• Name: Lisa
• Age: 51
• Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
• Surgery date: May 8th, 2017
• Testimonial date: May 24th, 2017
• Surgeon: Dr. Mario Almanza

I have a unique situation than most of the patients that opt for a Gastric Sleeve. I had a Lap Band for 10 years. I am convinced that the Lap Band has a "shelf life". I have heard of a lot of people having to have them removed after about 8 years. I lost 110 lbs with the Band. It was life changing. When the band slipped and had to be removed I was devastated. I was told that I should be able to keep the weight off since I had learned how to eat with the band and lose weight. This was not the case. As soon as the band was removed. My stomach and brain told me that I needed to eat. I was hungry all the time. I tried to keep my calorie count to under 1000 a day. Over the next year I gained 50 lbs. I knew I needed my band back. No Dr. in my area was willing to put the band back on my stomach and they were not excited about do a Gastric Sleeve. They were afraid I would loose too much weight. Needless to say I was very upset that I was gaining weight back so fast.

Thankfully Dr. Almanza understands the need of having this "tool". He agreed to do the Gastric Sleeve procedure. It has been two weeks and I am very happy with the results. I have lost 20 lbs and feel great.

I was a little apprehensive about going out of the country for this procedure. When I arrived and spoke with other patients that had had surgery a few days before. My fears were gone. On the day of my surgery 10 other women had the same surgery. Dr. Almanza does about 60 Gastric Sleeve procedures a week. The Dr. I was working with in Idaho does the surgery 4 times a week. I said to myself. Who would you want doing this procedure. The expert that does thousands a year or the Dr. that does a few a month.

Dr Almanza was very confident and I had not issues with my procedure. The other 10 ladies also had good outcomes. I made 10 new friends for life. The accommodations at the Hotel were great. The Nursing Staff is with you 24/7. If you need anything they are available.

With my Band I had terrible acid reflex. I have had not issues with acid reflex with the sleeve as of today. I have lost that urge that I am always hungry. I have been able to control myself and be very satisfied on the liquid and soft food diet.

I suggest anyone that has a Lap Band and wants it to be removed to had the sleeve procedure. I am proof that you can not keep the weight off by yourself. There is a reason why you have a band.