- Name: Paula
- Age: 36
- Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
- Surgery date: April 26th, 2014
- Testimonial date: February 29th, 2016
- Surgeon: Dr. Almanza
Hi, it's been almost 2 years since I got my sleeve done and I really wanted to take my time to write a testimonial. It was actually a really impulsive decision to get my sleeve done in Tijuana. I first tried to get the surgery approved by my insurance in California but it was incredibly long process and I was denied after months and months of jumping through hoops to try to get it done. So one day I looked up the gastric sleeve and I saw that this dr in Mexico had great reviews and it was a price I could afford, so I jumped at the chance. I was really hesitant when I first got there. I was still debating if I should go through with it, but I meet my roommate and I felt immediately better, I had a partner going through it with me. The hospital and staff really tried to be as helpful as possible and the dr was great. Before you know it it was done, I was so lucky to have my roomate, it's great to have someone to talk to. She felt great right afterwards, she could walk and everything, I was not. The anesthesia didn't sit well so I felt really sick but I got over it with the staffs help....and my sweet roomy. I was definitely in pain but my roomy wasn't so I guess it's different for everyone. The broth was good, get use to it because broth is what you will be having for a while. I think the worst part of it all was drinking the stuff to do an xray afterwards but hey, you have to to ensure that nothing leaks and the operation went successful. Second worst part was taking the drain out. Just feels really gross, kind of like it's flipping your organs upside down, but it's done quickly. It's not the Ritz so don't expect it, but it's as clean as expected. Your only there a few days so it's fine. Make sure you bring, chargers for your electronics of course, gas x strips, button up/zip up shirts, slip on shoes/flip flops. Cash for tips and extras and a book or something to keep you entertained. When I went home, I will tell you the next 6 weeks were awful. I truly didn't know if it was worth it. Remember that we got here mostly because of our addictions to food so not being able to have it cold turkey is awful. Alot like being a drug addiction coming down. Your head still sees food you want to eat but your body won't let you, if I could go back to the me right after the surgery I would say, "please have patience. It will be worth it. You will be able to eat again, small portions, but your life will be so much better." This is more mental than anything. If you can, start seeing a counselor before and continue afterwards. Afterwards is the most important because all you will think about will be food. What your next meal will be etc...you have to flip that switch in your head and that's really hard. Great thing about this is food will really make you sick and won't taste the same. Which kind of sucks if you love food, like me, but it's a blessing. It gives your body a chance to get into a new routine. You lose the most during your first few months because your mostly on liquids. If I could go back I would keep that going a bit longer. Protein is very important or you'll start losing your hair and get really weak and not want to do anything but sleep so make sure you follow up with your regular dr, get blood tests and take iron, b12, folic acid and other vitamins. The wound from your drain is very difficult to heal, I had to go to the wound clinic to get it to heal properly, it's not because it was Mexico, it's very common, no matter where you go so keep an eye on it. You have to make your self start to exercise a bit, go for walks, do a workout video, something, not necessarily for weight-loss but if you don't you'll get really weak and get in a rut. Exercise just gives you a bit more energy, the more you do it, the better you will feel. You won't feel like you have the energy to do it but you have to really just do it. I couldn't have milk, which was my favorite drink for over a year. Chocolate tasted gross, thank goodness because that was my favorite and got me where I was to begin with. You will be able to go out to eat with friends and family again don't worry, it will be a while and you'll only eat a few bits but take your time and make good choices. Please don't push your stomach or you'll throw up and you'll keep stretching out your stomach and be right back to where you were before and this will be for nothing. Eat very slowly and never drink and eat at the same time. Once you start seeing a difference in the mirror and in your clothes you will really get excited. I hit my target weight in about 8 months, and I have been steady at 125 lbs for over a year. I can now honestly say this was the best thing I ever did. It's so easy for people to say just diet and exercise but it's not that simple for some people. I really needed this so that I couldn't eat no matter how much my head was telling me to. It was 100% worth it. I know it's scary but it's the start of your new life. Just please remember it's a long journey and the start of a new way of thinking. If you find yourself getting depressed because you can't deal with stressful situations the same way you use to, know it's common, but need to talk to someone. I'm the happiest I've ever been, I shop in regular stores in regular sizes now. I'm not embarrassed if im tagged in pictures anymore and I'm actually enjoying my life and kids. It's an amazing surgery that has given me my life back, but it's just a tool, you still need to work but don't give up, you can do this! Good luck:)
