maryja

Hi, I'm 21 months out and I still have nausea when I forget and eat too fast and I also get nauseated when I eat something that is a too fatty. I'm vegan, but I can imagine ground meat would be too fatty for me. Best of luck, MJ

Hi newbie, I live in NS an hour from Halifax and was sleeved in Mexico with Dr. Aceves in March 2010. I've had a wonderful experience in every way including my surgery, recovery and the weight loss was pretty easy as well. I ended up losing 98 pounds going from 238 to 140. I'd be happy to talk to you and answer any questions you might have. Best of luck to you! MJ

I had my sleeve sugery with Dr. Aceves and Dr. Campos on March 1 and would recommend them most certainly. My hospital experience was wonderful, much better than anything I've ever had in Canada or the US. Dr. Aceves and Dr. Campos were both just fantastic as was all the staff, and the hospital Almater is super-clean. You can't put a price on your safety and when you have surgery you are so vulnerable. I think people who go to lesser facilities and less qualified physicians to save money over look this fact, unfortunately often to their detriment.

DeeDee, did you drink the protein drinks with milk or water? I'm having my surgery in 3 weeks and that's something I've been wondering. I've tried them with water and they taste bad but I've heard some people can't tolerate milk. Thanks for sharing your awesome experience. I was interested to hear about your exercise element. Thanks for that. I used to love to exercise when I was lighter but it is such a chore at 238 - I can't wait to start to be lighter!! MJ

Good for you Judy!!! That must be a great feeling!! I can't wait to join you!! :sad0:

Hi Jason, That's so great to hear! Please say Hi to Alison for all of us Canadians. We all love to hear that others are doing well. 23 pounds is awesome!!:lol0: MJ

Good luck Carla! That's coming soon - you must be excited! My date is March 1 - I wish it was next week, honestly. :smile: Keep us posted! MJ in Nova Scotia:thumbup:

Big, That's awesome! If you feel that much better with 60 lbs gone just imagine how you'll feel at goal!! Good for you, guy!! Keep up the awesome work and keep us posted on your numbers - I just can't wait to join you in losing! :thumbup: MJ:biggrin2:

Cheryl, best of luck with your surgery! I hope everything goes well for you and then you'll be working on the new you. :confused1: Bigdd congrats on your awesome weight loss!! You must be so pleased! I can't wait for March 1 so I can start losing. MJ:biggrin2:

Hi Nancy, I'm 45 and have struggled with my weight most of my adult life. The turning point was my birthday this year (Nov) when I decided that this was the last year I would be miserable and obese. My BMI is 40 and I'm 5'4". At this point I have no co-morbidities but have had back surgery and my back nearly killed me with pain last summer when work was busy. Can't have another summer like that! On my birthday this year I decided that if I didn't have the surgery I'd be in the same miserable situation next year this time and that for me was the decision maker. After much research, I chose Dr. Aceves as he has an incredible reputation, great experience and works out of a really good hospital. I have spoken with quite a few former patients on the boards and on the phone and no one has had a single complaint or complication or even heard of one, never anything, so for me that made for an easy decision. I think another really good choice is Roberto Rumbaut in Monterrey - also very good reputation and I've done tons of homework. Money is certainly an issue with me as well but I want to know I'm going to be safe and I know I will be with Dr. Aceves. I'm scheduled for March 1. His patients have a group on yahoo which is full of lots of info - http://webmail2.tallships.ca/horde/util/go.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fgroups.yahoo.com%2Fgroup%2FDr-Aceves-bandsters%2F&Horde=8c732f1176f9dee9e8bde971419c625e I think your husband needs to start researching this issue himself because your health is at risk. I am concerned to hear about your stroke. As so many have said, this surgery saved their lives. That is how I'm looking at it. I want to be healthy for the long term and for me this is my best option. Many people are nervous about the idea of friends/family going to Mexico for surgery because they have not researched the Dr.s and hospitals themselves. It's the same as here, good and bad like in any country. Really, have him look hard at Dr. Aceves - he can have no objections once he looks at the facts and talks to patients. Dr. A had a special in Dec. and I paid $8750. My parents are unsupportive and have always just urged me to join a gym, hire a trainer/nutritionist, etc, etc, etc (neither have ever had a weight problem). I'm not telling them about the surgery because of this - I don't need to hear all this again... My husband is supportive because he knows how miserable my weight makes me and is tired of it keeping me/us from doing things. I often avoid going places because I feel embarassed or uncomfortable or don't have anything to wear that can cover, etc... the usual crap. I recently told my best friend of 39 years about the surgery and even she is not supportive - she is a and healer/intuitive and thinks I'm taking the "easy way out" and goes on to say that I should be grateful for what Goddess gifted me with and that voluptuousness is wonderful. I love her so much, but she's 5'4" and weighs in at a whopping 114 lbs. She really can't understand as I think is the case with anyone who has never had a serious weight issue. Anyhow, that's my situation. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to March 1. Today I didn't feel at all nervous about it and would have gladly hoped a plane to go today. I really can't wait. I wish you well, Nancy! Good luck with hubby! Talk to you soon, MJ

