DrJoya.com GASTRIC SLEEVE, RNY, LAPBAND, SURGERY: Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery

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Andy B.

Andy B.

When I called Dr. Joya, I never imagined what the next several months would mean for me and my family. I was nervous about having surgery in Mexico. Being from the United States, my family and friends were advising me not to go. Needless to say I’m glad I did. After reading so many horror stories from people who have done this in the US, I’m thankful for all of the experience and caring hands of Dr. Joya and his staff in PV. The hospital facility is second to none. It’s like stepping back in time to when people cared about the personal touch. If you would have told me that in 4 months after surgery I’d be down 111 pounds and almost to goal, I would have paid you any amount of money! What Dr. Joya gave me is a gift that I can never thank him enough for. I can’t wait to vacation in PV and go back and shake his hand!

Anita

I am so happy to finally be able to write this!

Goal!!!! I hit my goal weight today! I was not a fast loser, but I knew I wouldn't be. Too many years were spent yo-yo dieting and I really messed up my metabolism. I knew the only way I was going to get healthy, and feel good was with Weight Loss Surgery! I was terrified to have my insides re-routed, which at the time, was my only option here in Canada, unless I wanted the band...I didn't. So, I did my research and found the best Surgeon and Surgical team in Dr Joya. My experience was nothing less than perfect. His team, right from the first contact were wonderfully helpful, and guided me..and answered my billion questions. My family was really afraid for me to go out of the country, so my Mother came with me to Mexico. The team, and Dr Joya were not only wonderful to me, but they were very accomodating to her as well! She still to this day raves about the care I received. One nurse for 2 patients...and the cleanliness of the hospital was amazing...I mean truely amazing!!! I have never seen a hospital here even close to the way that hospital was kept. My Mother and I were looked after completely once we landed in Mexico. And the hotel...Oh, the hotel..was so beautiful. We opted to have a beach side room after my hospital stay, and it was a wonderful way to recover. We watched a wedding one night, and cruise ships pass everynight...and the sunsets were amazing.
Anyhow. I had my VSG on April 17, 2008. Today I reached my goal August 4, 2009. I should again state that most people do lose much quicker than I did, and I wondered if I would ever really get here...but I have arrived and there is NO turning back now! This surgery was simple...and the post op diet is easy. I think having the ghrelin removed from the body does wonders...and I honestly don't understand why so many are opting for other surgeries, but of course that is my personal opinion. I never feel starved like I use to. I do still feel hunger...but it is more of a..Hey, maybe you should eat something...Not an...I'm gonna die if I don't eat soon. I can eat about 3/4 of a cup of food at a sitting now...some days more, some days less. And you are thinking, "how could that ever satisfy me?" I know, I used to think that too...but trust me...it is very satisfying. I love that I am not limited on what I can eat...although I did limit my carbs to healthy choices for the first 6 months or so. I have never been one to stick to a diet...I just love food too much...so, yes, I still indulge, but I indulge in a bite or two...not a plate or two.
My health is now excellent. I went from being a type 2, insulin dependant diabetic, to a person that shows no signs of ever having diabetes...and that alone was worth every penny I spent. I also used to take a lot of antidepressant medications...at present I take none. I am not saying you will get off of them, because some of us never can..but I did. I don't suffer anxiety like I used to. I don't isolate myself like I used to. My life is all about go, go, go now...my engine is reved and there is not telling what wonderful prospects my future holds.
Thank you Dr Joya...really, Thank you...you saved my life, and you gave me the tool to make it worth living.
Sincerely Greatful
Anita M Duff.

"I went down to PV a nervous wreck, I met with Carol the evening before my surgery to <interrogate> her... I was so bad off I went back to my room and left my purse at her place. I called my husband later that evening crying and telling him I must be crazy for even thinking about doing this.

The next morning I went to the hospital and when I got there I was just as calm as could be, as I began to meet the people who were going to be taking care of me the next couple of weeks, I realized I was in good hands. Dr. Joya is wonderful, his smile alone will put you at ease. I can't say enough about the great care I received in the hospital, the personal attention and assistance from all the nurses. When you get out of the hospital Dr. Naomi will be visiting you at the hotel every day, she is very sweet. Nathalie takes care of all the driving and gets you where you need to go, she helped us check into our hotel and did the translating for us. She also gave me a card with her phone number and told me to call >>ANYTIME<< I needed. And I did. She was awesome and has a great sense of humor too. I just wanted you to know that you will be in good hands and well taken care of by Dr. Joya and his staff. Most people ask me," would you do it again"?? Yes, yes, yes.

I am now 5 months post-op and I am feeling great. I am down 93 pounds...wow!!!" -Tess

"I am doing really good I have lost 55 lbs and feel great, this year I went to the San Diego County Fair and I got on some rides, see last year they said I was to big and could not go on some of them, but this year they never said one word it felt so good. You can only imagine how happy I was to go on those rides................. I still drink my Lemon and water a few days a week to help me stay cleaned out. And its funny I don't crave sweets any more, but I still have the urge for salty things like chips and crackers." - Julie

I am 8 weeks post op today and I am down 64lbs. I have been lifting a lot of weights lately and I think that slowed my losing down. since I am trying to build muscle and muscle is actually heavier than fat (well that's what I keep telling myself anyway). I have lost about 5 pant sizes and 2 shirt sizes. I seem to be losing weight from the top and bottom of my body first and it is slowly moving its way towards the center of my body, go figure, I hold most of my bulk in the gut. I have been drinking my water, and eating 2-3 meals a day with lots of little snacks along the way. I eat nothing but healthy food, no carbs, fat, grease, that kind of stuff. I drink 1 protein drink a day and all the food I eat HAS to have at least 5g of protein. Thanks Dr. Joya!" - Frank

