StephF89

Actually the Hotel Ticuan is lovely ;P

And to clarify: complimentary accounts aren't really "heresy" as much as non complimentary accounts are. Most of the time it's "I've been to Almanza and he was great and is recommend him" the 'I've been' makes its an experience, rather than "I read somewhere that he does this and that" which would be heresy.... Or readtype Can't we all just get aloooooong! Lol! There are 1st hand accounts on this forum of people who didn't like their experience with Almanza. Please be sure to read those... There's a thread "notes on hospital Jerusalem" or something like that where a gentleman goes in to great detail about what he didn't like about the clinic. I will say I think they should change there name from Hospital Jerusalem to "Clinic Jerusalem" There is also more than one location, in the same "strip mall" type area. (Hence the confusion over him being able to do X amount of surgeries)

Just to be clear I'm not saying Almanza is a God, nor is he the bestest bestest there ever was. My experience with his, and how I relay it to those who are curious and trying to make their decision, is as truthful and non bias as possible. I do not think Almanza shoots rainbows and butterflies out of his bum, however I don't think he's as bad as some make him out to be. For many it boils down to cost. And honestly, for people who aren't even interested in Almanza, some do sure show up on boards/forums/discussions relating to him a lot. I'm not pointing fingers directly at anybody, but if you feel it applies to you, it probably does. Either way. Traveling to TJ is scary. They drive scary, there are stray dogs, they are trying to sale you stuff on every street, and man are they pushy! Lol Hospital Jerusalem is a clinic. It's one patient in, get sleeved, patient out, turn over room, next! Luckily I didn't have to wait. I had surgery the day I arrived since my BMI was high I was late in the day anyways. The nursing staff is nice. The transport from hotel to testing places (as with MANY of the TJ places) can get annoying cuz you just had surgery and you're tired, you're in a new place.... Whatever. Fact is some people don't have the extra couple thousand dollars. Fact is we are all here for support. Fact is we are all fat and unhealthy and are looking for friends on the journey. I love Amanda Rae's signature thing but I know it a little differently: Before you speak, THINK is it True is it Helpful is it Inspiring is it Necessary is it Kind. Maybe we all should apply that. Don't expect glitz and glamour with Hospital Jerusalem. Do expect a clinic. Don't expect grim and rude people, expect clean (they mop tons) and kind people. Do as much research as you can to be as prepared as possible. It's easy to freak out, but in all reality we are ALL going off what people say they experience, regardless of our surgeon (unless we've traveled there to check it out prior). So do what you think is best for you, and screw everyone and their judgmental attitudes! Good luck

Chiming in! I went to Almanza valentines day, if you'd like to hear my FIRST HAND experience, rather than hearsay, please feel free to msg me

Good job!! That's awesome

I'm a "Valentiner". Was sleeved 2/14. Just got home yesterday. I *had to* weigh. Just to see. I've lost 9.8 since surgery. I hardly expect that weight loss speed to be normal, but I was so surprised to see 200 something again on the scale! I lost 10 on the preop diet, so almost 20lbs in 2 weeks! I'd say it's a good start my husband found me these awesome 1 ounce measuring cups, honestly they look like shot glasses with measurements painted on them, but anyways, it makes it sooooo easy to sip from something small like that. So I use those for my water, or propel, or whatever else. I am noticing a bit of heart burn I guess is what it is? Idk, I've never really had heart burn but it feels like a burp kinda stuck, with a bit of pain. Hubby says sounds just like heart burn, which we were told could increase post sleeve since it's kind of a straight shot back up to the esophagus now. Anyways. Hope all sleevers are doing well, and soon to be sleevers have a good recovery!

I am officially post up. Was sleeved valentines day (2 days ago). I was ready for the clinic like strip mall type setting and was actually surprised. Nicer than I thought it'd be. Only thing that really bugged me was they mopped often and used that fabuloso stuff so it was perfumey a bit. Hotel Ticuan is nice. Nicer than many of the hotel I've stayed in for trips to Disneyland! I get the drain removed today, had a leak test (X-ray and yucky tasting stuff) and they said all looks well. I'm going to buy my X-ray so I can have something to show my doctor. Hope everyone is doin well with either their preop diet, or their postop recovery!

Lovely!! Keep it up

Congrats on your newest seat on the loser bench! Glad your surgery went well

Ladies! We are near the home stretch!!! including today and the day I have surgery I have 6 days left! EEEEE!!! Pre-OP diet in full force. How's everyone doing?

