Dr. Mario Almanza
Hi,
I'm not going in Nov but have already been. I love Dr. A and his staff...they are wonderful. I'll give you my story.....this is an email I've sent to someone else that was asking so thought I would send it to you too...hope it helps ease your worries :).
In July/08 I decided to have the lapband and recently revised to the Sleeve....
I have come to realize that Mexico is one of the top bariatric surgery countries in the world...compared to Canada where we literally have sooooo few bariatric surgeons and the ones we do have it can take years and years to even get in to see them, never mind actually having the surgery. At this stage of my life I don't have years to waste in a waiting line. I had both of my surgeries done by Dr. Almanza. He is wonderful....really, I believe he has given me my life back. I recently went to Tijuana, this past Sept 3rd for a revision from the band to the sleeve. Ok, so...this is what happens. We flew into San Diego airport, once we gathered our luggage, we phoned Shirley and she contacts the driver to pick us up. We literally waited no more than 10 minutes for the driver as they new our arrival time and were waiting for a short distance from the pick up area. The driver then takes you over to Tijuana and depending on when you arrive will either take you to the recovery house or right to the hospital. We arrived the day before our surgery so we went to the recovery house. The house is wonderful. It is in a gated community so no one is allowed in that does not live there or have reason to be there. The house has people there almost all the time. Either the house keeper, the cook, the drivers, Dr. B or someone. The rooms are very nice. T.V, DVD player, but you should take your own movies. If you want quiet and privacy you can go to your room whenever you want. If you want to be with people there is always someone around to chat with. Most of the staff speak english. It might not be crystal clear sometimes, but still enough to understand each other. There is a nice back yard with chairs if you want to sit out. The first night we arrived, one of the staff took us shopping. There is a street there called Revolution where you can find all kinds of fun things..jewelry, trinkets, anything you can imagine. The next morning..the day of surgery, the driver took us to the clinic. We had blood work, EKG, all the pre-op stuff to make sure everything is good to go for surgery. Then we had our IV's put in, changed into the gown and surgical stockings then we hung our, watched T.V and waited for our turn. During that time Dr. Almanza comes in to have a chat. Lets us know what will happen during surgery etc. He is a VERY nice man. When you go into surgery, the anesthesiologist tells you what to expect but before you can usually respond more than a couple of words you are waking up and the surgery is over. Now, I have not had a lot of surgeries in my life but I'm sure the after effect of this surgery...probably to be like any other surgery that is a major procedure. I had some pain afterward for which they gave me something. I found out afterward that it was mostly due to gas pain. Really gas pain is the worst part of this whole thing for me. It did pass within the first few days. Other than feeling like you had done a couple hundred sit ups, not really any pain in the tummy area. We stayed in the clinic for 2 nights, on the second day..I think we got ice chips. You will never be so happy to suck on an ice chip as you will that day..ha ha ha. Gradually moved to water and freezies...mmmmm..yummy. Then back to the recovery house for 2 days. There was a doctor at the clinic overnight if we needed anything and at the house there is a nurse overnight if we needed anything there. The medication we had was a few pain pills if we needed them. I have an issue with codeine, but I do know they gave what was equivalent to tylenol 3's with codeine for those that needed them. I got something else and only took them if needed at bed time. When you come out of surgery you have a drain tube and that I have to say was the worst part of the whole process..when they removed it..it wasn't pleasant but only lasted a short time while they took it out. I find that because of my age it is taking me a bit longer to get my energy back but at the beginning of week 3 I was feeling really good. I could have gone back to work that week but decided to take an extra week, just to be on the safe side. One of the girls that was down there while we were there was back to work after about a week or a week and a half. Oh yes, we also were given an anti-biotic which I believe was for 7 days and a milk of magnesia type thing that we took for about 5 days I think...just to help soothe the stomach I believe. The only other thing we did is while the incisions are healing after showering, we spray the incisions with an anti bacterial spray. That's it. I hope this helps and if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask. I wish you all the success in the world!!!
I'm not going in Nov but have already been. I love Dr. A and his staff...they are wonderful. I'll give you my story.....this is an email I've sent to someone else that was asking so thought I would send it to you too...hope it helps ease your worries :).
In July/08 I decided to have the lapband and recently revised to the Sleeve....
