Fendo

I agree... No regrets here. I love my sleeve. It says.... "Ok, Kendra! That's enough!" I guess those "Portion Control" freaks knew what they were talking about after all!~

I had surgery with Dr. Alamanza on 9/6/11. I had a great experience. Everyone was wonderful. My life has completely changed in the last 6 months. It's amazing.. Congrats! Enjoy the ride! Kendra

Hi. I haven't been on the site in a while. I am a little over 6 months post-op and I did experience some hair loss. It freaked me out at first cause it was excessive. I kept noticing globs of hair on the shower drain. Like clogging it up. It was crazy. So, I beefed up on my Protein intake and only washed my hair every other or every third day. That's when it would fall out the most. But what I didn't know was that, that hair was gonna come out anyway. The hair folicle died in the first few weeks after surgery due to the shock to your system. The reason that it didn't start falling out until 2 to 3 months later is because the new hair was pushing it out. I know... sounds crazy but it's true and now I have a bunch of little hairs poking out. Thank goodness I have thick hair and no one noticed but I sure could feel the difference in the thickness of a ponytail or just by brushing it. Anyway, the falling out stage lasted about 3 to 4 weeks and then it was over. That's my experience. I haven't updated my signature lately so I'll add my progress on here too. To date.... I have lost 105lbs. yay!

I would back off of the leafy greens. My pre op diet (of 15 days) was High Protein (boost) drink 3 times a day. sugar free Jello, sugar free popsicles, non-fat yogurt, and low sodium chicken broth. I had NO SOLIDS!~ I dropped 21 lbs. and my surgery and recovery were textbook. No vomiting like the others had, none of that. I was told it was to shrink your liver to make it easier work with your stomach. I assume they want you to lose weight cause your BMI is really high? Well, mine was too. As you can see on my signature below. Most of all, don't stress. Relax and do your best. It'll happen. It's by far the best thing I have ever done for myself. I feel better than I have in years. Good luck. If you wanna talk, you can PM me.

I had my surgery on September 6th and so far, I have lost 58 lbs.

Same here. I've stalled. I don't stress over it as long as I don't have a plus. lol But I haven't really been walking or working out either. I'll get on it sooner or later. Just enjoying feeling better. Good luck!

My coordiantor was Melissa Bracker with Dr. Alamanza. She was great. A couple people had Louise and they were pleased with her too. Dr. Alamanza was wonderful. I had a great experience, even went back to the states a day early. My choice. I've never been out of the US. I would do it all over again if I had too. It was definately the right choice for me. As far as coordinators. I think it makes people more comfortable working with someone within the states. Hey if the dr minded it, he wouldn't use their services. I agree, I want the money to go to the person who saved my life (from obesity) but I felt good working with someone in the US. Especially in the beginning because I was a basket case. Any questions you can message me. P.S. I just updated my signature. yay!

Yep, that's me.... The one with the crazy friend. She had a blast! lol... Yes, I'll be returning for plastics too. Hope John is doing well. Kendra

Hi all! Well the big day is finally here. I've been in San Diego for 4 days and it's amazing here. Everyone is so nice. Lots to see and shopping is great! My hotel had a false fire alarm last night and I never knew I could get all of me moving so quickly. 27 flights of stairs! Whew! It was definitely an experience! :-) Oh and today we went to the beach. Walking along the beach with the Pacific ocean on my feet!!! Wonderful. Anyway, after 15 days on a liquid diet and enjoying San Diego I am ready to get things going. Wish me luck and send prayers my way please. Thank you for all for your support throughout the last 8 months. I will update as soon as I can. Smile!

I too had my surgery with Alamanza on 9/6/11. Even with all the risks, I knew he was the right one for me. I am so glad I went there. They were extremely nice to me and my guest. I didn't got to the recovery house. I stayed 2 nights in the clinic and then went back to San Diego. I felt great. I felt good enough to leave after day one but that pesky drain tube had to be taken out. lol. Anyway, I would do it all over again. NO DOUBT.