"I had Lapband surgery with Dr, Joya on august 14th 2003. I have lost over 100 lbs and am still dropping. It has slowed down but ill take it lol. I have done great since surgery and would do it again in a heartbeat. I have so much energy now and can do so much more than I could before my Lapband surgery. I started out at 314 pounds and i am down to 210. Looking forward to seeing under 200 pounds have not seen that in 12 yrs. I am getting ready for some plastic surgery to get rid of my tummy hangover. cant wait to see the results of that. I will be able to exercise so much easier afterward but am doing great now. Everyone in PV was so nice and the hospital staff was great too. I was very happy with the results of my surgery so far and would be willing to talk to anyone who has any questions or fears of this surgery. I am diabetic and am off all my medicine for it so that alone was worth it for me. I can keep it under control with diet and exercise now. My doctor here in the states was really worried about me having it done but now ever time I go in for a check up he is excited to see how much I have lost and asks me all kind of questions and even has referred a patient to me to tell him about my surgery. I feel like I have a second chance at life and thanks to my hard work and Dr. Joya I plan to live it up lol. Again thanks so much and I hope this will help someone else on their quest for a new life." Lisa Myers

Just an update about myself since have lap bypass on 2/21/05. I had researched have the surgery in the states, but my insurance were dragging their feet, putting me off & when our new policy ..by the way, it is Aetna HMO came out in January they had written verbiage that stated no obesity surgery of any kind would be covered so I began researching other options & that is how I found Dr. Joya at Puerta Vallarta. In August my husband and I will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary so after much prayer we decided that I would have this surgery and hopefully become much healthier..I was on blood pressure medicine which was not working & was going to have to be upped again, as well as pre diabetic stage & no energy..feeling awful..you all know the routine. We went to Puerta Vallarta a few days early and stayed at the Krystal which is the hotel that Dr. Joya puts you in for your recovery.

It was great & had a fun time before the surgery on Monday. I was nervous, but everyone makes you feel good. They are great folks and I would do it all over again..not that I would ever want to, but I feel so much better. I have lost 72 lbs..from 233 lbs to 161 lbs. My weight loss is slowing down now & I need to start exercising now to get the last bits off and to firm up. If you are looking at Dr. Joya..go for it. You will not regret it and they take good care of you. I met Karen Greenwood while I was in the hospital and she had a lap band placed the same day and she has lost 40 lbs. We have kept in touch & her husband and her came to Fort Worth this week for a Premiere Jewelry convention and we met & had dinner Wed. night..See her pictures too. My husband & I took a 25th wedding anniversay trip in early June so the pictures from Maui are 4 mos post op and the pictures with Karen are almost 5 mos post op & you can tell the difference. I have had no health issues & have not had any high blood pressure since the surgery and no food issues either. I eat small quantities, but can eat pretty much anything except soft breads & I stay away from sweets except sugar free hard candy and sugar free fudgecicles or popsicles. Any questions, email me. Do not wait..this will change your life!

Cheryl Austin

Fort Worth

233/161

"A little over 2 years ago, I went down to Puerto Vallarta Mexico to have my surgery done by Dr. Armando Joya.

I weighed 235 kilos, or actually 540 pounds. I am 6 feet tall and basically was grotesquely obese.

As of today I weigh 340 pounds. I am down 200 pounds and I now work with Dr. Joya managing his office and helping other American patients organize their surgery here with us in Puerto Vallarta. I am on the path to returning to being a normal person. Imagine losing 200 pounds in 3 years. It is just awesome."

"Well I am 2 months post op and I am down 38 pounds. I am down just about 3 pant sizes and 1 shirt size. I am losing it slowly. I did start working out but then I had to stop because I had to have my gallbladder removed. But now I am feeling great and heading back to the gym on Monday." - Richelle

Hi Everyone, I had my surgery six months ago today and have lost 60 pounds and almost 30 inches. If surgery can ever be a positive experience, this was the top. Between being met at the airport and being guided through all the hospital checking in processes by Natalie, an EKG and respiratory tests and bloodwork by Dr. Aldo, meeting Dr. Joya and Cecee (Dr. Joya's nurse) and before I knew it being wheeled into surgery. I remember the anesthesiologist talking to me and then saying sweet dreams. The next thing I knew I was waking up and my husband and Dr. Joya was there. I know I asked for more pain medication and the nurses were right there to help me. The next day, I was checked out and brought to the Krystal where we had a lovely room and slept quite well. Natalie picked us up right on time for the airport and we came home. I have had virtually no discomfort since I've been home other than a little gas that makes the band feel tight but I live at a very high altitude and Gerald said that's what the cause probably was. There is no down side to that as if the band feels tight, then I won't need as many fills. We shall see. At any rate, I would recommend this to anyone with the kind of weight problem I had. The doctor and his staff are like angels at the end of a dark tunnel. Thank you so much for being there for me and to Susan Vincent, the patient who posted just before me, thank you for sharing your experience at the airport when you were going home from your surgery.

It was your encouragement that allowed for me to have this experience and perhaps a new life. Thank you Susan. Pine Mountain Club, CA - - Bobbi Harner

I underwent RNY gastric bypass with Dr. Joya on April 20th, 2007 and have lost 103lbs down from my highest weight of 250lbs! I owe much gratitude to my Mom for traveling with me to PV and being my support system, my husband and children for loving me enough to let me go, Dr. Joya for being the amazingly kind and talented surgeon that he is along with his top-notch staff. This has been a long and scary roller coaster of a ride, but I wouldn't get off for anything in the world!!! - Brooke Patten

I'm down 62 pounds and I'm 2 days away from 6 months past surgery. I feel great. - Sara Russell

J. Miller

weight loss surgery in Mexico