- Name: Kathleen Kuc
- Age: 49
- Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
- Surgery date: November 16th, 2012
- Testimonial date: March 31st, 2013
- Surgeon: Dr. Almanza
After years of dieting and exercising and still finding myself 100+ pounds overweight, I was ready to just give in and accept obesity as my future. Going through 5 pregnancies and keeping an extra 10 to 20 pounds from each one, I was feeling overwhelmed. I've been on weight watchers multiple times and had short term success as well as every diet program from Diet Center to The 17 day diet, again with short term success, never losing enough to make a difference. A year and a half ago, a coworker and I investigated bariatric surgery through the Mayo Clinic. We met with dieticians and surgeons and learned the difference between each procedure as well as the pros and cons. We continued this process while following strict dietary guidelines and losing a small amount of weight (we were also taking Phentermine as prescribed by our primary physicians). As pre-authorizations were submitted to our insurance company, we soon found out we didn't qualify because we now were barely under 40% BMI without any other medical co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, or severe sleep apnea. I pretty much gave up the idea because I could never afford $18,000 to $22,000 for the procedure here in the states. Two and a half weeks before my surgery, I mentioned to another friend my attempts at getting my insurance company to pay for surgery. She told me she was going to Mexico to have the procedure in 2 weeks and invited me to come along. I got online right away away and submitted the paperwork. I got a phone call the following day from a representative of Dr. Almanza's. They helped me arrange everything in 2 days time and added me to the surgery schedule for November 16th along with my friend, her husband, and her sister in law. We even got a discount for having surgery together. It was the easiest thing I've ever done! The price I paid was about equal to the amount my portion would have been in the states if my insurance company had approved me to have the surgery. Once we flew into San Diego, we were picked up at the airport curbside and taken into Tiajuana to the hotel. We were given instructions to be in the lobby at 6am and then taken to Hospital Jerusalem. The care we recieved was incredible! The staff was very friendly and skilled. The procedure went smoothly and we were checked on frequently. I work in healthcare and the care I recieved was uncomparable! When they tell you the surgery and stay are all inclusive, thats exactly what it is. While in Mexico I felt very safe the entire time. We went out walking on the street in small groups and never was there a feeling of insecurity. I had no pain or issues after surgery. All I felt was a little pressure in my upper abdomen where the drain was located, that was it! Maybe I have a high pain tolerance or maybe I was so relieved to have the surgery that I would have put up with anything, I don't know. What I do know is that it was the best thing I've ever done! I would do it agsin tomarrow. It has been just over 4 months since my surgery and I have lost 45 pounds so far. I feel great! I still have a ways to go, but if I didn't lose another pound it would still be worth it. I get compliments every day about how great I look! My knees no longer hurt, I am more physically active with less aches and pains. I feel like I've been freed from myself! My friends and coworkers always inquire about the procedure - I had the gastric sleeve. I have 3 coworkers who are starting to schedule thier procedures for this summer.
