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If you are not feeling any restriction and you're sort of new with this lapband system.Please be patient.Everyone is different so therefore the results on many of you will vary.The last thing you'd not want is complications from being filled too much.Sometimes less is better and you have to work with this system.If you had wanted a quick trick.The "sleeve" and the Roux n Y" and other techniques would've hastened your weight loss.I applaud each and everyone for taking the more conservative route.Sometimes great things and successful endeavors take time and patience.

My BMI was 35 and I had no post-op nausea, vomiting, or complications. I think post-op is more related to your surgeon's management immediately after and your individual tolerance for pain, how swollen you are, how you manage discomfort, and your overall health going in to surgery in the weeks after surgery. Some people sail on through and others struggle. I haven't noticed it related to BMI.

Glad ur feeling better! I took it as long as he prescribed it to me for as long as he told me to so I don't know, guess they are all different... I haven't had any pain at all after the first 3 weeks and no problems or complications, but I will let everyone know the outcome!

From what my surgeons office educates you on is that the RNY is the best bang for your buck so to speak. You loose the most on RNY, 2nd is the sleeve and 3rd is the band. I figured that if I was going to have any type of surgeryit was going to be the one that will allow me to loose the most weight. I read that the band could slip, cause complications etc. and the sleeve you do not loose as much with either surgery vs. the RNY. So I chose the RNY....not that you cannot run into problems with the RNY but if you follow your dr's orders you will have no problems. I and 10000% glad I chose the RNY, I sailed thur surgery and recovery with no problems.

:confused:I have had trouble from the beginning with my LAP-BAND®, I was filled up to I think almost 4cc's and did lose about 35-40lbs in the first six months or so, my surgery was June 2007. But I started having a lot of problems with acid reflux, pain, vomiting, nausea, so they began unfilling in August of last year. The Dr unfilled a little at a time about .5cc at a time, and I was so disappointed because then I felt hungry, but still had the symptoms. In July/August last year, I started waking up aspirating from acid reflux in the night, which was soooooooo scary. I didn't want to lay down. I called and the Dr wanted to unfill more. He did. We did a Upper GI he didn't think anything was wrong. But then I started developing pains, sharp pains like heart attack pains in upper chest/stomach area seemingly either with empy stomach, like first thing in mornings, or after meals. Very scary, hurt to breath. I also went through a couple bad bronchitis episodes due to the aspiration affecting my lungs and still have wheezing in my lungs. Have gone to respiratory Dr for that, and they haven't given me a good explanation as to why I am having problems with wheezing. They have ruled out asthma. But in Dec the Abd pain got so bad I went to ER and they did a CAT scan. The ER dr called my LAP-BAND® Dr and advised they thought I had a pretty significant band slippage they could see. The stomach has slipped up through the band. The ER dr referred me back to the Lapbad Dr. However I have been more and more discouraged with this Dr for feeling like he just keep blaming me for my lack of results stating I was eating too much sweets, and not exercising enough. I kept telling him I wasn't eating that much, my fiance and now husband even backed me up on that. I am bad at exercise, but I was having so many complications with food it has almost become impossible for me to want to eat. Food wouldn't go down, either too chunky or I think I ate too fast because I waited till I was hungry, and it came back up immediately. So I am sure that added to it all. Anyway, so now in late December my LAP-BAND® Dr decided to totally unfill me to help with pain and reflux. It has helped. He has told me based on the latest CAT that he doesnt' think the slippage is too major, but he gave me the option to have it repaired or removed. I really hated coming to that decision, because the whole two years has been such an ordeal, and full of disappointment. I don't know how much is from the LAP-BAND® slipping, how long ago that happened, and the combination of symptoms not helping me loose the weight. I am basically back to my original weight. Having spent much money and time having the original LAP-BAND® placed, and going to all the Dr appts, having the Upper GI's done, and now CAT scan. Even with insurance, not a cheap endeaver. Now I am trying to decide what to do. My original goal was to loose weight. I am soooooo disappointed to not have any of that happen and to be back to square one, feeling helpless about the situation. I wished it would have worked for me, and I even asked about maybe switching to a full gastric bypass. But he said he wouldn't do that at the same time he removes the band. There is no guarantee that fixing it will work, or I won't run into the same problems in the future again. So I am opting for removal. Any other insight or opinions as to what to do? I almost feel like getting a 2nd oppinion. But here in CO there are not too many Dr's that even know about LAP-BAND® it seems. Plus I don't know if the ins will help pay for removal, or how much that surgery will cost, and time off work. Ugh!!!!!

