Re: Nervous about going out of U.S. for surgery...

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I wrote this a few months ago and I hope it will help you. Dr. Aceves is the very best you will EVER find when it comes to WLS. I am living proof.

Are you scared about having WLS? I was too, and I am willing to bet that 99% of all of on this site were too.

We have talked ourselves in and out of going ahead and taking that big step at least 75 to 100 times. We have been convinced that there is something weak or wrong about having weight loss surgery and that is really all wrong—it take a lot of courage to have weight loss surgery.

For so many of us we have a disease and just like any other disease we need some form of treatment. If you needed surgery for something you wouldn’t think twice about going to the hospital and having that surgery because if you didn’t you could die.

Well the same this will happen from be fat, we are going to die faster from being fat than we are from weight loss surgery. I know it is scary and the unknown is what scares us the most.

Never give up on your dreams of losing this weight and being able to keep it off. It will require WORK and EFFORT on your part to be successful—it does not just melt off of you. You will be given the tool (WLS) to achieve this. You are on the right track if you are thinking about it.

I did it 2.5 years ago and lost 105 pounds and have kept it off. I am here to help you, answer any questions you might have about WLS—I had the sleeve. You are WORTH the effort it will take. It can happen and your only regret you will have is that you didn’t do it sooner.

Hugs,

Suzanne

In a message dated 10/16/2011 12:07:52 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, aurous1@... writes:

Hi, I am looking into goint to see Dr.Aceves at Almater hostpital because I am a self-pay patient, and the differences in price make it an option that I cannot afford in the US, however, I am very nervous to do this, as the surgery is risky under the best of circumstances, and I have seen a young person die because of bypass, as well as lots of success stories. It is unfortunate that because of insurance companies we are put into a situation where medical tourism is our only option. Please help me make this decision... thoughts?

[Guest guest]

Hi it is me again and you might also find this helpful.

Hi,

Are you lurking out there reading all these posting by everyone trying to absorb as much information as you can about weight loss surgery. I used to be one of you too. I knew I need and wanted to do something about being fat. I had struggled for 25 or more years trying all the kinds of diets there were—yep you too—I knew it. I had my greatest success with Weight Watchers, and to this day I feel for so many people it is the healthiest way to lose weight. I saw over the year too many people including some of the Weight Watchers group leaders gain the weight back—and me too.

I became interested more and more in Weight Loss Surgery the more I lurked around on these boards seeing what people had said. I even thought to myself are these people really real or is someone paying them to write all these stories about their success. I really was fortunate enough to have a very close friends who went to Mexicali, Mexico and had Dr. Aceves do her weight loss surgery. She was an RN and I worked with her, so I knew what integrity she had as a nurse and trusted her judgment.

I wasn’t sure this was what I wanted to do yet. So after watching her drop the pounds and become more healthy each day, I started asking her a million different questions. She was great and pointed me in the right direction of making me do some research and see what I came up with and what kind of Weight Loss Surgery did I want for myself? I must have spent 6 months reading everything I could find about weight loss surgery. I knew that I wanted to have the sleeve surgery and I knew without a doubt that Dr. Aceves in Mexicali was the ONLY doctor that I was willing to put my trust in. I also called and talked to the people who worked for him and asked them all kinds of questions. I bet they started referring to me as the “Queen of Questions.†Not really they really are happy to answer all your questions this is a life changing event that you are about to do.

I talked with my husband about doing this and he was so very supportive. He answer to me was “I know you well enough to know that you have done all kinds of reading and research.†He said if this is want you want go for it.

Not everyone was supportive of this and I know it was because they really had NO idea of what kind of surgery I wanted to have. I was also 63 when I made this choice.

What I want to say for you “newbies, or those lurking out there with just the thought of having weight loss surgery.†It is OK to do just want you are doing. But, don’t wait forever to do something about it. Every day that you live your life unhealthy, fat, uncomfortable in your own body, is a day that you are giving away. STOP giving any more days of your life away. It is time to take control of your life instead of food controlling you. Take back your power, be the person that I know you can become. I know that if you are a “self pay person†that is a lot of money to pay to have surgery. It will be the best money that you could ever spend. You are adding years back on your life. You will spend less on food, health care, medications and so many other things. If at 63 I could do this, I know that you can do this too and be very successful.

