Re: Anyone else like this while researching surgeons?

[Guest guest]

,

I think we have all had these fears. I went down in July and had a band. The hospital and staff are beyond any american hospital. I think the one thing to remember is that when you get down there you still have a choice, to do the surgery or not. The only cost to you would be get there and finding out what its like. Once you are there you will see that there is a great hospital with great doctors. And that's when you will be happy that you did the surgery. I was very nervous and went by myself but am very happy today that i did it. Would I do it again, yes. Should you wish to talk to someone i'd be more than happy to talk to you personally. I am not a Dr. A recruit, im just a small town girl trying to lose weight. I live in n. calif and am not afiliated with the office at all. Jan

From: <jennstaff@...>Subject: Anyone else like this while researching surgeons? Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 8:16 AM

This may sound strange, but I promise I'm not that crazy! LOL! Anyway, I have decided to use Dr. Aceves for my VSG. But I can't overcome the feeling that everything I read about him is fake...fake reviews, fake testimonial, etc. I guess I am scared to actually go to Mexico for surgery having not known anyone personally who has. I try to be very careful about what I read online & what others say online because truthfully, I don't know any of you personally to know if you are honest or not (you could be a paid recruiter only out for the money). I don't mean to offend anyone and I hope I don't. I hope you all understand what I'm feeling... You never know who you are really talking to online so I feel like I have to be vigilant and careful.I read a lot of posts over at obesityhelp. com. I've emailed a few people personally that have gone to Dr. A. I did research for myself to verify that Dr. A is a member of FACS (he is listed on their

website as a member! ) What else can I do to help eliviate my fear of getting to the hospital & it being a run down place with limited medical capabilities? Anyone else have these fears prior to surgery? What helped you overcome them?

[Guest guest]

, have you looked at the Almater Hospital website, looked at the photos, read the many posts by our members who have gone through the surgery? If so, how can you possibly have any more doubts? For over 20 yrs., I have owned a home in San Felipe (120 miles so. of Mexicali). Although the doctors are very good and many Americans swear by them, I was very dubious about having surgery in Mexicali. I visited the hospital enroute home to San Diego before I made the final decision. OMG. Seeing is believing. The hospital beats anything we have in the U.S. Once there, the quality of service and the well educated doctors and nurses continued to affirm my belief that I had made the right decision. 3 mos. later, I know it for fact. I've lost 30 pounds. By the way, I drove myself to the hospital......Dr. A allowed me to park my new car in their gated,

patrolled lot at no charge and then, when I expressed concern about driving south so soon after the surgery by myself, he allowed me to stay an extra day at no charge. Face it, the only fear you have right now is that you're afraid to say yes and set a date. Do it. You won't regret it.

San Diego

From: <jennstaff@...>Subject: Anyone else like this while researching surgeons? Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 8:16 AM

This may sound strange, but I promise I'm not that crazy! LOL! Anyway, I have decided to use Dr. Aceves for my VSG. But I can't overcome the feeling that everything I read about him is fake...fake reviews, fake testimonial, etc. I guess I am scared to actually go to Mexico for surgery having not known anyone personally who has. I try to be very careful about what I read online & what others say online because truthfully, I don't know any of you personally to know if you are honest or not (you could be a paid recruiter only out for the money). I don't mean to offend anyone and I hope I don't. I hope you all understand what I'm feeling... You never know who you are really talking to online so I feel like I have to be vigilant and careful.I read a lot of posts over at obesityhelp. com. I've emailed a few people personally that have gone to Dr. A. I did research for myself to verify that Dr. A is a member of FACS (he is listed on their

website as a member! ) What else can I do to help eliviate my fear of getting to the hospital & it being a run down place with limited medical capabilities? Anyone else have these fears prior to surgery? What helped you overcome them?

[Guest guest]

All I can say is HE IS VERY REAL. Of course you may think after your surgery that he is some sort of god given angel but, I assure you he is veryreal he and his whole team.

I was apprensive prior to surgery but I had an advantagein the fact that my Brother in Law and Sister in law went for LapBands 6 months before I went so I knew it was real.

Sometimes in life you just have to have FAITH, Faith in your self to make the proper decision and Faith in your ability to know if a situation is right or wrong. You will see when you get there how truly great they treat you. You truly have made a great decision good luck.