Thats great that you are very clear on your preop and postop instructions however you should keep in mind that every physician basically has a different preop and post op plan. For example, my preop diet was 3 weeks (yours is 2) and I was having 3-4 slimfasts a day with a few other things like broth and sugarfree applesauce, sugarfree fatfree pudding, etc. I lost 20 pounds on my preop diet, and there were no complications during surgery (so it must've worked!). My postop was 6 weeks (as opposed to your 2 weeks) with 3-5 days clear liquid, 2 weeks full liquids, 2 weeks pureed/liquids, 2 weeks mushy foods. I also have had no complications since surgery, so this diet must've worked as well. Many folks do not even have a preop diet. And its not to say that any one diet (pre and post op) is right or wrong, but every surgeon has their individual plan based on their own experience.

If my insurance would cover the surgery, I would be going that route as opposed to going to Mexico. It is not because I am worried about going to Mexico at all, but having your surgery in the States allows for more continuity of care (ie follow up with your doctors and being monitored closely after discharge). In addition, if you have complications, your insurance would pay for those. While Mexico sleevers can go to the ER if we have complications and will be treated (the Federal Law, EMTALA states anyone going to an ER must be treated), we would likely have to pay for that out of our pockets. An ER visit is very costly and I am praying I do not have to visit one! Also, in my opinion, the counseling and diet is really important. Even though I am going to Mexico, I am paying for counseling out of my own pocket to make sure I have a clinical support person to help me with my issues with food and overeating. I use Betterhelp.com and talk with my counselor online whenever I want. I also considered surgery for about 4-5 months prior to putting down my deposit. For me, cutting out part of my stomach was a huge decision that I talked about with my family, my counselor and my friends. LOL none of them were in favor of the surgery, but talking with them still helped I would suggest thinking about this carefully and maybe making a list of the pros and cons of just paying out of pocket VS going through the insurance. Also add up the costs. I am paying 4600 for my package, I used miles + cash for my air ticket (which would have cost $800 but I only spent $200) and have bought about $400 in supplies...like Protein shakes, neosporin, bandages for home, post op Vitamins, etc. So, in the end, I am looking at about $5200 already. But, Whichever path you choose, I wish you good luck! Cheers!

Imagine this. You and your doctor agree that you need to lose weight. You tell your doctor you’ve been thinking about weight loss surgery. Your doctor lets you know his or her thoughts about WLS, and they’re very negative. You may not need to imagine it because it may have happened – or be happening – to you. What should your next step be when your own doctor is not supportive of WLS? Doctor’s Orders: Lose the Weight Almost all Weight Loss Surgery patients and nearly everyone who’s considering getting WLS had a similar experience to the following. You go for a routine visit to your primary care physician, endocrinologist, or regular doctor, and you get the news you’ve come to expect: you’ve gained a little weight since the last appointment and you’re developing obesity-related problems. Bottom line, your doctor says, is that you need to lose weight. It’s no secret that you need to lose weight. You’ve probably tried a thousand different diets. They may have worked, but only for a time. Then any weight that left came right back, with a few extra pounds. You recently started thinking about weight loss surgery, and you bring up that idea to your doctor. “Weight Loss Surgery Is the Wrong Choice” Some doctors are against weight loss surgery. They have the same reasons as anyone else who may be against weight loss surgery. They say it’s the easy way out, or you can lose weight on your own, or you might have complications. It’s great for them to express their concerns to you since that’s their job. But it’s not okay to deny you the opportunity to lose weight just because they don’t like the idea of WLS and may not have ever done any research into it. The Ideal Doctors are supposed to be compassionate, understanding, and competent. If that sounds like a tall order, it is. But it’s not unrealistic. You need to feel comfortable discussing your health and health decisions with your doctor without your doctor making you feel like a failure for not losing weight already and for considering Weight Loss Surgery. You Come First Your doctor should put you first. Putting you first means taking into consideration your future health, your dieting and weight history, and your own beliefs about whether weight loss surgery is right for you. Your doctor should put you ahead of any personal beliefs or biases about weight loss surgery, or lack of knowledge about it. Seeking a “Second Opinion” You’re always entitled to a second opinion when it comes to your health and healthcare decisions. You may not need an official “second opinion” on whether you should get WLS if you’ve already decided you’re going for it. What you do need is an opinion from a doctor who will support you. You can consider switching your primary care doctor if it’s important to you that your PCP be supportive of your WLS journey and during it. You may even want to find a doctor with some understanding of WLS and how to help you prepare for and recover from it. That’s not always possible, for insurance and logistical reasons. It may not be desirable if you like your PCP otherwise and don’t want to jump ship. A Supportive Bariatric Surgeon Whether or not your family doctor approves of Weight Loss Surgery, your surgeon absolutely needs to be on your side. While you can expect bariatric surgeons to be supportive of you getting WLS, that’s not the only thing to consider. Consider whether the surgeon makes you feel confident you’ll get the support you need and that you will succeed. Whether because of their poor bedside manners or lack of attention to detail, some surgeons will keep you in doubt about your decision. Those are not the right surgeons for you! You may need to have initial consults with one, two, three, or even more surgeons before settling on the one that’s going to boost you up. A Personal Decision Ultimately, weight loss surgery is your decision. You can decide to get it, or not to get it. It should be a decision based on what you think will help you lose weight, how much risk you’re willing to take by going “under the knife” (although it’s laparoscopic these days!), and how you think it stacks up against your other options. It should NOT be a decision based on what your doctor thinks or how uncomfortable you feel talking to your doctor or surgeon about it. It’s up to you.

