- Name: Kathrine J Bastian
- Age: 69
- Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
- Surgery date: April 7th, 2016
- Testimonial date: April 21st, 2016
- Surgeon: Dr. Mario Almanza
My name is Kathy Bastian and I started my journey on April 7, 2016 with gastric sleeve surgery performed by Dr. Mario Almanza. My friend Natalie Lewis had the surgery one year prior to mine. I had watched her thrive by loosing 75 pounds, getting her high blood pressure medication, and looking like a million bucks. She was so kind to take time off work to accompany me. Today I am starting my 3rd week after surgery. When we arrived in San Diego, we were picked up by a van and taken to the hospital to check in. We were then taken to the hotel and checked in there as well. Since we were on the liquid diet, we were given juices and water. The hotel was very nice and the staff was super kind and helpful. The next morning I was taken to the hospital again and checked in for the surgery. I met Dr. Almanza briefly before my surgery. (He is a hottie) My surgery went well and I was able to get up and walk shortly after. I was able to walk quite a bit before bedtime and I am sure this really helped in my recovery. I was comfortable through the night and went back to the hotel the next morning. I was never in pain. I was a little sore but that is it. There were nurses at the hotel day and night to check on us or if we needed and help or information, we just had to dial their number. They took great care of me. They provided Jello which tasted so good. We could get broth in the restaurant which again tasted so good. My dressings were cleaned and changed daily. My friend and I walked and walked to stay strong and avoid any problems. My experience has been one of kindness and concern for my well-being. This experience has been awesome. The trip home was tiring with a long day of traveling. Since being home I have felt remarkably good, pain-free, and able to walk, do light housework and enjoy watching my grandchildren participate in their sports. To date I have lost 15 pounds and have been able to stop taking one of my blood-pressure medications. I know that I am on the right path for me to get back to my healthy weight and reduce the stress to my knees, reduce the medication I have been taking and feel strong and fit once again. I truly appreciate the opportunity this whole process has been. I am so happy to have had the surgery and my recovery has been great.
