Jerusalem Clinic Dr. Almanza Reyes

Here is my experience :) On March 10th 2010 I had lap-band surgery thru Jerusalem Clinic (aka Betancourt Medical). They offered insurance for the band and I thought that was a great idea. My surgeon was Dr. Almanza-Reyes. I had some pain from the surgery but healed nicely and over-all it was a great experience. I got two fills also by Dr. Almanza-Reyes. Any time I had questions, all I did was call and everything was answered. I lost 65 lbs and was doing great. Unfortunately, I started having some acid reflux so I made an appointment and went down to the clinic. They unfilled me and put me on anti-inflammatories(sp?) and fluids, keeping me overnight. They wanted to keep me a second night but I felt much better and had to get back to my son. They gave me Nexium and had me stay on liquids for a few days. The acid reflux disappeared, but the swelling wouldnt go down and I couldnt eat much. I was stubborn, but finally called back about two weeks later. They had me come down and they removed the band and I got a vertical sleeve done at the same time. I am now 4 weeks post op from getting that done and I feel great! The best part is that the insurance covered it, so no out of pocket expenses. My weight loss plateaued while I was on liquids but I am now down 70lbs from March 10th. This may seem like it is too good to be true, but I am a positive person and feel that my experience with Betancourt Medical/Jerusalem Clinic and Dr. Almanza-Reyes has been a very good and positive one. I had a c-section in a US hospital and my treatment at the US hospital was not half as good as it was at Jerusalem. People may have their own opinions either way, but this is MY story and MY opinion. If anyone has any questions they are welcome to contact me. Since I have had both surgeries, I am a good resource

Thanks for sharing your story, glad to hear you ended up with the sleeve.  i have heard of alot of complications with the band. 

Thank you for posting your great experience and congrats on doing so well!!

 I'm so glad that you had a positive experience and are doing well now!  Thank you for sharing

Glad to hear things went so well for you!

Liz

Thanks for sharing

Thanks for posting. My surgery is next week and it is always good to hear a VSGer had a smooth surgery and good experience. Best wishes on the road to a new you!

 Today is my 10 month surgiversary. Ten months ago, I was in your shoes, nervous, not sure if I was making the right decision. I remember agonizing over the message boards trying to discern fact from fiction. I must have called my coordinator Louise Johnson like 20 times literally; and she picked up every time and kept me in a zen mindset.This is my experience...and I'll let my pics and videos speak for themselves.If you have made a decision to move forward with surgery; Dr Almanza saved my life, I'm forever grateful.

So the big day arrived and I found myself at the San Diego Airport waiting to get picked up by the shuttle to take us to TJ.It was me and several Canadians. Everyone was anxious. One couple seemed to be especially charming and I become fond of them immediately, On the ride to Jerusalem Hospital we bonded over our hopes and dreams and goals post surgery. Before we knew it we were pulling into the strip mall where Jerusalem Hospital is located. I had mentally prepared myself having researched the message boards. There was security outside, and when we walked through the door, smiles and welcomes and registration. We were led upstairs and the waiting game began.

I was the last to go in, being that I was the largest. It was awesome because I actually got to spend the day and well into the night getting to know Andres and Juan Betancourt. They were so amazing and real and down to earth. They answered all my questions and put me at complete ease. They made me feel at home immediately.I am so glad that I listened to my gut and followed through. They weighed me in at 381; I had lost 85 pounds since February on my clear liquid diet. (I can't stress enough how important it is to your recovery time that you follow through and do the preop diet. It makes the operation so much smoother for Dr Almanza.) If you follow the instructions pre surgery, you will be well prepared and the surgery will go like clockwork.

When I woke from surgery I was in extreme stomach pain-I have a low pain tolerance threshold as it is. Just giving you the facts...straight talk...there is going to be some cramping. We were all up all night walking the halls...noone was feeling chatty, more catty than chatty if anything. The couple I'd met, mentioned they would be staying at the Hotel Tiquan in place of using the recovery house. A five star hotel for $40 a night or sharing a small house with a bunch of cranks post surgery patients...yea...was not trying to be around anyone. I choose to go to the Tiquan:WHICH WAS AMAZING AND SWANK AND I WILL BE RETURNING FOR MY TUCK SOMETIME SOON!!!

I would love to answer any questions that you or anyone else has. Please follow my links, check out my videos, contact me!! I know where your head is right now. You are taking back your life and making that first step on your journey to a new you. I cannot wait to see my family at the Jerusalem Hospital. My experience was amazing, and life changing. You will not be disappointed. To see my transformation video follow my link. I am also on facebook: www.facebook.com/J.starcatcher.F

Here is the link to my transformation videos:

How long did you stay after the VSG at the clinic??  Considering the Hospital Jerusalem but not sure as there are sooo many options!