Hi Nancy, I did look into surgery in Halifaxm briefly, enough to find out that there are approx. 2000 people on the list, 2 surgeons and no dedicated OR's so currently the wait list is 5 - 7 years and climbing. I know of one person who has been on the list for at least a year, has sleep apnea, poorly controlled diabetes and other ailments and at least 200 lbs to lose and she has been told that "2010 and 2011 are full" in Halifax. The program is poorly funded as the gov't is spends money on cardiac programs and diabetic educ instead of preventative health care, and obesity is increasing at an alarming rate... Therefore, going elsewhere was the only option for me. I did a lot of research because with the good Drs. there are plenty of bad, lots of bad stories about infections, leaks, etc. A nurse has written a good article on a blog on this site about how to research a Mexican surgeon if you are interested, I can direct you. Keep us posted on your journey and what you decide. I know many people go by themselves. My doc as a driver that picks us up at the San Diego airport and drives us to the hospital and back to the airport and everywhere else you need to go, so it's easy for someone to come alone. Just a thought if you are interested in having it sooner. All the best, MJ:thumbup:

Hi Nancy and Cheryl, I'm from NS and having surgery with Dr. Aceves on March 1. I'm a bit nervous, but mostly so excited. I can't wait to be on the loser's side. I noticed one of you was from PEI - where did you have your surgery? Talk to you soon! MJ:001_smile:

Annak, I would blame it on your cycle if it's anything like mine I always bloat up with at least a few pounds - it's crazy! I bet next week will be a much better week for weight loss. MJ

Hi, I can sure talk you off the ledge! My surgery is not till March 1 (wish it was sooner) but... I met with a nurse yesterday who had the vsg 2 1/2 years ago and like everybody else I've talked to on-line or on the phone says it was the best thing she's ever done for herself. Only wishes she could have had it 5 years earlier!! Has maintained a normal BMI since about a year after the surgery and feels fantastic. She has her life back. Told me she does all the fun things in life that she's wanted to do for so long but could not because of her weight. Life is so good for her. I have to say she looked really healthy and happy and I must say that my meeting with her was another confirmation for me that the vsg is exactly what I need. I still have 7 weeks to wait, so I'm envious you are having yours this week!! Do it! You'll be so glad you did!! You'll soon be on the loser's side! Keep us posted and come back for more positive thoughts if you have the least little bit of worry...:thumbup: Talk to you soon! Hugs, MJ p.s. How was that? I hope you are off the ledge and back inside.

Deedee, I'm new to this board getting my VSG on March1 and you are such an inspiration to me!!! Your progress has been awesome! Thank you so much for sharing with us all. I found your pictures to be extremely encouraging and have helped me imagine doing this. I'm really excited about the possibilities. Congratulations and thank you so much! MJ