Bottom line is just to talk to your doctor. I've been on NSAID's for years and my knee is down to bone-on-bone, with a replacement coming up in a year or so. Cutting them out completely pre- and post-op for the lapband was excruciating and I was lurching all over the place and in major pain - and this was AFTER having lost 50 lbs pre-op. My WLS surgeon said I could take an NSAID but it had to be liquid, so I was put on Meloxicam, which is the only one I can tolerate that comes in that form. Now I'm back to my regular Voltaren in pill form and walking like a champ. I wouldn't have taken either thing without the surgeon's knowledge and approval. I'm watched carefully by my primary care doctor for any complications. At this point, given the state of the knee, everyone agrees this is an appropriate medication. If that changes, I'll adapt but hopefully will be ready for, or have had, the knee replacement.

Found this article, though complicated. https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/92/4/704/4597483 I do find it confusing trying to research the malabsorption aspect of RNY “gastric bypass is known as a restrictive operation as it restricts both food intake and the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs.” you’d think bypassing part of the small intestine would cause less absorption of calories. yet I also see a quote which says: ”Mr James Ramus MD, FRCS - Consultant General, Upper GI and Bariatric Surgeon at Berkshire Independent Hospital in Reading comments on a common misunderstanding in modern Bariatric procedures. 'The gastric bypass is not meant to be a 'malabsorptive' procedure. i.e. you do not malabsorb calories. The bypass works partly as a restrictive procedure but perhaps the main benefits in the procedure are the changes in gut hormones that occur afterwards' ... but is that just one opinion? How much does anyone really understand how the procedure works? I mean they don’t really know the true mechanics of it. Especially since surgeons don’t seem to mention changes in things like how medications are absorbed Or utilized post op. Another quote “You had gastric bypass surgery. This surgery made your stomach smaller by closing off most of your stomach with staples. It changed the way your body handles the food you eat. You will eat less food, and your body will not absorb all the calories from the food you eat.” im not sure there is a clear or simple answer out there

When I had my surgery I was slow to the draw. I also had complications. But I stayed at the same weight for almost a month!!! During that time I was eating nothing. No shakes either. My body was rejecting everything. So how could I not eat for 4 wks and survive and not lose weight? Iv fluids first of all and second my body was in starvation mode. Eventually I lost weight about 6-10 lbs a week depending on my participation in exercise. Now almost a year later I am down 129 lbs. You will get there! Each journey is different.

