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Category: Health 19 People in progress, 2 People achieved this |
Surgeon TestimonialGuillermo Alvarez M.D.My first impression of Dr. Alvarez was DAM! I'M SO FAT, AND HE'S SO HANDSOME!!!! I know...I know...just couldn't help myself. My impression never did change over time...It only got better. I was crying when I first walked in his office, and his beautiful nature as a human being was way overwhelming...SUCH a gem of a doctor! He made me feel safe and secure IMMEDIATELY! And NO, not cause he's handsome! :-) The office staff....mainly Susan, his coordinator was simply awesome. She ALWAYS took the time to answer my calls and/or email. She's # 1 in my book! What I liked most about her was she seemed concerned and caring, giving my questions full attention. Anyway, Dr. A went over everything....what the results should be...what the risks are....how important to follow the rules...and to top it off, I CANNOT thank the Dr/staff enough for their show of utter respect not only to me, but to my son!! They each totally made my son feel at ease, and like it was VERY important for him to know everything as well! And I cannot thank them enough for that! Surgical competence and bedside manner are rated a 12! Dr. Alvarez and his staff are the top of the line. I sincerely thank them for giving me back my life! Wow...HOW do you thank someone for that? I must say....I have NEVER experienced a doctor in the States like this one....I just haven't. God Bless Dr. Alvarez Member Interests
- Pets - I have an Italian Greyhound, a mixed shepherd, 1 cat and 1 rabbit
- Poetry - I enjoy reading and writing poetry..It soothes my soul
- Needlework, Knitting & Crocheting - I have made two afghans by Swedish Weaving
- Parenting - I ADORE my precious son. So smart and handsome!
- Walking - Hoping to get back into walking without pain.
- Music - I ADORE MUSIC, and all kinds...no opera, thank you
- Collectibles - I collect minature giraffes
- Religion & Spirituality - I believe Spirituality and Religion are different
- Comedy - One of my favorite movies is Vacation
- Shopping - I LIVE to shop! Especially online
Latest Surgery Support Comments
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Tuesday is your day!
Just remember you
are on the journey
of a lifetime. Try
to enjoy every
minute. It may sound
weird now, but know
that you are cared
for and prayed for
here, and all too
soon this will be
but a memory and you
will be an
inspiration to
someone else. I am
waiting for you on
the losers' bench!
~JudyAnne~
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Donna...It's great
to hear you found a
Center of Excellence
near you and
that you are
beginning your
classes so soon.
Keep me posted on
this.
You have such
strength and
determination...you
are beautiful. Hugs,
Barbara
 Comment by janetms on 3/31/03 9:35 am
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One month surgiversary on June 20, 2008 4:59 am
Yep, today is my one month update. I'm very happy to be through the liquids..although, lately, I need at least one shake and one bullet to supplement my protein intake. I honestly hate the shakes..but I'm not getting in enough protein yet. And now for the GREAT news! I have lost 25 lbs! I could have never lost this fast before surgery..Isn't the sleeve amazing? I had my first foaming episode yesterday. I was eating a small piece of leftover baked fish. I know what happened. I "got into TV" and just ate way too fast. I had to run to the bathroom. I wanted to puke so bad..All that came up was alot of water..then I burped, and all was well again! I WILL be slowing down from here on out. That was a wake-up call. Other than that, things are going very well. I really am MUCH happier! I leave my house now. I walk every day...In fact, I look forward to it. Unbelievable! I actually look forward to every day. I used to sleep as much as possible. NO MORE! I am ready to face the day...every day, and I know I won't feel this great every day, but I'm taking each day with this renewed outlook, and it makes life enjoyable. Others around me even comment on how much happier I seem..My sister said she worried about me all the time before surgery. She told me yesterday she doesn't worry anymore. Said she's real happy I got the surgery. SO AM I! I'm finally living and have much joy and happiness! I'm easier to live with! That's for sure. To anyone thinking of getting the sleeve...Don't hesitate! Sure there are a few struggles along the way..but OH the PAYOFF just can't be beat! Love you guys...my sweet support team. 