I am very prejudice about Dr. Aveves. He is the best there is when it comes to this kind of surgery, and don’t you want the best you can have when it comes to your health and the rest of your life? I know I sure did. I went alone, I wasn’t scared to go to Mexicali, you are picked up at the airport in San Diego and driven by a very nice man in a van along with a lot of others who are about to change their lives just like you are going to do. They take excellent care of you in hospital with everything that you would ever need.

I am here to answer any questions that you may have about having this surgery and Dr. Aceves and his team of talented staff. The care you receive it top rated and better than anything you will ever have in the US. If you are waiting for your insurance to pay for it, they drag it out for 2 years or more and so many of them then tell you NO.

So don’t give away another day of your life. Do something for the first time in your life and that is put yourself first!

Hugs,

Suzanne

In a message dated 10/16/2011 12:07:52 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, aurous1@... writes:

Hi, I am looking into goint to see Dr.Aceves at Almater hostpital because I am a self-pay patient, and the differences in price make it an option that I cannot afford in the US, however, I am very nervous to do this, as the surgery is risky under the best of circumstances, and I have seen a young person die because of bypass, as well as lots of success stories. It is unfortunate that because of insurance companies we are put into a situation where medical tourism is our only option. Please help me make this decision... thoughts?

[Guest guest]

Even if my medical insurance would have covered it, I would still go Dr. Aceves

for this surgery because he is the best! In fact, my husband is contemplating

having the surgery and our insurance does cover it - he is still going to Dr.

Aceves if he chooses to do it ....

>

> Hi, I am looking into goint to see Dr.Aceves at Almater hostpital because I am

a self-pay patient, and the differences in price make it an option that I cannot

afford in the US, however, I am very nervous to do this, as the surgery is risky

under the best of circumstances, and I have seen a young person die because of

bypass, as well as lots of success stories.

>

> It is unfortunate that because of insurance companies we are put into a

situation where medical tourism is our only option.

>

> Please help me make this decision... thoughts?

>

[Guest guest]

I had the VSG with Dr. Aceves on June 28 of this year. I was in the same

situation where two of my doctors (pain management specialist and neurosurgeon)

recommended that the surgery may well be my only hope to keep me from being in a

wheelchair in the next couple years. My insurance wouldn't pay for it even

though obesity and complications has been deemed a " medical condition " and thus

remedies should be covered. They would " consider it " if I jumped through a year

or two of hoops. I just did not have that kind of time nor the money to

self-pay in the US. I had spoken personally to two persons who had their

surgery at Almater with Dr. Aceves and was convinced that I would be well cared

for. I can tell you honestly that I have been hospitalized for surgery in the

US at least six times and was treated the best at Almater hospital by Dr. Aceves

and his team. I was treated as a valued " customer " and patient. The facility is

very clean, beautiful and professional. Dr. Aceves is so compassionate that

when I wasn't feeling well after a long night he actually cried when he promised

me that I would feel better very soon. I honestly felt like he and his

compassionate team really cared and were concerned with my well being in the

hospital and in my future life. I do not regret any part of my decision to go

to Dr. Aceves at Almater Hospital. I am sure you are nervous; this is a huge

decision. Please continue to watch this board and ask all the questions you

have. The folks here have all been through what you are going through and will

tell you the truth. It's not an easy fix but again, it is well worth it.

-Debbi

>

> Hi, I am looking into goint to see Dr.Aceves at Almater hostpital because I am

a self-pay patient, and the differences in price make it an option that I cannot

afford in the US, however, I am very nervous to do this, as the surgery is risky

under the best of circumstances, and I have seen a young person die because of

bypass, as well as lots of success stories.

>

> It is unfortunate that because of insurance companies we are put into a

situation where medical tourism is our only option.

>

> Please help me make this decision... thoughts?

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, any surgery has risks, but then so does driving (or riding in) a car to work--people die that way every day. Surgery with Dr. Aceves has fewer risks than many doctors and hospitals in the US. That hospital is cleaner than any I have ever been in here in the US (and I used to be an ambulance volunteer in New Jersey and we transported non emergency patients between some of the finest hospitals in the New York City area). The staff washed the walls in my room and bathroom. Every nook and cranny there is cleaner than any in my own home. I had post op infections after each my last two US surgeries (tendon surgery on a foot each time). Last time I checked Dr. Aceves still had ZERO post op infections. Both surgeons (Aceves and Campos) checked on me multiple times every day. The nurses

are likewise very attentive and there is always an English-speaking nurse available. My friend, there are greater risks to you if choose to remain obese. Personally, I would not choose gastric bypass. Bypass patients have nutritional absorption issues for the rest of their lives. I originally got a lap band but then got a gastric sleeve because after-care for a lap band is difficult to come by where I live and expensive--$700 for a fill! I recommend the sleeve surgery, I love my sleeve and now my biggest food decision in a cafe is throw it out or take it home for tomorrow? not will it get stuck? Gloriabanded Dec 2005 sleeve March 2008210 -- 125 love my size 4 and 6 jeans (depends on the brand!!)

