Has anyone had the surgery done with Dr.Almanza? What was your experience like?

I'm booked for October 14th 2013.

I did. 7/1/11. the surgery went very well and there were no complications, still none. it does not look like a typical hospital (more like a strip mall). It is basic but clean and likely has a lot fewer super-bugs than you would find in a multi-service hospital. for recovery, you will likely be in a house with roommates. I liked the company...not like any of us were perky, but there were people to walk with (you will be walking a lot, to get rid of the post op gas). and there was terrific clear soup and popsicles on the second post op day . the only thing that I would suggest you consider is to have a post op md or nurse lined up in the us. first of all, it is important to have someone to call if there is an emergency. also, unless you are very personally un-squeamish, you might need help taking out the post op sutures. I ended up doing it myself, because no doctor or nurse here would do it for me. Also, you might want to consider having the folks in Mexico send you a list of the post op meds you will need and then seeing if there is a way to get these in the US. I did not have any problems with this, but on another (terrible, horrible and awful) trip to Mexico for dental work, the anti-biotics they gave me were not effective... I found out that the ones you get there may not always be top quality. One final thing, remember to follow all pre-op instuctions. If you can get on a liquid diet now, you will reduce your risk in surgery, heal quicker and feel a LOT better than you will if you dont. most of all, don't worry ...congratulations on making a good start toward feeling better about yourself and your health

I also had surgery with Dr. Almanza everything was as mrsjumbo says. No recovery house ,however, now you go to the hotel Ticaun.

I also had surgery with Dr. Almanza everything was as mrsjumbo says. No recovery house ' date='however, now you go to the hotel Ticaun.[/quote']

 

I am going to Almanza,..re scheduled for November 14!!

One final thing' date=' remember to follow all pre-op instuctions. If you can get on a liquid diet now, you will reduce your risk in surgery, heal quicker and feel a LOT better than you will if you dont. most of all, don't worry ...congratulations on making a good start toward feeling better about yourself and your health[/quote']

 

They told me I only need to do a 3 day pre-op liquid diet. Would a longer liquid diet benefit me more in the long run?

 

 

Be weary of the white pills they give you in the Hotel. They are clonopins. I brought my baby and was nursing and they were supposed to give me pain meds that were safe for nursing moms. I trusted the doctor....found out what the pills were once I was in the states. They give you those so you will be knocked out for 8 hrs plus. Also, if you happen to have any complications do not expect ANY cooperation from their end. The doctor didn't even have the decency to call me back when I told them my husband has been hospitalized for over 4 months due to a leak. It wasn't from anything Dr. Almanza did but it still would have been nice to get a post op report for the doctors here....it's definitely go at your own risk.

They told me I only need to do a 3 day pre-op liquid diet. Would a longer liquid diet benefit me more in the long run?

 

i only had a 3 day pre op too - i think it depends on the amount of weight to lose. also they had a cancelation so i went really fast and last minute. found out 3 days before. i think one of the goals is to shrink the liver so they can get to the stomach easier. i did my surgery sept 2011. the person who wrote first gave an accurate description of my experience but it sounds like they do a hotel now instead of the house. i loved the camraderie overall of doing this with other people. i have had great success and very happy results.

I had my sleeve done on the 3rd of September and I guess I lucked out. I had a very good experience and I felt very well taken care of while I was there. 1) I knew what I was getting into. 2) I know enough Spanish to get by which really helps. 3) I am not afraid to ask questions.

Be weary of the white pills they give you in the Hotel. They are clonopins. I brought my baby and was nursing and they were supposed to give me pain meds that were safe for nursing moms. I trusted the doctor....found out what the pills were once I was in the states. They give you those so you will be knocked out for 8 hrs plus. Also' date=' if you happen to have any complications do not expect ANY cooperation from their end. The doctor didn't even have the decency to call me back when I told them my husband has been hospitalized for over 4 months due to a leak. It wasn't from anything Dr. Almanza did but it still would have been nice to get a post op report for the doctors here....it's definitely go at your own risk.[/quote']

I hope your hubby is okay.

Dr Almanza did my sleeve on 1/21/13. Yes, the clinic is in a strip center. It is professional and clean. Stayed overnight after surgery, then on to Hotel Ticuan for two more nights. (Nice Hotel). Not alot of english spoken, except for the patients and you'll end up bonding with them. Almanza is a very good surgeon and I am very happy with the results. Feel free to PM me if you have any additional questions!

I had my surgery last week by almanza and had the hardest 5 days of my life but they kept me at the clinic and were constantly helping me. I also must say his team especially the anesthesiologist dr Hugo that's his first name were all great he even came by the next 2 days and made sure medication was ok. Overall a horrible time for my recovery and they made I livable