Learn about the success story of Mirelle Hernandez.

My name is Mirelle Hernandez, I’m Dr. Pompa’s patient and I had surgery at LIMARP, in Tijuana. I have known Dr. Pompa all my life, so I always knew that if someday I decided to undergo bariatric surgery, it was going to be with her. I knew she was going to do an amazing job and she did. 

A change beyond appearance

I got a bariatric surgery where my stomach size was reduced by about 80%, and the results have been amazing. I lost 100 pounds without having to follow any of those strict diets that make you suffer and starve, to only lose 5 pounds a month. 

One of the most important aspects of my experience was that I didn’t have any complications, all the process was safe and smooth. Even though losing weight is fantastic –because yeah, you can start using the clothes you always wanted–, the most significant part was how I started to feel physically: I regained my energy, my desire to do things I had stopped doing, I also stopped feeling tired all the time. It has been a complete transformation inside and out. 

Comprehensive care from start to finish. 

I 100% recommend Dr. Pompa. The facilities are beautiful and the full experience was extraordinary. They make you feel accompanied from the beginning –you receive pre-op support with a nutritionist and psychologist, and follow-up care after surgery. Dra. Pompa is there all the time so that gives you so much confidence. 

Today I can say, for sure, that this decision changed my life. 

Now is your turn. Contact us!

If you, like Mirelle, are considering bariatric surgery to achieve your health goals, but are not completely sure about it yet, book a consultation with us. At LIMARP, we are here to answer all your questions. Our main goal is to make you feel assured, confident and informed to make the best decision. Reach out to us filling our contact form, through any of our social media platforms or calling at  (619) 270-8823⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ or (306) 500-6618⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣. 

When it comes to weight loss, few moments are as powerful as the ones that show you how far you’ve come. For Erica, who used to weigh around 296 pounds, taking pictures after her bariatric procedure was one of these moments. 

These before and after photos are 13.5 weeks apart and show much more than a patient with 50 pounds less. This is how courage, discipline and determination look like…

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Una publicación compartida por 🦋Erica, VSG Journey (@sleevetoachieve)

“Photo on the left was VSG day and I was 276 pounds (20 pounds down from my highest). I was excited yet scared about what I was about to do to completely change my life. Right photo is me 50 pounds down from surgery day!” 

In over 3 months since her surgery, she already lost 50 pounds. 

“This is hard to share because I hate seeing myself in photos I haven’t taken, and you can REALLY see how large I was.”

Sharing your story is not easy, especially when it involves confronting your own self-image, but the journey often involves relearning how to see yourself. Now Erica knows that it’s not just about appearances, it’s about resilience, health and self love.

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Una publicación compartida por 🦋Erica, VSG Journey (@sleevetoachieve)

“VSG is definitely a tool, and I have to put in the work. Even though I have a LONG way to go I am so happy about how far I’ve already come! I’ve been told my loss is noticeable and it’s difficult for me to see sometimes, but I can really see it here.”

If you are considering bariatric surgery…

Let this story inspire you and remind you that real change is possible when you commit to it — and it’s ok to feel scared or doubtful about it. Thousands of people take the first step toward a healthier life through bariatric surgery every year — and many say they wish they had done it sooner.

If you want to learn more about bariatric surgery to lose weight, feel free to contact us. At LIMARP, we can help you determine the best procedure for you, according to your health history, your needs and goals.  Contact us at (619) 270-8823⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ to book a consultation with Dr. Pompa and get personalized guidance.

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Una publicación compartida por Catherine Vandas | Bariatric Surgery | WLS | Duodenal Switch (@sugarfreevibes)

That’s how it all started for Catherine Vandas, a brave patient of VGS (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) back in 2016, when she decided to get bariatric surgery in an effort to save her life. Her decision was made out of desperation, fear and urgency to get her mental and physical health back. 

