"Dr. Zapata ... WOW!!! What can I say about a REAL LIFE GUARDIAN ANGEL!!! rnrnI was at a stage where I couldn’t go on being “fat” anymore. I’d look in the mirror and think to myself, “WOW, you used to be pretty, now you are so fat and ugly!” So I spent 8 months researching insurance companies here in St. Louis that we could subscribe to as a company that would help me cover the gastric bypass. After 8 months of HARD WORK, many hours of research, and always ending up at the same spot … “ NO, I’m sorry” … I had all but given up! Then a little voice in my head said, “Just for giggle purposes, check Mexico.” So I did. I Googled it, and I found Dr. Zapata, plus a few others. I began emailing for information from all sources that I found. It was almost immediate that I received information back from “Alma” Dr. Zapata’s patient coordinator. Within the next few days other emails trickled in, but were VERY INPERSONAL and just basically this is the cost, thank you for inquiring. ** LESS THAN IMPRESSIVE** I decided I really liked “Alma” and felt in my heart she really CARED about helping people make changes in their lives, so I advanced in my thought process and made the call to Alma to get more in-depth information. All I can say simply is “WOW!” I felt like Alma really understood my concerns, and my feelings. We talked at great length, and she gave me lots to think about and at that point I told her I’d get back to her. I went home, talked to my significant other, and called her the next day!! I told her it was a GO, but I had some specific questions. She said she would have Dr. Zapata call me when he was out of surgery. Much to my surprise, it was about 45 minutes at best later, and there was my call from Dr. Zapata. Well, speed the story up … It took me a few weeks to get all things in line, but I had tentatively booked my surgery for September 15th, but after thinking about it, I wanted it sooner, so Alma, and her little angels made it happen for me, there was room!!!! Surgery date was set … SEPTEMBER 8, 2006!!!! rnrnEven though I was set up for surgery, and my deposit made, I still felt the need to send off emails to all the references I was provided with. Daily I received back responses … all were so positive!!! I knew in my heart I had made the right decision.rnrnHere we are, September 7th … I was scared to death as I was headed to Mexico alone…. yes folks, ALONE with only a small knowledge of Spanish, but I knew in my heart things were going to be OK. I almost turned back when at the airport leaving but I stayed positive, yet scared to death, I got on the plane. I arrived in Monterrey, MX and just as promised, Santos was there to pick me up!!! What a wonderful, sweet guy!! He put my heart and mind at ease!!! As soon as we were in the car, it wasn’t but maybe 10 minutes and there was Alma calling to make sure I was OK, and to let me know she would see me in a few hours, and so would Dr. Zapata. I was very nervous, but talking to Alma and knowing in just a few hours I would get to meet both Dr. Zapata and Alma I was OK!!!! rnrnI went for my pre-tests, and then Santos came back to the Dr.’s offices where he left me, picked me up and took me to my hotel. WOW, was this for real??? I was staying in a hotel that was THIS beautiful??? HOLY COW … unbelievable!!! I was really beginning to realize this was a FIRST CLASS, A#1 program!!!! It was about 4 hours later and a knock at my door … it was ALMA!!!! She was not only beautiful, but the sweetest lady you ever hope to meet. She stayed for about 1 hour, and just as she was leaving, Dr. Zapata arrived. I was set, and ready for surgery. rnrnSeptember 8th … 5:45 AM I was picked up and taken to Clinica Vitro. Being American, I was concerned about it being a “clinic” type facility … please hear me … IT IS TOP KNOTCH!!!! It is truly a FIRST CLASS HOSPITAL!!! I was so scared, and felt so alone, but just when I thought I was going to lose my nerve, there in front of me was Dr. Zapata. He again impressed me so. He was so caring, so thoughtful ….. you couldn’t ask for a better Dr!!!! It went very quickly from there … no long waits before surgery … in, ran the fluids, and boom, in the operating room. (I have had MANY surgeries in America … never have I felt like I did there. Just before I went to sleep, I looked around and I know there were at least 6-7 people in there to assist with the surgery.) rnrnDr. Zapata came to visit the night of surgery, and then the next two days in the hospital. Dr. Zapata has an incredible bedside manor that is unheard of in the States. He was kind, compassionate and caring … If I had a question/problem or fear … he very quickly assured me all was OK!!!rnrnWell, the next week went by very quickly for me, but during that week Dr. Zapata called me, came to check on me and offered support with any issue I had, any question I had or any concerns that I had!!!! Alma was there almost nightly, and then also arranged for me to go to her lovely sister’s salon for a pedicure, manicure and then we highlighted my hair!!! It was a long day, but I felt like a “PRINCESS”!!! rnrnMy last day Friday Sept 15th … went back to the clinica to have the drains removed, and my final weigh in … DOWN 17 POUNDS!!! I just giggled, cried, and hugged Dr. Zapata and thanked him from the bottom of my heart for helping give me the tool to change my life!!! rnrnDr. Zapata, Alma, and Santos were incredible. I truly believe Dr. Zapata and Alma are angels sent from above. They are truly my “GUARDIAN ANGELS” rn"
