Just scheduled my surgery for August 25!!!

Recap:

I had wanted the surgery, but had some debts and didn't know how I was going to afford it. Then my mom gave me $8333 unexpectedly. I decided to go forward with surgery then had doubts about whether I should instead spend money someplace else. Decided to do both. Paid off some credit cards, thereby improving credit score. Bought house!!! Now will have surgery, running credit cards up again.

Having bought the house, I feel like I've done right by my kids financially and I feel more justified about spending this money on the surgery. