Suzannesh

Hi Everyone, What inspires you? Different things inspire each one of us. I know how difficult the Holiday Season can be once you have had WLS. Just remember this is a whole new life for you. You have made the choice to have the WLS or will be one of these days. To have a new life you need to make lifestyle changes. Good choices when it comes to food too. This means you look at this holiday season in a whole new way. It is a holiday so Celebrate all the wonderful things that you have accomplished. You still can have some of the food, only in small amounts. Sometimes just having a taste of something satisfies your need to eat it. Take a bite and enjoy it, wait for a few minutes before you have any more of it. Sometimes just that one bite is all you need. Anything is possible; you have proved this by having WLS. You want your life to be better, and you want to be healthy and you want lose the weight. DO NOT allow others to make you feel like you are different. You be the one to defines who you are. The journey is yours and you can be just who you want to be. Life is good be happy. Be the best you can for yourself and NO one else. You are already successful, because you are on this site doing things to change your life. Hugs and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Suzanne

Hi, The goal I would like to see you have is to eat a WELL BALANCED healthy meal when you get to where you can have regular food. I see you husband exchanging bad old eating habit to new eating habits that are NOT a balanced meal. You need to have Protein first, then fresh veggies, and a little fruit. I only see him eating protein. He needs to have a balanced meal. It is good that he is eating small amounts of food--that is pretty normal. The popsicles are just fine as long as they are sugar free. This is the time to make a lifestyle change not go back to eating unhealthy. I hope that helps you. I hope you have great success with you WLS. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, Gee thanks, I am sure that you will do just that. I found that so many people on this board and other boards were there for me for my hundreds of questions along my weight loss journey. I learned a lot and try to give back that knowledge. It is easy to give back, I want people to know that this will work for them, they can become healthy and very successfull. Your entire life will change and this was the ONE thing that worked for me to lose the weight and keep it off. Hugs and thanks for your sweet words. You are so nice. Suzanne

Hi, That is good. Then that might be what you need. I found that the almond milk does not work too good when making instant sugar free pudding. The pudding does not set up too well. Maybe it was the brand that I was using. Suzanne

When you can use the Almond Milk read the label--it has more sugar than the Skim Milk, because after reading the Skim Milk label and I went and read the Almond Milk label at the grocery store. This is what I am talking about, you really have to take time to read about what you are putting in your body. It is like having a second job....LOL I wish you a lot of success, hang in there it does get better. Suzanne

Hi, I was sleeved over 3 years ago, so what I am writing pretains to my Sleeve surgery and what I ate and how I ate. There is a reason why you should be keeping track of the all the foods you putting in your body. This is important if you just had WLS. I have been doing this for over 3 years now. I have to admit, I am a pretty good at reading the labels, when I am at the grocery store. I was looking at the carton on Skim milk that I bought the other day. Boy was I shocked when I read that in 8 oz of Skim Milk there are 12 grams of sugar and 12 grams of carbs. I didn’t use very much milk when I first had WLS. So when you are starting out and trying to keep your carbs at about 20 to 25 per day that is half your carbs. Who would have thought Skim Milk would have had sugar? I read more than one Skim Milk carton. There are a lot of places to keep track of what you are eating every day. Yes, it takes time to keep track of what you are eating. But you are worth the time an effort it takes to be successful. This is just another tool you can use to be successful. It also figures in your exercise too if you are doing it. I use the following site: food that you are eating healthy and the right things or that you are keeping it at about 800 calories. It takes a little time to figure these things out. Take the time to do it. I wish you great success and if you are having problems with you food and what you are eating, ask questions. There is a lot of experience out here and we are here to help you. Suzanne