Sleeved

March 10 2008

lost 170 lbs in 13 mthsMarie Kindness is the language the blind can see and the deaf can hear. - Mark Twain

From: <jennstaff@...>Subject: Anyone else like this while researching surgeons? Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 11:16 AM

This may sound strange, but I promise I'm not that crazy! LOL! Anyway, I have decided to use Dr. Aceves for my VSG. But I can't overcome the feeling that everything I read about him is fake...fake reviews, fake testimonial, etc. I guess I am scared to actually go to Mexico for surgery having not known anyone personally who has. I try to be very careful about what I read online & what others say online because truthfully, I don't know any of you personally to know if you are honest or not (you could be a paid recruiter only out for the money). I don't mean to offend anyone and I hope I don't. I hope you all understand what I'm feeling... You never know who you are really talking to online so I feel like I have to be vigilant and careful.I read a lot of posts over at obesityhelp. com. I've emailed a few people personally that have gone to Dr. A. I did research for myself to verify that Dr. A is a member of FACS (he is listed on their

website as a member! ) What else can I do to help eliviate my fear of getting to the hospital & it being a run down place with limited medical capabilities? Anyone else have these fears prior to surgery? What helped you overcome them?

[Guest guest]

Dear , I have an idea you will receive many responses to your email. I applaud your concern/care and slight fears about all of this. I am 72. Had the lap band 4/9/07. I would NEVER have thought I would do this. BUT my much younger cousin had it done. And here's the deal, she is very wealthy. Has a home outside Seattle and a second home in Yuma. We don't see each other often but email and phone (I live in Vegas). My cousin had researched the lap band and decided it was for her. Was going to have it done in Seattle, obviously. THEN...she learned about Dr. Aceves. So her next trip to Yuma she and her husband visited the hospital and Dr. Aceves. I was STUNNED when I learned she was going to Mexico! Puhleez!! she can afford anyplace. Several months later a friend of mine was telling me that her husband was going to have this done, and the four of us (husband/wives) went to a seminar put on by a Las Vegas team of surgeon in that business. I then thought maybe, just maybe I could have this done even w/a pacemaker. age etc/. and my friend's husband began to resarch Dr Aceves and so did I and talked several times w/my cousin Now III am interested. Learned that I could have it done for about 40% of what it was here, w/hotel & hospital stay...but more importantly that my cousin was totally and completely sold on the surgery and the location/staff. So...nary a penny was I paid for this total and complete and enthusiastic report to you that now 2 years later I look 10-15 years younger, take aerobics 4 to 5 times a week, and wearing a size 4 jeans!!! not bad for this old gal. Go for it, this will be the best thing you can do for yourself. By the way, my friend whose husband was my "band mate" as we had the surgery the same day has been off insulin since the day of the surgery. Has lost 80+ pounds and can't pass a mirror w/o a wink! NOW his wife is going, however, she is going w/the sleeve. I don't know much about that, but my best friend has had the sleeve since December (Dr. Aceves too) and has lost 40# in 4 months. I, on the other hand, took a year to lose 50 and the 2nd year lost another 20. OK...that's is from here. Good luck and trust a little bit. Joanne

Anyone else like this while researching surgeons?

This may sound strange, but I promise I'm not that crazy! LOL! Anyway, I have decided to use Dr. Aceves for my VSG. But I can't overcome the feeling that everything I read about him is fake...fake reviews, fake testimonial, etc. I guess I am scared to actually go to Mexico for surgery having not known anyone personally who has. I try to be very careful about what I read online & what others say online because truthfully, I don't know any of you personally to know if you are honest or not (you could be a paid recruiter only out for the money). I don't mean to offend anyone and I hope I don't. I hope you all understand what I'm feeling... You never know who you are really talking to online so I feel like I have to be vigilant and careful.I read a lot of posts over at obesityhelp.com. I've emailed a few people personally that have gone to Dr. A. I did research for myself to verify that Dr. A is a member of FACS (he is listed on their website as a member! ) What else can I do to help eliviate my fear of getting to the hospital & it being a run down place with limited medical capabilities? Anyone else have these fears prior to surgery? What helped you overcome them?

[Guest guest]

Thank you all for your responses. I really hope it didn't offend anyone as that

was not my intention at all. I am known (by my family) as naive and too

trusting, so I really wanted to make sure I was extra creful here. I want to be

sure for myself & be prepared to defend my decision to my family (even though I

feel as if I shouldn't have to defend it!).

My husband has said some of the same things you all have said. He is very

supportive and although he wasn't keen on the idea of surgery in Mexico, he is

now 100% behind it! He and I have been researching it together. I know I have

done the research & I must now have the faith!