“In an act of desperation, I had gastric sleeve surgery, which basically means I had 80% of my stomach removed. And I was so embarrassed that other than my family and closest friends I didn’t tell ANYONE! (Isolation=Bad) It was this or go back to the treatment centre for help, and guys, I was in a bad place, the shame, depression and guilt was beyond me.”

Medical care that exceeded expectations

When Catherine first arrived at LIMARP, she wasn’t expecting the cleaness, professionalism and care she received…

“Where I live, the waiting list for this surgery was 7 years. I knew I would be dead in 7 years. So my husband and I made the decision to do it privately and we flew to Mexico for the surgery. You may think this is crazy but let me tell you, the hospital in Mexico was like no other I have ever experienced (and I’ve been in a lot of hospitals). You could have eaten off the floor. It was so clean and I was constantly surrounded by doctors and nurses.”

The importance of comprehensive treatment

As Catherine herself acknowledges, losing weight is not the solution for everything, you have to break the unhealthy habits that untreated emotions and psychological issues can cause. 

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Una publicación compartida por Catherine Vandas | Bariatric Surgery | WLS | Duodenal Switch (@sugarfreevibes)

“As hard as that surgery was, the vsg was the first step in saving my life – it helped me lose a lot of weight, but the problem was, since I had never heard of food addiction I was still eating all my “drug” foods and before long I started to figure out how to “beat the system”. If I had known about #food addiction and had been treated for that at the same time as the VSG my story would have looked a lot different. I hovered for the next several years between 230 lbs – 240lbs. Then the pandemic hit.”

Multidisciplinary approach for long-term results

Our experienced team of bariatric and plastic surgeons, nutritionists, psychologists, and physical therapists at LIMARP, collaborate to design fully personalized, comprehensive weight loss plans that reflect your individual goals and needs. We take a whole-person approach—supporting not just your physical health, but also your emotional and mental well-being—so you feel guided and cared for every step of the way, before, during, and after your procedure. This multidisciplinary approach not only helps you achieve meaningful weight loss, but also empowers you to sustain those results long term.

If you have any questions about the weight loss methods we offer, please contact us. Fill out our contact form, reach out through any of our social media platforms or call us at (619) 270-8823⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ or (306) 500-6618⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣. 

My name is Claudia López, and I’m here at LIMARP to share my experience with the Allurion program. I had my balloon placed by Dr. Pompa.

Why I Chose LIMARP

I had my procedure done at the end of July 2023. There were several reasons why I made this decision:

1. The trust I felt in the clinic.
2. I had been trying to lose weight for a long time but wasn’t seeing results. I needed something that would truly help me.
3. The confidence I gained after speaking with the team and learning more about the Allurion program.

The most important reason was trust. When they explained the program to me, I felt reassured by the way they described everything. Dr. Fernanda and the entire team made me feel comfortable and safe. I also looked up the clinic online, and when I saw the facilities, I knew this was the right place for me.

The Preparation Process

Before getting the balloon, I went through a preparation process with a nutritionist, a psychologist, and the medical team. It wasn’t difficult at all! They gave me all the information I needed and explained exactly what to expect. This actually helped ease my fears because I felt prepared and knew what was coming.

How My Life Changed After the Procedure

This experience changed a lot for me:

• My eating habits improved.
• My self-esteem increased, which was a huge deal for me.
• I became more mindful of what I eat and how it affects my body.

It even influenced my family! When I feel good, that energy spreads to the people around me. It’s been a positive change for all of us.

The Importance of Follow-Up Support

The follow-up with the nutritionist and psychologist has been a key part of my journey. The support I’ve received from LIMARP has been amazing. The team is honest, supportive, and always there to guide me.

Would I Recommend LIMARP? Absolutely!

From the moment you step into the clinic, you can feel the professionalism and care. That sense of trust is so important when making a decision like this. I 100% recommend LIMARP!

Advice to My Younger Self

If I could talk to myself 10 years ago, I’d say:

• Eat better.
• Don’t let social pressures or outside influences dictate your choices.
• Your health is for YOU, not for others. Focus on what makes you feel good.