I have come to realize that Mexico is one of the top bariatric surgery countries in the world...compared to Canada where we literally have sooooo few bariatric surgeons and the ones we do have it can take years and years to even get in to see them, never mind actually having the surgery. At this stage of my life I don't have years to waste in a waiting line. I had both of my surgeries done by Dr. Almanza. He is wonderful....really, I believe he has given me my life back. I recently went to Tijuana, this past Sept 3rd for a revision from the band to the sleeve. Ok, so...this is what happens. We flew into San Diego airport, once we gathered our luggage, we phoned Shirley and she contacts the driver to pick us up. We literally waited no more than 10 minutes for the driver as they new our arrival time and were waiting for a short distance from the pick up area. The driver then takes you over to Tijuana and depending on when you arrive will either take you to the recovery house or right to the hospital. We arrived the day before our surgery so we went to the recovery house. The house is wonderful. It is in a gated community so no one is allowed in that does not live there or have reason to be there. The house has people there almost all the time. Either the house keeper, the cook, the drivers, Dr. B or someone. The rooms are very nice. T.V, DVD player, but you should take your own movies. If you want quiet and privacy you can go to your room whenever you want. If you want to be with people there is always someone around to chat with. Most of the staff speak english. It might not be crystal clear sometimes, but still enough to understand each other. There is a nice back yard with chairs if you want to sit out. The first night we arrived, one of the staff took us shopping. There is a street there called Revolution where you can find all kinds of fun things..jewelry, trinkets, anything you can imagine. The next morning..the day of surgery, the driver took us to the clinic. We had blood work, EKG, all the pre-op stuff to make sure everything is good to go for surgery. Then we had our IV's put in, changed into the gown and surgical stockings then we hung our, watched T.V and waited for our turn. During that time Dr. Almanza comes in to have a chat. Lets us know what will happen during surgery etc. He is a VERY nice man. When you go into surgery, the anesthesiologist tells you what to expect but before you can usually respond more than a couple of words you are waking up and the surgery is over. Now, I have not had a lot of surgeries in my life but I'm sure the after effect of this surgery...probably to be like any other surgery that is a major procedure. I had some pain afterward for which they gave me something. I found out afterward that it was mostly due to gas pain. Really gas pain is the worst part of this whole thing for me. It did pass within the first few days. Other than feeling like you had done a couple hundred sit ups, not really any pain in the tummy area. We stayed in the clinic for 2 nights, on the second day..I think we got ice chips. You will never be so happy to suck on an ice chip as you will that day..ha ha ha. Gradually moved to water and freezies...mmmmm..yummy. Then back to the recovery house for 2 days. There was a doctor at the clinic overnight if we needed anything and at the house there is a nurse overnight if we needed anything there. The medication we had was a few pain pills if we needed them. I have an issue with codeine, but I do know they gave what was equivalent to tylenol 3's with codeine for those that needed them. I got something else and only took them if needed at bed time. When you come out of surgery you have a drain tube and that I have to say was the worst part of the whole process..when they removed it..it wasn't pleasant but only lasted a short time while they took it out. I find that because of my age it is taking me a bit longer to get my energy back but at the beginning of week 3 I was feeling really good. I could have gone back to work that week but decided to take an extra week, just to be on the safe side. One of the girls that was down there while we were there was back to work after about a week or a week and a half. Oh yes, we also were given an anti-biotic which I believe was for 7 days and a milk of magnesia type thing that we took for about 5 days I think...just to help soothe the stomach I believe. The only other thing we did is while the incisions are healing after showering, we spray the incisions with an anti bacterial spray. That's it. I hope this helps and if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask. I wish you all the success in the world!!!
Band 7/13/08-419.5 lbs VSG 9/3/09-346 lbs DS 3/7/11 - 315 lbs CW: 197
Don't Worry...Be Happy!! You are going to a wonderful doctor and staff.
I had my VSG don 6/16 and have had NO problems. I've lost 47 pounds and feel great.
Below is what I wrote on my profile. Also, incase you are going alone, so did I. I truly did not need anyone to help me out.
Take care and enjoy the ride! Nancy
Dr. Almanza and his staff are wonderful. I had prepared myself with a lot of research before going to Mexico and don't regret being aware of what was going on a bit.
When I arrived at the San Diego Airport, I was met by two chaperones from Emmanuel Medical Center who were very courteous. Eduardo spoke excellent English and Tony spoke fair English. Our first stop was the lab where they drew blood then on to the clinic. When we arrived at the clinic the cardiologist was waiting to run a 12-lead EKG. Vital signs were taken, forms signed, yada, yada and they prepped me for surgery.
Emmanuel Medical Center is clean to a tee. I wish their janatorial staff would come to my house! It is a smallish facility when compared to an American facility but well appointed and full of wonderful staff who focus on you.
There are a few differences from healthcare in the US, but nothing I would consider dangerous (I have been a certified paramedic since 1982).
The surgery went without a hitch and I spent two nights at the clinic with around the clock nursing care. When they released me from the clinic they took me to lunch (yum, chicken broth!) and out for a little shopping. Very little because after about 20 minutes I wanted off of my feet!
The residence house for the next two nights was great. Emmanuel Medical used to put patients at a hotel for two nights but recently (we were the first to stay there) opened a four bedroom condo in a gated community. Dr. Betancourt literally lives on the other side of the road in case of emergencies. The residence house was beautiful, I got to interact with other patients and felt perfectly safe and sound. It even came with a house man who waited on us hand and foot.