Nicolanz you know I'll reach out girl I do have my husband who is behind me 100% and there's another forum site like this, just less... "attacky" Idk maybe I'm jumping the gun by saying I won't come here for support, but it just seems as thought there's more finger wagging when in all reality we are all in the same boat.

"And I want to actually participate in my life, not just be a bystander." AMEN!! Oh my gosh I want that on a t-shirt <3

Seriously. I mean I would be mad if someone DIDN'T tell the truth. I think maybe they are good at the rotating of patients? I've spoke to several patients of Dr. A's and the way they explain it is that the people who are operated on earlier in the day get moved out before the rest of the people come in for that evening... or something like that. I may have misunderstood. I will be taking INTENSE notes when I go there in 10days. Trust me. I will do my best to get the whole shibang out in the open without being disgruntled or overly pleased. Just an honest review (not that we haven't seen any, I've just noticed that many reviews are one extreme or the other!)

Which Dr are you going to? Mine's the 15th as well

I think Jesser was being sarcastic, as people who have gone to Dr A have said "There's no way!" However it'd seem they've found a way as the day that I was scheduled there were 9 other's booked... Side Note: I think that the supportive aspect of this forum, especially topics about Dr A, is being lost. I understand that others may not choose him. I understand that others may choose him. What I don't understand is why people are getting *seemingly* rude about it, whether they agree with another users choice are not, we are all over weight, facing surgery, and quite possibly scared! If you "aren't scared" you should do a little more research on surgies and anesthetics and the like. There is a chance, regardless, that something can/will go wrong. I think statistically, if you have more patients things will be less likely to go 100% amazingly perfect. 1% of 1.00 is less than 1% of 100.00 dollars, right? When I go, if I have an AWFUL experience you better believe I won't come here to talk about it or seek support. Which sucks cuz that's why I came to this forum in the first place. I wish the best for all awaiting their surgery and I hope for healing and success for those who've had their surgery. pattymd I hope you are doing well girl!!

You got it girl! Can't wait to see and hear from all of the Feb sleevers come March, April, May, and so on!

I feel ya! Or to be able to not have to stand in the back of the room and sit at their desks for parent teacher night. My kids say "you're not fat your full of love" I always say "then stop loving me!!" My daughter knows what I'm doing, she tried to assure me I wasn't fat and I explained to her a lot of things we could be doing as a family we can't do cuz of my weight and such, she then began to understand. My son... He's 6... Not gonna tell him much, or else the whole world will know. He's a loud mouth haha. Luckily my kids have awesome metabolisms, my daughter eats like a bottomless pit and is teeny! By her age I was at least twice her size. My son is a busy little blur of energy, I can't wait to be able to keep up with him! I'm looking forward hearing how it went once you are post op And do you happen to know the trip times BACK to the airport? Another use had said there were 2 trips one at 6am and never gave the time for the other.

I meant Yvette I know you are going to Dr. A. When? What's your date. I may have read it and just spaced haha.

You got this. I was talking to another person on this forum and she has lost 15lbs in 13days (her surg was on the 21st) and I was like man... In 2 weeks I could lose about 4lbs, and if I'd look at a sweet (cake or something) I would gain it back immediately.. And THEN some! We will eventually be able to have regular food, I just think, because we haven't had it in so long, we'll enjoy it and savor it more, and it will (of course) be in a limited amount. You got this. I have 2 kids myself (12 and 6) and I can't wait til I feel like I'm not an embarrassment when I walk them to class or something. (Not that they say I am, I just know how I felt when my mom would come to my school) and the things that motivate us will do just that, motivate! I can't even begin to express how excited I am for you, and all the others I 'stalk' here on this site

Idk if you answered this already and I missed it but who are you going through?

I'm glad you're doing well pattymd. Seems DrA is a busy guy, eh? keep us posted! Rooting for ya!!

Determined4 I'm going to Dr Almanza Feb 14th, surg on the 15th. You'll be post op before ya know it! Congrats and I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I, too, am traveling alone, same deal, hubby has to stay with kiddos. I'm nervous too, but there are many 1st hand experiences posted here in the forums. People as recent as a few days ago giving a "play by play" of their time with Dr Almanza.

Cuz it suits me and my personality. I don't need frills and such, not judging anyone for NOT chosing Almanza based on the "cattle call"-esque atmosphere. I choose what i believe is best for me, as I'm sure you chose what you believe is best for you. I was merely explaining I read enough to understand the way things are ran there. I'm not looking for judgment, suggestions, or critisim. Frankly we are all in the same boat, yea? To each their own... My wish for ALL regardless of starting BMI, where in the country they have their surgery, and who does their surgery is a healthy and speedy recovery