Anniejo

Hi, I was banded 4/9/07. Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. Live in Green Valley. Also work out at LVAC on Eastern. Usually Water aerobics. I go to the 8:30 or 9:30 a.m. class. Also LOVE the "Lite" class at the Karen LVAC. Have requested that GV offer that. Anniejo

<p>Hi, I heard that there was going to be or is planned, a convention or get together of banders in Las Vegas first of the year??? is that correct??? sounds like fun! esp since I live here. Anyone have info on this subject?</p>

Thank you Green for saying that. People always tell me I must really be

a strong person to have gone through that. Like I had a choice? You have

to get up in the morning now matter now miserable you feel. For years

after I lost the 2nd man I loved, all I did was sit on the couch and eat.

My therapist says depression is anger turned inward.

Actually, the thing that brought me out of it was exercise. I finally decided

to try to take some of the weight off and started exercising like crazy. I didn't lose weight, but I started feeling really good. It's true that those

endorphins are the best antidepressant.

Hello Denise, I am actually replying to you to ask about your experience w/the Coos Bay doc. My friend lives in Newport but at this point plans on coming here (Las Vegas) and I will drive her to Mexico w/Dr. Aceves who did mine. Any thoughts? thanks. anniejo

Hello again. Duh a light bulb just went off!! I have been concentrating on calories...now I realize that I have totally neglected the number of carbs!! Any thoughts out there?

banded 4/9/07 today is 6 weeks and down 14 pounds (200-186) 70yoa & 5'4"

Hello again...yes exercise is key and may be the only aspect that I have paid attention to most of my life. I was able to return to Water aerobics a week after being banded, and floor aerobics about 3 weeks later. So my workouts continue, however, I have always done so, fat and thin, so only if I STOPPED working out I think my loss would be ever so much slower. HOWEVER, I am 70 and it is undoubtedly that cranky old metabolism paying attention to the calendar and not my wishes! Good luck to all of us. This board is just a sanity saver. I get sick of thinking about the loss so much of the time. IF that worked I would really be off the charts on weight loss. anniejo

Hello! I "thought" I added to this thread yesterday. I am not too saavy about this and get tired asking dh to "help". At any rate I am 70, banded 4/9/07 by Dr. Aceves. Weighed 200 and have lost 14-15# in the first almost 6 weeks. I am pretty active, Water & floor aerobics 4/5 times a week. BUT I sure notice it is easier just w/this minimal loss. I have 40 to go...but gotta get real...however, will continue and wish I could have had this done 10 years ago! let's go girlfriends!! anniejo

<p>Hi folks! re qualifications 6 weeks since being banded and have lost between 12 and 15 pounds...surrounded by others losing 30-35 pounds in same time period. I AM trying very hard to not compare. But, here's a question are you counting calories?? I do most days and seem to hang between 800-1000. Every once in a while I have had a 1500 cal day. That's been a very hungry day. Had a fill lasat week and don't notice any difference in the hunger. Only had 1 cc. Thoughts?? jb</p>

I was 70 Dec. 06. Banded 4/9/08. I have lost about 15 pounds in 6 weeks. Not as fast as many others...but BMI was 34. I feel great and am encouraged by clothes fitting, etc., and really try to not compare. Wish I could have done this 10 years ago! But got a new lease on ??? maybe 10-15 more years feeling better and looking thinner! Started at 200, weigh between 185-187 for the last couple of weeks. QUESTION: are you folks counting calories?? Hooray for us! jb

Hello, I had my surgery 4/9/07 w/Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. Wonderful work and people are swell. I paid $8200 and that includes 1 night hotel, 2 nights hospital w/extra bed for companion. Also...includes free fills for life w/fluroscope (sp?) but the hospital charges about $80. Had my first fill yesterday. I lost 15 pounds the first 5 weeks. I am 70 yoa. Feeling great, back to aerobics, etc., BUT...my friend's husband went at the same time and that guy has lost 32 pounds!!! figures huh? jb

Ok..now I can't find my book, yeah I know it's on line but do me a favor and let me know day/time & I will watch. tx.

Hi, no I don't know about that class. I'll take a look at the catalog. I was banded 4/10/07 still trying to be careful. Also, probably couldn't keep up w/a demanding class yet. That due as much to age as weight...but willing to try. j

Hello, I do go to LVAC same location. Usually 3x a week for Water aerobics, either the 8:30 or 9:30 a m class. If you want to connect pls write me directly at joannebodeen@earthlink.net looking forward to hearing from you.

Well you sound like my kinda ... OK, I was banded 4/10/07, have lost 5#...BUT...isn't there always one? The 3 others banded that day have lost 12, 14 & 16#. I have done the deal correctly, to the tune of about 30 calories a day as close as I can figure, and started walking day 3 now at one and a half miles a day. whine.