I really do appreciate you all taking the time to reply & email me.

Jenn

>

>  All I can say is HE IS VERY REAL. Of course you may think after your surgery

that he is some sort of god given angel but, I assure you he is veryreal he and

his whole team.

> I was apprensive prior to surgery but I had an advantagein the fact that my

Brother in Law and Sister in law went for LapBands 6 months before I went so I

knew it was real.

> Sometimes in life you just have to have FAITH, Faith in your self to make the

proper decision and Faith in your ability to know if a situation is right or

wrong. You will see when you get there how truly great they treat you. You truly

have made a great decision good luck.

>  

> Sleeved

> March 10 2008

> lost 170 lbs in 13 mths

>

> Marie 

>

> Kindness is the language the blind can see and the deaf can hear. - Mark Twain

>

[Guest guest]

How do u research to see if a Dr. in on the FACS website?

From: <jennstaff@...>Subject: Anyone else like this while researching surgeons? Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 11:16 AM

This may sound strange, but I promise I'm not that crazy! LOL! Anyway, I have decided to use Dr. Aceves for my VSG. But I can't overcome the feeling that everything I read about him is fake...fake reviews, fake testimonial, etc. I guess I am scared to actually go to Mexico for surgery having not known anyone personally who has. I try to be very careful about what I read online & what others say online because truthfully, I don't know any of you personally to know if you are honest or not (you could be a paid recruiter only out for the money). I don't mean to offend anyone and I hope I don't. I hope you all understand what I'm feeling... You never know who you are really talking to online so I feel like I have to be vigilant and careful.I read a lot of posts over at obesityhelp. com. I've emailed a few people personally that have gone to Dr. A. I did research for myself to verify that Dr. A is a member of FACS (he is listed on their

website as a member! ) What else can I do to help eliviate my fear of getting to the hospital & it being a run down place with limited medical capabilities? Anyone else have these fears prior to surgery? What helped you overcome them?

[Guest guest]

Dr. A is very real and the hospital and staff are awesome..take a deep breath and think of all the wonderful things coming your way. I went there by myself as a single mom of 4 kids. I was 43 when i did the surgery and was treated very well and never felt alone the whole time i was there. I had no support and it was scarey.. so i know what you are feeling. but i will tell you that there were no problems and no need to worry. If you wish to converse with me in private that is fine. I live in Las Vegas for another week and moving back to Nebraska. I want to raise my kids there. So just a small town girl..and I did it. You will be fine.. doylesandy@... you want to ask me anything.

From: <jennstaffardmore (DOT) net>Subject: [Dr-Aceves-bandster s] Anyone else like this while researching surgeons? @groups. comDate: Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 11:16 AM

This may sound strange, but I promise I'm not that crazy! LOL! Anyway, I have decided to use Dr. Aceves for my VSG. But I can't overcome the feeling that everything I read about him is fake...fake reviews, fake testimonial, etc. I guess I am scared to actually go to Mexico for surgery having not known anyone personally who has. I try to be very careful about what I read online & what others say online because truthfully, I don't know any of you personally to know if you are honest or not (you could be a paid recruiter only out for the money). I don't mean to offend anyone and I hope I don't. I hope you all understand what I'm feeling... You never know who you are really talking to online so I feel like I have to be vigilant and careful.I read a lot of posts over at obesityhelp. com. I've emailed a few people personally that have gone to Dr. A. I did research for myself to verify that Dr. A is a member of FACS (he is listed on their

website as a member! ) What else can I do to help eliviate my fear of getting to the hospital & it being a run down place with limited medical capabilities? Anyone else have these fears prior to surgery? What helped you overcome them?

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I think I would look at my mother-in-law and say "you know what I need most from you is your support."--see how she responds to you when you say that to her. Maybe your husband who is more outspoken than you can say. "Mom this is about becoming more healthy, being happy with herself and being better able to take care of our kids."

You live in your body--NO ONE else--only you know how it feels. You know where your comfort level is, your body is the one that hurts and you feel the stress of being overweight--no one else. I think it is absolutely fabulous and wonderful that you can have this done at age 28. I would have jumped on it in a heart beat if they had it when I was in my 30's. For me I did it much later in life and I never liked my fat little body that I was living in--and I call it fat because I was fat. Being fat wrecked havoc with my life and my marriage--which ended in divorce. --Don't feel bad for me it was a blessing and I met th most wonderful man 4 years ago who loved me just the way I was and what I have done now is just a bonus for both of us--he has been there 100% for me. And I know that part of divorce was that I hated how I looked. I loved myself, but hated my body--strange feeling. I was more outspoken than you and I promise you as time goes on you will be more outspoken too as you get older. I am very soft hearted too and there isn't a thing wrong with that. It took me to be about 40 years old to figure out a lot of this stuff out.

