Testimonials & Reviews

Sally M.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

Dr. Gallivan touches more than just the lives of his patients; he impacts whole families. My mother, Sally Moore, has had both knees replaced by Dr. Gallivan. She scheduled them 6 months apart. She couldn't be happier and told me just yesterday that her knees do not hurt. For so many, the goal after surgery is to return to the golf course, tennis court, or hiking trail, but for my mother, her goal was to keep up with her grandkids. Family is everything! She is a retired Kindergarten teacher and now spends 3 days a week with our 4 year old twins and our 7 year old son. Now 9 months after the left knee and 3 months after the right, she can outlast the kids, is up and down off the floor, walks with confidence, and can stand up pain free. The outcome is fantastic, but we have tremendous praise for the process as well. From the first meeting with Dr. Gallivan to the last follow up appointment, we have been met with efficiency, kindness, and thoroughness from him and his staff. Simply put, Dr. Gallivan is the best! We traveled from San Luis Obispo to see him, but would have happily gone much further! It is wonderful to watch her move without pain. My kids have a Grandma that can do everything they can! (originally posted 10/23/14)

Michael N.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

This is a letter of recommendation for Dr. William Gallivan. He operated on me 12 years ago to repair a surgery which was done incorrectly in Canada. At that time, my leg was broken in 2 places as a result of a skiing accident. Dr. Gallivan was able to break and reset my leg successfully. This August (2014) he performed knee replacement surgery on me. I was able to leave and walk out of the hospital the same day! I highly recommend Dr. Gallivan and have referred 3 of my friends to him. They have all had their surgeries and they have all been very pleased. I would be very happy to speak on his behalf. My name is Michael Nutik and my phone # is 805-565-1194. (originally posted 10/23/14)

Paul I.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

Dr. Gallivan replaced my right knee in mid June 2013 and my left knee exactly 4 weeks later. That's a pretty sporty schedule, but it worked out great for me. It's only now with my new knees and walking comfortably again that I fully realize how constrained I had let my life become due to constant knee pain. I just got back from a two week Alaskan \do it yourself\" (unguided) archery moose and black bear hunt (originally posted 10/31/14)

Terry D.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

I am happy to relate my experience with Dr. Gallivan. I have had 2 surgeries; one knee and one hip.And, here i am at 90 years of age playing golf 3 times a week with no pain or restrictions of any kind. I even shot better than my age for my 90th birthday! His conscientious, professional approach is outstanding in that he stalled at my last surgery until he was assured by my heart doctor that I was fine for surgery. His staff are well qualified and personable and attentive to your needs. I offer my very strongest recommendation regarding his professional skills and services! (originally posted 11/6/14)

James B.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

Thank you so much for a very successful surgery! I was walking within 24 hours, needed no pain medication, and within a month's time I got back on track with my daily walk on the Carpinteria bluffs. My wife and I found you, Karen, and your entire staff delightfully friendly and helpful as well. Many, many thanks!! James Paul Brown (originally posted 12/19/14)

Patricia P.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

After doing a lot of research for an orthopedic surgeon who was trained in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, I found Dr. Gallivan. In 2004 he did a unicompartmental replacement on my right knee which almost 11 years later is still working well for me.Ten years later, it was my left knee but it required a total knee replacement.I would not consider anyone doing my surgery other than Dr. Gallivan. I was only in the hospital overnight and have made wonderful strides in my recovery.Dr. Gallivan is without a doubt the best doctor I have ever had. He takes the time to listen and to answer any questions. He's compassionate and considerate. My surgery was excellent. I travel 2 1/2 hours to see Dr. Gallivan and would never consider going anywhere else because of his skills, his ethics, his professionalism, his care. (originally posted 3/6/15)

