Clint Lipsey

I would request the information packet on Endobariatric.com. My coordinator was Brandi Carter (brandi@endobariatric.com). You can use my name as a referral. Brandi sends out a very informative pdf about Dr Alvarez’s entire process. Plus, she has had the sleeve procedure as well, so her advice comes from experience. Do not be skeptical about Endobariatric with regard to them being located in Mexico. It’s a state of the art, first class hospital, with hospital and hotel all in the same building. My friend had his procedure done their and referred me to him. I would have never even considered going to Mexico to have surgery unless my friend hadn’t praised him so highly. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. Dr A patients come to him, in Mexico, from all over the world. (Texas, Arkansas, New Jersey, and Wisconsin Folks were in my group). I was sleeve procedure # 16,848. That’s how many sleeves Dr A has performed. He is one of only 11 surgeons in the world with a certification of Master Surgeon in Bariatrics. It’s all done laparoscopically and robotically. I have 5 small 2” incisions, that’s it. Also, no surprises on fees and money. I sent a $1,000 deposit to book my surgery, then I brought a cashiers check for $6995. Done. Everything included. Drs, anthesthesia, recovery, lodging, post op medications, etc. turnkey. The only thing we paid for meals for my wife and the concierge delivered it right to our room. We never had to lift a finger. A clinic in San Antonio quoted me $15-$20k cash pay when they learned my insurance would not cover bariatrics. When I asked why the $5k gap, they couldn’t give me a straight answer. Every single thing that Brandi tells you is 100% accurate. I would at least look at the packet and watch the videos she sends before I made a decision. My reason was strictly cost In the beginning, but the more I learned and researched all the different Bariatric procedures, the more I realized how transparent Dr A is, and knows what he is talking about.

I am 1 week post op. My dr recommended for week 1 after surgery to only take in clear liquids (a lot of bullion and broth). In between he recommends the “sip and wait” method for hydration. Literally, have a bottle of Gatorade (or something with electrolytes) mixed with water at room temperature and take a sip (about a shot glass amount) and wait a couple of minutes, and do it again. Water will move through your sleeve easily, so every couple of minutes should be doable. Do not try to take big gulps of water. I would not progress into thicker liquids (applesauce, creamy soups, shakes, etc) until I was hydrated (clear pee, if your pee is still dark, you are not hydrating). Also the bullion and chicken broth is water based and helps with hydration and a nutrition. If your are having spasms, I would back off the applesauce. My dr even said for the first week, don’t worry about protein intake. Concentrate on letting your sleeve heal, stay hydrated (sip, wait, sip, wait). He even recommended real sugar products (jello and popsicles) for the first week simply because you will need the carbs for energy. I do not go back to sugar free food until week two. Also take your acid blocker (he prescribed Omeprazol 20mg) every 12 hrs. This helps with discomfort. If you don’t have one Gaviscon chewable are good. Do not lie down flat if you have drank anything within 1-2 hrs. I did this and made me nauseous. Finally, walk around and move around every couple of hours, but continue the sip wait sip for as much as you can. I have some post op videos I can send you that my dr made for me.