So as far as talking about WLS with your in-laws ask them for support. When they say thing just keep saying that this is about becoming healthy and taking good care of yourself--and that you aren't willing to give any more days of your life away being overweight. They should be happy that you want this for yourself. If they say something you can say to them, I understand how you might feel that way, but this is ABOUT MY body and MY good health and I am going to do this. If they hear this enough times they may jump on board with you. It truly doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, you have the right to have what is best for you and no one can tell you what is best for you.

The benefit is that you will feel so much better, and then you start to look great, and so it just motivated you that much more. Be aware that some of your friends that are fat may not say a thing about your weight loss, you may lose some of your fat friends too--someone else told me this and it is true. They don't want to face their own demons and so if they don't talk about your success they don't have to deal with their failure. That is why a lot of people will also try to stop you and they will tell you this is such a drastic step--don't do it-- don't listen to them--it isn't drastic at all. Isn't it drastic is to keep abusing your own body with being overweight??????? Food to us is like drugs to someone else. If you were addicted to drugs they would want you to take drastic measures to get off the drugs, and that is just what you are going to do. Now you are going to break the cycle.

I hope that my words have helped you. We will keep talking and I have enjoyed helping you in any way I can. My mission in life is to let other people know that this is the answer that they have been looking for.

Hugs,

Suzanne

In a message dated 04/14/09 14:49:15 Pacific Daylight Time, jennstaff@... writes:

Thank you all for your responses. I really hope it didn't offend anyone as that was not my intention at all. I am known (by my family) as naive and too trusting, so I really wanted to make sure I was extra creful here. I want to be sure for myself & be prepared to defend my decision to my family (even though I feel as if I shouldn't have to defend it!). My husband has said some of the same things you all have said. He is very supportive and although he wasn't keen on the idea of surgery in Mexico, he is now 100% behind it! He and I have been researching it together. I know I have done the research & I must now have the faith! I really do appreciate you all taking the time to reply & email me.Jenn>> All I can say is HE IS VERY REAL. Of course you may think after your surgery that he is some sort of god given angel but, I assure you he is veryreal he and his whole team. > I was apprensive prior to surgery but I had an advantagein the fact that my Brother in Law and Sister in law went for LapBands 6 months before I went so I knew it was real. > Sometimes in life you just have to have FAITH, Faith in your self to make the proper decision and Faith in your ability to know if a situation is right or wrong. You will see when you get there how truly great they treat you. You truly have made a great decision good luck. > > Sleeved > March 10 2008> lost 170 lbs in 13 mths> > Marie > > Kindness is the language the blind can see and the deaf can hear. - Mark Twain>

[Guest guest]

You go to FACS.org and go to the patient section and follow the steps.  Put in his name (Alberto Aceves) in Mexico and it will show he is FACS.Or, you can go to FACS.org, get their 800# and call them.  They will verify it for you.

On Tue, Apr 14, 2009 at 2:44 PM, Lavanda Naron <naronlj91957@...> wrote:

How do u research to see if a Dr. in on the FACS website?  .

[Guest guest]

Hi ,I remember those EXACT feelings. For some reason it helped me to get a list of referrals from Dr. Aceves office with phone numbers on it. I started at the beginning and CALLED his pts. I felt like online "people" can be made up but to talk to people on the phone was different. It really helped me. One gal I called was in van on her way to Mexicali from San Diego with 2 of her friends and her sister - her sister was getting banded and she and the others were getting fills!!! If that isn't testimony I don't know what is! She let me talk to her sister too. It was fun to hear info first hand from "live" people. Good luck!! Feel free to read my blog at www.cyrenaweeks.blogspot.com or call my cell phone at 701-580-0982, please leave a message if I don't answer and I will call you back. (That goes for anyone reading this) CyrenaDOB: 1/19/07240/141/150start/now/goal

[Guest guest]

 

Hi Jeann,

Yes, we are real people not paid to say great things about Dr. A.  I finally got confidence after actually speaking to someone on the phone who had the surgery.  (Both the lap band and the revision)  All I can say was that there is no exaggeration from anyone on this site.  Yes, we do sometimes disagree about which surgery is best but we are all in agreement that Dr. A and his team are the best.  Not only did I go through but my husband was so impressed that he followed suit just 6 weeks after me.  My husband has lost 60 pounds since mid January and I have lost 47 since the beginning of December.  It feels wonderful to get our lives back.  Please don't be afraid to speak your fears.  We all had them.  It is truly fantastic that your husband is supportive.  Go for it girl!  You will have no regrets except that you will wish you had done it sooner.

