• Name: Yvonne
• Age: 48
• Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
• Surgery date: August 5th, 2014
• Testimonial date: May 8th, 2015
• Surgeon: Dr. Almanza

I was 47 years old and was just declined to increase my life insurance! I was taking 5 250mg of metformin and 40 units of insulin daily, medication for hypertension and high cholesterol with a BMI of 37. I weighed 202.4lbs and struggled with my weight from my teens on. I lost the weight several times over the last 30 years but always seemed to gain it back.

Not everyone supported my decision to have the gastric sleeve surgery but it was the best decision for me! I have lost 68lbs and have never felt better! Now at 134lbs for several months and very happy with my success. I am no longer taking any of the medication I was taking prior to surgery. I walk or bike 3-4 times a week plus resistance training 3 times a week. I am a healthier me for sure.

It has been quite a journey for me for sure. Just 4 weeks post op I became very ill. I had a leak and ended up with sepsis, taken to emerg in shock, high temp and BP 75/42. Please believe me when I say this was in no fault from my surgeon. I am not one to rest up and over did it when I came home.(Vacuumed, washed floors, grocery shopping) I spent 4 weeks in hospital. In just 4 days they had pumped so much fluid through my poisoned body that I gained 26lbs. I was fed through an artery for the next 3 weeks so that the leak could heal as my stomach dried out. I developed pneumonia and a blood clot in my liver. My doctor tells me I'm very lucky to be alive, that if I had waited another 12 hours I'd have been on full life support. I am fully recovered and have never felt better! Haven't weighed 134lbs since I was 10 or 12 years old!

Dr Almanza's office called to check on me several times over the next few months. If I had to do it again I would. I have recommended a few of my family and friends to have the gastric sleeve with Dr Almanza. He was great, his shuttle driver and the nursing staff were very attentive. The hotel was perfect, Mexico 4 Star! The hospital was old but immaculately clean!

If you decide to have the gastric sleeve surgery it will change your life! Take care not to over do things. You may feel up to doing more than you should too soon. I discovered I wasn't Super Woman:)

Thank you Dr Almanza!
Yvonne Ryan

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