Hi Everyone, I know it is such a big step to have Weight Loss Surgery. Then what kind and where are some of our next concerns you must be thinking about. I had WLS 3 years ago in Mexicali, Mexico. I did a lot of research for about 6 months before I made up my mind what doctor I was going to have do it. I also went by myself. I had people who would go with me, but it really was easier and better that I went alone. Some people will want someone to go with them, and that is good too. Do what makes you feel comfortable. I am so pleased that I had this done in 2008. I lost 105 pounds and have kept it off. I want you to know that I am out here to answer any questions that you might have when it comes to Weight Loss Surgery. I had a "sleeve" and honestly that was the best surgery I could have ever had. So please feel free to send me any of your questions that you might have. That is how I educated myself, I asked a ton of questions from a lot of different people. There are no bad questions, and there isn't anything that we can't talk about? Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, I think being honest is the best thing to do. You have done NOTHING wrong. Why do we feel that we need to please our PCP? We are NOT little kids, we are adults who are taking charge of our own lives. We hire or PCP, they work for us. We pay for our care. We should be treated with respect and they should be pleased that we are doing something to make our selves healthy for the first time in a long time. I was lucky, my doctor was really good. I told her before I went. She ran all my blood work any time I needed it. If your PCP treats you poorly, find someone else. For the most part, the doctors in Mexico are excellent and we get better treatment and care than most US hospitals. Bring back any e-rays and the report that your doctor in Mexico should send home with you. Take them in to your PCP and have them put in your health records. Do NOT allow them to intimidate you or be rude to you. Sometimes our doctors just need to be educated a little on the type of surgery we are having. I know mine did and she was glad I brought the information in to her. Suzanne

Hi, I have never had to deal with insurance. I was a self pay. But, what I see on here and read about. It can take any where from 1 to 2 years. Sometime they deny you, and you have start all over. The longer they drag their feet the longer they have your money invested and are making money off of you not getting this done. I am so happy to see that the Insurance Companies are starting to see that it really does save them money by you having Weight Loss Surgery. So maybe it won't take you that long. I wish you great success on your journey. Suzanne

Hi Everyone, Did you every stop and think “you really do get what you pay for.” Yes I know that there are a lot of different prices when it comes to Weight Loss Surgery. If you are a self-pay patient people look at going outside the US—it just cost a lot less and for many Mexico is the first place they may look. All you have to do is look around on the internet. So ask yourself why are their prices lower for so many doctors in Mexico? What I am going to talk about are some of my concerns about WLS in Mexico—and yes I went to Mexico myself. Here are some of the things I have learned while doing my research into doctors and hospitals or clinics. 1. Your recovery is done is a Recovery House or Hotel for some. I have heard some of you say that there are nurses 24-7 in these Recovery Houses. PLEASE ask to see documentation that proves they are really a RN. There is nothing wrong with asking questions—this is your health and your life we are talking about. Make sure that is truly who will be taking care of you during your stay in a Recovery House. If it is a hotel they come and check on your and are NOT there 24-7. 2. Ask questions about what kind of staples they use-I have heard that some of these doctors are using black market supplies—such as staples. We go to these facilities thinking that we are getting top of the line supplies, drugs and staples. You should receive very best medical titanium staples you can have. Please make them prove to you what they are going to use on you. Feel really comfortable with the answers they give you. 3. You have every RIGHT to know what they are putting in your body. They are going to be there for the rest of your life? Why is it that we think that we can’t question a hospital or a doctor about these things? We ask more questions when we go to buy a new car than we do about Weight Loss Surgery. Well at least a lot of people do. We want this surgery and we assume too much sometimes. I know that I had the answers before I went to have Weight Loss Surgery. I knew I was paying more, and I knew why. I have also heard that some of these less expensive doctors are using veterinary supplies. We are not animals we are humans and we do deserve to have the very best we can. Please READ EVERYTHING you can find about the Doctor you are going to have do your surgery. I am also saying there are some very good doctors in Mexico, but take a little time and check things out. Suzanne Sleeved 10/21/2011

Hi Everyone, I think so many of us feel that “if we just lose the weight” everything will be perfect and so will we. Today I post this on Facebook. “food and thought to myself “what have I done to myself????” I will NEVER be able to eat like that again. That was my “OLD” brain doing my thinking. About a month later, I was thrilled that I could NEVER consume all the food every again. This is a challenge, and with time it really becomes a way of life. Holidays are probably the hardest to do. We as a society seem to Celebrate every Holiday with a lot of unhealthy food. I keep saying we have to make this a lifestyle change and be comfortable with it, so we can eat like this for the rest of our life. I have found that being older exercise is really important to me. Without exercise, I just don’t feel good. It helps me also maintain my weight loss. I know that there are people who say they do not exercise, they may find out as they get older they may need it. I have been asked how did I know what I wanted for a goal weight. I thought when I feel good and comfortable that is going to be my goal weight. I still go up and down about 5 pounds depending on what I am doing. I had weight loss surgery 3 years ago. I know for a fact I would not feel as good and healthy as I do now at age 66 if I would have not had this surgery. Don’t waste your time thinking or wanting to be perfect. Be your true self. Be proud of your accomplishments. I think the thing I am most thankful is, my good health and my body does NOT hurt anymore. I spent a month in Europe in Sept 2011 and walked all over the place—a dream come true vacation! I could have never done this if I would have not lost this weight. Happy Holidays and Hugs to you,http://images.obesit...y/msn/heart.gif Suzanne Sleeved 10/21/2008 Lost 105 pounds

