Real people. Real change. Real proof.

Life before Pompeii… Difficult, painful, sad. I’m a very optimistic person in general and when I look back and describe my life in those three words above… I didn’t seem very optimistic at all. Before having the gastric sleeve, my knees were hurting I couldn’t walk long distances and was embarrassed about how I looked. This was the largest I had ever been. I saw it, I saw how big I was and I tried multiple things to drop weight, but I’m a creature of wanting instant results, and when I wasn’t seeing results I gave up. Unfortunately, that was no help. I knew I had to do something, my kids are getting a little older, my husband and I aren’t getting any younger, and my body definitely was not keeping up with me. (It was also affecting my work) I needed to do something, and this something needed to happen ASAP! I started researching…. I came across multiple businesses, but one definitely stood out to me. Pompeii! From the first moment I made contact with Pompeii, I knew this was going to be my happy place. This was it, I needed to take this leap of faith and better myself so I could get my life back. The process was simple, the 2 week pre-op diet was simple (I honestly didn’t think it would be, but I knew in my mind if I wanted to see/feel change, I needed to stick to it (I promise it was easier than you think it will be). That 2 weeks flew by, next thing I knew, I was in San Diego getting picked up by the driver for Pompeii and was whisked away to begin my journey. I opted to do my surgery the same day as my arrival (early flight). I walked into Mt. Vesuvius and the greeting from all of the staff helped ease my nerves from the moment I walked in and began my paperwork and had my bloodwork done. While you’re doing that you’ll notice your entire surgical group arriving… Other people just like YOU!! Wanting to get help and better themselves, wanting to feel better about life, not being held back because we are too big… we took a group photo, and am I sure glad we did? Yes! After all of my paperwork and bloodwork was done, I was shown to my room and got changed into my gown, and compression socks. Next thing I knew I was meeting with my surgeon, Dr. Saucedo and his team. Surgery was done, I came out nauseous as can be, but I kept telling myself this was going to be worth it, this was the hardest part… You notice things, the first thing you notice changing was my face… is that a chin? Is that a jawline? I can see a figure appearing that I haven’t seen appear in quite some time… I have more energy, my knees aren’t hurting like they did… I can go for mile walks without the agonizing pain afterwards…this is great and it’s just the beginning. Life after Pompeii (almost 2 years to be exact) … Bright, energetic, enthusiastic, very optimistic! I am living again! I’ve realized I can enjoy going out with friends and enjoy the thing I used to enjoy, but in moderation. I owe my life to Pompeii! I know it takes work on our end for sure, but they gave me a chance to live 🩷

Life before surgery was hard. It was hard to move due to pain. It was hard hearing family and friends say I could lose weight if I wanted to, or that I needed to get in the gym. It was also hard to look at myself in the mirror. I’ve had two surgeries: the sleeve in 2016 and a bypass in 2024. At my heaviest, I was 396 pounds. At my revision surgery, I was 317 pounds. My current weight is 259 pounds.

I had gastric sleeve with Dr. Galindo. He was amazing, and so was his staff! I had a perfect experience from start to finish. I am four years out and still have not gained a pound back. It was the best tool I could have ever been given. I absolutely love Pompeii!

In the first photo, weighing 379 lbs., every daily activity—from walking to simply getting up—required massive exertion. Making the decision to move away from that weight took immense courage, as the road ahead felt incredibly daunting at the start. The second photo, at 158 lbs., showcases the incredible result of my hard work. I feel radiant, vibrant, completely at ease, and self-confident. Dropping 221 pounds has relieved an incredible amount of pressure on my joints, heart, and lungs. I can move freely, comfortably, and with a completely renewed sense of energy. I wish I had done it sooner! I highly recommend taking that leap!

Before discovering Pompeii managing my weight was a struggle. Losing weight was easy, keeping it off was impossible. Since my crappy insurance didn’t cover weight loss surgery I started exploring options in Mexico and discovered Pompeii. The whole process from start to finish was truly wonderful. The staff was friendly, helpful, and very informative. I felt comfortable and at ease when I arrived. I’ll admit I was extremely nervous about having a major surgery in Mexico, but it was truly a wonderful experience. My highest weight ever was 402 lbs and when I started my two week preop diet I weighed 359. Day of surgery I weighed 340, and as of today I’m down to 205lbs!!!! Nearly two years out I’m still losing and keeping it off. I went from a 4xl shirt to an xl. I bought a few xl shirts in Mexico and San Diego when I went for my surgery not thinking I’d ever be able to wear them and as of two months ago I could!!! I tell everyone I can of my experience at Pompeii. Thank you so much for giving me my life back!!!

Before VSG surgery, I felt like my life was over. Surgery has saved my life. Special thanks to Dr. Galindo, our 'Golden Boy.' I wouldn't be here today without you and God. Thank you, Pompeii. Anyone looking or thinking about surgery: JUST DO IT. And do it with Pompeii.

Before surgery, I weighed 259 lbs at 5’6”. Today, I proudly weigh 161 lbs. I chose this journey after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, neuropathy, and vascular vein disease—health challenges that were greatly impacted by my weight. With my doctor’s approval and the incredible support of Pompei Surgical and Dr. G, I was able to achieve my weight-loss goals and take control of my health. I am happy to say that I am no longer diabetic. While I am still managing neuropathy and vascular vein disease, my symptoms are much milder and continue to improve. Choosing this path was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I don’t regret a single minute of it.

I went from feeling awful and unable to play with my nieces and nephews to being active, feeling good, strong, and able to tackle the world. Thank you.

I was 365 pounds and had issues such as knee pain, borderline diabetes, and sleep apnea. I didn't see any affordable options in America and felt very discouraged. My mom told me to research, and I came upon Pompeii. Many people had negative thoughts about it, but I felt it was a necessary step for my health. I had the surgery and now I have my life back.

I was always hungry my whole life and could never feel full. I had so many stomach issues, including a hiatal hernia, ulcers, gastritis, and SIBO. Once I made the decision for a gastric sleeve, my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.

Before surgery, I worked out and would only see the scale move 10-20 lbs, but then I would creep back up. I did the surgery for me because I changed my diet and habits and just needed the extra help. I have always been confident in my skin, but losing 120 lbs definitely made me more comfortable. Though I gained about 20 lbs back, I am still working and thankful I am nowhere near 375 lbs. Thank you, Pompeii. Don't think about it. Just do it!

Life took over, and so did my weight. I did everything I could to get the weight off, with no luck. I came across Pompeii and decided it was the best choice for me. I'm beyond thankful and would do this 100 times again! My life has changed forever thanks to this wonderful facility!