Evelynn S.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

I had consulted with numerous doctors because I was having problems with my back, my knee and my foot. Other doctors felt that it was not necessary to have a knee replacement. It was not until after I met with Dr. Gallivan that I decided I would go ahead with knee replacement surgery. Even though Dr. Gallivan was the only doctor who recommended knee replacement surgery, I trusted his advice because of his sincerity and because I had heard recommendations from many, many people.He also put me in touch with a doctor for my foot problems who said I should have foot surgery. The recuperation would be the same as if I had knee replacement surgery. I was really feeling crippled because of my foot, my knee and my back. Dr. Gallivan is extremely professional yet incredibly friendly. A few months after my surgery, it was amazing to realize that my foot was feeling better and my back also was feeling better. The knee replacement seemed to have helped the other areas of my body also. Dr. Gallivan was accessible. It was so nice to have a doctor who took his patient's care so seriously. I highly recommend Dr. Gallivan when considering a surgeon. (originally posted 8/18/15)

Griffin K.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

Dr. Gallivan is as good as they get. My memory is swift as I was 3 years old when he performed surgery on my shattered left Femur. However, my parents always told me how wonderful and caring he was about me and my recovery post surgery. And let me tell you about my recovery! It was rough going, but because Dr. Gallivan performed such a good surgery, I've been able to play 8 different sports in my life as well as excel very well in them.. Not a single problem in that leg and It's all thanks to Dr. Gallivan. Highly recommend him.

Suzanne P.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

I am 71 years old and have always been a very active person until both of my hip joints became almost immobilized by arthritis. I put off surgery for many years because I did not want to take the time off work required for surgery and recovery. In 2016 I finally retired and after much research on orthopedic surgeons in the area I decided on Dr. Gallivan, which, as it turned out, was the best decision I could have ever made. Dr. Gallivan was thorough throughout the whole process from diagnosis to post surgery care and put me completely at ease from my first appointment through two hip replacement surgeries. He has a wonderful staff who were always helpful and friendly, and Jackie, who does his scheduling, made all the preparatory appointments go smoothly for me. Dr. Gallivan is a first class orthopedic surgeon who uses the latest technology to make sure all his patients get the best possible results. He is also a really nice person with a great sense of humor, which for me was the icing on the cake. He has given me a whole new lease on life and made it possible for me to return to all the activities I so much enjoy and in record time. I highly recommend him to any one considering a joint replacement surgery. (originally posted 11/20/15)

Tom P.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

DR.GALLIVAN REPLACED MY HIP 14 YEARS AGO AND I WAS COMPLETELY SATISFIED. THIS JUNE HE DID A TOTAL LEFT KNEE REPLACEMENT AND I AM TOTALLY PAIN FREE AND WALKING LIKE I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED IN QUITE SOME TIME. AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED, HE IS A "WATER WALKER" AND THE ONLY ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON I WOULD EVER USE. (originally posted 12/24/15)

David B.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

After visiting Dr. Gallivan's office about 3 years ago and giving me an x-ray on my left knee, on my first visit he told me that I needed to have surgery. At that point he told me that it was up to me and when I felt ready to do surgery to come back and see him. Doctor was not pushing for surgery he said I would know when I was ready for surgery. After 8 months I called in and made an appointment for my surgery. I had surgery at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Hospital was terrific. His follow up was extremely well done. His office staff called me to check up on me periodically to see how I was doing. I've had 4 office visits for check ups and I have 1 more scheduled for this year. I absolutely have no pain whatsoever on my left knee. I would like to thank Dr. Gallivan and his medical team for a great job! (originally posted 2/9/16)

Ramiro "Ray" L.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

I had my right knee replaced and it feels great! It has been 6 months and I can do everything I want except for kneel. And I am 76 years old and just walked in a cancer fundraiser. I did it last year before my knee replacement and it really hurt. This year I did 3 miles without pain. (originally posted 4/27/16)

Chuck P.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

Arthritis in both knees got so bad I sold my paddle board and kayak. It was starting to get more difficult getting into my truck and I couldn't carry groceries up my driveway. My quality of life was confined to my lounge chair. I had to do something....3 of my friends recommended Dr. Gallivan with confidence. I had two knee replacements done 5 weeks apart. After each surgery, I left the hospital the next day. I had a very good experience and had a successful outcome, I am pain free and able to walk the neighborhood twice a day now and happy to report I am able to walk through the sand to enjoy the beach again. My knees are better now than before they developed arthritis....Chuck from Lompoc (originally posted 5/2/16)