Hi, I happen to agree with you about her bashing doctors in Mexico. Sometimes people beleive everything they hear and see on the Media or nothing more than gossip and they do not take the time to educate themselves before the open their mouths. I went to Dr. Aceves 3 years ago. And I found out sooooooooooooo much about him before I went there. He has had 1 leak and that was because the paitent did NOT follow his directions about what to eat and how to eat. But, he fixed it for her too. So I am like you, I am so sick and tired of people talking about someone that they know so LITTLE about them. Thanks for speaking up too. Hugs Suzanne

Hi, I agree this is not a time to price shop. But I will disagree that the USA is only place to find a great doctor. I believe that there are many fine doctors in Mexico, India, Europe and other places that do not charge an arm and a leg for excellent surgery. My surgery was done in Mexico and my doctor is rated in the top 25 BEST WLS doctors in the WORLD. Wow the world. I think there are some pretty bad doctors in the USA too. The hospitals have a higher % of infections in the US than many of the hospital in Mexico. I know there are some bad doctors in Mexico too. So please before you make the assumption that you should have your surgery done in the US and to save your money to go to the doctor in the US. Look at the total picture help people find an option for the that will work. I am so happy that your insurance paid for your WLS. NOT ALL of us had that option. I did have the money to have it done in the US, but I did a lot of research--6 months, and found a doctor who had more experience and was rated higher than most of the USA doctors, so that is why he was my choice. Yes, he is from Mexico. I have never had the kind of care I received from my doctor in Mexico from any USA doctor. I was seen 3 times a day by two different doctors. Take care, Suzanne

Hi Everyone, You know most of us plan things everyday in our life. That is how we stay organized and manage our lives, homes and famlies. I want you to start thinking about making some BIG plans in your life too. Consider WLS. But, take your time. Ask hundreds of questions. This is going to be a life changing event. You deserve to have the very best you can. Research and read all you can about WLS. I had "sleeve" surgery and I feel it was the very best kind of surgery I could have. It was what I wanted after doing a lot of research. Never allow anyone to get in the way of your own good judgment. Ask other people about the doctor they went to. Check out that doctor, find out what kind of a hospital he uses--NEVER have surgery in a Clinic. Check out where you will recover and how long they will keep you and what kind of staffing that hospital has. NEVER go to a Recovery House--not safe, and usually not staffed with anyone who has any medical training. There really is a reason why some doctors charge a lot less. You are NOT getting quality care. When it comes to something that you are going to be living with for the rest of your life--you want the very BEST care and surgery you can have by the very best doctor. I am always out here if you have any questions or just need to talk. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, Please pay attention when they are warning you that he is not a safe Doctor. There is a reason the price is so low. The surgery is done in a Clinic--NOT a fully equipped hospital. You are sent to a recovery house and they are not staffed with medically trained staff. Here is something I want you to consider when it comes to your life and good health. I have been thinking about some of the things that many of us have talked about on this board. We have talked about price shopping and I have said “this is not the time to price shop” This is about your health and what is best for you. I had a lovely lady write and tell me that $5,000 was about all she could scrap together to have the surgery and she was going to take her “chances” and go to one of the doctors who charges less. She was single, had children, and was sick and tired of her back hurting and just didn’t want to spend another day being fat. Believe me I heard everything she said and honestly knew right where she was. I had a time in my life where I was a single parent and was trying to make it on my own, I do know how hard money was to come by. I have been there working 3 jobs at one time and had very little time for me and had to do what I could only afford. This is what I can say about my choice to go to Dr. Aceves. When I made my choice, I was 63 years old; I didn’t have any serious medical problems –only high blood pressure. I wanted to become healthy so that I could enjoy the rest of my life. My back hurt most of the time, and I had an awful pain in my leg. I had already experienced one bad experience in the USA hospital and that was when I went in for one procedure and came home and a 3 days later had to return to the hospital because I had a serve infection that I got at the hospital—they told me that when you go to the hospital you run the risk of an infection. Well, I was one who got the infection from the hospital. So when I was doing my research I learned that many people do get infections while having surgery in a US hospital. Infections were one of the things I was looking at when I was making my choice. Almater Hospital utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. They have less of an infection rate than any US hospital. Well, that caught my attention. I can tell you while I was there they were cleaning everything in this hospital including the sidewalk out in front of the hospital 24-7. They cleaned my bathroom 3 times a day. My rooms 3 times a day, the halls and anything people were touching in the hospital. Almater Hospital has state of the art equipment and technology -Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Complete X ray Unit capable of performing CAT Scans, Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy, and other X-ray tests. Almater Hospital strives to keep updated with equipment of latest generation available. They have Hemodynamic surgical room -where they perform open heart surgery and catheterizations surgical suites (with recovery room). So many of the doctors who charge less just do not have all these things. They are using a clinic to do the surgery, they are not fully staffed and I am worried about where they send you to recover. This is how they can afford to charge less for their surgery. I also wanted a HIGHLY qualified doctor who had an enormous amount of knowledge when it came to “sleeve surgery.” I checked on the number of surgeries that Dr. Aceves had done, and he was rated as a highly qualified doctor who had only one patient who had developed a leak. I also understand that the “one” patient who did develop the leak was because she did NOT follow the directions given to her about what she should be eating the first month. There are many qualified doctors who do “sleeve surgery.” And I can’t speak about any experience other than what I had. I wanted more than just a qualified doctor. I wanted a HIGHLY qualified doctor who had a team of highly qualified doctors and nurses on his staff who would be taking care of me. That is just what I found in Dr. Aceves and Almater Hospital. I also know that I had the highest quality of staples and surgical materials used in my surgery along with have a staff of nurses 24-7 there during my recovery. I know that many doctors are charging less for “sleeve surgery” and if you only have a certain amount of money to work with that is why you are looking at these other doctors. Give this some thought; you can get loans for the balance of the money. You know we never stop and think twice about making a car payment when we need a new car. Well, how about making a new “body payment?” You are worth it. This is ALL about you and no one else. I have sat here on these boards for 3 ½ years watching and listening to all of this. I can only say what was best for me. I know that there are other doctors who do this surgery and they are OK. I wanted more than just OK. I want you to be very successful at your WLS and your journey to a new and better life along with great health. I wish you all the success in the world. If you have any questions for me, please feel free to ask away. Suzanne Sleeved 10/21/2008 Lost 105 pounds

