• Name: Kim C.
• Age: 34
• Surgery: Lap Band Over Existing Bypass
• Surgery date: August 18th, 2012
• Testimonial date: August 27th, 2012
• Surgeon: Dr. Almanza

I want to take the time to write about my experience at Jerusalem Hospital because I am overwhelmed with gratitude at my second chance with weight loss surgery. I got the gastric bypass when I was 20, and did not follow most of the guidelines they set for successful results. I am now almost 35, and a much older me had many regrets on how I treated myself post-surgery. One day someone told me about the band over bypass, but I could not afford the price here in the states. I came across Dr. Almanza in researching the band over bypass, but I was very afraid of going to Mexico to get surgery. Horrible thoughts kept running through my head about what might happen to me if I had the surgery. I was a nervous wreck. Finally I went to the testimonials and saw some people put their email on there to be contacted. I emailed every single one of them, and almost all of them wrote back with good information. This is why it is important for me to write this testimonial, and to offer my email for anyone who might want to reach out for information. Other people helping me allowed me to show up for surgery and change my life for the better.

My experience was great from the start. I arrived at the airport at 9am and already saw five other women waiting for the van to Mexico. We got right on the van and travelled to Tijuana. When we arrived at the clinic, they took our blood, discussed our surgeries with us, and got us prepared for surgery with IV fluid and gowns. Dr. Almanza spoke to us about our surgeries, making sure we understood and had no further questions. Every person I interacted with was helpful and polite, and went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. When it was my turn for surgery, I went in and the next thing I remember they were waking me up. After monitoring me for a while in the surgery room, they took me and another woman to different room where we stayed the night. It was very quiet and we rested and would wake up and exercise together. We had one person assigned to us to help us with medicine, and anything else we needed. I did not experience any issues with pain, and requests I made were handled promptly. They also had a phone where I could call my family members in the states to let them know I was okay. I felt safe the entire time. In the morning our driver came and took us for our x-rays. Once we were all clear, the driver took me and the girl I stayed the night with back to the San Diego airport.

Again, prior to going, I was a nervous wreck, but once I arrived I realized I had made the right decision. This was the only way I could afford this surgery, and I was actually happier with my experience there than with surgeries I have had in America. They go above and beyond to make it a nice experience, and they have it down to a science.

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