Hi! You guys have some experience here! So please let me pick your brains! I was banded in 2013 lost about 60 pounds, and have gained some back due to many complications from the band and other health issues. Here I am now with a total band slip and prolapse miserable can't keep much down without feeling sick 23 out of 24 hours. Dr. has me scheduled for band removal on August 9th. I'm wondering what the recovery will be like...will I be able to get that nutrition in again because right now I am feeling just weak and tired from not being able to eat more than ice cream or shakes! I am taking my vitamins. We have also talked about having a sleeve revision in a couple of months after I go through the insurance gambit of medical testing etc. all over again. I'm not looking forward to yet another surgery...and I'm wondering if the sleeve is the way to go, or if I am going to go through all this medical testing again for approval I should just push for the bypass and get the weight off without "guessing" if the sleeve is going to work out for me or not. I'm always the one that falls in the failure percentage rates...I been using this analogy alot lately...you know if birth control pills are 98% effective to prevent pregnancy well yep I am the 2% who got pregnant while on them taking them without fail every day even after I was pregnant and Dr.'s couldn't believe it, his name is Christopher and he's now a healthy 22 year old! What is your advise? Also how painful is recovery from the band removal? I am hearing the port site muscle is sectioned and that causes some major discomfort and pain for a while....

Well I never though I'd say this.........but I'm actually going in for my 4th WLS surgery / procedure this week [emoji15], I'm 3 days away from it on the 21st of July 2017 [emoji106][emoji4] My weight loss journey so far....back in 2004 I weighed 136kg / 300 pounds and am 182cm / 6ft. My GP in the UK wouldn't approve SAGB on the NHS so I self funded the operation at a hospital in the South of France. Operation went well, weight loss was good, got down to 90kg / 198 pounds. However, gradually I had more and more complications with the band, slippage and erosion. Weight went up to 116kg / 255 pounds. No matter how much fluids were put in or removed from my band, my restriction was either that tight I couldn't get water down or too loose so I could eat whatever I liked. I also developed reflux and experienced frequent vomiting. I had a revision from band to sleeve in the same operation in Australia 3 years ago (2014) got down to 84kg / 144 pounds with the sleeve. My sleeve stretched over a couple of years, partly due to the poor shape of the sleeve due to the damage done by the band (after my operation my surgeon said to me that my stomach was in such bad condition it looked looked "like a dogs breakfast in there!!") and if I'm honest partly due to me falling off the wagon, eating too much junk food and drinking a serious amount of alcohol, so my weight crept back up to 103kg / 227 pound. So anyway I finally stumped up the courage to go for the full gastric bypass 1 year ago at a weight of 103kg / 227 pound. Weight loss was great, felt full quickly, no major dumping, no complications / side effects. Got down to 80kg / 176 pound then recently crept back up to 93kg / 205 pound, so now I'm having the Overstitch this week, which I hope will be my final weight loss operation ever this Friday! In hindsight I wish I'd never had the band and sleeve and gone straight for the bypass all those years ago, but still grateful for the overall weight loss to date. I must have been quite lucky with the operations, I had no infections, significant pain or gas pain, I was waking around the ward on day of the bypass, got 1.5ltr of fluids down me same day and after the TT I was doing laps of the ward on day 2! Only real issue is I've become severely anaemic this week. I'm on iron tablets and Vit B12 injects. Now when I was in the mid-80kgs I had a fair bit of excess skin and I think the weight loss and the natural getting older process had made me look older than my years, so I went in for some plastic surgery to get my self sorted out. I had upper and lower blepharoplasty (reduction of loose skin above and below my eyes, liposuction to my neck, 2 separate neck lifts (first one unsatisfactory), liposuction to remaining man boobs, stomach, hips and back. Full abdominoplasty with new belly button. Oh and a complimentary mid-face lift whilst the surgeon was in doing my lower eyes, I actually didn't ask for the mid face lift but my surgeon couldn't resist doing it once he had perfect access to the areas / structures required to hitch up the face a little. I woke up to the unexpected news about the face lift and was thrilled with the results and even happier that is was for free!! I also had a fat transfer, where they sucked some fat out of my abdominal area and had it pumped in the jowls / cheeks / nasolabial folds to fill out my face a little!!! Now I just have a little Botox and some dermal fillers as maintenance to the face. Also had a vampire facelift lol. And OMG for those of you who have had full tummy tucks, as in skin and muscles, jeez how painful is the recovery from that bad boy!! Worst of all the WLS surgeries I've had and the other cosmetic procedure. You can't sit up, you can't laugh, sneeze, burp, fart, go for number 2's, well that was my experience with the TT recovery although I recovered very well form all of the procedures with no issues at all, thank-fully [emoji106] The Tummy Tuck for me is what makes me want to stay at around 80kg, any heavier and I feel the skin on my belly stretching because of the tightened skin. I gets quite uncomfortable so I have to get it oI don't want to ruin the effects of the surgery. All in all the procedure took 3 seperate operations they were 11 hours, 5 hours and 9 hours in duration. After the 11 hour operation I ended up in ICU on a cardiac monitor with a special one to one nurse as I was at risk of an adverse cardiac even due to excessive fluid loss. The three cosmetic operations cost me over $70k. Anyway, that's my story in its entirety, I thought I'd share this information with you as I have had so much done and gone through so many procedures, so please feel free to comment and ask me any questions. Thanks John [emoji4][emoji106] PS: No judgement please lol