Hi, ALL the feeling and emotions that you are having are VERY NORMAL. I have had all of them. I was scared, excited, want to have the surgery, asked myself a 100 times was I doing the right thing. So depression, excitement and anything else you are feeling is really very normal. I did the Adkins Pre-op diet and that worked best for me. Do the best you can, don't make it a big thing. What is important is that you are going to have the surgery. The day of surgery I was very clam, because I had the opportunity to see everything and I felt very safe. It is the unknown that is driving you nuts. I woke up just fine, and about 2 hours after my surgery, I was up and walking around. I had very little pain. I went alone and it was really good. I could sleep when Wanted and I could get up and walk around if I couldn't sleep. You will be fine. I don't know much about your doctor, since I had Dr. Aceves and loved him. I hope that helps you some. I am always out here if you have more questions. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, by now you have already had your WLS. Yeah, and now the best is to come. All your feelings were very normal. You are in excellent hands. Please make sure you ask for anything you want. They will make every effort to meet all your needs. If you have ANY pain tell them. Tell my dear friend Dr. Aceves Hi from Suzanne. Just remember when you go home you are going to have all kinds of questions. I had this surgery done 3 years ago, so I really have traveled down your road. I have all kinds of answers for you. So just remember you can ask anything you want. We talk about everything here. The 1st month as far as food will be your hardest month you will ever have to do. It isn't a lifetime.....only 30 days. You can do anything for 30 days. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi Everyone, I want you to know that you are going to be in excellent hands. Dr. Aceves and his staff are just fabulous. I have always said I wished I lived closer to Mexicali, Mexico. I would make Dr. Aceves my PCP. This is the best thing I ever have done for myself. If you are there right now and reading this, make sure you tell Dr. Aceves that Suzanne says Hi. Sit back and enjoy the adventure you are about to take. It is very normal to have all kinds of feelings and emotions before you go. You are scared, excited, can't wait to do this, not sure this is the right things to do, want it over, can't imagine that it is going to work for you. Trust me. I had all these same feeling too plus a whole lot more. It works I am living proof that it works. I lost 105 pounds 3 years ago and have kept it off. If I can be of any help or you have any questions please feel free to ask away. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi Everyone I was reading in “Budget Travel” magazine a very interesting article written by Fran Golden. I thought some of this might help some of you who are sitting out there reading these posts trying to make up your mind about having WLS and how safe is it to go outside of the USA. 1.6 Million –The estimated number of Americans expected to travel abroad in 2012 for medical procedures. Now these are NOT all WLS. They include Heart Bypass, WLS, and Cosmetic, Dental, Orthopedic, and Cardiology procedures. This is what Fran Golden says “If you wouldn’t drink the water in some foreign countries why would you consider going overseas or to Mexico for a risky procedure—with a doctor you’ve never even met?” I know that is what so many of you are thinking because I thought the very same thing. Here is her answer, and I learned a lot from this article. “First of all, we’re not talking backroom surgery here. More than 400 health-care organizations in 47 countries are accredited by the international division of the joint Commission, the same nonprofit that accredits U.S. health-care facilities. In addition many top American programs have aligned with international clinics: Harvard Medical School Dubai Center is a prime example. In general it isn’t all that hard to find a doctor overseas or Mexico who follows U.S. standards and if you’d prefer who was trained at a medical school in the U.S.” Check out MTA Medical Tourism Association: www.medicaltourismassociation.comHere are some