• Name: Lisa
• Age: 46
• Surgery: Gastric Sleeve and Gallbladder Removal Add On
• Surgery date: May 25th, 2015
• Testimonial date: March 20th, 2016
• Surgeon: Dr. Mario Almanza

I have had poor health and been morbidly obese for decades - my gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Almanza changed everything for me! I have currently lost 100 lbs. and I am not quite 10 months out from my surgery date. I have gone from a size 24-26 to a size 8. I am completely off of insulin and I now take 500 mg of metformin. My body is continuing to lose weight and I will reach my health goals; including my weight. I have been an insulin dependent diabetic for over 20 years and am amazed that I have reached these health milestones. I believe that I will eventually not need any diabetic medication once I lose the remainder of my weight.
I chose the gastric sleeve and have not regretted my decision once. I have my life back and it is amazing to be hopeful about life after losing hope so many years ago; the surgery was the tool that helped me help myself. After trying everything prior to surgery I honestly thought I would not live another year due to my excessive weight and health issues. My surgery changed everything - I have control again and I have hope and the reassurance that I will continue to have an amazing life. The surgery exceeded all of my expectations and I am very grateful for it.

If it helps - I am 5 ft 6 inches tall and I weighed 280 lbs. on my surgery date. I had lost 12 lbs. from the pre-op instructions and weighed the 280 lbs. on my surgery day (see pic) w/ Dr. Almanza. The other picture was taken 3/19/2016 and I weigh 183 lbs.

-Lisa