• Name: Cathy Carter
• Age: 45
• Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
• Surgery date: July 21st, 2014
• Testimonial date: July 27th, 2014
• Surgeon: Dr. Almanza

I read the testimonials before having the procedure. They were all helpful and most of them encouraging. I have to say, being 5 days post-op, that I honestly do not have any regrets. My experience in Mexico was better than I expected. Dr. Almanza was very pleasant. I didn't spend much time with him, but I didn't expect to either. The lab, hospital and hotel were exactly what the pictures show. I was not shocked or surprised by anything.
I arrived on Monday, went straight to the lab for blood work and an EKG. I was then taken to the hospital and within an hour I was in surgery. The anesthesiologist asked me if I was nervous, and gave me a shot in my IV - that is all I remember until waking up in the recovery room where I spent the night. I had no adverse reaction to sedation or surgery so my night was uneventful. One of my roommates did have nausea and vomiting, but she said she always responded that way after a surgery. I felt bad for her.
The next morning we were taken to the hotel. The hotel is very nice. The staff there were very pleasant and helpful. There were nurses there, at the hotel, at all times. We were given IV fluids twice a day with nausea and pain medication and our bandages were changed twice a day as well.
The first day after surgery all I did was sleep. I had discomfort, as to be expected, since I just had 80% of my stomach removed:-) later that evening my roommate and I walked about 8 blocks in the shopping district and bought some T-shirts. The next day was great, the van driver picked us up at the hotel and drove us to the shopping areas.
Eating and drinking were hard for me the first 3-4 days. I was not hungry (still not) and had little desire to drink. I had a lot of heart burn and I think, possibly, the apple juice might have made it worse. Water went down fine, chewing ice was good too. the broth was good, I just didn't have an appetite. The popsicles however, they were awesome! I enjoyed those very much. I even bought some when I got home. I am eating broth, clear liquids, sugar free juice and protein drinks - I weighed myself today and I have lost 8lbs!
The worst part of the whole experience for me, was the trip home. It was an extremely long day and it just wore me out. I was tired and sore when I arrived home, but after a shower, chicken broth, medication and a good night sleep I was back to new on Friday! I even went to work - where they sent me home due to not having a medical release,lol but I was feeling up to doing my job.
If anyone has doubts, do the research, know the risks and side effects - and weigh the options - for me, I have no regrets getting the gastric sleeve.

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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.