there have been many posts about this during the months I've been a member here, so I can fairly confidently give you the general response and summary...most people have no complications and have said they could actually go back to work within a week's time if they had an office job for sure...because of low energy levels, I would have had a hard time doing a full day of my desk job after just one week...I had planned to take 2 weeks off, and I think that was a good plan...because I had the opportunity to do so and had the leave time accrued, I went ahead and took a third week off and worked some from home...it wasn't a recovery issue but just some adjustment time I decided to give myself before returning to work

I have a desk job & took 2 weeks. Had surgery 7/2, no complications, & will be going back 7/16. I do expect to be pretty tired that week though.

I had my band removed in 2011 and soon I'll have surgery for the gastric sleeve. I had my pre-op appointment with my surgeon on Friday and he mentioned something I didn't know or realize - that my surgery will take more time because I've had a band, due to scar tissue. And because of that, I have a higher risk of developing a leak near the top of my stomach where the staple line will start. He said that when band surgery is performed, they sew part of the stomach over the band (pars flaccida technique?) but when it's removed, it's not 'undone'. And that area has scar tissue? Or maybe it's the band itself that causes the scar tissue but he also has to undo that area stitched over? I knew my original surgeon did that but I had assumed the on-call surgeon undid it to remove the band. He was a HUGE jerk who treated me like an idiot and talked over me when I asked informed questions (anything that seemed to question his authority, it seemed). I just stopped asking questions. My current surgeon seems to think since it's been so long since the band was removed (and I haven't had any issues) that the scar tissue will have softened quite a bit. (I know he mentioned it to drive home the sipping of water as opposed to gulps but I'm surprised it didn't come up in our original consultation). ANYWAY, have any of you gone years after lap band removal and then had gastric sleeve surgery? If so, what was your experience? This bit of info threw me and I didn't think of follow up questions right then and there. I'm just over a week out from my surgery. I'm getting nervous about this and the added risk of complications. I'm a worst-case-scenario kind of person, so... =/

Will be praying for you. Sorry you are having complications.

Well I got some interesting information at two appointments I've been to. At Cornell Weill, the surgeon I met with was Gregory Dakin. He said because of my RA the only surgery I would be a candidate for is VSG. By-pass can be in complete conflict with the absorption of oral medications you have to take with RA and you have complications from By-pass surgery or BPD. So, that was something I'd not heard thus far. However, he said the VSG is not contraindicated in any way with RA. Just a side comment: Mobic is kind of a crappy medicine... if you can get on Sulfasalazine, it is much more effective. Ask your Dr about it as an option for you.... well, you don't have to, but I took mobic and was switched to sulfasalazine and it made a huge difference for me. But there could certainly be reasons your Dr has you on it... I'll keep you updated as I go along! Good luck to you, too!

YOU POOR THING!!!!! I can't imagine needing to be off meds for 2 months. That seems too long... but I'm not on mtx or cimzia. I am taking Humira and sulfasalzine, and tramadol. But I also have to take a thyroid medicine, or I'll get palpitations. Stupid thyroid! Auto-immune treatment and the disease, complicate everything so much. People who don't have to deal with it can't understand what it is like. I don't have a date yet for my surgery, but I find myself with a lot of fear over it that I don't quite understand yet. Perhaps the waiting for approval is the time to get our game faces on, huh? I would love for you to keep me in the knowledge of your process, and if you need support - I'm here! Hope to hear from you again, lsmargiassi

