Dr Almanza, having 2nd thoughts

[thinnhealthy]

Thanks everyone for your comments!! what was your laxative of choice?

[Dee Leshuz]

I like Miralax. Benefiber is good but it takes a few days to work. I use both.

[Cjaqtt]

I am a Dr Almanza Patient also. I agree with everyone else on their comments about being slightly nervous right before. Honestly how many people in our boat can say they voluntarily went under the knife before this surgery. Yes there are those that are going in for revisions, but for a big portion of us, this was the first time we signed up for surgery without having a immediate medical need.
I had complications that turned out to be phemonia gone crazy....more then likely I got phemonia in the first place because of my immune system not being fully revovered from the surgery. I did have to appeal my insurance because they were not going to cover the phemonia hospital stay because my records showed that I had bariatric surgery. But after going through the Dr notes the insurance determined that indeed I was only in the hospital for phemonia. Long story short if I had known that I could by insurance, I would have. If complications from your surgery arise they are going to happen early on. The Dr I go to know here at home said that if you have something going on more then 30 days it is most likely nothing to do with your sleeve. Just my 2 cents!
Good luck an enjoy the journey. You will be amazed where this road leads you.

[Island Girl]

Firstly, we are all different, different ages, BMIs, surgeons and health issues. Follow the instructions you were given by Dr. Almanza's staff, there is a reason you were given the instructions. I was on a 14 day liquid diet...be thankful you don't have that pre-op plan.

I had surgery in July and wasn't offered the optional insurance...so it may be a new product...it is a great option for some people. I scheduled aftercare with my regular physician. However, I was also aware that my health insurance plan did not cover WLS complications.

It is my understanding that the recovery house is being renovated which is why all patients are being housed in the hotel. When you stay in the recovery house you have roomate/s which is most likely why there is a price difference for staying alone in the hotel. The time you stay in TJ goes quickly, most of the time you will be resting. Maybe there will be someone else having surgery the same day that you would like to room with. I am still in contact with two of the ladies that had surgery the same day as me...made a few new friends

You have to do what is best for you...and going to Mexico for surgery is a different adventure than domestic surgery. Personally, I have no regrets having surgery with Dr. Almanza and the Jeresulem clinic staff members are very professional and caring. Take care!

[thinnhealthy]

Thank you for all your comments but after careful consideration I decided to go with another Dr I was researching before Fernando Garcia. I am sure Dr Almanza is a great surgeon but I personally did not like the communication with the coordinators, misinformation and some things that were said to me. With that being said I had to ask myself one simple question and that was did I feel good about my decision and the answer was no. The coordinator for Dr Garcia that I spoke with has been very helpful and responsive from the beginning and I think I went with Almanza because there were so many reviews on the board about him. As Island Girl said I think this is the best decision for me! Thanks again to everyone who took the time out to answer my questions and show support!

[ToDream]

I had Almanza in April 2011 and chose to stay in the hotel as my husband came with me. I did a 3 days of liquid diet. It sucked a little as the day before surgery was our 1 yr anniversary, but we managed with a light broth and water

My coordinator here in Canada liased with Louise at the time and they did offer the insurance but didn't insist on it if I didn't want it.

[pconrad]

Hi: Part of the reason for a liquid diet is to REDUCE SIZE OF LIVER by eating less fat...that makes it easier to keep the liver out of the way of the stomach during surgery. Also, you won't have food 'backed up' in the poop shute making constipation worse...constipation always follows general anesthetic. Take matters into your own hands and cut way back...I experimented with the liquid protein diet for a couple of weeks (low fat) then a week or so of clear fluids...it's hard but keeps complications lower....then night before I did a fleet enima.

[cpaliz1]

thinnhealthy how much does Dr. Fernando Garcia charge? I'm still on my search for a Dr...

[SECRETSLEEVE]

thinnhealthy how much does Dr. Fernando Garcia charge? I'm still on my search for a Dr...

In august he was running a price of 4700 which included 3 night in a hotel, 1 night pre op, 2 nights in hospital then 2 nights in a hotel post op.

[thinnhealthy]

$4500 same as Dr A but you get 2 nights in the hospital and 3 nights at the Marriott with private room this includes the night you arrive. With Dr A you have to stay your 1st night in San Diego at your own expense.

thinnhealthy how much does Dr. Fernando Garcia charge? I'm still on my search for a Dr...

[cowgirldiva17]

I had surgery there in July. I stayed 1 night at the hotel and the other nights at the recovery house. The hotel is beautiful!! I was actually pleasantly surprised. At the recovery house you would have shared a room with other people. So what difference does it make if you share at the hotel??!! I had a 2wk pre-op diet. It all depends on your bmi and health history. Before going to Dr. Almanza, I was seeing a surgeon here in Vegas. He also required a 2 wk pre-op. So 3 days is NOTHING. And yes...I did the cleanse a few days before. It cleans you out. It helps with surgery, recovery and complications. I would NEVER EVER hesitate to refer anyone to Dr. Almanza. You are in great capable hands. And the extra insurance is an option. Alot of patients that go to Mexico are there because their insurance does not cover WLS. If there are any resulting complications, you aren't covered. It wasn't available to me when I went. I would have purchased it. I do not have ANY insurance. I think you have the typical pre-op jitters.

[thinnhealthy]

For everyone wondering why I don't want to share a room it is because that is my preference....I like my privacy!!!

[itsmytime]

To thinnhealthy-you don't have to explain yourself here. It's your surgery--your choice--and your life. It's a very personal decision to have surgery and to be comfortable is one of the most important things. We understand! I am sure all will be fine. I almost went with Dr. Garcia myself but he didn't take credit cards lol. Best wishes to you!

[Msvetrn]

$4500 same as Dr A but you get 2 nights in the hospital and 3 nights at the Marriott with private room this includes the night you arrive. With Dr A you have to stay your 1st night in San Diego at your own expense.

His website saids "2 nights in hospital and 1 night in hotel" but I guess it could be wrong.

[thinnhealthy]

@itsmytime thank you! that is for the 2 people that that asked. He does take credit cards that is how I paid.

To thinnhealthy-you don't have to explain yourself here. It's your surgery--your choice--and your life. It's a very personal decision to have surgery and to be comfortable is one of the most important things. We understand! I am sure all will be fine. I almost went with Dr. Garcia myself but he didn't take credit cards lol. Best wishes to you!