- Name: Donna Mattia
- Age: 47
- Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
- Surgery date: April 11th, 2015
- Testimonial date: December 6th, 2017
- Surgeon: Dr. Mario Almanza
Best decision of my life! My only regret was not doing it sooner! I was 220 pounds and unhappy! I had severe obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, high cholesterol, hypothyroidism, depression etc. I tried every diet! My doctor said I needed to lose 50 pounds. He said I was headed toward heart disease if I did not lose the weight. I work for the State of Pa. However, my own insurance would not cover any bariatric services. The doctors here wanted 20k on average. I researched my options and learned about Dr Mario Almanza! I was impressed with the ease of getting a surgery date. My concern was I was starting boot camp or basic training for state parole agent! My surgery was 4/11/15! My basic training started 5/4/15! The physical part was my concern but I made it through and passed. I went from 220 to 149 at my lowest. I am now about 162 in Dec 2017 but I am working on losing my regain. The hospital was clean. The nurses were very kind and receptive. I remember Alexandra or Alejandra as she was superb! I called in March 2015 to secure a surgery date. I went by myself and met nice men and women. I had surgery on Sat am n spent one night in Hospital and two nights in hotel with nurses In the hotel. I was shopping for five hours in Tijuana on Monday and left tuesday. I flew to San Diego on Friday and we did the EKG n blood work Friday. Almanzas very good looking brother settles up Money owed on Friday. Almanza took pictures and explained the process. It was easy and I had zero complications. The online supports I found were helpful. I went to a nutritionist on my own when I came back. I need to start exercising more and I realize we can make wrong choices with food if you fall into old habits! Nothing taste as good as thin feels. I sent a friend to Almanza a year later and she looks amazing! I feel wonderful. I have a job I love. As a single mom, I am happier and feel I have added years to my life. I was not scared to go alone. I had an awesome roommate in the hotel. We keep in touch on Facebook. Everyone who was sleeved my day looks amazing now! My faith in God told me I would be just fine and I would not hesitate to travel to Tijuana again! I even had my teeth whitened two days after my surgery. I had to use the restroom on the plane on the way home. I would recommend staying in hotel one more day but not required. I was back to work in 9 Days. Hope this helps! You will not regret this decision!
