- Name: Darrell Landers
- Age: 46
- Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
- Surgery date: July 24th, 2014
- Testimonial date: August 11th, 2014
- Surgeon: Dr. Almanza
I have to say I was probably as nervous as anyone else having this surgery in Mexico, and Tijuana of all places but I was very impressed with everything from the communications from Weight Loss Agents to the coordination once we were in Mexico. The hospital was normal and similar to a US hospital, and the staff was very friendly. The doctor does A LOT of these every day so he's pretty busy but he met with your group a few minutes before the first surgery and explained the procedure as well as answered questions.
Surgery was less than 45 minutes and I woke up with just a little pain but otherwise groggy and ready to sleep. They had us up walking within 30 minutes of getting back to our rooms and encouraged everyone to walk every hour for at least 10 minutes. It promotes healing and helps to get the gas out that ends up inside you from surgery.
The hotel was nicer than I expected for Tijuana and they served free chicken broth, popsicles, jello and juice for all the patients staying there. the nursing staff was great but they can get overwhelmed at times when all patients need something at the same time, like pain meds, bandages switched, IV's replaced, etc. but it wasn't too bad.
Overall I thought the experience was great and I would do it again the exact same way if I had to. I am 2 1/2 weeks post-op and have lost more than 20 lbs. already. Easting is very different of course and I'm not on solid foods yet, but I can definitely feel the MAJOR difference in the capacity of my stomach as I can only eat about 3-4 oz. of anything before I am full.
Great experience and highly recommend to anyone looking for Gastric Sleeve surgery!