Was the Procedure Difficult?

Not at all! Honestly, it felt like swallowing a pill. I didn’t feel anything uncomfortable. The doctors, including Dr. Fernanda and Dr. Pompa, were with me the whole time, making sure I felt safe. The process was quick, simple, and much easier than I expected.

For Anyone Who’s Afraid of Getting the Balloon…

Don’t be scared! I was nervous at first too, but the benefits far outweigh that initial fear. Fear is something we create in our minds, but once you go through the process, you realize there was nothing to worry about.

If you’re thinking about doing it, take the step! The rewards are so much greater than that brief moment of fear.

Hi! My name is Anahí Lizvette Ortega. I’m 30 years old and I live in Burnham Valley, California. A while ago, I made a decision that completely changed my life—I had gastric sleeve surgery. I want to share my experience because I know a lot of people might be going through the same thing, and maybe this will help them take that big step.

Why I Chose LIMARP

It all started when I saw a family member go through the surgery at LIMARP. She did her research, carefully picked the clinic, and after the procedure, she looked amazing. Seeing her journey inspired me to seriously consider it for myself.

In my family, there are cases of diabetes and serious complications from it, even amputations. I realized I was heading down the same path, and that scared me. I didn’t want to wait until it was too late. Over time, I kept gaining weight, and I wasn’t doing anything about it. I knew I needed to make a big change for my health and well-being.

My First Appointment with Dr. Pompa

From the very beginning, Dr. Pompa made me feel comfortable. She was honest, kind, and caring. I felt like she genuinely cared about my health and wanted to help me. During the consultation, she explained everything about the procedure in detail, showed me pictures and tools, and helped me understand what was going to happen. It was super informative, but it also felt like therapy because I got to talk about my fears and expectations.

Surgery Day

The day of my surgery arrived, and I had so many emotions—nervous, anxious, but also excited because I knew this was a big step toward changing my life. The medical team was professional and kind. From the moment I walked into the hospital, they made me feel at peace. They checked on me several times before the operation to make sure everything was okay. I knew I was in good hands.

The Care and Recovery at LIMARP

After surgery, the medical team took care of me every step of the way. During the two days I stayed at the clinic, a nurse checked on me every hour, monitored my vital signs, and made sure my recovery was safe. They never left me alone. They explained everything—how to eat, what to do after surgery, and how to take care of myself.

One of my favorite parts was meeting my nutrition and psychology team. From day one, I had sessions with them. They taught me about healthy eating and how to manage my emotions during this process. These sessions helped me realize that surgery was just the beginning—the real change would come from my commitment and discipline.

My Progress and Achievements

Before the surgery, I weighed about 200 pounds. Over time, I lost around 70 pounds and gained muscle. Now, I run 6 to 7 miles a day, go to the gym regularly, and have a personal trainer.

But more than just the physical changes, my self-esteem has improved so much. I used to avoid wearing swimsuits and always covered up with loose clothes. Now, I love going to the beach and feeling confident in my body. This surgery gave me the chance to live a healthier, happier life.

A Journey of Commitment and Discipline

One thing I learned through this journey is that surgery isn’t a magic fix. It’s a tool, but real change depends on your own effort. Following the nutrition plan and listening to the doctors is key to getting good results. Discipline and consistency are everything.

I Recommend LIMARP and Dr. Pompa

If you’re thinking about weight loss surgery, I 100% recommend LIMARP and Dr. Pompa. The care, professionalism, and support they give make the whole process easier and safer. I’m so grateful for this experience and for the chance to live a healthier life.

If you’re unsure, my advice is to do your research, get all the information you need, and most importantly, make the decision for your health and well-being. It’s the best choice I’ve ever made—and you can do it too!

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.

Why did I decide to have surgery?
Since my teenage years, I was a high-performance athlete and I was always in very good shape. However, when my sports career ended, I lost control over my diet and decreased the amount of exercise I did. As the years went by, my weight gradually increased. I tried multiple diets and exercise routines, but after having two children and facing daily responsibilities, I no longer saw the desired results.

