Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

Xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

UPDATED FROM zaria63_GS
1 year post

Hi Realselfers!

Z
zaria63_GS
WORTH IT$4,099
Sorry it's been awhile, but I have a lot of personal things going on in my life right now. I can and will tell you that I've finally gotten the proposal of my dreams. It was beautiful y'all! He came to my job, dressed all nice, with pink roses, and a beautiful ring. He dropped down to one knee in front of everyone and proposed. I said No.

Don't take the person your with love for granted. Mine took me for granted for almost seven years. I left him and now he's trying to win me back. The problem with that is that, I don't want him back. Show the person your with how much you love them during your relationship, not after its over. Sometimes you're just a little too late.

On a more happier note. I'm enjoying my new body. I've been on several dates since my breakup and I'm enjoying the single life.

zaria63_GS's provider

Dr.Mario Almanza

zaria63_GS ratings

Overall rating
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

I really don't have much to say about Dr. Almanza. I met and seen him one time. He came in and introduced himself to group of us and explained the process, asked if we had any questions, took a photo and that was it. I didn't see him post-op at all. After care was through nurses in the hospital and hotel. The nurse is the one who removed our drain as well. I would recommend weightlossagents. I found Dr. Almanza through them. I give them 5 stars across the board! They answer all your questions in a timely manner, call and check up on you and everything else. As far as Dr. Almanza is concerned, I can only say that my surgery is successful. I can't really comment on anything else with him because like I said earlier, We've only seen him once.

Replies (5)

L
July 18, 2016
Girl you look freaking wonderful! Good for you, you do what's best for yo.. I love that* too bad for him;). I'm really proud of you even though I don't know you personally. I'm moving right alon,, maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. I refuse to gain that weight back. I'm now down 170 from 310, still saving for my body transformation. I've gotten my clear ceramic braces applied last month taking it one day at a time no rush! Keep us posted lady and again congratulations girl power! Remember this: Isaiah 42:9
"Behold, the former things have come to pass, Now I declare new things; Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you."
Z
July 18, 2016
Awww, thank you lovely! Congratulations on your weight loss!!!!! I'm trying to get back to 170lbs. I went down to 151lbs and that's too small due to my height. I'm now 166lbs. Thank you for your encouraging words. It's greatly appreciated.
J
July 19, 2016
OMG....but I'm glad you are happy and enjoying the single life. Sh*t happens and it's good to know that you're in a good place!
Z
July 19, 2016
Thank you Jay! How have you been?
J
July 19, 2016
Hey girl I'm good! Learning this sleeve! I'm almost 4 weeks post op. Not sure how much I'm down so far since I'm on vacation but trying to be like you! :) I'll post an update when I'm back.
Z
July 20, 2016
Congratulations Jay!!!! I'm proud of you!!!!
L
July 19, 2016
Congrats on your journey. You look gorge. I am now looking into gastric sleeve surgery due to my disappointment with response time with DR surgeons and the recovery time of TT and brachioplasty. Did the weight loss agents help you with finding a recovery house? How does that work? Thank you
Z
July 19, 2016
Thank you KGreen...Yes weightlossagents set up everything. They put me in a hotel. In the hotel there were nurses who also lived there and did their daily rounds. They really took care of us. Of course you can't eat any solid food before and after surgery, so the hotel provided free water, freeze pops, broth, and juice all day long.
L
July 19, 2016
Thank you so much for responding so fast. You're one of the few that actually does. Did they pick you up in San Diego? If so how long was the drive?
Z
July 20, 2016
Yes they did. The meeting area was easy to find. They give you directions on how to get there and what to look for. The drive only took about 30 mins. Plus they drive really fast anyway out there. The only reason why it may take about 30 mins is because everyone has to have their luggage and passport or ID checked at the boarder line.
L
July 20, 2016
Thank you so much
Z
July 20, 2016
No problem!
User Avatar
S
July 20, 2016
I'm amazed at how time has passed and to watch u transform into something so amazing lol I guess my obsession with you is that admire your determination so much I'm in awww
Z
July 21, 2016
Awww, thanks swayzee, you look amazing as well. I'm in awww at your natural curves. I love your hips!!!
User Avatar
B
July 21, 2016
Go head girl! You are an inspiration!
Z
July 21, 2016
Thanks Beautifully!!
UPDATED FROM zaria63_GS
1 year post

1 year post-op Gastric Sleeve!

Z
zaria63_GS
Hi my realself family! I was so excited about my plastic surgery journey, I've practically forgotten about my Gastric Sleeve. This has been an amazing journey. I'm so happy with my new body. It feels so surreal at times. I'm now 1 year post-op and I've lost a total of 115lbs. I started at 285lbs with a BMI of 40.9 (obesity) and I'm now 170lbs with a BMI of 24.4 (Normal Weight).

If you're tired of being tired and just feel like you have to remain in that shell of a body that's making you unhappy, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! If exercise and yoyo diets aren't doing you any justice, go for the surgery. Your benefits will outweigh the risks. Stop listening to nay Sayers and do what you feel is the right thing for you. Because after all, no one will carry that extra weight for you, take those high blood pressure pills for you, take insulin shots for you, or even help you breath and sleep better at night. Only YOU can do those things for you.

