My Mexico Sleeve Story

[Italiana 0]

Hello to all,

I first want to apologize for being absent on the forums lately. On July 30, 2011 I had a vertical sleeve gastronomy performed by Dr. Mario Almanza. My flight into San Diego was early; in fact I was there by seven thirty. As was walking over to the terminal two meeting place (Jet blue); the stunning realization hit me at once "OMG, I am having surgery in Mexico." I began to have mixed emotions [about this whole trip] I never experienced up until now. Just then, I met up with the other patients. I was traveling alone so even the company of complete strangers was comforting to me. The other patients were a young couple both having surgery and an older couple in which just the wife was having surgery. When we were all together the driver promptly came to pick us up. To my surprise (and relief) the escort van was a sharp professionally marked VW van with a clean cut driver. The trip over the border was brief (about 20 minutes). Then we pulled in to a plaza with sex shop on one side and a hospital on the other. (the juxtaposition was uncanny) And right there between the industrial cleaning supply store and a mattress outlet was where I choose to have surgery. Needless to say my nerves were raw, but then we walked inside the clinic. The waiting area was small, but tastefully decorated. As I watched the interactions with the staff (i speak Spanish), I realized these people take great care with everything they do and that every person a part of the operation was truly grateful to have their job. I became much less tense, which was good I suppose because Dr. Almanza wanted to operate on me first. Here is where I meet Luis. I love him, he was so sweet and reassuring (he had been sleeved one year ago). I was being prepped by Lupita, and my EKG was administered by an older kind doctor. Then I met Doctor Almanza. Pictures do not do this man justice...I mean wow hottest doctor I have ever met. It did not hurt that in his attempt to explain he himself had been sleeved-he show his glorious set of abs. I was guided down to the OR with Luis by my side. I remember the anesthesiologist giving me the sleepy time drugs. Then what felt like hours, I awoke in my hospital bedroom with horrid pain. This is all gas and substantially with within the next 24hrs. I walked as much as possible. I burped and burped; and each burp led me closer to relief. Day two we went to the recovery house, and I was so excited because I could take a shower. I even had a facial (which was just okay). Day three we went to have our X-rays, but before then I had to drink this disgusting purple liquid that tastes like poison. Upon arriving at the x-ray facility I had to drink a different yet more disgusting liquid (for the contrast). All checked fine-no leaks. My experience with Jerusalem Hospital was all-in-all very pleasant, and I would recommend Dr. Almanza to anyone.

Peace,

Tricia

[KellyL 173]

Congrats on being sleeved!! I'm happy things went well for you and you are on the way to recovery. I know in the beginning there is an adjustment to getting the Water and Protein in, just take it one day at a time and focus on getting the liquids in to stay hydrated. It gets easier every day!

[LVbigmom 19]

Thank you soo much for this post. I will be having surgery on Aug. 23 with Dr Almanza in Mexico. How are you doing now? Where did you leave your valuables while you were in surgery. i am traveling alone too. Please keep us posted on your recovery.

[myrori 55]

Thank you for the post. I was sleeved in the states but I remember reading with great interest the story of Mexico sleevers and I applaud you for doing it!

[doggz109 41]

Glad your surgery went fine and you made it back ok! I do have to say though......Dr. Almanza and Jerusalem Hospital have NOT been seen in a very good light lately. There are some pretty scathing reviews/complaints of that practice over on OH.

[longer-life 139]

There are some pretty scathing reviews/complaints of that practice over on OH.

On this website as well. Go to forum called "Self Pay & Mexico vertical Sleeve surgery ". The title of the thread is "Almanza-a few thoughts"

To the OP, glad you are doing good.

[Italiana 0]

Thank you

[Italiana 0]

I packed extremely light (a carry on and a purse) with no real valuables (left wedding ring at home etc.). I did not want to worry about it, but the staff was very cordial about bringing my belongings to my room. (or just carrying them in general). Now, being 10 days out, I can tell I am healing very well. I am eating thicker Soups and Protein Shakes now, which is a striking change from boring broth. I have lost 15 pounds since two days ago. Good luck, you will be fine.

[Imlosing big 112]

I get so tired of those making comments with no facts. I had surgery with Almanza and I survived with no complications. He has never killed a patient unlike Dr. Rodriguez but I don't hear anyone advising against him. Whomever decides to go to him trust me and the countless others who have gone through him you will be fine.

[Italiana 0]

Make no Mistake, I love Dr. Almanza and my post was meant to be realistic not defamatory.