gastrectomy, I began experiencing severe acid reflux and digestive problems. I constantly suffered from gastritis, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, abdominal pain, and difficulty tolerating food. My digestion felt completely out of control, and these symptoms significantly affected my quality of life.
Dr. Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz recommended converting my sleeve gastrectomy to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to address the reflux. Even though I was nervous about having another bariatric operation, I decided to move forward with surgery because my symptoms had become so severe.
The results were immediate. From the very first day after surgery, my reflux symptoms disappeared. I have not experienced heartburn, nausea, vomiting, or acid reflux since the procedure. My digestion is functioning normally, and my recovery was smooth, with no complications and very little discomfort.
I am incredibly grateful to Dr. de la Cruz-Muñoz and his entire team for their support, guidance, and outstanding care. They were attentive throughout the entire process, and thanks to this surgery, I now have an excellent quality of life. I highly recommend Dr. de la Cruz-Muñoz to anyone considering treatment for severe reflux after sleeve gastrectomy.
Translated from the original Spanish.
Mary J. underwent sleeve gastrectomy with Dr. Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz and experienced remarkable improvements in mobility, pain, and overall quality of life within days of surgery.
Before surgery, she depended on a walker to get around and often needed to sit after walking short distances. At her follow-up visit just days after her procedure, she was able to walk independently from the parking lot into the office without assistance. She also noticed early improvements in knee discomfort and daily movement.
Mary describes feeling stronger, more independent, and more optimistic about the future. While she understands that sustained success will require continued hydration, exercise, and healthy habits, she is already experiencing meaningful improvements that have motivated her to continue her journey.
Her advice to others considering bariatric surgery is simple: don't let fear stop you from improving your health. She encourages patients to pursue treatment for themselves and their future, explaining that the procedure was easier than she expected and that she quickly noticed positive changes in her life.
Ammy A. underwent sleeve gastrectomy in May 2026 and has experienced a remarkable transformation in both her health and quality of life. She reduced her weight from 232 pounds to 150 pounds, losing 82 pounds following surgery. Her body fat percentage improved from 44.3% to 30%, her BMI decreased to 26, and her visceral fat area returned to a normal range.
Ammy describes bariatric surgery as one of the best decisions she has ever made and wishes she had pursued treatment sooner. Before surgery, everyday activities could feel exhausting and frustrating. Today, she enjoys exercising, walking comfortably, and participating fully in daily life without the limitations obesity once imposed.
She also emphasizes that weight loss surgery is about far more than appearance. For her, the procedure improved physical health, mental well-being, energy levels, self-confidence, and overall happiness. Ammy enthusiastically recommends Dr. Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz and his team, highlighting their ongoing support and commitment to patient care throughout the journey.
Video in Spanish.
After bariatric surgery, Cecilia R. found herself struggling with chronic abdominal pain that disrupted her daily life and left her searching for answers. Despite consulting multiple surgeons and receiving evaluations from highly respected surgical teams, she was unable to find a solution that addressed the cause of her symptoms.
Determined to improve her quality of life, Cecilia sought additional opinions and eventually met with Dr. Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz. Following a thorough evaluation, Dr. de la Cruz-Muñoz recommended diagnostic laparoscopy to investigate the source of her persistent abdominal pain. During surgery, findings were consistent with an intermittent small bowel problem, and a small bowel pexy was performed.
Today, Cecilia encourages other patients to advocate for themselves and seek additional opinions when symptoms persist without answers. She credits Dr. de la Cruz-Muñoz for listening to her concerns, investigating the problem, and providing treatment when previous consultations had not led to a solution.
Video in Spanish.
Following a prior open proximal gastrectomy for a GIST tumor, Dayami suffered from severe GERD, difficulty swallowing, food sticking, and frequent dumping syndrome with hypoglycemia. After undergoing complex revision gastric bypass surgery, she reports complete resolution of reflux, improved swallowing, normal eating, and no further dumping syndrome episodes. This procedure was performed to treat severe gastrointestinal symptoms rather than for weight loss.
