Re: Going to Mexico

[Guest guest]

Hi, Kelli.

Belinda and said it well. I'll just throw in my thoughts on

this. First, I'm thinking that your family and friends are hopefully

thinking of your wellbeing and health; they just don't have all the

information that you have at this point.

Not that you have to explain your decision to anyone, but if you

decide to, remember that Mexican surgeons -- and other surgeons

around the world -- have been doing this procedure much longer than

U.S. docs. The band was in use in other countries since 1988 or so,

and wasn't approved in the U.S. until 2000 (I think). So

those " foreign " doctors have much more experience and, in fact, many

have been the teachers/mentors for U.S. doctors. You've done your

research (I'm assuming), so be confident in your decision. Give your

friends/relatives some websites to investigate for themselves if they

care to.

Fortunately, my family and friends that I told were very supportive.

Because of our having been to Mexico many times on church missions

trips, we probably felt more comfortable considering MX surgery than

some people might.

Let me share a personal example about Dr. Aceves' care. I was

banded, along with my good friend, on a Wednesday. We were discharged

from the Almater Hospital on Thursday evening and went to the hotel

with our husbands before starting our drive home to Oregon on Friday.

Well, Friday morning Dr. A actually came to the hotel to see us both

before our departure -- just to make sure we were doing okay and give

us a last minute once-over. We were amazed! Now, what U.S. doctor

gives you that kind of attention these days?

I feel great and I love my band! Only thing I might wish for is that

I'd done it 10 years ago :-)

Jackie S

banded 1/19/05

320/265/160

> Has anyone had the same looks of shock when you mention you want to

> go to Mexico for the surgery? I swear, it's as if I was being sent

> to the torture chamber or something. My friends are in shock that I

> would even dare consider going to Mexico and they mention that the

> doctors there are horrible. I try mentioning all the problems that

> happen here in the US but they turn a deaf ear. I tell them why

it's

> so dang expensive here for the surgery, primarily administrative

> costs, pharmaceutical companies and whatever else that can be

added.

> I must admit I was a bit taken back but now that I have talked or

> emailed some people about surgeons in Mexico, I feel they have more

> compassion for their patients than the doctors in the US. I am not

> saying that the US has bad doctors but neither does Mexico.

Anyways,

> for those of you who had some shocking looks or disapproval please

> share your story or how you dealt with those not wanting you to

have

> the surgery.

>

> Also, just a side question have you had anyone (friends) that are

in

> disapproval because you would become thin and they would feel

guilty

> being heavy? I have a friend that is heavy but not as heavy as me

> and I feel she is being negative because she knows I'll eventually

> become smaller than her. If you had this problem, how did you work

> it out with the person?

>

> Thanks!!!

>

> I love this website, everyone here has so much information that

I've

> been writing it down. I love how everyone is so helpful and

> supportive. I pray everyone is successful in obtaining their goals

> and for those just coming from the surgery Congratulations and Best

> of Luck!!!

>

> Kelli

[Guest guest]

Kelli,

Everything, Jackie said is true, me and my mom went to a seminar here in Texas several months ago, and the doctor admitted that he had trained in Mexico, so quit worrying and I would just quit telling people what you are going to do. Let them wonder how all the weight is dropping off of you so quickly.

Tracie B. in Texas

Jackie,

Wow, Dr. A let you go to the hotel on the second night, you didn't have to spend two nights in the hotel, I hope he lets me do the same thing. I would love to spend the second night in the hotel instead of the hospital.

Tracie Re: Going to Mexico

Hi, Kelli.

Belinda and said it well. I'll just throw in my thoughts on this. First, I'm thinking that your family and friends are hopefully thinking of your wellbeing and health; they just don't have all the information that you have at this point. Not that you have to explain your decision to anyone, but if you decide to, remember that Mexican surgeons -- and other surgeons around the world -- have been doing this procedure much longer than U.S. docs. The band was in use in other countries since 1988 or so, and wasn't approved in the U.S. until 2000 (I think). So those "foreign" doctors have much more experience and, in fact, many have been the teachers/mentors for U.S. doctors. You've done your research (I'm assuming), so be confident in your decision. Give your friends/relatives some websites to investigate for themselves if they care to.

Fortunately, my family and friends that I told were very supportive. Because of our having been to Mexico many times on church missions trips, we probably felt more comfortable considering MX surgery than some people might. Let me share a personal example about Dr. Aceves' care. I was banded, along with my good friend, on a Wednesday. We were discharged from the Almater Hospital on Thursday evening and went to the hotel with our husbands before starting our drive home to Oregon on Friday. Well, Friday morning Dr. A actually came to the hotel to see us both before our departure -- just to make sure we were doing okay and give us a last minute once-over. We were amazed! Now, what U.S. doctor gives you that kind of attention these days?