examples of the cost of surgery in the US vs. Overseas and Mexico LASIK Eye Surgery US both eyes $4,400 Outside of the US $500 both eyes Heart Bypass Surgery US $144,000 Outside the of US $5,200 Hip replacement Surgery US $50,000 outside the US $7,000 Knee replacement Surgery $50,000 Outside the US 12,297 Sleeve WLS US $25,000 to $35,000 outside the US $8,700 Please be careful— the MTA website lists 33 medical-travel facilitators also knows as Brokers, Agents or concierges. They all earn a fee. Be careful of the. You want someone who is a Patient Coordinator. They get NO fee and work directly for the doctor and they will honestly answer ALL your questions. That is what I had and felt like I was getting the honest answers I wanted and need. Many large companies are actually self-insured except for the most catastrophic medical costs; they typically pay the first several thousand dollars of an employee’s claim, with the insurance provider picking-up the rest. It’s obviously very much to the company’s advantage it its employee gets his surgery done outside of the US where the costs are a LOT less. Sometimes this large company pays for air travel for the patient and a companion says David Boucher, the president of Companion Global Healthcare which is a subsidiary of BlueCross Blue Shield of South Carolina and works with the companies and individuals to set up medical-tourism trips. Some insurance companies have not only waived your deductible fee and the patient gets to pocket 10% of the savings. NOW NOT all insurance companies are doing this. I think this is very rare. So many of you worry about AFTER you have had the surgery outside of the US and what will you do. Please consider how long they give your to recover in their facility before you fly home. The length of the flight is something else to consider. Surgery does increase the risk of blood clots. You can help this also by getting up about every hour and walking while flying. Most Doctors who do your surgery will NEVER allow you to fly home until they feel it is safe for you to fly. So that is part of asking questions and finding out what kind of a facility you are having the surgery in. Where will your recovery take place? PLEASE do not have surgery in some Clinic because it cost less—you will go to a Recovery House and most of the time they do NOT have the Recovery House staffed with anyone that is medically trained. “It is particularly important to see your doctor at home before you get on the plane both to make sure you’re fit for the trip and to inform him/her that you’re undergoing surgery. You don’t want to be in a situation where you arrive home and have to confess: “Guess what Doc?!” You will want them to be aware of what you are doing and if they are on board with what you are about to do. If they aren’t then you need to find a doctor who will be supportive of what you are doing. Many of us do not have the luxury of having our Insurance Company paying for our surgery. I am always encouraged when I hear that someone has been approved to have WLS by the Insurance Company. To me that means that these Insurance Companies are finally getting it. For me I feel so very blessed that I didn’t get mine paid for. I found the perfect doctor for my WLS, who had so much more experience than many US doctors. I wish you get success with what every kind of WLS you are going to have. Protect yourself ask a TON of questions and expect nothing but the best for you. There are some doctors out there that are NOT that great. Always check out the doctors credentials of the surgeon. Ask about his/her record with the type surgery you’re considering. Check his/her ability to explain things in English on the phone to you and get a clear understanding of services and what your expectations are. It is also a good idea to contact some of his/her former patients for testimonials. Read all the posting you can on the WLS Boards about this doctor. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi I am so glad that it will help you. I looked for something like this when I was going through this stage and so after I made it through it; I started to write things down. I am no expert but willing to share what I know. I wish you great success with your WLS. Hugs Suzanne

