Mary's Gastric Sleeve Success Story

Hi. I am a 56 year old married working woman with 2 grown kids, 2 grandkids, 2 dogs and 1 cat who lives in Corpus Christi,TX. I have been overweight for the last 25 years or so and it slowly got to the point of AHHHHHHHH. I first looked into WLS back in 2004 in Phoenix, AZ. After years of trying to get insurance approval there we moved to Corpus (in Sept. 07). I work for Christus Spohn Hospital and tried with that insurance. They would cover but.... Only after a year of their program, 20% weightloss before the surgery and see their MD, Nutritionist, psychiatrist, physical trainer and pay for all these and then get on the 1 year group. Then they would only pay for their place in Shreveport, LA. NOT close to where I live so hotel and transport bills added to my total. This would not be a total coverage for the hospital and surgeons bills either. Or they said "You can pay for it yourself". So I did research and found Dr Zapata in Monterrey, MX at Ready4achange.com. I chose to have the vertical sleeve gastrectomy and love it!!! DR. Zapata, his staff, Judy, Alma, everyone I talked to there and at the hospital were all excellent. Dr. Zapata is well informed, up to date and has the most charming manner. He is genuinely concerned about you and your life. His credentials are great. They explained every detail and answered all my questions. Alma was there to set up all transportation and even set my husband up with a wonderful Dentist to make dentures for him while we were there.

I had a great trip (everyone was so attentive and all the details were taken care of) and surgery and no problems. The hotel was great and the transportation efficient. Everything was taken care of. I have worked for the past 30 years in various hospitals and out patient facilities and have not found one that I have worked in cleaner or more caring than the places I stayed and was treated in during my stay in Monterrey. Dr. Zapata talked to me at his office and also before the surgery at the hospital. The anesthesiologist also was wonderful and came in before the surgery and talked, making me feel his care of me would be the best, as it was! My hospital room was immaculate and the nursing care was 1st rate. I do not speak Spanish and had no problems with any part of my trip. My surgery date was April 21, 2009 and my regular MD is doing any follow ups (lab work) or other needs. I have the diets list they gave me.

I am now 1 year out and have gone from 258 pounds to 151 pounds, still losing and am feeling great, have energy to spare. No more sleep apnea, my knees do not ache, my back is better, I can breathe, walk without getting short of breath and my blood work is wonderful, I do not feel headed for a load of health problems, like I was. My goal is 135 pounds which at my height 5'3" and age, 56, is right in the middle of the charts for weight and height. I would not hesitate to go back for any other procedures and can say my only regret is that I wish I had done it sooner!

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