• Name: DeAnna Mae
• Age: 29
• Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
• Surgery date: October 10th, 2014
• Testimonial date: November 11th, 2014
• Surgeon: Dr. Almanza

I have struggled with my weight all of my life. In late 2012 and the spring of 2013 I had lost 124 lbs, I was incredibly excited and told myself, "I've never gain that weight back." Well after going through an awful breakup which lead to depression, I put on 84 lbs. and I was miserable. I kept thinking as to what my next fade diet would be.
I received a text message late on a Sunday night in September from a friend who had also struggled with his weight. He said, "I'm airport, headed to Mexico to have the Gastric Sleeve operation. A million thoughts ran through my mind but more than anything I was excited for him. But Mexico, that sounds a bit sketchy. I told him to text me right after his surgery so I knew he was alive.
For the next two days, I did a lot of research and waited anxiously to hear from him. Once I heard all went well and that he was alive, I scheduled my surgery.
I continued to kept track of my friends progress which made me even more anxious to have my surgery. I will be 30-years-old next year and I was in need of a major change in my life. My weight has controlled my life and I was tried of feeling like a prisoner.
I had a hard time sticking to the liquid diet because I was hungry and I went to several get togethers before I left for Mexico. I was so worried that something would go wrong because I didn't stick to the diet. The food I consumed was NOT worth the worry.
I left on Oct. 9th, excited and really not scared to have the sleeve the following day. I meet three lovely ladies when I landed and four more when I got to the hotel. We all had our surgery on 10/10.
Tijuana is unlike any place I have ever been; however, the hospital and hotel staff and drivers made me feel safe.
The morning of surgery, everything happened so fast. My surgery was quick. I woke up and felt like I was going to puke. The nurse gave me something that greatly helped and I started to walk. I walked every hour, multiple laps. I continued to walk a lot when I was back at the hotel. Some of the other gal didn't walk nearly as much and they ended up way more gassy than me.
I could really write a lot about my experience but overall it was great! I felt way better following surgery than I thought I would. I am four weeks post op and down 37 lbs. I am thrilled and cannot wait to get to my goal weight of 175 lbs. I weighed 285 the day of surgery and now I am down to 248. I am already sleeping a lot better. It's so nice to take a couple of bites of something and feel full.
My best advice, request a hotel room away from the disco, walk, walk and walk some more, sip slow, and follow the pre and post op diets to a T. Also, don't get discouraged when the scale goes up a pound or two, your body is adjusting and will continue to do so for quite some time. Oh and remember to take Gas X Strips. Those were super helpful. I didn't have a heating pad and I don't think I would have used it if I had one. I slept with a pillow under my knees for about two weeks which helped make me a lot more comfortable.
Again, this was the best decision I have ever made. I am looking forward to my sexy new bod that will finally compliment my personality.