Hi, To all of you, make sure you follow what your Doctor's schedule is for what you are eating. This is what Dr. Aceves had me do and I had a "Sleeve." Some things are different from other doctors and depending on what kind of surgery you are having or have had. They ae my suggestions and worked great for me. Hugs back at all of you. Suzanne

HI, I forgot I used to worry about what if something goes wrong when you get back home--I NEVER DID. Contact your PCP and talk with he/she and tell them what you are going to do. See if they are on board with you. If so they will manage and take care of all your needs. I have never heard of anyone having any problems when they went home if they used Dr. Aceves. I have heard of plenty of problems with they used some of the other doctors--infections. All my doctor ever did was run blood panels to determine how I was doing. Then she started taking me off the meds I no longer needed to take. If you PCP is NOT on board with you going to Mexico, you DO NOT want or need this doctor. Find someone who wants to see you lose this weight and become healthy. I hope this helps. If anything happens to you they are required to take care of you and so is your insurance. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, Hi, OH, yes he does the sleeve. I believe the cost is $8,750.00. This does not include your air fare--that is something I paid for myself above abd beyond the surgery. Start watching Southwest Airlines, they have some great air fare. The $8,750 includes them picking you up at the air port in San Diego. 1 1/2 hour drive to Mexicali, all your tests the day you get to the hospital, one night is a beautiful hotel and they take you there and pick you up the next morning and take you back to the hospital for the surgery the next morning. A private room in a state of the art hospital-that has a better record for the least infections than any US hospital. Nurses that speak English and take excellent care of you. You have a private room, and they clean this room 3 or 4 times a day. Your surgery, all your care for 4 days and you go home on the 5th day. This includes all the doctors and nurses that take care of you. And medication that you need while you are there and they send medication home with you when you get home, your drive back to San Diego airport with Ernesto who always makes sure you get there safe and sound. Ernesto is the person who picks you up--he has also had a sleeve. He fcan answer a lot of questions for you and he is really a nice man who makes the drive easy for you and the other that he is picking up. Nina is Dr. Aceves patient coordinator who doesn't charge you a thing to set this all up and always answer all your questions. This is her E-mail nina_eguia@yahoo.com please contact her to ask her any questions that you might have. She really is great to talk with. Tell her Suzanne sent you she and I have become friends over the last 3 years. She will always answer any question that you may have. I am also out here to help you with anything you get scared about our want answers for. This is also the Web Site that you should be looking at for Dr. Aceves and the Sleeve. http://www.gastricsleevesurgeon.com/ I hope this has been helpful for you. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, You have made the best choice of your life, by having Dr. Aceves. I went there 3 years ago and had sleeve surgery. If you ever have any questions or need help with anything, just let me know. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi Everyone, I know that there are some of you sitting out there and are thinking "OK when the Holiday's are over and at the 1st of the year I am going to do something about my weight and being fat." Yeah you are thinking in the right directions. It is pretty normal to sit out there and read a LOT of posting on a lot of different sites. I sure did. I know I checked out 3 or 4 sites because I KNEW that I needed to make some choice--it was now or never. I had after a little time pretty much made a choice to go to Dr. Aceves in Mexicali, Mexico. I just had to prove to myself that he was the "one" I wanted. So I started to read about a lot of other doctors too. Some things I learned were NOT all doctors and hospitals are equal nor is their care. I learned that many do their surgery in a CLINIC not a hospital. They send you to a RECOVERY HOUSE not a Hospital to recover--and many of those so called Recovery Houses DO NOT have anyone there with medical training. They do not use the best staples if you are having a VSG--they use low quality. There is a reason why they charge less. You are getting what you are paying for. I do know it is a big step to pay for your own surgery and you might price shop around. Honestly this is the ONE time in your life I would like you NOT to price shop. Your life and health are on the line here. There are places that will give you a loan for this surgery. We are willing to make car payments--why not make "body payments." You are worth it and you deserve to have this surgery. So Please ASK a LOT of questions when you are Going to have WLS. Read all the posts you can find to make sure you are comfortable with your choice. I am always out here if you have any questions. I want you to be safe and be successful with your health and life. By the way I had Sleeve WLS 3 years ago lost 105 pounds and have kept it off. Happy Holiday's Suzanne