- Name: Dorean Cooke
- Age: 45
- Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
- Surgery date: February 14th, 2020
- Testimonial date: March 2nd, 2020
- Surgeon: Dr. Mario Almanza
I grew up a very pretty young gurl born in the beautiful city of limbe Cameroon in West Africa. Migrated to USA 33years ago. I grew up eating traditional healthy foods untill late 1990 when I fell inlove with fast food. My weight took a turn for worse after I moved from a size 12 to 16 and to 18..
I became very ill and almost lost my life when before graduating out of college, I had a bad cold that went on treated for weeks, it turned into a respiratory infection and Asthma triggered. I became very ill and tge doctors put me on steroids. My weight started fluctuating. I cried and complained about Wt gain and my dr said i had to stay on steroids to breath.
FF.My turn around time came few months ago when i kept posting pictures only of my pretty face on Social media. I realized I was getting uncomfortable with my size. I couldnt do the things I loved with my family.. I couldnt dance to our favourite song me and my husband ..i was having shortness of breath due to obesity. Last year i was in a bad accident, 3months later my daddy died suddenly. I took onto food for consolation as i mourned my dad.. I quickly jumped to almost 300lbs.
i took a beautiful picture of my self and realized that i developed a double chin n looked terrible, i was loosing my steam, my fire was burning out.I couldnt dance at parties, i could dress as i pleased.. I needed help and needed it now. I spoke to a few friends who lied to me that they lost weight as a result of exercise and diet. I cried because i couldnt do exercises, i had Asthma.
I started looking into different procedures and decided on the sleeve. USA charged me 12k and I found weight loss agents. Called them and they responded immediately. I booked n cancelled twice , I was scared i would die because people never cared to tell the truth and help others.I asked 3 trillion questions on the call line and had immediate responses. The help was there, the support was at my door step. I booked my flight, took my trip and off I went.
Whaoooooo. The ride was lovely to tijuana, the hospital was very clean. You could literally use the floor as a mirror and eat off it..the staff was knowledgeable and inspite some of them not being fluent in English we could communicate. I was sleeved on Valentines day 2/14/20 a gift i offered myself. My walk in wt was a whooping 282 and My 5days postup was 270lbs and I have lost 30Lbs in 2weeks post op and I feel great. My clothes are fitting me again, my confidence is killing me inside like a earthquake. The center still writes to me and asks if they could be of any help or if i have questions.. They are in on this journey with you. I recommend Dr Mario Almanza because i saw him 5 to 7 times during my stay there.. He just got married but still did his rounds before church(who does that?)A dedicated doctor who calls you by name like you have known him all your life. A true to call Dr with an amazing personality. He is down to earth and patiently answers all your questions and discusses your concerns.. I will do the sleeve over and over if I had to do it again.
The popsicle and Apple juices were always tgere when you needed them..my only concern was the chicken soup. I didnt know who made it but i finally found out they had a chef onboard. I never tasted it.
I an happy with my sleeve and im still planning and praying i reach my weight loss weight of 100lbs..
Thanks to Dr Mario i can now sit comfortably in a plane seat without asking for extra seatbelt (lol)
If you want to go..go now n get you sleeve done.
There was the cardiologist, the counsellor, the Anesthesiologist, and a wonderful Team ALMANZA.To give you a wonderful start to your new life. I will post pictures on this journey..
Thanks