Karen Z.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

I was told that I would need a knee replacement several years ago by various surgeons I had seen in a different state where I formerly lived. I avoided it for several years because I couldn't imagine the downtime I would have to endure as I have always been very active. Several friend referrals led me to Dr. Gallivan and I decided it was time to do the surgery. I went into it in good shape and with a positive attitude. I knew I would have a good outcome but I was shocked at how quickly I was able to walk with ease and without pain. It has been just 12 days since my surgery and I have no pain except for during some of the strenuous PT exercises, which is the only time I take a pain pill. Since I was awake during surgery, I found it fascinating to watch the procedure. I knew I was in good hands. I feel so good just 12 days post surgery and believe that Dr. Gallivan's method of using computer-guided navigation is so amazing. I'm already taking walks and feel so good. I'm so glad I made the right choice in choosing Dr. Gallivan for my surgeon. (originally posted 6/12/16)

Scott S.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

I received a total hip replacement from Dr. Gallivan and within 6 weeks, I was cycling and swimming at about my same level pre-surgery. My hip, lower back, and groin pain is completely gone and my leg length is perfect. I researched Ortho Surgeons in my area and liked the fact that Dr. Gallivan uses the Navigation to get the complicated angles just right. Dr. Gallivan explained my procedure to me very thoroughly and was completely accessible to me after the surgery. I am a happy patient and look forward to getting my active lifestyle back. (originally posted 1/12/15)

Gery M.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

When Dr. Gallivan told me that I would be playing tennis three months after hip replacement surgery, I did not believe him. Three months (to the day) later I was dressed in my Venus Williams new line of Tennis clothing, winning my match against Ojai and having my photo signed by Venus, who wrote: "You look like a winner!" Please contact me at drgerry2@verizon.net for the complete story of my miraculous recovery from hip replacement surgery. (originally posted 9/9/13)

Efrem Z.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

What can I say more than that Bill is a cherished friend and a great surgeon? This "ancient knee" keeps me almost vertical on the golf course and playing better than I have in five years. We won't discuss scores if you don't mind. On top of everything else, he and Karen have given their five kids the ride of their lives. (originally posted 9/16/13)

Jane K.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

Who is the best doctor in the world? DR. WILLIAM GALLIVAN!! He is knowledgeable, educated, skillful, and careful in all his decisions and functions. His optimistic, friendly communications with patients is another bonus. I've been blessed with good genes and good health, but after 80 years arthritis found my joints! My first visit to Dr. Gallivan was 11/21/07 to check my aching right shoulder. He performed an outpatient shoulder arthroscopy on 1/11/08. No more pain; good movement. On 10/20/09 Dr. Gallivan performed a complete left shoulder replacement. It all moves and works perfectly. On 4/19/14, Dr. Gallivan performed a complete left knee replacement - Another miracle! As I get older I've slowed down, but stay active. I joined the Senior Functional Fitness class at our local YMCA on 1/21/03. The helpful, cheerful, positive attitudes of staff and other members is a real plus for physical and emotional fitness. (originally posted 9/19/14)

Paul M.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

For several years I have been bothered by a deteriorating knee which has hampered my ability to keep up with a group of senior hikers in the Santa Ynez Valley. After soliciting recommendations from those fellow hikers who have had knee and/or hip replacement surgery the obvious choice was Dr. Gallivan. A week ago I had a partial knee replacement procedure done at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara by Dr. Gallivan and his able staff of medical and technical assistants. He used new computerized technology which reduces the time of recovery, healing, and hospital stay. I was walking with no limping or pain medication after two days. Althought the procedure was done only eight days ago I feel like I'm back to 90% normal. It should be noted that at no time did I experience any pain, either in preparation of the procedure, during the operation or during a week of physical therapy so far. I took a mile long walk with my wife this morning which included some fairly steep hills and felt no discomfort. If you are suffering from knee or hip discomfort, I highly recommend Dr. Gallivan to solve the problem.

Neil O.

5/5 Star Rating

Submitted 04/30/20

After successful hip replacements and an ACL replacement, Dr. Gallivan got me back on my feet again. I have returned to teaching judo classes, helped prepare an athlete to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games, and published a judo instructional book. The care I received was always exceptional. (originally posted 9/16/13)