I've been lurking on these boards gathering information for over a month, and I've finally made up my mind...I'm going to have my sleeve done with Dr. Almanza. I just got the ok for the money today. After 5 minutes of sheer joy and excitement, panic started to set in. Now I'm nervous, which is so crazy. What started as research to find out how much money I needed to save for a lap band (I was thinking $15K) has turned into an opportunity to change my life. Deep Breath...let the journey begin!

Good for you! I know what that feels like. I remember the day I decided I wasn't going to waste another 6 months fighting my insurance company over the revision. It was freeing and I knew that making t he decision was the first step. My sleeve is really working well. Visited my doctor today and am down 28 pounds. She was amazed. And jealous, she's got the lap band and wished she had a sleeve. She actually sent her parents for sleeves about a year ago.

A new life lies ahead for you!

Nervous excitement is where I am right now. I'm glad that I found such a supportive community as I begin this process.

if you still have time. check out the prices with Dr.Aceves, you are definitely going to save yourself some bucks.....

I talked to Nina with Dr. Aceves. His package seemed fine, but definately more expensive.

Congratulations on your decision to make a lasting change in your life for the better! Keep us posted on your journey!

Congratulations! It's amazing how fast the process goes when you are self-pay & make the decision to go forward.

I would be more concerned if you weren't feeling a bit panicky. This is life changing & shouldn't be entered into without thought and research. My surgeon kept reminding me that this was major surgery, but he would take good care of me.

Looking forward to hearing more about your journey. Welcome!

All of your feelings are normal - this is a major life change - and also the best decision I've ever made. WELCOME:) Congrats to you!

OMG I AM USING DR ALMANZA AS WELL. WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO DO IT? PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK nikki6055@yahoo.com

I'm working on trying to schedule for the 1st week in August.

I totally relate. I was scared and undecided. I had scheduled my sleeve and then re-scheduled to have sleeve plication.

I've heard wonders of Dr. Almaza.

But do check out Dr. Aceves and Dr. Corvala. They are both in the same area and price range. For me it came down to hospital stay vs. recovery house stay. I just felt more comfortable in a hospital for those horrible just in case thoughts....

Check all of the Dr.'s out, they are all within range in price, and all three I have heard great things about.

I had my Plication with Dr. Corvala at Angeles Hospital in Tijuana. So far so good....and I feel like I made the best decision in my life.....

Once you make up your mind....surgery doesn't come soon enough! Good luck and keep us posted......:thumbup1: