- Name: Suzanne Jameson
- Age: 41
- Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
- Surgery date: May 29th, 2014
- Testimonial date: August 31st, 2014
- Surgeon: Dr. Almanza
I found Dr. Almanza on line but I think he is heaven sent. I was very impressed with the entire experience it was refreshing to meet so many extraordinary people. I live in Arizona so I flew into San Diego airport after arriving the van promply picked me & my 2 guests up and off we went to the border. We quickly went to a small medical building & had blood drawn and spoke with a physician about our medical needs. Everything about the surgery was explained and payment was discussed. There were five of us having surgery the next morning. All of us from different states in the U.S. but each struggling with issues of weight and health, hoping to make a change for the better. After, the medical checks we left in the van for the hotel Ticuan. We checked in our rooms, walked the city and then dined in the hotel restaurant. The desk will give you soup coupons for pre-diet and then drinks, Jell-o and more soup coupons for post-diet. The server in the diner was brilliant he was pleasant and always remembered everyone's preferences after a couple visits. I wasn't nervous to travel to Mexico to have surgery but there were many people that cared about me that were concerned. I had a intuition that it would be a amazing life changing experience and this was way over due for me. I had been struggling with my weight for the last 10 years and many health issues. Financially this was the best option for me especially considering in the U.S. it costs about $20,000.00 for this surgery and most insurances do not cover it. I can honestly say the care I had by Dr. Almanza & his staff was exceptional & far exceeds any expectations. The morning of my surgery the van took us to the surgery center and shortly after we meet with Dr. Almanza. He was very handsome and smelled very good; I wanted to take him home with me. Anyway back to topic, he explained everything and discussed with each one of us our personal health history and goals. My feet, ankles, back & neck were in constant pain from the extra weight I was carrying around. I had chronic migraines almost 20 days a month that I was on 2 preventive medications, as well as 2 medications, pills & injectables to take at the on set of a migraine. I was going every 3 months for botox injections in my head to help prevent the migraines. I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic and my BMI was 40. My grandparents both suffered with diabetes and died at early age from complications. I was scared of suffering the same and I felt horrible everyday, life was feeling so difficult to manage. I missed so much time with my kids, family and friends because I was not able to do much. After surgery I was taken well care of by the nurses at the surgery center for the night. I did request a different pain medication because I had toradol injections for migraines all the time so it did not work for me. The nurses were very understanding & accommodating. The next morning we were off to the hotel where the wonderful care continued. They would come change bandages, empty bag, hang IV bags and give medications regularly. I arrived Wednesday had my surgery on Thursday and left on Sunday, it was the perfect amount of time. I do have one recommendation and that is have a passport and don't get in a van to the border unless everyone has a passport. We were stuck at border for four hours because the other people did not have proper identification. It has been 3 months since my surgery I have lost 50 pounds and I feel amazing. I can eat what I want now but only a small amount. I still continue to count calories, take my vitamins, drink one protein shake a day and work out 4-5 days a week. Besides looking different and being able to do more things like walk up a flight of stairs without being winded. I have a hole new positive mind set and better outlook on life. I will probably go the surgery center again for the Mommy make-over eventually. Also, I still keep in touch with all the people I meet having the surgery on the same day. It is good to know that I am not alone in my quest for a healthier life. Thank you for everything Dr. Almanza & staff you are wonderful.