Hi everyone!! While I appreciate everyones comments on competent & not so competent docs in Mexico, I was informed that 'beware' of people on the talk forums who promote certain surgeons for free refills or some type of reward from that particular surgeon or facility. If this is fact, it makes it difficult for some of us searching for a surgeon to weed out this type of information. It presents barriers in making decisions regarding surgeons in Mexico. I understand that complications can occur with anyone and any surgeon as it does in the US. I am hearing controversy regarding Dr. Huacuz. It is my understanding that there are several complaints regarding Dr. Huacuz. Is there anyone else willing to share any of the so-called "several complaints" on Dr. Huacuz? Thank you to the individual who shared her misfortune regarding her surgery. I have and I am still considering Dr. Huacuz as a surgeon but I want to know more about these 'several' complaints. I continue to do my homework and would like to schedule surgery by the end of Oct. I too spoke with Don Mills. He was very helpful and informative. But, after attempting to disect all the information and opinions, I could also speculate that he might be working to promote american surgeons? I dont know. I would like to hear from others or even the surgeons if they view the talk forums. Continue to do my homework and continue to be in a dilema! Cindyh

I am happy for you that your surgery in Mexico was a very pleasant experience and successful! It appears you have done very well and must be feeling so good by now!! I would love to have Dr. Oritz as my surgeon also, but I could stay in my home town have the surgery for almost around $2,000.00 more with free refills for a year. I am self pay and feel there has to be a good, reputable surgeon that stands behind his work for less $. There are several surgeons to pick from at lower prices and that makes the choice more complicated. I know that spending the extra $ may be worth it, but some of us do not have the extra to spend. Like I said, I would stay here and have the surgery if that were the case. Thank you for your feedback. I wish you many skinny and happy days to come!! Cindyh

DonRondolfo, their prices are pretty cheap! The lady's that was $46,000 said she lived in Alaska, so I'm sure that's why. It's outrageous for anything there. I think mine will be around $23,000. After talking with the surgeon, we decided the bypass was the best way for me to go anyway. I have 5 comorbidities, two of which cause severe weight gain, so I absorb fat really easily. With the bypass, you don't absorb fat the same way. Yes, it's a lot more risky and has more complications, but I really don't have a choice. My PCP said I'd be dead within 2 years if I didn't do something. : (

MsBatty, This first week has been a learning experience and a half.... I had my surgery on the 28th had to stay extra day due to vomiting and bp sky high after surgery.... I finally came home on Sunday felt weak but ok. My world literrally turned upside down with the next 48 hours of constipation. I hadnt had a bm since Dec27. I wasnt expecting any complications within the first week but i literrally wanted to die Monday and Tuesday. I was in such pain and couldnt walk or see straight due to not being able to have a bm. I was straining and pushin so much on Tuesday because my body and mind were doing their own thing and i just couldnt help it. Needless to say my biggest incision is now bruised and one of the smaller incisions started to bleed late Tuesday night. I finally took milk of magnesia after calling dr office but i had taken miralax monday and tuesday morning with no results at all. I was so desperate i took a stool softner because i just wanted my bottom to stop hurting from all the straining. Sorry for being so graphic but im being honest. Well i finally got relief from the miralax, milk of magnesia and stool softner at 4am on Wed. I was so afraid to go because i didnt know what would happen and my poor behind just couldnt take no more but once i started peein the bm started slowly trickling out and then the big one(yikes) i felt like a new woman constipation is no joke. Now its Thursday and my stomach churns growls feels bubbly and gassy since i had the bm yesterday. I feel like im starving but i know its the process that i must go thru to get to the end and this too shall pass No reqrets just a learning daily experience with a new tummy that i never had. With that being said i stepped on scale i discovered i lost 7lbs so far and i tried on a shirt that was very snug and its not as tight which is a plus. Best of luck to all 28'rs and your wl... Be BLessed TD

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 Rachel, I'm glad you have decided to make a life change early in your life. I am a 57 year old nurse and like you decided to have gastric surgery when I was 47 for multiple health problems. I went for the least invasive surgery there was at that time which was the lapband. Did well for a couple of years untill the band started leaking it was replaced and i was able to maintain myself for several years untill this year I had complications again. I had the band removed in January. Insurance would not allow the conversion to the sleeve so after I gained weight again I tried for the sleeve. It was approved without problem. Don't know what the insurance are thinking. Anyway I am 3 weeks out and looking forward to a better experience I have lost 30 lbs since my revisit x the sleeve. It hasn't been a smooth ride due to all the scar tissue but hope it all gets better. Good luck with yours. I'm sure you will do fine.