[Guest guest]

I too was a self pay for the Lap Band in 2006 which I got here in the US and then I was self pay again for the revision to the sleeve 4 months ago with Dr. Aceves. I can tell you that having this surgery with Dr. Aceves was the best decision I ever made. It is absolutely normal to have all sorts of emotions/worries going into this. It is very unfortunate that a young person you know lost their life from the bypass. It is a major surgery and there are risks envolved with every surgery. I had no choice but to have surgery for either removal of the Lap Band or a revision to another surgery since my band had slipped out of place. The risks of leaving a slipped band in me were much higher than the removal of the band or a revision surgery. Even if my band hadn't slipped I still would have had the revision since I had numerous other complications with the band and was tired of living an unhealthy life with the band. I had convinced myself that the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and every other weight related disease was far greater than the risk I might encounter with weight loss surgery.

You have to make the decision for yourself and have to be absolutely confident that this is the right choice for you. I can tell you that if you are considering Dr. A as your surgeon, you have picked one of the best. Even if I were not self pay, I would have still gone to Dr. Aceves for my revision. I have a doctor here in my hometown that was the same price as Dr. A but had hardly NO experience with revisions from the Lap Band to VSG. I chose Dr. A instead because of his skills, experience, and all of the amazing things I heard about him, NOT because of cost. I could have also gone to other surgeons in Mexico who were a lot cheaper than Dr. A. Just remember that you get what you pay for. Please do your research on whatever surgeon you choose.

I wish you all the best and please keep us posted on your journey!!!

Keela

From: aurous1@...Date: Sun, 16 Oct 2011 18:05:01 +0000Subject: Nervous about going out of U.S. for surgery...

Hi, I am looking into goint to see Dr.Aceves at Almater hostpital because I am a self-pay patient, and the differences in price make it an option that I cannot afford in the US, however, I am very nervous to do this, as the surgery is risky under the best of circumstances, and I have seen a young person die because of bypass, as well as lots of success stories. It is unfortunate that because of insurance companies we are put into a situation where medical tourism is our only option. Please help me make this decision... thoughts?

[Guest guest]

So true, !From: allison p <allypad@...> Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2011 3:57 PMSubject: Re: Nervous about going out of U.S. for surgery...

Even if my medical insurance would have covered it, I would still go Dr. Aceves for this surgery because he is the best! In fact, my husband is contemplating having the surgery and our insurance does cover it - he is still going to Dr. Aceves if he chooses to do it ....

>

> Hi, I am looking into goint to see Dr.Aceves at Almater hostpital because I am a self-pay patient, and the differences in price make it an option that I cannot afford in the US, however, I am very nervous to do this, as the surgery is risky under the best of circumstances, and I have seen a young person die because of bypass, as well as lots of success stories.

>

> It is unfortunate that because of insurance companies we are put into a situation where medical tourism is our only option.

>

> Please help me make this decision... thoughts?

>

[Guest guest]

Hello , I had my surgery done by Dr. Aceves and I was a little apprehensive about going out of the country because of some of the stories you here. But let me tell you, the hospital's very nice, clean and everyone very friendly. My room was mopped and cleaned 3 times the day I was there. Sorry to say but it's better than some of the hospitals here in Washington DC. I also had some denistry done there too, two cavities and whitening all for $300 bucks. One of the doctors reffered me to the dentist. it was a Sunday and the guy came in the office just to do my dental work. So hopefully I put your mind at ease. also I forgot to tell you, I went by myself. you'll be fine..

From: Willis <pajowi46@...>Subject: Re: Re: Nervous about going out of U.S. for surgery..." " < >Date: Monday, October 17, 2011, 4:51 PM

So true, !

From: allison p <allypad@...> Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2011 3:57 PMSubject: Re: Nervous about going out of U.S. for surgery...