Despite my diligent efforts, I found myself grappling with the persistent challenge of achieving a healthy weight. Consequently, I recognized the need for professional assistance. A suggestion was made regarding the possibility of bariatric surgery. While I initially harbored reservations, a close friend of my husband, a medical professional, strongly recommended that I delve deeper into this option.

Choosing LIMARP:
I am a person who researches and evaluates all options before making a major decision. I started meeting with acquaintances and family members who had undergone similar procedures. Most of them recommended LIMARP and Dr. Liza María Pompa González. What convinced me most was hearing about the comprehensive postoperative follow-up offered by LIMARP, which includes psychological and nutritional support, crucial aspects for the long-term success of the surgery.

Pre-operative process and surgery:

The pre-operative process was not easy, but it was manageable thanks to my commitment to myself. I mentally prepared myself for the change and followed all the instructions of the LIMARP medical team. On the day of the operation I was calm and confident thanks to the professionalism and empathy of the team.

The operation itself was surprisingly light for me. Having gone through two C-sections, I expected a lot of pain and discomfort, but I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of pain and the quick recovery. The medical team made me feel like I was recovering at home, always attentive and humane.

Postoperative Follow-up

Post-operative follow-up has been crucial to my success. I continued with my regular appointments with the nutrition and psychology team, who helped me better understand my nutrition and make sustainable changes to my lifestyle. This support has not only been important for me, but has also had a positive impact on my family.

My approach to food shopping changed radically. I now shop consciously, avoiding buying unhealthy foods for both myself and my family. This change in habits has benefited my children, who now prefer healthier options.

Recommendations and reflections:

I would recommend LIMARP and Dr. Pompa without hesitation. Transparency in my experience has been instrumental in helping others consider this option. I believe it is important to accept and seek help when we need it, and LIMARP offers the support necessary to achieve a successful and sustainable transformation.

For all those who struggle with their weight and cannot find a solution, I encourage you to explore the option of bariatric surgery and commit to your health and well-being. This journey not only improves your physique, but also your mental health and overall quality of life.

Conclusion:

I am immensely grateful for the decision I made and for the constant support of LIMARP. Bariatric surgery has transformed my life and that of my family in a positive way. If you are considering this path, I encourage you to do your research, seek support, and commit to it.

After participating in our comprehensive program at LIMARP, Emilio has gained a new outlook on life. His energy is sky-high, and he now enjoys every day to the fullest!

Emilio demonstrated unwavering determination and had the invaluable support of his family to achieve this transformation towards a better life. His story is a testament to the positive impact that the right decision and the right support can have on someone’s life.

My name is Sandra Luz Hernández, and I’m from Tijuana. Before deciding to undergo surgery, my life was full of struggles. I had hypertension and diabetes, which meant constantly feeling unwell, relying on numerous medications, and experiencing extreme physical exhaustion. I lacked energy and good health, and that ultimately led me to consider bariatric surgery.

The motivation to change.

What motivated me the most to have surgery was the chance to gain a better quality of life. I wanted to start fresh, with new opportunities, and most importantly, leave diabetes and hypertension behind. Knowing that I could live without so many medications, without feeling sick all the time, and with a better self-image gave me the final push to go for it.

Choosing LIMARP clinic and Dr. Pompa.

I found out about LIMARP Clinic through friends who had undergone surgery there. Plus, I already knew Dr. Pompa beforehand, and I had always said that if I ever got bariatric surgery, it would be with her. I trusted her professionalism, excellent service, and high-quality care.

From my very first appointment, I knew I had made the right decision. I arrived with many doubts and didn’t know exactly what to expect, but Dr. Pompa clarified everything and helped me understand what life after surgery would be like.

Surgery day and recovery.

On the day of my surgery, I was really nervous, but as soon as I arrived at the clinic and was greeted warmly by the medical team, I felt ready and reassured.

