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  • Name: Donna Lyn
  • Age: 48
  • Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
  • Surgery date: February 17th, 2014
  • Testimonial date: February 12th, 2015
  • Surgeon: Dr. Almanza
I had reached a point in my life where I hated looking in the mirrow & refused to go clothes shopping. I had tried diet pill & diets out the wazoo. I spent thousands on any product that could help me. I had become round in my 5.2 body. I had talked to a friend that had this procedure a few years ago & had great success. After convincing my husband that this is what I needed to do for a normal heatly life, the next thing was to figure out how I could afford this. In the states the best price I found was over 20,000. I spent right at 2 years reading testimonials on this site and was convinced this is where I needed to go. My husband ageeded if he could accompany me for safety. We arrived in San Diego where we were picked by the shuttle. The shuttle drivers were friendly. Did not speak much English but we made due fine. We were with several other patients also going to same facility which made us feel more comfortable. That night staff came to my hotel room to draw blood. The next day was my procedure. The facility served the purpose. Compared to What you would find in the states it would be small & out dated. Be prepared to possibly have a room mate that cannot handle pain as I did and that first night could be miserable. Pain was as most have described pretty intense the first 48 hours. I found that the more I walked the better it got. On 3rd day I was extremely nauseous but it too passed. Everyday got a little easier. We flew home 4 days later & I returned back to work 8 days after surgery. When I weighted a week before started pre op diet I was at a life time weight high of 210 lbs. I am currently at 158 lbs. I lost my of my weight in the first 4 months. I have reached a plateaue many times then started loosing again. Although I am still hoping to lose another 20 lbs, I could not be happier. I am healthy. I go to boot camp daily. I feel like a new person. People notice my weight loss. I have had no problems what so ever except the occasional Nausea & vomit if I over eat or eat too fast. It is all about re training yourself how to eat. I can eat anything I want just not much. I would recommend this surgery to anyone that is serious about loosing weight & loosing it for good. I would recommend Dr. Almanza. He is very experienced in the procedure & does many per day.
    * This is an actual testimonial, however, your results may vary. For more information, please read our Testimonial Disclaimer and Risks of Surgery.

    Response: Thank you and congrats on your success! And now, your testimonial is right there in the same list you were reading before you decided. Pretty cool, huh? Just a note to all readers, while the facility may have been in need a makeover, we've started the process to give HMN hospital a makeover. Hopefully looks will not detract from the work that we do (especially now that they started the makeover), although we all know that looks are important!

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    Taking the first step toward better health starts with becoming informed. By creating an account, you’re allowing our team to provide you with accurate information, help coordinate next steps, and determine whether weight loss surgery may be appropriate for you.

    Many patients explore surgical options as part of a broader approach to managing their health, but outcomes vary by individual. Our role is to support you with education, coordination, and access to experienced providers so you can make an informed decision.

    We look forward to speaking with you and answering any questions you may have. Please note that individual results are not guaranteed, and all surgical procedures involve rrisks.

      * The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented on our website are only applicable to the individuals depicted, and may not be representative of the experience of others. For more information, please read our Testimonial Disclaimer and Risks of Surgery.