Even if my medical insurance would have covered it, I would still go Dr. Aceves for this surgery because he is the best! In fact, my husband is contemplating having the surgery and our insurance does cover it - he is still going to Dr. Aceves if he chooses to do it ....>> Hi, I am looking into goint to see Dr.Aceves at Almater hostpital because I am a self-pay patient, and the differences in price make it an option that I cannot afford in the US, however, I am very nervous to do this, as the surgery is risky under the best of circumstances, and I have seen a young person die because of bypass, as well as lots of success stories. > > It is

unfortunate that because of insurance companies we are put into a situation where medical tourism is our only option. > > Please help me make this decision... thoughts?>

[Guest guest]



I wish I would have known about the affordable dentistry before I had my surgery. When you arrive in Mexicali it's obvious. The denistry signs are everywhere. I would have loved to have whitening done. It's a faction of the cost of my Indiana dentist.

Had I been more brave I would just gone for it. I had researched Dr. Aceves, and felt completely comfortable commiting to him. But I had not done my homework for dentistry. Really, how much research do you have to do for teeth whitening. I should have had it done.

Another patient, she had surgery a day after me, she had botox done to her face at a clinic walking distance from Alma Mater. We passed the botox clinic on our way to the pharmacy and we both went in to ask questions. She stayed and had it done. I don't know that I would recommend doing all this at one time. If you live close to Mexicali (which I don't), it would great to do your 3 month check-up with Dr. Campos and then have teeth your whitened, a little botox filler, or whatever.

Re: Nervous about going out of U.S. for surgery...

Even if my medical insurance would have covered it, I would still go Dr. Aceves for this surgery because he is the best! In fact, my husband is contemplating having the surgery and our insurance does cover it - he is still going to Dr. Aceves if he chooses to do it ....>> Hi, I am looking into goint to see Dr.Aceves at Almater hostpital because I am a self-pay patient, and the differences in price make it an option that I cannot afford in the US, however, I am very nervous to do this, as the surgery is risky under the best of circumstances, and I have seen a young person die because of bypass, as well as lots of success stories. > > It is unfortunate that because of insurance companies we are put into a situation where medical tourism is our only option. > > Please help me make this decision... thoughts?>

[Guest guest]

I was also very nervous, I went by my self, and it was the best experience I had

at a hospital..everyone was so attentitive...I went a few months ago and I was

so nervous everything turned out great, getting prescription close to hospital

was easy I was a little leary walking streets alone turned out fine..no one has

died of the surgery I received here..

>

> Hi, I am looking into goint to see Dr.Aceves at Almater hostpital because I am

a self-pay patient, and the differences in price make it an option that I cannot

afford in the US, however, I am very nervous to do this, as the surgery is risky

under the best of circumstances, and I have seen a young person die because of

bypass, as well as lots of success stories.

>

> It is unfortunate that because of insurance companies we are put into a

situation where medical tourism is our only option.

>

> Please help me make this decision... thoughts?

>

[Guest guest]

Don't be nervous. I had mine done today with Dr. A(staff)and I have never met a

more professional group of people. Ernesto was right on time at the airport to

pick us up. We were met at the door at the hospital, got all of our tests

done(about 3 hours). The hospital is small, but very clean. The nurses still

wear white & a cap! We spent the first night in a very upscale hotel, had

dinner right there and were driven back to hospital in the am. I was first and

I am sitting here gabbing & I really need to close your eyes! Hope this helps!

>

> Hi, I am looking into goint to see Dr.Aceves at Almater hostpital because I am

a self-pay patient, and the differences in price make it an option that I cannot

afford in the US, however, I am very nervous to do this, as the surgery is risky

under the best of circumstances, and I have seen a young person die because of

bypass, as well as lots of success stories.

>

> It is unfortunate that because of insurance companies we are put into a

situation where medical tourism is our only option.

>

> Please help me make this decision... thoughts?

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

This may help you. I have posted it before. I felt just like you did and that was 3 years ago. Mexicali, is a VERY safe boarder to cross. Ernesto your drive does it 2 times a day. Dr. Aceves and his staff are the VERY best doctors you could EVER have do your surgery. He is warm, caring, kind and honestly cares about you and your health. Please feel free to ask me the 100's of questions that you have going through your head right now. I know you do because I have been right where you are when I was thinking about having WLS.

Are you scared about having WLS? I was too, and I am willing to bet that 99% of all of on this site were too.

We have talked ourselves in and out of going ahead and taking that big step at least 75 to 100 times. We have been convinced that there is something weak or wrong about having weight loss surgery and that is really all wrong—it take a lot of courage to have weight loss surgery.