I know...superficial, well yeah. BUT the white fat is so unattractive and has anyone out there used a tanning bed in the first month or so post op? PUHLEEZ don't reference harmful effects, I'm aware of them. Just interested if you have done it and been prevented by doc's cautions. Thanks, jb

Hi, Silverado Ranch, I am in Green Valley. Was banded 4/10/07 Dr. Aceves in Mexacali. Good experience. My weight loss is not what I would like...yeah I know it's only been 10 days, but 3 others having surgery the same day have lost 12, 14 & 16 # which makes my 5# ummm disapointing!Wanna walk? joanne

I also went to Ortiz and think he is the most experienced, etc. I was very pleased. The only caveat for me - there was NO way i could have the surgery in the states because of a lower bmi - had the option been available and knowing what i know now (I have had a super hard time losing weight and have spent tons of money on fills/travel to tijuana) i would have had it done in the states - with a very experienced doc. I spent 10K for the surgery and 10k for fills (almost) so all in all there are many docs who do it for that price or less in the states and some includes fills for the first year and support groups. I would have benefited from those things. Dr. Ortiz and staff give you their cell phones and are available by phone but you either have to travel there or to the hospital for real emergencies.

if you are self pay and chose Mexico you will be surprised at the care - at least with Ortiz and cleanliness, etc. He also has more experience then anyone in the states and trained many of the surgeons here.

good luck.

Hello Mary, that doesn't seem like much of a loss at all! My BMI was 34 and I think that is considered low...but looks like you have been banded a year. Don't the fills last?? I am VERY intrested in your situation. thanks. jb

Hi I was banded 4/9/07 by Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. A 5 hr drive from home (Las Vegas) everything going great. Went w/ a friend he has lost 16# I am down 5,maybe 7. Not a complaint in the world regarding the care and cleanliness. Dr. Aceves and his staff are just super wonderful! Good luck, Joanne ps: you may inquire as to the cost of fills, that figured into my decision too. Aceves is free for life, hospital charges about $80 for fluroscope.

Hello! I have posted a couple of times plb (prelapband) and now I AM ONE! Much easier than I anticipated, having gas trouble but walking helps. Outside of that minimal pain, some weakness Natch! Went w/friends and the husband and I were the bandees. Our spouses were terrific. We are both doing well. I LOOK fatter and feel it but know it is gas remaining, etc., but oh wonder of wonders...NOT HUNGRY! That's it for now, will post when I have something informative to say.

I think this is how most of you close your posts:

banded 4/9/07

BMI 34.4 (204#)

aiming for 140

70 YOA - Yeah that's right! If I can do it w/a pacemaker, back surgery and old bones you young darlings can! jb

Oh, Dr. Aceves - Mexicali

Well you are a real WINNER! What a weight loss. If it weren't for Lois I doubt there would have been a Bill. My friendship with Bill started 8/23/73. My BMI 34 and scheduled for banding Monday next!!! eek I can't sleep. Going to Dr. Aceves in Calexico about 5 hr drive from here in Vegas. Going with 2 friends of Bill the husband will be banded, and my husband also a friend of Bill's. So what a group we will be!! Thank you for your support. My biggest fear(s) are: 1. I'll get there and find out I can't have the surgery and 2. I'll get it and it won't work. Don't have any "reasonable" concerns that would support these fears. Guess I just want it so much. jb

Who is banding you? If my insurance denies me, I want to have it done in Mexico. I am researching doctors now, just in case. I welcome any suggestions!

Dr. Alberta Aceves in Mexicali. My cousin had hers done there in October and she is doing great and reported it as a top notch experience. She did a lot more investigation that I have done. Though I did attend a seminar here in Lost Wages (Las Vegas) AFTER making the commitment to Aceves, my husband learned a lot and I was validated in my decision. Aceves has been highly recommended by others on HIS site, of course, he wouldn't have negative comments posted. I dealt w/"Ishi" and she was very VERY helpful on an almost immediate reply w/info to my many questions. Good Luck. I have heard the insurance approval is usually a very long deal, but of course worth it to many folks. jb

Hello, again I am new to this forum. I will be banded Monday in Mexico. Live in Las Vegas. I am delighted to read all the information contained in the various threads. Particularly interested if anyone out there knows Bill Wilson? If so pls communicate. Thanks.

Hi and thanks for your reply and I LOVE the quote about pain...gotta remember that. I am not sure how to reply to each of the darlings that have contributed to this thread...and I am working outside and it is HOT as well...it is HOT...Vegas you know. anniejo

Hello. I am going to be banded by Dr. Aceves, Monday 4/9/07. I am afraid it won't work. Like everyone here (I suppose) have dieted most of my life...had success...then failure. So I initially hoped this would be the tool that would work, and now at 3:00 a.m. worrying it won't. BMI is 34 and I am 70 yoa. Most of friends and family say..."go for it" others say "Mexico?" and others kind of smile sympathetically. Ooops this reads like whining. True. But it feels good to read others fears and successes. tx. Anniejo