Recovery had its easy and challenging moments. The easy part was having all the tools provided by the clinic to help me adjust. The hard part was learning to connect my brain with my stomach, changing my habits, and accepting my body’s transformation. However, with medical support and guidance, I adapted faster than I expected.

The results and a radical life change.

Even before surgery, I started noticing changes thanks to the pre-op diet. But after the procedure, the results were immediate. I lost weight quickly, and most importantly, my health improved dramatically.

Today, my life is completely different. I’m no longer diabetic or hypertensive, I no longer take medication, and I feel full of energy. Now, I can exercise without getting exhausted, I enjoy cooking healthy meals, and I’ve even had to revamp my wardrobe because none of my old clothes fit me anymore!

My advice for those considering surgery.

If someone is unsure about getting bariatric surgery, my advice is: don’t overthink it, just do it. It’s natural to hesitate, but once you go through with it, you realize it was the best decision you could have made.

A huge thank you to the LIMARP team for their continuous support, nutritional and psychological guidance, and overall care. Thanks to them, I now enjoy a completely renewed life.

I couldn’t be happier with my decision!

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A post shared by Karla Inzunza | Emprendedor |una Bariatrica Real🦋 (@kar_inzunza)

This photo is a literal before and after, I am another Karla❤️‍🔥
The photo on the left is from August 26, 2021, the day I had #gastricsleeve surgery, dressed all in black to look thinner😔 and the photo on the right is today, when I have been at my ideal weight for a month, one imposed by my needs! I love myself and I love the way I look ❤️‍🔥 Karla2.0

Deciding to have surgery:

From a young age, I struggled with my weight and tried countless diets that were not only expensive, but also ineffective. I weighed 115 kilos by the age of 30, and after the birth of my baby at 32, my situation became unsustainable. An incident during a vacation in Vallarta, where I almost fell on my baby due to my weight, was the catalyst that led me to make the decision to undergo surgery. I returned from that trip determined to change my life forever.

Why did I choose LIMARP?

My decision to have surgery at LIMARP was not taken lightly. My therapist played a crucial role in my process, helping me mentally prepare for this big step. In addition, I remembered that a family member had had an excellent experience with LIMARP, which motivated me to investigate more about the clinic and Dr. Liza María Pompa González. The professionalism and comprehensive approach of the LIMARP team gave me the confidence to put my health in their hands.

The pre-operative process and surgery:

The process leading up to surgery was a stage of both physical and mental preparation. I always knew that my weight problem was not only physical, but also psychological, so the support of my therapist was essential. Before the operation, I faced fears and doubts, but my focus on the goal and the support of the LIMARP team helped me stay strong.

The day of the operation was a moment of rebirth. Despite the initial difficulty and post-operative adaptation, every day I got closer to my goal. Consistency in my follow-up appointments with the nutritionist and the psychologist have been the key to my success.

Changes in my life after surgery:

Not only did the surgery transform my physical appearance, it also improved my quality of life in every way. I can now play and care for my son without the limitations I once had. My self-esteem has improved significantly and I have learned to listen to and respect my body’s signals. The discipline and perseverance I developed during this process has extended to other areas of my life, helping me maintain a healthy balance.

Recommendations and reflections:

I would recommend LIMARP and Dr. Pompa with my eyes closed. The professionalism and continuous support of the team have been invaluable. However, it is also crucial that one is committed to oneself, as surgery is only a tool that must be accompanied by changes in habits and lifestyle.

To my 10-year-old self, I would say to relax and be patient. This state is temporary and you can’t even imagine how you will feel and look in the future.

My journey has been challenging, but every sacrifice has been worth it. I am grateful for the support I have received and the new lease on life I have. If you are considering bariatric surgery, I encourage you to seek the right support and commit to your transformation process.

I feel more confident about myself, I really like how I look and I can now buy nicer clothes. I like that people around me are surprised and tell me, “Gisell, you look great!”

I highly recommend Dr. Pompa and the LIMARP team for their excellent service. They always answered all my questions. There is no doubt that they are the best!