- Name: Jeremy D. Hunt
- Age: 46
- Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
- Surgery date: January 9th, 2018
- Testimonial date: April 3rd, 2018
- Surgeon: Dr. Mario Almanza
I've never had a major surgery and I've never spent a night in a hospital. I have a fear of flying. So, for me to make a decision that would force me out of my comfort zone and into several situations I'd never been in was a big deal. I made the decision after several failed diet attempts. I took phentermine tablets, I tried Atkins, I attempted Weight Watchers, you name it, I tried it... But, it always came back to the same thing. I loved to eat. I used food for comfort, relaxation, and entertainment. I looked for excuses to eat. Some days I'd eat 4 or 5 full meals. If I was out running errands, there would always be a reason to stop and get food. Unhealthy fast food, and a lot of it. I kept eating, stopped exercising, and eventually hit 433 pounds. I was limping because my ankles hurt so badly. I had constant back pain. My knees and hips were constantly aching. I only slept a couple hours a night. I had to go down stairs two feet per step. And here I was only 46 years old, and moving like I was 86. I have 3 teenage daughters competing in sports. It was almost too much pain to sit in the bleachers for a couple hours to cheer them on. If we went out to eat, I'd always pick the "table" option, and never pick a booth, because of the embarrassment of not fitting and having to be relocated to a table, with all the eyes watching. Sitting in a theater seat that didn't have retractable handles was miserable. so, the things I loved were now becoming uncomfortable, driving me into a depression. You see where I'm going with this....
So, fast forward exactly 12 weeks since my surgery. I can honestly say that my life has already taken a dramatic change of direction. The flights, surgery, hospital/hotel stay, doctors, nurses, hotel staff, drivers, etc. were top notch. I could not have asked for a better experience. The facility was brand new, clean, and very well staffed. The language barrier was non-existent. Anything I needed, was almost immediately provided. Any questions were answered to the fullest and most clear answers. My recovery time was less than a week. My pain level never got above a 5 out of 10. The worst pain was directly after the surgery, passing the gas that was used to fill up my body for surgery. I have officially dropped 66 pounds. Yes, I struggle with the mental part of eating less and eating slowly everyday. Old habits are hard to break. But even that is becoming easier. I'm starting to enjoy life again. Taking steps one foot at a time. No more limping, less back, knee, and hip pain. I'm not sure about the booths, because I'm not eating out, yet. But seeing a movie or watching my daughters has become more about enjoying their moments and less about my discomfort and embarrassment. If you think this is for you, don't wait. Do it now... If you have support at home, as I do, with a loving wife and daughters, do it now... I'm not saying it's easy, but it is definitely a better option than being trapped, miserable and missing out on life.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to Dr. Almanza, his staff, and all those who helped me take my first steps to a better, more enjoyable existence.
* This is an actual testimonial, however, your results may vary. For more information, please read our Testimonial Disclaimer and Risks of Surgery.