I was banded in 2001 by Dr. Kuri in Tijuana. I have a 4cc band and never had a slip or problem. I had so many health problems which were going to get worse if the weight stayed, so Dr. Kuri went ahead even though my BMI was 35.2. In those days you would not be considered for any WLS unless you were 100 pounds overweight. In any case, the band was not legal in the USA yet.

Back then we had to find our own way across the border and to his office, and his patients got a slightly lower rate in the nearby hotel but it was not included in the price. I went alone because nobody was supportive in my family, not even my husband. I got a cash advance from our credit card and to this day it was the best thing I've ever done.

I received my first fill 8 weeks after the surgery. For the first year I traveled back and forth to Tijuana and had fills with him, but after several surgeries on my hips, started to get fills from a nurse practitioner locally who was trained by him. She charged $100, but no plane fare or travel. A few times I've gotten too tight and had trouble with swelling when food got stuck, but had some fill removed and after a few days, everything was fine.

A year after I was banded, I went for a tummy tuck and liposuction with a doctor Dr. Kuri recommended in Tijuana. I was thrilled with the results.

It's been almost 12 years now, and I've kept off almost all of the weight. Keep in mind that I'm now 60 years old, and have a very bad back and two hip replacements, so exercise was not an option. The first year I lost 78 pounds. I kept within 5 pounds of that for about 5 years, then inched up the scale to a total gain of 20 pounds. I go up and down 5 pounds, which at my age, I'm very happy with. Especially because I eat what I want. I wear size 12 jeans. No matter what health crisis I go through, or how depressed I am over it, I always mutter "At least I look good" to myself. It's a wonderful journey that I wish I had gone on a decade before I did. But now at 60, people are amazed and think I look in my 30's.

Great to hear.

Thank you for sharing your journey.

Amazing! Thank u for sharing ur story!!!