Quick thing. I did a strick 15 day liquid diet. Same as what the others said. 3 Protein shakes a day, sugar free apple juice and sugar free popsicles, fat free yogurt, and chicken broth and of course Water. I must say, I was constantly drinking something. Especially water. I'm a big water drinker anyway but this kept me somewhat full all day long. Heres the thing, I lost 21 lbs on that diet. But the major benefit was that I didn't get sick after surgery nor did I have any gas pains. I attribute this to the pre-op diet I did. All the other girls that were in my group were terribly sick and in pain from the gas. Throwing up all night long and just miserable. My friend came with me and since I just slept mostly, she ended up helping the others. (don't flip about them being sick cause they were fine the next day) So if nothing else tell yourself that you dont' want to be in all that pain and you definately don't want be throwing up right after surgery. That kept me on on it and I didn't cheat one time. Good luck dear.

I am back home in Indiana now. I hope all went well for you. I'm sure it did and I pray that you have an easy recovery as well. I don't know what the right decision is for others but I do know that this was the best thing I could have done for myself. Although I was extremely nervous about going to Mexico I thank god that he put Dr Almanza and his team within reach for me. They saved my life.

Rough few days but I've had it better than most. Started off late due to driver being held up trying to get to us. Crossing the boarder a day after a holiday is hectic. Anyway our driver, Christian, was extremely nice. About 30 mins after being picked up we were getting our blood drawn and meeting with Almanza. Very nice and very cute. I remember thinking, dang why does he have to be cute. Lol. I was the last one to go and that was a test on my nerves some but they gave me something for that. Finally it was my turn and before I knew it I was waking up in recovery. Whew. Big relief. I have to say, by judging some of the others I have been extremely fortunate in regards to recovery. Maybe I have a high pain tolerance or maybe the 15 day liquid diet helped but I didn't get sick and have any gas pains. Even though the others were sick, most of them got thru it pretty quick. Everyone here is very nice and helpful. I haven't been to the recovery house yet cause my surgery was so late on Tuesday. I didn't mind though. I'm just fine right here. Will update again soon. Love you!!!

I am going to Almanza in the morning. I will update as soon as I can. Good luck to all of you regardless of who you go too.

I am getting sleeved on 9/6 with Dr. Almanza. Anyone else gonna be there the same time? Either way, post your date and surgeon. You may meet a sleeve buddy! I NEED A SLEEVE BUDDY! Well wishes to everyone!

Good Luck you two. I'm on day 9 of Pre Op diet. Fun! Fun! Let me know how it goes.

I too am eating like crazy. Everything listed above and oh my favorite..... pizza, Franks Red Hot, Extra Ranch.... and of course Beer! Geez! I start my 2 week liquid diet on Tuesday as well, but I was also thinking of starting the week off fresh and start on Monday! urg! We will see. Good luck and well wishes!

Hi, as you can see.... I am extremely overweight and have been for years. My PCP did some tests on me and my EKG came out great. I too didn't want to come back without surgery so he ran all the test that Dr. Almanza will run just to be sure. Good luck and hopefully you'll get it done before you go.

That is too funny! I about spit my coffee all over my desk! Ha! That's gonna be me too! Wonder if I can take a nerve pill!!!!!!

We are! I will be thinking of you. Have a good trip!

Looks like I'll be seeing her at the recovery house! I've yet to hear of anyone scheduled for 9/6 though. :-(

Hey, I've beent thinking about you. How did it go?

Looks like you'll be coming in as I'm leaving. Actually, I'm leaving on the 9th and flying home on the 10th. Super excited and nervous at the same time. Good luck and I'll try to post as much as possible.

That's Great! Do you mind saying when and where? I just posted a new topic in the Mexico Forum on when and where. You may find a sleeve buddy. Good luck to you!

I'm going on the 6th of September. Good luck and well wishes!