Video in Spanish.
“Since the surgery, my life has changed so much. I no longer snore, and the constant reflux that caused a burning feeling in my stomach, day and night, has gone away. My eating habits have improved too: I now eat healthier portions, and overall I feel much better.
Before, several specialists had told me I didn’t need surgery and that the hernia might improve with diet and walking. But after an endoscopy, my gastroenterologist explained that it had grown and recommended that I see Dr. de la Cruz Muñoz.
Over time, I began feeling short of breath, even when walking or exercising. I didn’t know those symptoms could be related to the hernia. After evaluating me, the team recommended surgery, and I’m very grateful for the result.
I recommend that anyone with a hiatal hernia consult a specialist and follow their guidance. In my case, the surgery has made a huge difference in my life.”
Translated from the original Spanish.
“I spent more than half my life dieting, but over time the diets stopped working. I kept gaining weight, and my health began to suffer. I had high blood pressure, prediabetes, kidney problems, and severe acid reflux and heartburn. Sometimes the reflux would wake me up at night. I was also taking several medications and had pain that made it difficult to walk and find comfortable shoes.
It took me time to decide to have gastric bypass surgery. My brother had surgery with Dr. de la Cruz, and seeing his journey and results up close gave me the confidence to take that step.
Since I began the process for surgery, I’ve noticed significant changes. The heartburn and reflux I used to experience have gone away, and my relationship with food has changed too. Now I’m more selective about what I eat, pay attention to portions, and see this as a new way of life.
I recommend that anyone considering bariatric surgery talk with a specialist and ask questions. In my case, Dr. de la Cruz’s experience and seeing my brother’s journey firsthand helped me feel I was in good hands.”
Translated from the original Spanish.
I've been feeling great after the surgery. I honestly haven't taken any pain medication. And my relationship with food has improved so much. Digestion, everything is so much better.My scars after the surgery are basically not visible. I would absolutely recommend that anyone who needs this procedure gets it done this way because I've had an amazing experience.
Coming from a family that suffers from depression and anxiety, i found comfort in food all my life. I ate till i reached 400 pounds and was in my early 30s. I hated that i would not stop eating. And would hate socializing because everywhere i went people would be like "wow shes so fat .but shes so pretty.. if she would only lose the weight!" Like its that simple eh? Or that now since i cant lose the weight, im no longer beautiful? Long story short... i got tired of waking up every morning carrying the weight (back, knees were always hurting. And i got tired of the emotional pain of being the pretty but fat girl. I talked to my college philosophy teacher who became a good friend and she motivated me to face my fears of surgery. I called your office and everything else was taken care by u guys. So many things happened once i lost my weight such as i was able to bring 2 more babies into the world which i could not get pregnant before surgery. This surgery was the best decision i made although the scariest...
The surgery completely changed my life. Not only were the results of the weight loss significant. My Sleep Apnea went away, my blood sugar dropped, cholesterol dropped and all my labs have been in a perfect place since. The process was so easy with your staff that helped me prepare physically, emotionally as well as navigate the insurance world. Followed by the support of the staff with nutritional and behavioral resources.. I have put in the work but everything you surrounded me with gave me the tools needed to do so. The surgery itself went flawless and have never had an issue since that day June 10, 2010. I was around 300 lbs. Then one in 2019 now at 185 lbs and currently at 199.
I am grateful for Dr de la Cruz for saving me from Diabetes. I had this surgery in 2009 November. This surgery was a game changer for me. I always recommend Dr de la Cruz to anyone that will listen to me. It’s been 17 years and I’ve managed not to have diabetes especially knowing that it is in my family dna. Dr de la Cruz and his team is very knowledgeable and professional, I had a minor hiccup because of my medical history but The Dr stepped up and made sure I was ok. And again I’m grateful for him giving me additional years to my life.
And forgive me for not putting all your names into n here😊. HE IS THE BEST IN THIS BUSINESS AND IF I JAD TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN, I won’t let anyone one else do it but Dr Nestor de la Cruz-Munoz.
