• Name: Platinum P
• Age: 49
• Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
• Surgery date: December 10th, 2014
• Testimonial date: February 10th, 2015
• Surgeon: Dr. Almanza

I am so happy that I was courageous enough to investigate this affordable opportunity. I had considered the gastric sleeve for over a year. After finding out that my insurance wouldn't pay, I decided to consider this option after a friend of a friend had it done in Mexico.

Everything went well from beginning to end. My flight was uneventful. After waiting approx. 30 minutes for the van at the airport, I was off to Mexico. There was another patient and quest waiting also. My guest and I arrived at the hospital after our short ride to Mexico: easy entry into the county. Hospital staff was very friendly and accommodating. The hospital, which was not in a strip mall, was sanitary and up to par.

Explanation of what to expect was done in group setting with opportunity to ask questions. Pretesting procedures and signing of consents were completed. I was later offered to have my surgery the same day (arrival day) after this was done. I was initially scheduled for surgery the following day, on the 11th. Since I had been compliant with the clear liquid diet, enough time had passed since my last liquid intake, and there was an opening, I was able to have surgery that day. I jumped at the opportunity because that would allow another day of healing before my scheduled departure.

I'm told surgery took approx. 30 minutes. I recall waking for a brief moment in the recovery room and later waking up in my hospital room with my guest and roommate present. Don't recall having pain. Nurses and support staff were great! Did not experience any major language barriers. One nurse on one occasion couldn't understand what I was saying but she quickly got someone who did.

After overnight stay in the hospital, I was discharged and taken to the hotel. Great accommodations. My guest enjoyed the restaurant as well stating that the food was great.

All in all, everything went so good, that we left Mexico (due to the rain) on Friday after post op testing. We returned to San Diego (took a long time getting back into the states) and got a room in Old Towne. We walked downtown Friday evening and night and we also went to the San Diego Zoo on Saturday. I actually saw another patient that had surgery the same day I did at the zoo. I took my medications as prescribed, ate and drank as instructed and didn't have any problems.

I am 10 weeks post op and feel great. Volume intake still small. I have lost 30 pounds so far WITHOUT consistent exercise due to our weather. Now with the start of consistent walking and exercise, I will easily lose another 30- 40 pounds by the end of June. I will celebrate my 50th birthday being fine, fabulous and fit!!!

* This is an actual testimonial, however, your results may vary. For more information, please read our Testimonial Disclaimer and Risks of Surgery.