 

Joyce

On Tue, Apr 14, 2009 at 10:53 AM, <jennstaff@...> wrote:

Thank you all for your responses. I really hope it didn't offend anyone as that was not my intention at all. I am known (by my family) as naive and too trusting, so I really wanted to make sure I was extra creful here. I want to be sure for myself & be prepared to defend my decision to my family (even though I feel as if I shouldn't have to defend it!).

My husband has said some of the same things you all have said. He is very supportive and although he wasn't keen on the idea of surgery in Mexico, he is now 100% behind it! He and I have been researching it together. I know I have done the research & I must now have the faith!

I really do appreciate you all taking the time to reply & email me.Jenn

>>  All I can say is HE IS VERY REAL. Of course you may think after your surgery that he is some sort of god given angel but, I assure you he is veryreal he and his whole team. > I was apprensive prior to surgery but I had an advantagein the fact that my Brother in Law and Sister in law went for LapBands 6 months before I went so I knew it was real.

> Sometimes in life you just have to have FAITH, Faith in your self to make the proper decision and Faith in your ability to know if a situation is right or wrong. You will see when you get there how truly great they treat you. You truly have made a great decision good luck.

>  > Sleeved > March 10 2008> lost 170 lbs in 13 mths> > Marie  > > Kindness is the language the blind can see and the deaf can hear. - Mark Twain>

[Guest guest]

Sorry, can't type. Meant to say Jenn.  My apologies.

Joyce

On Tue, Apr 14, 2009 at 10:12 PM, Joyce <joycemitch@...> wrote:

 

Hi Jeann,

Yes, we are real people not paid to say great things about Dr. A.  I finally got confidence after actually speaking to someone on the phone who had the surgery.  (Both the lap band and the revision)  All I can say was that there is no exaggeration from anyone on this site.  Yes, we do sometimes disagree about which surgery is best but we are all in agreement that Dr. A and his team are the best.  Not only did I go through but my husband was so impressed that he followed suit just 6 weeks after me.  My husband has lost 60 pounds since mid January and I have lost 47 since the beginning of December.  It feels wonderful to get our lives back.  Please don't be afraid to speak your fears.  We all had them.  It is truly fantastic that your husband is supportive.  Go for it girl!  You will have no regrets except that you will wish you had done it sooner.

 

Joyce

On Tue, Apr 14, 2009 at 10:53 AM, <jennstaff@...> wrote:

Thank you all for your responses. I really hope it didn't offend anyone as that was not my intention at all. I am known (by my family) as naive and too trusting, so I really wanted to make sure I was extra creful here. I want to be sure for myself & be prepared to defend my decision to my family (even though I feel as if I shouldn't have to defend it!).

My husband has said some of the same things you all have said. He is very supportive and although he wasn't keen on the idea of surgery in Mexico, he is now 100% behind it! He and I have been researching it together. I know I have done the research & I must now have the faith!

I really do appreciate you all taking the time to reply & email me.Jenn

>>  All I can say is HE IS VERY REAL. Of course you may think after your surgery that he is some sort of god given angel but, I assure you he is veryreal he and his whole team. > I was apprensive prior to surgery but I had an advantagein the fact that my Brother in Law and Sister in law went for LapBands 6 months before I went so I knew it was real.

> Sometimes in life you just have to have FAITH, Faith in your self to make the proper decision and Faith in your ability to know if a situation is right or wrong. You will see when you get there how truly great they treat you. You truly have made a great decision good luck.

>  > Sleeved > March 10 2008> lost 170 lbs in 13 mths> > Marie  > > Kindness is the language the blind can see and the deaf can hear. - Mark Twain>

[Guest guest]

I went to the FACS website & did a search on list of surgeons. It pulled up a

page where you could search the database by entering certain information about

the doctor in question. I just typed in Aceves & he came up!

