Dr Almanza

[MomtoGBandH]

I'd really like to get something off my chest here, and it has nothing to do with Dr Almanza, or the care there, or the surgery, since I'm still preop. I have no comments on that.
What really bothers me is that someone comes here and makes FLAGRANTLY homophobic and prejudicial remarks. Worrying about getting AIDS because the doctor or the nurse are gay (first off, who ever said they had AIDS in the first place?) is an absolutely ridiculous remark. Anyone who knows anything about AIDS knows you can't get AIDS because your doctor or nurse is gay. Unless they happen to bleed on an open wound, stick you with a needle they've used themselves, or have sex with you, you'd never be in any risk. Not using gloves is no risk. A lot of doctors don't use them for exams, and unless they are putting their hands into your body orifices, you are not risk.
I just watched the Dateline on TV tonight where kids were tested to see if they were influenced by other people's racial profiling. The person posting those things above is profiling Dr. Almanza and his staff based on their PERCIEVED sexual orientations.
I just had to come and take a stand against this behavior, which I consider to be abhorrent. And I'm not afraid to post my name with my thoughts.

[Jolie]

Good for you Susan! I think the ANNOYmous person is bogus... Just a ploy to cause fear. "NOT WORKING, bogus person!" Who of all of you had an overall great experience with your Mexican sleeve?

[gesibelle]

HI Pinkhonda, I live in florida too and I totally agree with you. The worst for me with the surgery were the connecting flights. It seemed like it took for ever for me to get back home and that is all i wanted.

[wanttobethin]

I had surgery with Dr. Almanza...very professional, very caring staff. They will take care of you, whether you will be staying at the condo or at the hotel. You are always with someone from the hospital, never left alone. I would recommend Dr.Almanza to anyone....and I will be returning for cosmetic surgery after I loose my weight....Good luck...and rest assured Dr. A is the best...

[MrsPiggy549]

I heading there Wednesday and am all of a sudden going alone, was going to stay in hotel.. has anyone else stayed in recovery House?

I went to TJ alone and stayed at the recovery house...There, I was NOT alone and received excellent care and actually had fun. If you stay at the hotel, not only will you be without people who understand what you're going through, you'll have to travel back and forth for meds, if needed. Post op, I was not in need of any care, however, it was a good feeling knowing there was a nurse in the house, at all times! Whatever you decide, I wish you a safe trip and a wonderful outcome...Best of luck, Terry

[Jersey John]

ANewCindy was texting me frequently up to, and after surgery.....

She was having some complications and then suddenly stopped all communication.... that was over 12 hours ago....I'm extremely concerned for her as she travelled there alone...if anyone could help me get in touch with her I would be very grateful....she was at clinic last texts said they needed to keep her through Saturday....

Everyone's sleeve experience is their own....and there are many many more good experiences here than not so lets please avoid that debate...I'm just very worried about Cindy right now....

thanks...you can private message me if you can be of assistance....

[MrsPiggy549]

She's probably sleeping...Not to worry, she's in good hands!

[Jersey John]

Thanks for the help and assurances...she apparently was discharged and headed back home to Southern California....Some help from here and a little bit of old fashioned gumshoe work and persistence and I almost reached her.....;p

Total strangers who were recovering at the recovery house and even at the hotel were extremely helpful, all by the way were post sleeve and very happy with their experiences. I made some new friends!...They had all seen Cindy and knew she was not having the same positive experience, but were quick to praise their own experiences there this week...

I guess I'll catch up to her tomorrow, her phone battery was toast.....as most of us know, after the first 48 hours you typically feel like 50% better with each passing day....

Thank you all again

[MrsPiggy549]

Happy to hear that you resolved your problem. Everyone's experience is different and some tolerate pain better than others...Personally, I had no pain, only mild discomfort, following surgery...Nothing a nice walk couldn't fix!

[ANewCindy]

I just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who helped John find out about me. I did end up as the very sick one down there and on top of everything had NO service on my phone and then it died. I wish I had a great experience like a lot of you had, but I did have other issues as well, and just wanted to get home. It meant the world to me when John told me alll of the trouble he went through to make sure I was ok.... and I appreciate the help he got. I owe a lot to John, and every day feel very cared for.

[itsmytime]

Cindy so glad you are home! There were 7 of us the day I had surgery, and 1 girl was very sick. I don't know if it was the general anesthesia or the meds or what but she was just sick. It took her a few days to feel better. By the time she left, she felt a lot better. How long did you end up having to stay? If you feel up to it, please let us know about your experience. Good luck!!

[ANewCindy]

Thanks I am too.. The day I went there were ten of us, and honestly I was completely impressed at first... Everyone there is wonderful, I just have to say they totally over book right before summer. Dr Almanza made a quick appearance to take a pic, but never came back to talk to us about the surgery. I HAVE seen his videos on you tube so I was anxious to ask a few questions. The last surgery our day ended after midnight. The recovery house was full and so I stayed at the hotel, which was a great hotel, but being left there when you are vomitting and in pain.. miserable wasnt my first choice. I think they need to rethink the care for the people at the hotel. There were two of us that didnt stop vomitting even a sip of water until the second day. Every bumpy van trip to and from the clinic for meds was miseraable... and Im generally a tough girl. I only stayed until I couldnt take it anymore which was the second day after. Everyone else except me and a sweet girl who I roomed with stayed one more day. She had the sleeve too and was trying to take care of me as well. I couldnt keep the water, popsicles nothing down. The day I left we had to drink the blue/purple bottle of dye to test the sleeve... I didnt keep much down. I also have severe fibromyalgia and was told Id be able to continue my three meds which cant be stopped suddenly.... I was NOT able to take them and wonder if that was part of my sickness as well. I had never been so miserable... so just wanted to get home. We paid the shuttle driver , Omar, who is a saint... to take us back early. With no way to contact my kids and family and being THAT ill... I just wanted to go home. I am feeling some better, and have much support, but this definitely is taking longer than most of you. Im very happy Idid it.. Its rough making kids dinner but Im holding strong... Thats pretty much the whole story...

[itsmytime]

Oh Cindy, 10 surgeries that day is over board! I had a good experience as much as anyone else did, but I do agree that they do overbook sometimes. And here I thought 7 surgeries was a bit high. 10 is just over the top. I know what you mean about the bumpy ride from the hotel. It IS a bumpy ride and I did vomit in one of those little weird trays they give you in the surgery center after going over all those bumps LOL. I also left a day early. After my leak test, i headed to San Diego for the night before my plane flights home. I was very homesick too and just wanted to get back. I thought the surgery was a good experience though and that is what really matters the most. I am SO sorry you were so sick! I hope you can start taking your meds again soon. I was able to take some meds about 5-6 days after surgery without vomiting. Hopefully you will be able to take them asap.

[ANewCindy]

Thank you.. yes i wasnt the only one upset with the over booking and not being able to talk to Dr. I am taking two of them , but still slow with the liquids. I know those little trays well.. All of his patients there with me were WONDERFUL. I had a lot of people who cared... I was kinda the shuttle joke.. no one wanted to sit by me. I wasnt smiling of course. Unfortunately 10 patients means a VERY full, hot, no windows open shuttle.

[Mela]

You are not alone in getting really sick. I feel your pain with the vomiting. It was an experience that we will never forget and will always appreciate. How are you doing with keeping liquids down now? My doc is encouraging close to 50 ounces of liquid. Its hard getting it all in. I am so happy you made it home safely. Let out journey begin!!!!