- Name: Jenny S
- Age: 40
- Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
- Surgery date: January 13th, 2017
- Testimonial date: January 30th, 2017
- Surgeon: Dr. Mario Almanza
I've been overweight for most of last 20 years and have considered weight loss surgery since about 10 years ago. With a BMI around 35-36 I most likely wouldn't qualify for insurance to pay for the surgery, and the self-pay price in the U.S. was very high (usually $17-20K!!). I met a woman a few years ago who said her and her husband had gone to Mexico through WLA and had great things to say. After developing diabetes & high cholesterol the last 3 years, being on 3 different medicines which in turn cause unwanted side effects, I finally decided to go ahead with it.
The WLA employees were super helpful throughout the entire process. They stay in communication and answer any questions you have very quickly. They are friendly and courteous. They give you explicit instructions for truly every step of the process. When you fly to San Diego, they tell you exactly where the shuttle will pick you up, what the driver's name is, what color of vehicle. It was literally just steps from where you pick up your bag. They take you to and from the hospital and hotel for preop/postop appointments.
All of the staff members in Mexico were also extremely friendly, courteous, professional and helpful. The hotel you stay at is nice and clean, I would say pretty comparable to a Motel 6. I traveled without any guests, and shared rooms with other people having the surgery.
The nurses at the hospital center check on you often, and at the hotel the nursing station is available 24/7 just by dialing their extension, or walking to their room. Most everyone spoke fairly good English, and if they didn't understand something you asked for they immediately got another person to help translate. I was not scared once I got there and they explain everything that is happening.
Dr. Almanza met us the night before and then morning of the surgery. He was very friendly and energetic; he described the procedure and discussed how not only would this be aesthetically beneficial but most importantly to improve your health. He has performed so many bariatric surgeries I feel 100% confident that he is an expert in his field. For how many surgeries he has completed, the number of complications would probably be a far lower percentage than US surgeons.
The actual surgery only takes around 40 minutes. The package prices includes pain meds, antibiotics, nausea medicine, insulin if needed, lab work, EKG, and postop radiographic swallow study/leak test to make sure there are no leaks in your new "sleeve" stomach. You are up and walking right away which helps with the gaseous discomfort. They also give you take-home pain meds and antibiotics and again very explicit postop instructions. There were no additional surprise fees. Everything went well and I felt very well taken care of every step of the way.
I've lost 20 lbs so far and 3 inches from my waist (in just 2-1/2 weeks!). My blood sugars have been between 115-120 since the surgery. My PCP feels confident that by my next visit in 3 months we'll probably be able to reduce/eliminate my meds. I'm so excited for this healthier life and definitely want to take the opportunity to thank Dr. Almanza, all of his staff, and Weight Loss Agents for this great tool to help me reach my goals! I haven't taken an "after" pic yet but I will probably add one soon.
* This is an actual testimonial, however, your results may vary. For more information, please read our Testimonial Disclaimer and Risks of Surgery.