Here's the link to the page.

http://www.facs.org/public_info/yourhealth/findadoc.html

Hope this helps!

Jenn

>

>

[Guest guest]

You guys are so awesome! I am so glad I finally got up the nerve to post my

fears. I was afraid of offending someone, I was afraid of looking like a

crazy...I was afraid of everything, I guess. The more I read, the more emails I

receive, the more real communication I get the better I feel. It's almost

empowering! Like I said earlier, I am quite shy & very self-conscious. I am

already quite proud of myself for researching this & standing up for ME for

once. I know this surgery is what I need & I'm becoming more and more confident

that Dr. Aceves is MY surgeon!

I do appreciate all of you who have taken the time to share your wisdom with me.

I know your time is precious and for you to take the time to help me is truely a

blessing. Thank you to those who have emailed me and have shown great concern

and care for me. It's amazing how connected two strangers can feel just because

they have experienced the same hurt.

I look forward to " paying it forward " someday.

>

> Hi ,

> I remember those EXACT feelings. For some reason it helped me to get a list

of referrals from Dr. Aceves office with phone numbers on it. I started at the

beginning and CALLED his pts. I felt like online " people " can be made up but to

talk to people on the phone was different. It really helped me. One gal I

called was in van on her way to Mexicali from San Diego with 2 of her friends

and her sister - her sister was getting banded and she and the others were

getting fills!!! If that isn't testimony I don't know what is! She let me talk

to her sister too. It was fun to hear info first hand from " live " people. Good

luck!! Feel free to read my blog at www.cyrenaweeks.blogspot.com or call my

cell phone at 701-580-0982, please leave a message if I don't answer and I will

call you back. (That goes for anyone reading this)

>

> Cyrena

> DOB: 1/19/07

> 240/141/150

> start/now/goal

>

[Guest guest]

Soooooo, we all want to know, have you made your appointment yet?

From: <jennstaff@...>Subject: Re: Anyone else like this while researching surgeons? Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 9:02 AM

You guys are so awesome! I am so glad I finally got up the nerve to post my fears. I was afraid of offending someone, I was afraid of looking like a crazy...I was afraid of everything, I guess. The more I read, the more emails I receive, the more real communication I get the better I feel. It's almost empowering! Like I said earlier, I am quite shy & very self-conscious. I am already quite proud of myself for researching this & standing up for ME for once. I know this surgery is what I need & I'm becoming more and more confident that Dr. Aceves is MY surgeon!I do appreciate all of you who have taken the time to share your wisdom with me. I know your time is precious and for you to take the time to help me is truely a blessing. Thank you to those who have emailed me and have shown great concern and care for me. It's amazing how connected two strangers can feel just because they have experienced the same hurt. I look

forward to "paying it forward" someday. >> Hi ,> I remember those EXACT feelings. For some reason it helped me to get a list of referrals from Dr. Aceves office with phone numbers on it. I started at the beginning and CALLED his pts. I felt like online "people" can be made up but to talk to people on the phone was different. It really helped me. One gal I called was in van on her way to Mexicali from San Diego with 2 of her friends and her sister - her sister was getting banded and she and the others were getting fills!!! If that isn't testimony I don't know what is! She let me talk to her sister too. It was fun to hear info first hand from "live" people. Good luck!! Feel free to read my blog at www.cyrenaweeks. blogspot. com or call my cell

phone at 701-580-0982, please leave a message if I don't answer and I will call you back. (That goes for anyone reading this) > > Cyrena> DOB: 1/19/07> 240/141/150> start/now/goal>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

That is just what we want you to do--pay it forward. One day there will be someone else who is just sitting back and reading all these postings and thinking just the way you were thinking--that happens a lot I am sure. We want you to step up and say "hey that use to be me" doing the same thing. Now I can tell her/him about my experience and what a difference it has made in my life.

There are some incredible people on this site that made such a difference in my life--you know who you are and I am blessed to have had your support. My family (my two grown children) weren't to acceptable about me doing this and the support I got from everyone was overwhelming and just what I needed. We are so happy that you said how you feel--and I am willing to bet you didn't offend ANY of us. We just smiled and thought OH we can help this girl.

Keep talking to us, we are here.

Suzanne

PS I love how you have started taking control over your own life and your own destiny too!

