- Name: Chris Ackerman
- Age: 59
- Surgery: Lap Band Revision To Sleeve
- Surgery date: March 10th, 2016
- Testimonial date: May 16th, 2016
- Surgeon: Dr. Mario Almanza
I had the lap-band for 9 years and had nothing but problems. I had several adjustments and it was either to tight and was sick all the time and couldn't hold any food down or it was to loose. There was never a happy medium. Then my doctor that was doing the adjustments suggested the gastric sleeve. I had never heard of this type of surgery. The doctor said he was not impressed with the results of the lap-band. Through research I had found Dr. Almanza in Mexico. I had my lap-band procedure done in Monterey Mexico and had a great experience with the staff, so I e-mailed the staff of Dr. Almanza and they were all very helpful with all of my questions.
I scheduled the surgery to remove the lap-band and do the Gastric Sleeve and flew to San Diego, where there was a driver to pick up my husband and I along with other patients. We proceeded across the border to the hospital in Tijuana for lab work, it was small but clean and professional. Then to the hotel we went, rooms were very nice. This area of Tijuana is the business district with professional workers. There was security at the hotel also. There were 2 to 3 nurses that had their own room at the hotel 24/7 to assists me with the IV, dressings and of course all you can eat jello and popsicles. My husband ate at the restaurant in the hotel and said the food was pretty good. It was pretty comical to see all of the patients walking around the hotel with their IV's. It was I had the surgery on a Thurs and the driver took us shopping on that Saturday. The only problem my husband had was the staff not keeping him informed about when I was out of surgery and in recovery.
It has been 2 months now and I have lost 24 lbs. I would probably loss more if I were more active. I have NOT gotten sick once. I have experienced heartburn and acid reflux from not drinking enough water. It has subsiding now. Over all I am pleased with my decision.
I would suggest to anyone considering this surgery to:
1. FOLLOW THE POST OP.LIQUID DIET OR YOU WILL BE SICK.
2. DO LOTS OF WALKING AFTER SURGERY TO RELEAVE ANY GASSES.
3. DRINK LOTS OF WATER
"GOOD LUCK"