• Name: Michael Runyon
• Age: 45
• Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
• Surgery date: July 4th, 2012
• Testimonial date: November 26th, 2012
• Surgeon: Dr. Almanza

After struggling with my weight for most of my life, I knew that something had to change. My weight was up to 390 lbs (I'm 6'1"); my blood pressure was continuing to climb even with medication; my blood sugar was at diabetic levels; my back, knees, and legs were in constant pain & had trouble with swelling in my lower extremeties........ in short, I was a mess. I was wearing a size 48 pants, and 5X/4X shirts.

After a lot of research, I decided to have the gastric sleeve surgery performed by Dr. Almanza in Tijuana, Mexico on July 4th, 2012. I chose the facility in part because of the price, but was also impressed with Dr. Almanza's credentials.

I was a little nervous the day before the surgery, but I was eager to get on the road to the new me! The facility is different from what you might expect in the U.S., but was sufficient for what was being done. They kept everything very clean, and the staff was very kind and caring. Dr. Almanza and others took a lot of time talking to everyone before the surgery to make sure everyone was ok and to encourage/comfort us. Mine was the the next to last surgery performed that day- around 8:00 PM- (they go by BMI- least to most). The procedure took about an hour.

I honestly had no pain from the incisions or being cut open. Most of the pain for everyone that day and in the days that followed was from gas pressure. Once that worked out of everyone's system, life was much better. I stayed at the Hotel Ticquan with my Father- the hotel was pretty nice and a much better choice than the recovery house.

It has now been 4 1/2 months since the surgery, and I can proudly say that I have lost 100 lbs!!!!! I have about 80 more to go, but I know I'll get there shortly. I'm never hungry anymore, my blood pressure is normal, I'm off all medications, my legs, back, and knees are feeling much better, and I have more energy. I'm comfortably into size 38 jeans as of my writing this, and wearing 2X shirts!!! Hooray for me!!!!!

I would do the surgery again in a hearetbeat because it's probably the best decision I've ever made. If you're thinking of having the gastric sleeve done, I'd highly recommend it, and I can feel good in my recommending Dr. Almanza & Jerusalem Hospital to you.

For those that had the surgery done on July 4th, please contact me- mrunyon67@gmail.com. I hope to post pictures soon.

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