• Name: Confidential
• Age: 48
• Surgery: Lap Band Revision To Sleeve
• Surgery date: September 10th, 2012
• Testimonial date: November 17th, 2012
• Surgeon: Dr. Almanza

I had my lap band done 10 years ago in Mexico and had a great experience there so I was not concerned about having my surgery in Mexico. When I arrived, I went in a van and a woman and her sister and daughter who had all had surgery by Dr. Almanza before were on the van with us. They had very high praises for him which also helped to allay my fears. When we got to Jerusalem hospital, I was shocked and very concerned because the "hospital" was in a shopping mall! It turns out the hospital is similar to a surgicenter here in the US. From the moment we all walked in all our fears were put to rest. Everyone was very, very nice and very, very well schooled. The administrative staff spoke perfect English and were very polite, the physicians were very good and the nurses were wonderful. They took great care of us.

My only complaint is that the incisions were not performed with cosmetics in mind. Considering the fact that we are all trying to lose weight with both health AND beauty in mind, I would have much preferred that the incisions were performed cosmetically. The abdomen is one of the most important places of our body, from a cosmetic standpoint, for a woman. Although I understand that the incisions made are all necessary, closing them from a surgical as well as a cosmetic standpoint would have been MUCH better. I too am a surgeon so I know that this is possible. I have spent the majority of my career making very sure that the scars I have left on my patients were as small and well hidden and thin as it was possible to make them. The way that the incisions were closed also made the removal of the stitches extremely difficult.

Besides this complaint however, I have nothing but good things to say about my experience with my surgery. I have been very successful so far. I lost 34 pounds in 6 weeks (I have been on a stall for the past 2 weeks). My appetite is much less and I eat very, very little. I have lots of energy despite the small amount of food I am eating and I have had no problems whatsoever with my food intake. I have no problems eating anything, I just follow what I have been told and stop eating before I think I am full. If I don't stop then, I feel like I have eaten a 6 course meal! After doing that a couple times, I have not done it again!!

If you are considering going to have Dr. Almanza do your surgery, you have made the right choice!

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