My Journey with Bariatric Surgery: Reclaiming My Life
My name is Carlos Acevedo Mendoza, I’m 59 years old, and I live in Tijuana. Back in 2006, I had gastric band surgery, but over time, it started causing me problems. After exploring my options, I decided to undergo gastric sleeve surgery to improve my health and overall quality of life.
How I made my decision
Before surgery, I struggled with high blood pressure, constant discomfort while walking, and severe knee pain. That’s what led me to look for a real solution and visit LIMARP to see if I was a candidate for the procedure.
I consulted with several clinics in Tijuana, but I kept hearing different stories, which made me feel uncertain. After doing my research, I came across an ad for Dr. Pompa on social media and decided to learn more about her work. Since her clinic was near my job, I stopped by one day to ask for information. From my very first consultation, the way she explained everything gave me complete confidence. That’s when I knew she was the right person for my surgery.
Preparation and Surgery
One of the things that convinced me to go with LIMARP was that they handle all the necessary tests and evaluations in one place. During my first visit, my BMI was 60, and the doctor explained that I couldn’t have surgery right away. Unlike other places that were willing to operate on me immediately, LIMARP took a more careful approach. Their team of nutritionists, psychologists, and doctors guided me through a 20-day preoperative diet to get me to the right conditions for surgery.
By the time the surgery day arrived, I was mentally prepared and no longer afraid. The trust I had in Dr. Pompa and the care from her medical team made me feel safe and comfortable throughout the entire process.
Recovery and Changes in My Life
My experience with the nutrition and psychology team after surgery has been amazing. They’ve taught me how to eat properly and follow my new dietary plan. Every time I go in for a check-up, they motivate me to stay on track and keep working toward my goals.
Before surgery, I weighed 156 kg (344 lbs). Four months later, I’m down to 117 kg (258 lbs). But beyond the weight loss, my blood pressure has improved, my knees hurt less, and I can walk much more easily. Most importantly, I no longer need to take medication for high blood pressure.
I still have a long way to go because I need to lose more weight before I can get treatment for my knees. I don’t know if I’ll reach my ideal weight, but I’ll keep pushing forward because improving my mobility is key to my well-being.
A Decision Worth Making
One of the biggest boosts to my self-esteem has been my clothing size. I now wear much smaller sizes, and that keeps me motivated every day. Even though this is a lifelong commitment, I’m determined to continue on this journey successfully.
I highly recommend Dr. Pompa because she’s honest and straightforward—she tells you exactly what to expect at every stage of the process. Even my doctor at Social Security confirmed that I was in the best hands in Tijuana.
My advice to anyone considering bariatric surgery is to look for the best specialists, do thorough research, and most importantly, make sure you’re in expert hands.
To Dr. Pompa, I want to express my deepest gratitude for her work. Thanks to her experience and everything her clinic represents, I now have a better life, and I know I made the best decision by choosing her for my surgery.