After two nights at the residence house, the chaperones drove me back to San Diego to catch my flight home. I arrived home yesterday and had already scheduled a follow up appointment for today with my personal physician. I relayed everything to her, she looked me over and said it all looked great. She understood the whole insurance won't pay thing and can't afford it in the US issue.
Would I do it again??? You betcha'.
I had my VSG don 6/16 and have had NO problems. I've lost 47 pounds and feel great.
Below is what I wrote on my profile. Also, incase you are going alone, so did I. I truly did not need anyone to help me out.
Take care and enjoy the ride! Nancy
Dr. Almanza and his staff are wonderful. I had prepared myself with a lot of research before going to Mexico and don't regret being aware of what was going on a bit.
When I arrived at the San Diego Airport, I was met by two chaperones from Emmanuel Medical Center who were very courteous. Eduardo spoke excellent English and Tony spoke fair English. Our first stop was the lab where they drew blood then on to the clinic. When we arrived at the clinic the cardiologist was waiting to run a 12-lead EKG. Vital signs were taken, forms signed, yada, yada and they prepped me for surgery.
Emmanuel Medical Center is clean to a tee. I wish their janatorial staff would come to my house! It is a smallish facility when compared to an American facility but well appointed and full of wonderful staff who focus on you.
There are a few differences from healthcare in the US, but nothing I would consider dangerous (I have been a certified paramedic since 1982).
The surgery went without a hitch and I spent two nights at the clinic with around the clock nursing care. When they released me from the clinic they took me to lunch (yum, chicken broth!) and out for a little shopping. Very little because after about 20 minutes I wanted off of my feet!
The residence house for the next two nights was great. Emmanuel Medical used to put patients at a hotel for two nights but recently (we were the first to stay there) opened a four bedroom condo in a gated community. Dr. Betancourt literally lives on the other side of the road in case of emergencies. The residence house was beautiful, I got to interact with other patients and felt perfectly safe and sound. It even came with a house man who waited on us hand and foot.
After two nights at the residence house, the chaperones drove me back to San Diego to catch my flight home. I arrived home yesterday and had already scheduled a follow up appointment for today with my personal physician. I relayed everything to her, she looked me over and said it all looked great. She understood the whole insurance won't pay thing and can't afford it in the US issue.
Would I do it again??? You betcha'.
Pre Op-Surgery-Current-Goal232 - 213 - 153 - 150
5'4" tall
Stage 1 Plastics 10/20/10 with Dr. Adrian Menjarrez-Mexicali
Breast Lift and Tummy Tuck
Hello,
I sent you a message to your inbox. I'm going to be there on the 19th and looking for someone to kind of lean on each other while there. Msg me back if you want to talk. Good luck to you and hopefully we'll see each other there and everything will be perfect with our surgery and back home and healthy in no time.
Ginny
I sent you a message to your inbox. I'm going to be there on the 19th and looking for someone to kind of lean on each other while there. Msg me back if you want to talk. Good luck to you and hopefully we'll see each other there and everything will be perfect with our surgery and back home and healthy in no time.
Ginny
I am putting my downpayment for the 27th but won't have my surgery for a couple of months yet because I have to save my money for the rest of the surgery.
I hope I can come up with another 800.00 very soon so I can send my down payment.
good luck with your surgery on the 18th keep me posted I have heard good things about the Dr
I hope I can come up with another 800.00 very soon so I can send my down payment.
good luck with your surgery on the 18th keep me posted I have heard good things about the Dr
Elia Maria Saenz
Hi there,
Now that it's Feb. 2010, I would love to hear your feedback about the doctors and recovery house. This goes out to everyone who commented that they were scheduled to go but hadn't gone yet as well please. I really want to have the lap band surgery and I'm trying to decide which surgeon to use. So far, Obese Solutions offers the lowest rate I've seen. They have three surgeons; Dr. Almanza, Dr. Ponce de Leon and Dr. Joseph Naim. Has anyone heard of the other two surgeons?
Was the recovery house you stayed at Tijuana - Emmanuel Residence Recovery House? It seems like that's why they are less expensive than some of the others, because they have their own recovery house to put you up in instead of a hotel and that's a plus.
Thanks!
Now that it's Feb. 2010, I would love to hear your feedback about the doctors and recovery house. This goes out to everyone who commented that they were scheduled to go but hadn't gone yet as well please. I really want to have the lap band surgery and I'm trying to decide which surgeon to use. So far, Obese Solutions offers the lowest rate I've seen. They have three surgeons; Dr. Almanza, Dr. Ponce de Leon and Dr. Joseph Naim. Has anyone heard of the other two surgeons?
Was the recovery house you stayed at Tijuana - Emmanuel Residence Recovery House? It seems like that's why they are less expensive than some of the others, because they have their own recovery house to put you up in instead of a hotel and that's a plus.
Thanks!
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