- Name: Candice Ford
- Age: 34
- Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
- Surgery date: July 1st, 2021
- Testimonial date: November 8th, 2021
- Surgeon: Dr. Mario Almanza
I was very hesitant and nervous about traveling to Mexico, especially Tijuana for a surgery. I had done a lot of research and had friends that had previously used Dr. Almanza with great results. I had this mindset that if I couldn't lose the weight on my own then it would be cheating. I was so far off, the dedication that it takes to perform the pre-op diet and afterwards is by far very disciplined. Also, don't think that you can just go back and have a nibble of this or that, it becomes a whole mindset change or you will end up miserable and/or gaining the weight back. Before the surgery I had reached my heaviest weight at 255. At least 30 lbs. more than I even weighed going in to give birth to my children. When I finally decided to schedule there was no going back. BEST DECISION, I lost about 25-30 lbs on the pre-op diet and the morning before surgery I weighed in at 225. The staff was very accommodating! There was a little bit of a language barrier but they were really trying it was a mutual effort. I also got lucky enough to room with someone who spoke spanish so she translated a lot for me :). Surgery didn't take long at all, I was out and in my room and actually up walking around in 4 hours. I am now at 186 lbs. Not worried about being on blood pressure medication at all! I feel better than I have in years, I have gained confidence that I had no idea I had lost. I would still make the decision again with Dr. Almanza, he and his staff were great!
