- Name: Elsa Schaffer
- Age: 51
- Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
- Surgery date: December 4th, 2018
- Testimonial date: December 19th, 2018
- Surgeon: Dr. Mario Almanza
I will have to admit that I was hesitant when I first started my journey. I was scared and uninformed and most of it was just facing my own fears of the unknown. I have had four friends who had traveled with Weight loss agents and had great success. Still I was scared of "surgery" and "Going to Mexico." Once I went online and read about the procedures and the risks, decided once and for all to schedule my surgery. Of course I did what everyone does and lived on the net looking up information. I always went back to my patient portal and asked about anything I had concern or worry about. It was so great that they texted to me as soon as possible. They explained in detail their answers and never made me feel dumb about anything I asked. They walked me through the whole process. I went during the caravan of the Hondurans. In the states the news made it so scary to travel and I texted often with concerns. Even Dr.Almanza posted on his thread on FB saying that it was safe to travel. My journey was a great experience. I was picked up at the airport exactly where they said. The driver was a really friendly. We arrived and the hospital is in a guarded secure area behind a gate. We did all our pre-op labs and EKG and were sent up to our room. The whole place was pristine clean. The cleaning lady never stopped. Everyone I met was so nice and kind. OUr room was the cleanest hospital room I have ever had. We are on clear liquids so they offered Popsicles and jello and broth to your hearts desire. The next morning we met Dr.Almanza, who by the way is the nicest person, down to eart, and he tries to joke and make everyone smile and laugh. He explained what was going to happen. He speaks English with an accent but, he gets the message across. After surgery all the nurses do everything to help you feel comfortable.Anything you need they are there immediately. I was nauseous and felt awful the first day and they were so reassuring and comforting, like family. All the staff is like that, caring and helpful and accommodating. I have no regrets! I have had no issues. My incisions are healing nicely and I am eating pureed foods and making sure to follow all my instructions provided before I left. I recommend Dr.Almanza to everyone who asks me about my weight loss surgery.
