My experience with Dr. Almanza

[karlyn65]

Hi everyone,

Well I did it. To be honest I was very nervous about the procedure and the pre-op diet was the hardest thing I have done but I did it. Yeh! I had surgery Tuesday around 4:30pm and woke up around 7ish. I don't remember much except getting on the table and bam I was out. I did have the dry heaves once which I am grateful for. My roommate Blair had a much rougher time the 1st night. But after that she was great. I met some awesome people that I hope to stay in touch with who helped me make it through. The hospital is in a strip center as many have written before but when you walk in it is very clean. They do your blood work 1st then you go upstairs change into your gowns, meet Dr. Almanza who is very nice and his English is good. He explains the procedure and answers any questions you have. Then you have an EKG which they show you how it comes out. Then you wait for surgery. I was the 5th one in. I think they go by BMI. The lower BMI folks 1st. Day 2 they took us to the recover house. I met a couple that lives 20 mins. from me in Pittsburg. Talk about a small world. Anyway they gave us our rooms we took hot showers that felt good and they changed our bandages and gave us meds. We relaxed for most of the day until Sylvester took us shopping. They were very attentive and watched us as we shopped. I felt very safe the whole trip and the staff was awesome. They took very good care of us. It is definitely not the Hilton but for the price you pay you are taken care of very well. I would recommend this to anyone. I will let you know if anything develops as far as complications but for being out of a major surgery only 4days agon I feel really good and so happy about my decision. 10 lbs down already. Yeh. Thanks for everyones post and support before surgery as they gave me the courage to go through with it. Thank you to my new family! Karen

[Shugaplum]

Congratulations! on your way!!!

[laniesmom]

The weight loss will only get better, enjoy each 10 pound drop. Buy something new (to you)...shop thrift stores for now, or your sister/friends closets, you will find the best buys.

[Sunflower]

Congratulations and thanks for sharing your experience!

[Minnie Mouse]

Karen...I'm so glad you had a good experience. I went there also, and I had an enjoyable time considering what we went through. It was a piece of cake for me, and I'm happy I did it. Everyone was professional and attentive to all our needs. They have a way of making you feel right at home in a foreign country. Lol...Bonnie

[karlyn65]

Hi Bonnie,

You are so right. I was amazed at how efficient everyone was especially with the flow of folks going through. Especially Servino (I think I spelled that right) and Sylvester at the the recovery house. They are the nicest guys and on top of everything. Sylvester even took us shopping and was very attentive in keeping track of us. I felt like i was on a mini surgery vacation as weird as that sounds. Still doing good tonight. Except I wish my diahrea would go ahead. But I guess that is liquids in, liquids out heh.

[Minnie Mouse]

Karlyn...The diahrea (sp.) should go away once you eat solids again. I remember going through that also. It did seem like a mini vacation even though there was a little discomfort especially the gas pains and having to drink that horrid purple stuff for the leak test! Then it was the yucki clear liquid for the last test. That's when I threw up! But it all passed, and I knew I would come out a winner! I also had a lot of dental work done along with it which helped me keep my mind off the negatives. Wow! It's nice to sit at my computer and be happy that we've accomplished so much! Let's party!!!! Hahahaha..............