In a message dated 04/15/09 10:18:19 Pacific Daylight Time, jennstaff@... writes:

You guys are so awesome! I am so glad I finally got up the nerve to post my fears. I was afraid of offending someone, I was afraid of looking like a crazy...I was afraid of everything, I guess. The more I read, the more emails I receive, the more real communication I get the better I feel. It's almost empowering! Like I said earlier, I am quite shy & very self-conscious. I am already quite proud of myself for researching this & standing up for ME for once. I know this surgery is what I need & I'm becoming more and more confident that Dr. Aceves is MY surgeon!I do appreciate all of you who have taken the time to share your wisdom with me. I know your time is precious and for you to take the time to help me is truely a blessing. Thank you to those who have emailed me and have shown great concern and care for me. It's amazing how connected two strangers can feel just because they have experienced the same hurt. I look forward to "paying it forward" someday. >> Hi ,> I remember those EXACT feelings. For some reason it helped me to get a list of referrals from Dr. Aceves office with phone numbers on it. I started at the beginning and CALLED his pts. I felt like online "people" can be made up but to talk to people on the phone was different. It really helped me. One gal I called was in van on her way to Mexicali from San Diego with 2 of her friends and her sister - her sister was getting banded and she and the others were getting fills!!! If that isn't testimony I don't know what is! She let me talk to her sister too. It was fun to hear info first hand from "live" people. Good luck!! Feel free to read my blog at www.cyrenaweeks.blogspot.com or call my cell phone at 701-580-0982, please leave a message if I don't answer and I will call you back. (That goes for anyone reading this) > > Cyrena> DOB: 1/19/07> 240/141/150> start/now/goal>

[Guest guest]

LOL! I just filled out the forms and submitted them. I've been emailing Nina

as well with some questions. My husband and I talked about surgery dates last

night (we originally thought Aug would be the earliest we could do it). Anyway,

we are looking at early July! We thought about June, but we have our vacation

in mid June (this will actually be our FIRST ever vacation! My dad wants to take

our kids to the beach & he's asked every year...this is the first year we could

actually afford to go).

So, hopefully within the next couple of days or so, I can officially announce my

" DATE " !

Jenn

>

> Soooooo, we all want to know, have you made your appointment yet?

>

[Guest guest]

Jenn,

Look at you go girl! And you said you were shy--I guess it just takes a whole village to give you your power back. We are so excited that you are looking at dates. We all CHEER your husband on for his great support-tell him we are proud of the way he supports you in your life's journey to a happy and healthy body again.

One small comment--never save the old FAT clothes--just one pair of pants and top so that you can one day try them on and take a picture of yourself in them for us to see how fabulous you look. Donate them to a great cause sell them in a consignment shop, do something good with them, and as you go down in size keep getting rid of them. I go on treasure hunts to the local resale shops it is a lot of fun and a great challenge too--it is amazing the quality of clothing I have found and such a low price. I don't want to spend a lot because I keep going down to a smaller size all the time.

See what you have to look forward to Jenn. Remember there isn't anything you can't do if you want it bad enough. This is the last thing you will ever have to do when it comes to weight loss. You will be a success--we all know that with our hearts.

Hugs,

Suzanne

In a message dated 04/16/09 09:06:51 Pacific Daylight Time, jennstaff@... writes:

LOL! I just filled out the forms and submitted them. I've been emailing Nina as well with some questions. My husband and I talked about surgery dates last night (we originally thought Aug would be the earliest we could do it). Anyway, we are looking at early July! We thought about June, but we have our vacation in mid June (this will actually be our FIRST ever vacation! My dad wants to take our kids to the beach & he's asked every year...this is the first year we could actually afford to go).So, hopefully within the next couple of days or so, I can officially announce my "DATE"!Jenn>> Soooooo, we all want to know, have you made your appointment yet?>

[Guest guest]

Well, congratulations!! You've taken the first big step toward getting your lives back. Forewarned..... summer in Mexicali is brutal but the van, hotel and the hospital have a.c. You won't regret your decision!

San Diego

From: <jennstaff@...>Subject: Re: Anyone else like this while researching surgeons? Date: Thursday, April 16, 2009, 7:34 AM

LOL! I just filled out the forms and submitted them. I've been emailing Nina as well with some questions. My husband and I talked about surgery dates last night (we originally thought Aug would be the earliest we could do it). Anyway, we are looking at early July! We thought about June, but we have our vacation in mid June (this will actually be our FIRST ever vacation! My dad wants to take our kids to the beach & he's asked every year...this is the first year we could actually afford to go).So, hopefully within the next couple of days or so, I can officially announce my "DATE"!Jenn>> Soooooo, we all want to know, have you made your appointment yet?>

[Guest guest]

Jenn,

Congratulations!!! You won't regret it! Which one(surgery) did you decide on?

