- Name: Leslie Elaine Bortz
- Age: 26
- Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
- Surgery date: April 2nd, 2013
- Testimonial date: September 17th, 2013
- Surgeon: Dr. Almanza
I not exactly sure what I'm suppose to write here , but I will tell you all the pros and cons. I had a great experience in the hospital. It was very clean, everyone was very professional. The hotel was wonderful and the service was A-1. I had the surgery 04/02/2013 today is 09/17/2013. I have lost a total of 104 pounds. I started at 317 lbs and wore a size 30. Today I am wearing a size 16 and weight 213 lbs. I had tried everything I could to loose the weight and I just couldn't do it. I am only 26 and have three small children it was time to make the change. That being said I want EVERYONE considering this surgery to this is a LIFE CHANGE. It is NOT easy. I never realized how much I was in love with food. That sounds so silly, but true. I have experienced depression from the loss of my go to comfort. I would start looking for an alternate comfort before surgery. I feel much better and being that I am wearing the size clothes I wore when I was in 6th grade I am happy with the results. After the surgery some of the small cuts opened, but closed with no infection within six weeks(this is normal). My mother, mother -in- law , sisters, and I have all been to this hospital for the gastric sleeve. We have lost a total of 402 lbs. (This is not meant to be offensive)some of my best advise is that after the surgery your body tells you ,you need to vomit let it out. My sister and I had our surgery 1 hour apart. My sister had extreme trapped gas pain. However I was vomiting air bubbles for the first three days and had hardly any pain from this surgery period. I would not recommend the gas strips they made the gas pain worse in everyone who used them. Also, another big big big thing that is so important post opp. Take your B 12 and Multi vitamin. It is very important to get the correct amount of protein and vitamins(I've had extreme hair loss due to not taking correctly). I have not exercised one day sense the surgery due to a huge abdominal hernia.(That now is able to be fixed since I've lost the weight!Yeah!)I really wish this wasn't the case. I recommend that you do exercise(after you heal and of course are able). If I have lost 104 lbs in 5 months with no exercise then the results are what you want them to be. I am experiencing more loose skin due to none exercise. I'm not going to lie still after five months I sometimes wish I could go to my favorite buffet and get my regular 3 plates and leave so full I can't button my pants, but now I'm able to look in the mirror and see that I only need to eat to live not live to eat. I wouldn't change it for anything. I am able to walk, run, walk up steps, play with my kids, and one my most recent favorite memories(I was at the fair last week and I was able to ride every ride in the park). That is a big deal to me. When I was in high school I was asked to get off rides at six flags and the fair. Last week, I found myself asking all the ride operators if I was to big for the ride. I was almost 100 under the max weight. Your life will change so much. It is truly a second chance at life! Last advise. The results of this surgery will have effect on everyone in your family. Just remember the people who TRULY loved you before the surgery. Don't let them fall threw the cracks because your life is changing. I would recommend this facility , in fact I am planning to return for my hernia repair and possibly a tummy tuck next year!I wish everyone well. There is before and after picture on my face book of me my sister and my mom.
