Testimonials

Post-operative testimony

@jcpichardo01

It was the best decision! Health-wise, I no longer depend on the pill for my asthma, I don't use pills for my high blood pressure, and my feet no longer swell. Now my self-esteem has increased, and I feel confident because I like what I see in the mirror.

On May 29, 2017, I underwent surgery at the hands of Dr. Betances, and from that moment on, my life changed, even in ways I didn't think needed to change. I thought my physical appearance and health would improve, and that I would regain some energy, but simply put: I got my whole life back! I regained the opportunity to be agile, have greater physical mobility, energy levels I didn't think possible, and an unimaginable boost to my self-esteem. These were impacts I hadn't thought would happen because I never thought they were a problem.
When I weighed 117 pounds, I was reborn. Today, 3 years later, I'm happier than ever! And I'm even a mom!

The road isn't easy, and now my meals (the reward) are served on small plates. But thank you. @ncrespo31
Thank you!!! And especially thanks to the @institutobariatrico

"Fear is only overcome by facing it," were the psychiatrist's words in the third session. I had postponed the surgery three times out of fear, but those words at the end of that session made me decide and put everything in the hands of God and the tremendous team led by Dr. Batanes, who on the day of the surgery before I fell asleep in the operating room, took my hand and gave me all the necessary security.

My life changed from the moment I made the decision. The key factor for me was having the right support and people by my side. They told me, "It can't be achieved with surgery alone," and I opted for a different kind of exercise, something that would challenge my abilities but ensure I would see ongoing results.
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Here I continue to strive daily and thank GOD, my doctors and my family for the new life they gave me!” – Stayci Ledesma.⁣

Over the years, I've realized that obesity isn't a lifestyle choice, as many people once thought; it's a silent disease that slowly destroys humans. Bariatric surgery is one of the best tools to combat obesity when it's no longer possible naturally, and it opens the door to a better quality of life.

A year ago, my life changed. I made the best decision of my life—for my health and for myself. I remember at 7:30 a.m., when I was undergoing pre-anesthesia, my nerves betrayed me, and I thought, "What if I die during this surgery without my mom and sister around?" My world turned 360 degrees in that instant.

At the time, I was hypertensive, and my blood pressure started to rise. The nurse tried to encourage me, but her eagerness to calm me down was much more anxiety-inducing for me. Dr. Betances, who I consider the best doctor in the world, had just come back from another surgery and came to my table, took my hands, and with a tender smile said, "Dailyn, what's wrong? Everything will be fine; don't worry. If you don't calm down, I won't be able to operate on you because the blood pressure would prevent me from doing my job. Don't worry." I can't explain it; I just know that his words gave me peace. I closed my eyes and thought at that moment about everything I wanted to accomplish after this step and decided to control those nerves.

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While deciding who to have my surgery with, a close family friend recommended Dr. Betances. I spoke with him and his team and decided to travel to have my surgery with him without even knowing him (honestly, I was afraid I wouldn't feel comfortable), but 5 minutes after meeting him, I felt like I'd known him my whole life. Seeing his professionalism, his experience and knowledge, and his kind treatment didn't make me hesitate for a minute to have my surgery with him.
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I entered the operating room weighing 276 pounds, and today, a year later, 116 pounds lighter (I'm 10 pounds away from my goal), without any fear of being wrong, I have to say that it has been one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life.

I was treated by a wonderful team, and the administrative staff provided unparalleled treatment. Dr. Maximiliano, the anesthesiologist, was very professional, explaining every step and making me feel at ease. Dr. Betances was a sweetheart; he treated me very well with great care and dedication, answering my 5,500 questions (he's got to be asking a separate question). Dr. Nidia, who guided me and changed my mindset toward healthy eating. In short, everyone is an incredible team and made my experience fearless, calm, and incredibly confident in the decision I was making. Thank you, my life is different!!!

@dranidiasaldana for putting up with my hysteria now @institutobariatrico For being the bridge, the blacksmith, the bricklayer, the floor, the rope, EVERYTHING! I was able to achieve this! My life is different (for the better) thanks to you!

1 YEAR #surgiversary #tbt and I don't even recognize myself, I found that photo recently, I don't remember when it was taken. But I'm terrified to see myself (and share it) because I remember feeling suffocated after walking 10 steps, my knees and ankles hurt, I was taking pills for high blood pressure, all the diets would either stall or I would rebound furiously gaining more weight than I had lost. Today I celebrate 1 year and I am THANKFUL for those who have supported me: my family, my friends and my #bariatric team @drnidia.saldana @luisrosariogratereaux @drluisbetances 

So here goes my #surgiversary
CW: 178
GW: 165