Wish I'd done this years earlier *

  • Name: Jacalee
  • Age: 62
  • Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
  • Surgery date: July 2nd, 2018
  • Testimonial date: October 2nd, 2018
  • Surgeon: Dr. Mario Almanza
As someone who had a lifelong weight problem, I'd tried everything: liquid protein diet, The Diet Center, Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem, the lemon juice-maple syrup-cayenne water diet, Atkins, LA Weight Loss, cabbage soup diet, HCG 'diet,' etc. Some worked and I lost weight, only to gain it back plus more.
Bariatric surgery was something I considered for literally decades. Unfortunately, when I got serious and tried to do it through my health insurance, the coverage was so limited and the multiple pre-approval requirements so stringent, I finally dropped the idea. Then I heard about Dr. Almanza from a coworker who had gastric sleeve surgery with him as her surgeon 3 years prior.

I took the plunge and in early July, 2018, traveled to Mexico to have the surgery.

Weight loss is not an easy road to follow; however, having had gastric sleeve surgery, I now have a 'built-in' tool that helps me to eat when I'm hungry, make conscious choices so I get my daily protein requirements, and guide me to good portion control. I am still learning about the changes from the surgery, such as foods I used to eat may taste differently now. How much I can eat at one meal is still a challenge; I've learned overeating is not only uncomfortable, but can even be painful.

Vertical gastrectomy is not an end-all. I can still cheat and not lose weight. Old habits sometimes reappear and when they do, I sometimes resist and sometimes succumb to their pull. Still I lose weight - just at a slower pace.

If you choose Dr. Almanza for your surgery, take at least a couple days' worth of loose, comfortable clothing for your recovery time in Mexico. Bring your simethicone, in whatever form you can find. I had a friend also suggest having sugar free hard candies. Optional - my roommate brought an abdominal binder which provided some pain relief for the 1st days following surgery. I bought one upon returning home but only used it for about a week. Immediately post op, I can see where it would be helpful; I found mine on Amazon.

Everything else, Weight Loss Agents will let you know about ahead of time.

To date, I've lost 34 lbs. post-operatively for a total of 54 lbs. since I began Dr. Almanza's pre-operative diet instructions.
* Please read our Testimonial Disclaimer.
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