Carolyn(Band)

From: <jennstaff@...> Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 9:34:06 AMSubject: Re: Anyone else like this while researching surgeons?

LOL! I just filled out the forms and submitted them. I've been emailing Nina as well with some questions. My husband and I talked about surgery dates last night (we originally thought Aug would be the earliest we could do it). Anyway, we are looking at early July! We thought about June, but we have our vacation in mid June (this will actually be our FIRST ever vacation! My dad wants to take our kids to the beach & he's asked every year...this is the first year we could actually afford to go)..So, hopefully within the next couple of days or so, I can officially announce my "DATE"!Jenn>> Soooooo, we all want to know, have you made your appointment yet?>

[Guest guest]

Carolyn,I am going with VSG. When I first started my research I was sure I was

going to go with the LapBand. But after I found out about VSG and did my

research on it, I knew it would be better for me.

Now I'm just waiting to hear back about my paperwork & then hopefully I will get

to set a date! We are going to try to get in the week of July 6th (I hope to

have surgery July 7th). I'll keep everyone posted!

Jenn

>

> Jenn,

>

> Congratulations!!! You won't regret it!  Which one(surgery) did you decide on?

>

> Carolyn(Band)

[Guest guest]

You will be so much happier! Just to be able to move around more comfortably and be able to bend over with out large stomachs or folds of fat getting in the way is worth every penny!

I was just talking to a friend who is trying to go through her G.P at Kaiser and get the sleeve. I told her if she could get it for free at Kaiser...then awesome! However, I paid out of pocket because Kaiser was just in the more experimental stages. But I do not regret the paying out of pocket! It is worth it not to have to wait another year for Kaiser to perform their tests to make sure one is obese enough to get surgery!

I do not regret one moment of my surgery! It is still the best gift I have given myself! (Of course, my children are the best gifts in my life, along with God in the 1st position....but other than that, this is by far the best gift and I haven't felt this great in years!)

Good luck!

We are with you all the way!

Gail

From: <jennstaff@...>Subject: Re: Anyone else like this while researching surgeons? Date: Friday, April 17, 2009, 9:22 AM

Carolyn,I am going with VSG. When I first started my research I was sure I was going to go with the LapBand. But after I found out about VSG and did my research on it, I knew it would be better for me.Now I'm just waiting to hear back about my paperwork & then hopefully I will get to set a date! We are going to try to get in the week of July 6th (I hope to have surgery July 7th). I'll keep everyone posted!Jenn>> Jenn,> > Congratulations! !! You won't regret it! Which one(surgery) did you decide on?> > Carolyn(Band)

[Guest guest]

That's great Gail!!!!

Carolyn

From: Gail <sweetsmile1955@...> Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 1:58:23 PMSubject: Re: Re: Anyone else like this while researching surgeons?

You will be so much happier! Just to be able to move around more comfortably and be able to bend over with out large stomachs or folds of fat getting in the way is worth every penny!

I was just talking to a friend who is trying to go through her G.P at Kaiser and get the sleeve. I told her if she could get it for free at Kaiser...then awesome! However, I paid out of pocket because Kaiser was just in the more experimental stages. But I do not regret the paying out of pocket! It is worth it not to have to wait another year for Kaiser to perform their tests to make sure one is obese enough to get surgery!

I do not regret one moment of my surgery! It is still the best gift I have given myself! (Of course, my children are the best gifts in my life, along with God in the 1st position.... but other than that, this is by far the best gift and I haven't felt this great in years!)

Good luck!

We are with you all the way!

Gail

From: <jennstaffardmore (DOT) net>Subject: [Dr-Aceves-bandster s] Re: Anyone else like this while researching surgeons? @groups. comDate: Friday, April 17, 2009, 9:22 AM

Carolyn,I am going with VSG. When I first started my research I was sure I was going to go with the LapBand. But after I found out about VSG and did my research on it, I knew it would be better for me.Now I'm just waiting to hear back about my paperwork & then hopefully I will get to set a date! We are going to try to get in the week of July 6th (I hope to have surgery July 7th). I'll keep everyone posted!Jenn>> Jenn,> > Congratulations! !! You won't regret it! Which one(surgery) did you decide on?> > Carolyn(Band)