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  • Name: Lisa Rowland
  • Age: 51
  • Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
  • Surgery date: May 8th, 2017
  • Testimonial date: May 24th, 2017
  • Surgeon: Dr. Mario Almanza
I have a unique situation than most of the patients that opt for a Gastric Sleeve. I had a Lap Band for 10 years. I am convinced that the Lap Band has a "shelf life". I have heard of a lot of people having to have them removed after about 8 years. I lost 110 lbs with the Band. It was life changing. When the band slipped and had to be removed I was devastated. I was told that I should be able to keep the weight off since I had learned how to eat with the band and lose weight. This was not the case. As soon as the band was removed. My stomach and brain told me that I needed to eat. I was hungry all the time. I tried to keep my calorie count to under 1000 a day. Over the next year I gained 50 lbs. I knew I needed my band back. No Dr. in my area was willing to put the band back on my stomach and they were not excited about do a Gastric Sleeve. They were afraid I would loose too much weight. Needless to say I was very upset that I was gaining weight back so fast.

Thankfully Dr. Almanza understands the need of having this "tool". He agreed to do the Gastric Sleeve procedure. It has been two weeks and I am very happy with the results. I have lost 20 lbs and feel great.

I was a little apprehensive about going out of the country for this procedure. When I arrived and spoke with other patients that had had surgery a few days before. My fears were gone. On the day of my surgery 10 other women had the same surgery. Dr. Almanza does about 60 Gastric Sleeve procedures a week. The Dr. I was working with in Idaho does the surgery 4 times a week. I said to myself. Who would you want doing this procedure. The expert that does thousands a year or the Dr. that does a few a month.

Dr Almanza was very confident and I had not issues with my procedure. The other 10 ladies also had good outcomes. I made 10 new friends for life. The accommodations at the Hotel were great. The Nursing Staff is with you 24/7. If you need anything they are available.

With my Band I had terrible acid reflex. I have had not issues with acid reflex with the sleeve as of today. I have lost that urge that I am always hungry. I have been able to control myself and be very satisfied on the liquid and soft food diet.

I suggest anyone that has a Lap Band and wants it to be removed to had the sleeve procedure. I am proof that you can not keep the weight off by yourself. There is a reason why you have a band.


    * This is an actual testimonial, however, your results may vary. For more information, please read our Testimonial Disclaimer and Risks of Surgery.

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      * The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented on our website are only applicable to the individuals depicted, and may not be representative of the experience of others. For more information, please read our Testimonial Disclaimer and Risks of Surgery.