- Name: Christine Van Dyke
- Age: 47
- Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
- Surgery date: January 24th, 2017
- Testimonial date: June 26th, 2017
- Surgeon: Dr. Mario Almanza
I thought about this surgery for years but figured I was crazy to take such a drastic step. I made up my mind and called. Everyone I spoke to was wonderful and really positive. I thought it was all "sales" talk...it wasn't.
I was met at the airport by one of my lovely drivers; I felt safe and comfortable. We drove into Tijuana and to my hotel. I checked in and met my roommate. We were both nervous but the next morning our drivers took us around the block to the hospital.
I felt the hospital was clean and safe but best of all were the people. Every single person I came into contact with was wonderful; they made me feel welcome, relaxed and cared for. I did find some of my new friends waiting for surgery were a little anxious which is to be expected. I think there was around 9-11 others booked for surgery. We met Dr. Almanza, I was taken to my room where I watched TV and was taken care of by the nurses; they put in my IV and wrapped my legs with pressure bandages (and warmed my feet). I walked down to surgery at 2:00ish. I was waiting beside some one that had just come out of surgery and she was in agonizing pain...I remained calm because the nurses were. Later I spoke to the women I saw in pain and she said she didn't remember that and she had a speedy recovery. I walked into surgery, hopped onto the table and met the anesthesiologists and then I woke-up. To be honest I felt great it was maybe 4 hours later I felt pressure in my chest which was really uncomfortable the nurses took care of me all night and helped me with pain killers. The next morning they said you're going back to the hotel, I hoped out of bed, got dressed and was down the hall in 5 minutes.
Back at the hotel my room was beside the pool which was beautiful. At this point I was really happy to have my heating pad and the popsicles the nurses brought me. We left the hotel the next day for x-rays (that was uncomfortable because you have to drink something for the x-rays) and the next day I went shopping at the market, I was not alone others went with me. I rested that night and returned home the next day.
The next 2 months were an adjustment to what and how much I could eat but now 5 months in I've worked it out. I snack all day, I eat most anything.
Finally, I'm happy no I'm overjoyed!!! I have my life back and it feels great. By no means is this an easy journey but it is it impossible or painful. I've ended a life time of struggling with my weight and feeling worthless.
My experience from start to finish was excellent and I would do it again, only sooner.
* This is an actual testimonial, however, your results may vary. For more information, please read our Testimonial Disclaimer and Risks of Surgery.