Thank all of you who has followed, commented, messaged, and gave me words of encouragement, prayers, and advice. Had it not been for realself, I still may be sitting here feeling sorry for myself and just big and miserable because I would still be thinking that I couldn't afford this type of surgery. I learned about Dr. Almanza (Gastric Sleeve) and Dr. Cabral (plastic surgery) through RealSelf.

That's all I have for now. Good luck to you all who are having surgery sometime in the future. Happy Healing to everyone who is in the healing process and God Bless you all!

Replies (5)

User Avatar
L
March 22, 2016
omg what a transformation. you look so good! congratulations. You inspire me to keep on pushing. I had my vsg surgery 12/28/2015 I'm at a stall not understanding it. But keep up the good work you look great!
Z
March 22, 2016
Thank you loveall. Yes girl, keep on pushing! Don't worry about the stall. I used to let it get me down and sometimes, I would get depressed, but it didn't last long. Once it's over, you will drop about 10 or 15lbs really fast. I was actually at a stall for 2 months at one time, but like I said, once it's up, you will be dropping those pounds.
User Avatar
B
March 22, 2016
You look amazing! Did u start writing your bio? Remember I'm waiting for you to b published!
You are fabulous!
Z
March 22, 2016
lol...no I haven't broth and thank you! I'm thinking about it though. I always said my life should be a lifetime movie. This journey right here is just the tip of the iceberg. Lol and thank you again.
User Avatar
B
March 22, 2016
Now you really got me curious!! Please write and I guarantee you will b a success!
Z
March 22, 2016
Thank you...if I do, I will be sure to thank you for encouraging me to do so.
User Avatar
Z
March 22, 2016
Girl YAAAASSSSSSSS!! You look amazing, damn you are "FINE" yes, congrats babe and start that bio
Z
March 22, 2016
And so do you chica!!!!! You are giving me DIVA+100= SUPERDIVALICIOUS!!!! You give chocolate a whole new name girl. I know you're your man's chocolate Easter Bunny this Easter.
User Avatar
L
March 23, 2016
Hey Fabulous!!! Congratulations!!! Such great accomplishments!!! You are a beautiful woman!!!
Z
March 23, 2016
Thank you so much lovely! You've made some major accomplishments as well. Congratulations to you too!
Z
March 23, 2016
Great Job! and thanks for telling your story!
Z
March 23, 2016
Thank you and your welcome!
UPDATED FROM zaria63_GS
11 months post

3 months post-op

Z
zaria63_GS
Hi Realselfers! I've finally reached my 3 months mark! So far everything is going well. I still have a little numbness around my tummy tuck scar and I still can't feel my belly button. Every now and then, depending on how I'm sitting, I may still have the burning sensation in my back. It doesn't last long....maybe a minute or two and then it goes away.

I had a lot of ups and downs during this journey since 2013. Other than the death of my mom, there is nothing else I would want to change. You live and learn.. some the easy way and others, the hard way. Either way, it's an experience that can either make or break you; its up to you to figure out which one.

So far I'm enjoying my new body. I enjoy shopping now and playing dress up like a kid. I have a new chair now! One that I've always wanted; It's my boo's lap....lol. Yes, he's my permanent seat now. I sit in his lap when we're watching TV together. It feels good being able to sit on him and not hear " YOUR'RE BREAKING MY LEG"! Well, this is all I have for now. God Bless and Happy Healing to all you Realselfers in the recovery stage!

Replies (5)

User Avatar
A
February 26, 2016
Yes this pic made my day am happy happy for you well earne, enjoy
Z
February 27, 2016
Thank you Alipo! I'm happy for you as well! Wish we could go for a round 2 at the same time again. I have to wait because of my finances.
User Avatar
Z
February 27, 2016
Damn friend... Yaassssssss you are snatched yes hon yes
Z
February 27, 2016
Lol...thanks friend. I can't wait for your turn to.be snatched. I'm really going to be stalkung you,lol. I feel like we've started this journey together. We both weighed almost the same and we both went to Tijuana Mexico for the Sleeve almost around the same time. Hell, even our names almost match. I'm excited for you chica!
User Avatar
H
February 27, 2016
Wonderful update...you sound so happy. I agree with you, the ups and downs in life MAKE us who we are, and it IS up to us what we do with both, right ? Continued happiness to you, you deserve it! :-DSuzy
Z
February 27, 2016
Thank you Suzy! Yes it does.When my mom passed, I did gi into a depressed stage but realized,I'm a single mother and my girls needed their mom. So Isnapped out of it and kick started this journey again. Life is what you make if it.
User Avatar
A
February 27, 2016
It will come together in Gods appointed time, as we all know is the best
Z
February 28, 2016
And you're right!
M
February 27, 2016
You look amazing. Thanks for sharing your journey
Z
February 28, 2016
Thank you Msbrook! I wouldn't have known about the doctors I had surgery with had it not been for others sharing their journey, do it only seem like the right thing to do. Thank you for following my journey.
M
February 28, 2016
Your welcome. I would have never knowneed about a gastric sleeve if it weren't for me breaking down about my pain and fibromyalgia in my pcm office last summer. So glad things worked out the way theyou did because I prayed for God to help me lose weight for a few years now. You never know how your prayers will be answered.

You look beautiful again hun.
Z
February 28, 2016
Thank you and you are right. God will answer your prayers in his time. I'm so happy for you. I hope and pray things get better for you.