- Name: Missy Goodwin
- Age: 41
- Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
- Surgery date: February 7th, 2017
- Testimonial date: October 6th, 2017
- Surgeon: Dr. Mario Almanza
So i was so scared, I started in google, not knowing where to go, what doctor to see, i found weight loss agents, and Dr. Almanzon I started reading and reading testimonials. I weighed 277 pounds, health was good still no high blood pressure, no diebeties, over all good health, except depression! I was very depressed, I couldnt walk for very long at all, ankles would swell, feet would hurt, back would hurt. I couldnt do the things I wanted to do with my children. I couldnt afford to have the surgery in Iowa, $22000. I talked to Dr. Almanzo team, by text and e-mail and many phone calls, they were always very kind and answered my questions very quickly! I took a friend (that was a nurse) with me, we flew into San Diego,(scared) was picked up on time. Went strait to the hospital, and did surgery that day. The hospital vas VERY small, compared to the ones at home. The nurses there were all so kind, and helpful. I feel the care from the nurses there was almost better than here in the states. So I had surgery and spent 1 night in the hospital. The next day I went to the hotel for recovery. The hotel staff was more than helpful, plus Dr. Almanzo has full time nurses at the hotel at all times. Excellent care there. I had an overall GREAT EXPERIENCE! i am now 8 months out and have lost 115 pounds. I went from a size 20 to a size 5/6. I feel great! My life has changed completely!
I personally did make a huge mistake. When the doctor says quit smoking, FOR REAL QUIT SMOKING! I did not! Which caused a hole in my stomach.. I ended up in the hospital for 9 days. So i had surgery 2/7, on 3/12 I got really sick, weak, couldnt eat or drink. I went to the hospital. The doctor didnt even ask if I smoke, she knew. She said that smoking thins the stomach wall lining, which is why I got a hole in my stomach. So I ended up with a feeding tube, going in my nose, into my small intestine for 4 weeks, while it healed. ALL FROM SMOKING! The doctors in the U.S. did CT scans and say the surgery looked great. THE PROBLEM WAS ME SMOKING!
I was so confident and pleased with the care that on Septn 26th I took my sister and my cousin down to Dr. Almanzo to have surgery. They are both also getting along great!