I feel great and I love my band! Only thing I might wish for is that I'd done it 10 years ago :-)

Jackie S

banded 1/19/05

320/265/160

> Has anyone had the same looks of shock when you mention you want to > go to Mexico for the surgery? I swear, it's as if I was being sent > to the torture chamber or something. My friends are in shock that I > would even dare consider going to Mexico and they mention that the > doctors there are horrible. I try mentioning all the problems that > happen here in the US but they turn a deaf ear. I tell them why it's > so dang expensive here for the surgery, primarily administrative > costs, pharmaceutical companies and whatever else that can be added. > I must admit I was a bit taken back but now that I have talked or > emailed some people about surgeons in Mexico, I feel they have more > compassion for their patients than the doctors in the US. I am not > saying that the US has bad doctors but neither does Mexico. Anyways, > for those of you who had some shocking looks or disapproval please > share your story or how you dealt with those not wanting you to have > the surgery. > > Also, just a side question have you had anyone (friends) that are in > disapproval because you would become thin and they would feel guilty > being heavy? I have a friend that is heavy but not as heavy as me > and I feel she is being negative because she knows I'll eventually > become smaller than her. If you had this problem, how did you work > it out with the person? > > Thanks!!!

> > I love this website, everyone here has so much information that I've > been writing it down. I love how everyone is so helpful and > supportive. I pray everyone is successful in obtaining their goals > and for those just coming from the surgery Congratulations and Best > of Luck!!! > > Kelli

[Guest guest]

Hello Deb: I'm sorry you husband is not on the same page with you. We men can be difficult sometimes. I had surgery with doctor A on June 9th and have been totaly happy with the whole process. Your husband will be glad you did something for you in the long run, especially when your becoming more healthy and happy. I have lost 25 pounds in 16 Days since surgery. I have almost no apetite and the pain after surger only lasted for the first few days. Good Luck Kenhorseigot <horseigot@...> wrote: Hey Everybody I got approved for surgery on July 6 and I am so excitedI fly in the 5th. Is their anyone esle having surgery that day?I've been reading the board for over a year and finally got my fundstogether. My Hubby is not on board with this, but he does what hewants and this is something I have wanted for quite so time. I canhardly wait. Way too excited. Can't wait to meet Dr. A, Nina and thegang!!ThanksDeb

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[Guest guest]

I completely understand the part about your husband...I must ask

this question though (I hope I'm not getting too personal) - from a

comment you made earlier, are you going to leave without your

husband knowing that you're going to Mexico? If so, wow! I'm not

sure I'd have the guts to do that.

I haven't read the book " Burnt Toast " but the basis behind how

all 'moms/wives' eat the burnt piece of toast (because that's just

what moms do) is so true. Every once in a while we have to do

something for ourselves & the truth is, it may eventually benefit

our kids & hubbies, they just don't see it right away. I'm on a new

quest for myself - I have to take care of myself in order to be a

better provider to those around me. I certainly cannot keep up with

my beautiful 3-year old son at this weight & therefore, he will

benefit from my weight loss in the long run. Also, when I'm thinner

& feeling beautiful, my hubbie will benefit from it too (if you know

what I mean).

We're driving from Victorville, California - about a 3 1/2 hour

drive. My dad lives near San Diego & will be joining us. He speaks

fluent Spanish & I also need the moral support. He wasn't thrilled

with this idea either, but I know he'll feel better once he's there

& sees how great everyone is. I told my dad to let my step-mom know

that I had already made up my mind & she didn't need to try to talk

me out of it. My poor dad...he's a very traditional Hispanic man &

really can't see the need for this kind of surgery. Bless his heart!

Yes, I can't wait! I try not to think about it too much because

I'll drive myself crazy. I have a very small countdown on my

calendar at work.

I am a little stressed about the post-op diet. I must admit

that 'eating' & 'dining out' are two huge things for my family &

friends. I know I can do this & that I must do this to feel

better. I can't continue to carry this extra 100 pounds around with

me & expect to be a healthy old lady someday.

Blessings,

In , " Mills " <tracy@...>

wrote:

Hi Deb,

I am glad my journal has helped. I remember talking to you on the

phone. I am so glad you have the money to do this. You won't regret

it. It would be nice if your hubby was onboard with you because you

need the support post op. I hope he comes around.

Mills

DOB 3/1/05

280/168/160

http://www.tracyslapband.com

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Deb

Sent: Monday, June 26, 2006 11:16 AM

Subject: Re: Re: Going to Mexico

Hey ,

Hope to see you there. Wish I could drive, but Houston is way to far

to drive for me. I don't know how M. did it. Yep, I remember

reading her post of driving with the family. What a brave gal so is.

I've been going to her journals to get more prepared, plus is

in Houston so I feel like I'm in such good hands. has been

such a blessing. Being able to chat with her has been so rewarding.

Such a nice Lady.

See you there, I'm so excited aren't you? I can't wait.

Thank you to everybody. Also please could you all say a prayer for

me.

I so believe in prayers. One for the surgery and one that my hubby

is not too mad when I return home.

Thanks

Deb

<grand_duchess88@...> wrote:

Good morning Deb,

I am scheduled for surgery on the 7th...I understand your situation

with you hubby - mine wasn't on board for a while either. I finally

told him that I was having this surgery no matter what & I guess he

realized that he could get with the program because I wasn't

changing my mind.

I'll be driving into Mexicali on the 6th for my pre-op tests for

surgery the following day.

Hope to see you there.

Blessings,

In <mailto:%0>

, " horseigot " <horseigot@> wrote:

Hey Everybody I got approved for surgery on July 6 and I am so

excited I fly in the 5th. Is their anyone esle having surgery that

day? I've been reading the board for over a year and finally got my

funds together. My Hubby is not on board with this, but he does what

he wants and this is something I have wanted for quite so time. I can

hardly wait. Way too excited. Can't wait to meet Dr. A, Nina and the

gang!!

Thanks

Deb