For so many of us we have a disease and just like any other disease we need some form of treatment. If you needed surgery for something you wouldn’t think twice about going to the hospital and having that surgery because if you didn’t you could die.

Well the same this will happen from be fat, we are going to die faster from being fat than we are from weight loss surgery. I know it is scary and the unknown is what scares us the most.

Never give up on your dreams of losing this weight and being able to keep it off. It will require WORK and EFFORT on your part to be successful—it does not just melt off of you. You will be given the tool (WLS) to achieve this. You are on the right track if you are thinking about it.

I did it 3 years ago and lost 105 pounds and have kept it off. I am here to help you, answer any questions you might have about WLS—I had the sleeve. You are WORTH the effort it will take. It can happen and your only regret you will have is that you didn’t do it sooner.

Hugs,

Suzanne

Sleeved 10/21/2008

Lost 105 pounds

In a message dated 10/21/2011 9:05:31 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, themouse1960@... writes:

Don't be nervous. I had mine done today with Dr. A(staff)and I have never met a more professional group of people. Ernesto was right on time at the airport to pick us up. We were met at the door at the hospital, got all of our tests done(about 3 hours). The hospital is small, but very clean. The nurses still wear white & a cap! We spent the first night in a very upscale hotel, had dinner right there and were driven back to hospital in the am. I was first and I am sitting here gabbing & I really need to close your eyes! Hope this helps!>> Hi, I am looking into goint to see Dr.Aceves at Almater hostpital because I am a self-pay patient, and the differences in price make it an option that I cannot afford in the US, however, I am very nervous to do this, as the surgery is risky under the best of circumstances, and I have seen a young person die because of bypass, as well as lots of success stories. > > It is unfortunate that because of insurance companies we are put into a situation where medical tourism is our only option. > > Please help me make this decision... thoughts?>

[Guest guest]

Keele,

I did alot of research and talked to many people before making the decision to

go to Mexico for surgery. Now I lived in Mexico for 8 years and love the people

and was well aware of hospital conditions there. (my x is a surgeon)

I had sleeve surgery on 10/12 and it is the best decision I have ever made. I

too was a cash pay patient and I would do it again in a heart beat.

My recovery is going well and his staff is very pleasant.

Go for it....

>

>

> I too was a self pay for the Lap Band in 2006 which I got here in the US and

then I was self pay again for the revision to the sleeve 4 months ago with Dr.

Aceves. I can tell you that having this surgery with Dr. Aceves was the best

decision I ever made. It is absolutely normal to have all sorts of

emotions/worries going into this. It is very unfortunate that a young person you

know lost their life from the bypass. It is a major surgery and there are risks

envolved with every surgery. I had no choice but to have surgery for either

removal of the Lap Band or a revision to another surgery since my band had

slipped out of place. The risks of leaving a slipped band in me were much higher

than the removal of the band or a revision surgery. Even if my band hadn't

slipped I still would have had the revision since I had numerous other

complications with the band and was tired of living an unhealthy life with the

band. I had convinced myself that the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and every

other weight related disease was far greater than the risk I might encounter

with weight loss surgery.

>

> You have to make the decision for yourself and have to be absolutely confident

that this is the right choice for you. I can tell you that if you are

considering Dr. A as your surgeon, you have picked one of the best. Even if I

were not self pay, I would have still gone to Dr. Aceves for my revision. I have

a doctor here in my hometown that was the same price as Dr. A but had hardly NO

experience with revisions from the Lap Band to VSG. I chose Dr. A instead

because of his skills, experience, and all of the amazing things I heard about

him, NOT because of cost. I could have also gone to other surgeons in Mexico who

were a lot cheaper than Dr. A. Just remember that you get what you pay for.

Please do your research on whatever surgeon you choose.

>

> I wish you all the best and please keep us posted on your journey!!!

>

> Keela

>

>

>

>

>

> From: aurous1@...

> Date: Sun, 16 Oct 2011 18:05:01 +0000

> Subject: Nervous about going out of U.S. for surgery...

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi, I am looking into goint to see Dr.Aceves at Almater hostpital because I am

a self-pay patient, and the differences in price make it an option that I cannot

afford in the US, however, I am very nervous to do this, as the surgery is risky

under the best of circumstances, and I have seen a young person die because of

bypass, as well as lots of success stories.

>

> It is unfortunate that because of insurance companies we are put into a

situation where medical tourism is our only option.

>

> Please help me make this decision... thoughts?

>