Not trying to start any crap, but did y'all look under the vsg complications forum about peoples experience with Almanza? I just finished reading the posts. It gets ugly

I've read nothing but good and have 2 friends that have been there with him and they are doing great. I can't wait to go!!!

I was just shocked to read it all. infections could happen with any Dr. leaks can too. I need to just stay away from that forum lol

I had my surgery with Dr. Almanza on March 2, 2012....and would do it again in a heartbeat. He did a great job on me, and everyone I met while I was there (we still keep in touch). I'm down 65lbs as of today, and still going strong. Oh, and people keep mentioning not to use him because your surgery is in a surgery center, and not a hospital, and you stay in a recovery house afterwards, but I've had some pretty major surgeries here in Texas, in a surgery center, and they send me home the same day....at least you have caretakers at the recovery house. Don't rule out Dr. Almanza based on things people say...you never know if it's other coordinators just playing dirty. Good luck on your journey :-)

I had my surgery with Dr. Almanza on March 2' date=' 2012....and would do it again in a heartbeat. He did a great job on me, and everyone I met while I was there (we still keep in touch). I'm down 65lbs as of today, and still going strong. Oh, and people keep mentioning not to use him because your surgery is in a surgery center, and not a hospital, and you stay in a recovery house afterwards, but I've had some pretty major surgeries here in Texas, in a surgery center, and they send me home the same day....at least you have caretakers at the recovery house. Don't rule out Dr. Almanza based on things people say...you never know if it's other coordinators just playing dirty. Good luck on your journey :-)[/quote']

Thanks for the info I am scheduled with him on July 27

I am looking forward to having surgery with him on July 9. I have absolutely no concerns. Hey Donna! See you there!

No problem guys, good luck on your journey! Oh, one word of advice if you're a big baby when it comes to pain: Have your Dr. Here prescribe strong liquid pain meds to take with you. In my opinion they don't provide enough pain relief there, but I'm a big baby :-)

Yeah,I actually changed from the hospital to have mine at MAR surgery center. I WA reading those posts and I swear I had such anxiety it gave me diarrhea. Tmi, but it's true. I'm not going back there and reading any more complications. I'm coming from Oklahoma and it just seems so far away if I had any of that stuff go wrong. I'm gonna do myself a favor n not go to that forum. Scared me lol

I am looking forward to having surgery with him on July 9. I have absolutely no concerns. Hey Donna! See you there!

3 Weeks today!!!!!

ShannonH. I am with you. I don't know why people talk bad about Dr. Almanza. I was just sleeved on June 7th and I am as happy as can be. No complications at all and I loving my sleeved. 17 pounds down today. I love Dr Almanza and everyone at the facility were very caring. I have never received that kind of treatment here in USA. I will be back next year for some plastics with Dr. Lara at the same facility.

 

Johanna

Johanna, you are down 17 pounds since June 7??? OMG! Congrats.

I have purposely avoided all of those negative forums. Lots of people have given postive testimonials about Dr. Almanza, so I focus on that. Beyond that, the only consideration, I think, is the risk that comes with any operation. Frankly, I have had a far more serious operation than this before, so I know all will be well.

3 Weeks today!!!!!

Yes! I, thankfully, have lots of projects and travel for work until then. It seemed so far away but now feels like it is right around the corner. Of course, I would like for it to be tomorrow! LOL

I start liquids on July 4, I think, and fly out on July 8.

Yes! I, thankfully, have lots of projects and travel for work until then. It seemed so far away but now feels like it is right around the corner. Of course, I would like for it to be tomorrow! LOL

I start liquids on July 4, I think, and fly out on July 8.

From what Melissa sent me I only have 3 days of liquids. Is she the one you talked to?

No, it was Louise. Based on what I read (it has been a while, so I could be mistaken), three days is the minimum for liquids and it goes up to 14 days, depending on BMI.

I should have stated that that is the case for our doctor. Obviously, other doctors have different processes regarding liquids.

From what she sent me it was 3 days for a bmi lower than 40 and I think I am at 37. I'm going to try to attach it here and you can tell me if it's the same thing you got.

Bariatric Surgery Pre-Op Diet and Instructions

Congratulations and thank you for choosing Mt Zion Medical for your Bariatric Surgery!

Please print out a copy of this and bring it with you as it includes important phone numbers and information you will need to have handy. 


One week prior to surgery:

Please stop taking any blood thinners, aspirin, and/or vitamins that you normally take (doctor prescribed medicines are fine – if you are not sure, please call us).

If you are bringing a guest with you, please let us know in advance so that we can make sure there is room in the van at time of pick-up and a bed at the recovery house for them. If you are bringing a guest and the recovery house is full with patients, we will help them make arrangements to stay at the Marriott (the rate is about $85 US a night).


Three days prior to surgery:

Please take a laxative (1 laxative, 1 time, 3 days before surgery). This will help with the surgical gas and constipation that comes with surgery.

You will need to be on a liquid ONLY diet. You may have broth, Jell-O, yogurt, sugar-free juice, any clear liquid, Boost, or Slim-Fast. NO SOLIDS of any kind. . This is the recommended pre-op diet for those with a BMI of 40 or below. PLEASE NOTE: A higher BMI requires a liquid diet 5-7 days prior to surgery.


Packing for your trip:

Make sure you have your Passport to cross the border.

Please bring your receipts of payment and your certified cashier's check made out to Jorge Fernandez if you have a balance. If we have made other payment arrangements with you, please make sure they are in order before heading to San Diego.

Please bring and wear loose fitting clothing so you are comfortable. Often you will be bruised and swollen after your procedure.

You will also want to bring some GasX STRIPS (not pills or chewables) with you.

If you will want to do any shopping, cash works better than credit cards with the local vendors.


Night prior to surgery (many of you will be staying in San Diego at your expense):

NOTHING to eat or drink after midnight

The Hampton Inn is a great option for your stay in San Diego. Our clients use them on a regular basis and are aware of your special needs. They can be reached at: 619-233-8408 or 800-426-7866. Let them know that your stay is for Weight Loss Services (Corporate ID Number # 0002723395). This will get you a room for $89.00 a night plus tax. You can call for their complimentary shuttle once you’ve gotten your baggage at the airport: 1- 619-233-8408. Upon check- in arrange for your morning shuttle back to the San Diego airport.

Morning of surgery:

Please be outside of JET BLUE Terminal 2 at 9:00 This is where you will be picked up. Once you arrive, please call Melissa @ 866-310-4625 She will alert the driver once everyone has arrived. If you run into any problems, please call us immediately.

Additional Information: 
There is a landline telephone with a US number (1-727-232-0619) at the guest house for you to use and for your friends and family to reach you during your recovery. There is also a laptop and free Wi-Fi for you to use while at the house. 

Please know that we will be here for you before, during your stay, and after your surgery to answer any questions or concerns you may have. We want your stay to be a happy, healthy one, so please let us know if there are any problems or issues and we will do my best to resolve them.
 
In closing, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail with any questions or concerns that might come up between now and your scheduled procedure.
 
IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO HAVE ON HAND:


Melissa Bracker 1-866-310-4625
Louise Johnson 1-866-806-4286
Guest House 1-727-232-0619

Hampton Inn Airport Shuttle/ Reservations 1-619-233-8408