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MIRACLE SURGERY on May 26, 2008 9:57 am
This is just all I know to call it...A miracle! My surgery was the 20th of May, 2008. When Dr. A. weighed me, I weighed 239.5....Today I weigh 225! It's my personal miracle. Anyway, my son went with me to Mexico...I have been to Mexico..just not this part, and my son (15) has never been...Sweet little Rosy came in the Obesity van (or whatever it's called) and picked us up. I had a surgery buddy named Catherine. She was a very kind and loving person...but back to Rosy...What a sense of humor....what a doll face with those LONG beautiful eyelashes...so concerned...so caring, and gentle. I met her mother during our trip back to San Antonio...Now I know why Rosie is the person she is...takes after mom!! The ride to Eagle Pass, Tx took about 3 hrs...I was very happy to arrive. The next a.m. we were picked up around 8:30ish, and drove about a mile into Mexico. Dr. A. greeted us..."So, this is Donna and Catherine"....I went in first. I was crying...don't really know why..probably just fear...oh, and the IV I HATE so much. I really didn't feel like talking very much...but he did, and relaxed me almost immediately! Then Catherine went in....We were taken to get blood drawn (easy), and a chest xray...All is good! Then, we went to our rooms. Dr. A's assistant put my IV in...Piece of cake....Then, I knew my surgery was first...So I kept waiting and waiting...hooked up to that IV God awful POLE that I adore! I lost count how many times I got tangled up in it....One of the last things I remember was this guy coming in my room giving me something in my IV.....OK....later on I go to the restroom...still twisted up of course...and I was a little pissed off...I told my son...MAN! I wish they'd get this show on the road, and get this surgery over with already!!!!!! My son looked at me, and said in a dumbfounded voice....MOM, they did your surgery 4 hours ago! I opened my gown and looked down, and by golly, he was right!!! What a trip!!!!! He said I woke up fighting the oxygen mask...I asked him for the little throw-up bowl...I heaved very little with a small amt. of water coming out....then, I slept for hours. Dr. A. checked in on me quite frequently, and of course the nurses. The next day I felt good...I started walking the halls, and thinking I MUST be in a desert...My mouth must be STUFFED with cotton...and cactus....Oh...the eve before surgery, we all went to Medermo's Mexican Restaurant! And you talk about some great, authentic food...OMG....What a food funeral I had! It was a wonderful experience! So, anyway, it seemed like a hundred years before I could have ice chips. Dr. A. was SUPER pleased with my leak test...He said something about using it to post somewhere???showing how the sleeve should look after surgery! It was quite an experience seeing my tiny LONG banana! I 'm pretty sure I left the hospital Thursday a.m. All meds were talked about...all phone numbers listed...especially if I had an emergency...Although I hated to leave Dr. A., I was READY! We were driven back to San Antonio, where I took a shower, and walked around a bit. My son and I stayed until Sunday...We had an early flight out..OH...I didn't even need the wheelchair...They were so nice to me...I told them no. On Saturday, we caught the shuttle to North Star mall! What a nice mall....saks, dillards, nike, I can't remember all the stores....But it was great. I walked and shopped a good 31/2 hrs! I really had a great time there. SO.....ALL I CAN SAY IS: WOULD I HAVE THE SURGERY AGAIN???? One thousand times yes!!!! YES...Too bad I didn't do it sooner! I feel SO GOOD! And the MAIN thing that's blowing my mind....I'M NOT HUNGRY!!! OMG...What a blessing. Dr. A. said the grealin (sp) will NOT grow back....and as far as the stomach stretching....only 3 %...if you "push" it!!!! How wonderful is this surgery? My miracle..Thanks to ALL on this board who answered questions, put up with my asinine questions and comments...and were so kind to me. God Bless you all!!!!
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Afraid to post on May 15, 2008 6:52 am
I really am afraid to post...I feel like my surgery will be jinxed somehow AGAIN. That's because I've TRIED so many times to have it, and it never panned out for some reason or another. In just 5 days I'll be on the operating table...Ya know...I am scared of course, but I also feel excitement. These are normal feelings. God I just want it to happen. PLEASE GOD LET IT BE, AND MAY YOU WORK THROUGH DR. ALVAREZ SO I MAY HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SURGERY. PLEASE DON"T ALLOW ANY LEAKS....EVER.....AND MAY I HAVE AN EASY RECOVERY. I LOVE YOU..AND PUT MY TRUST AND FAITH IN YOUR HANDS NOW.. MY GOD AMEN. I am so ready to have this surgery. I just hurt all the time. My feet are swollen today. My back hurts....I'm not gonna bore you with it all...I know you already know...most of you have been there, or are going through it now. I can't wait to sit on that loser's bench...I will be posting more about the surgery when I return home. I hope all my OH friends are healthy, and I wish you ALL much happiness!
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Waiting for surgery on April 25, 2008 5:15 am
Today is April 25. In less than a month, I'll be sleeved. I'm slowly gathering up all the things I'll need when I return home. I feel like this surgery is such an amazing gift from God. I will follow the rules, and hope for success. I have been inside my home for much too long. The curtains are closed, and I live mainly in the dark. There are days I'll go outside and enjoy the birds singing. Though few and far between. I want so bad to feel good about myself. I want to LIVE instead of EXIST! I want to leave the fear and worry behind. God help me. He will help me when I'm incapable of helping myself. He always has. Happiness and laughter...it's just around the corner. I'm very grateful I found OH. You have helped me too. In so many ways...you are dear to my heart.
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Is The Third Time The Charm? on April 11, 2008 6:24 am
Well, today is 4/11/08. THREE days ago I was supposed to be having surgery! At times like these, I feel like the whole world is against me and WAY not on my side. DH (which is really EX H) and I aren't seeing eye to eye these days....even though he is helping me fund this surgery. Long Story! I just pray every day that I'm doing the right thing, and God will lead me through these rough waters. I SO want to be going into this with a positive attitude and feeling happy. I would imagine a lot of you are thinking....isn't he your EX? Why are ya'll even together? I suppose the answer is....I'm sick, mentally and physically. I'm beat down. (NO he doesn't beat me)...BUT his words can cut like a sharp sword...I haven't developed that backbone yet...You know the one I'm talking about...I honestly believe after surgery, I will regain my lost self esteem...my lost independence...my loss of SELF! At this point, I just put one foot in front of the other, and kinda stumble along. I'm so tired of stumbling. I want to WALK with my head up and be proud...proud that I overcame!!! IT IS POSSIBLE. My day is around the corner..and I have that day in sight...It shines with such beauty.
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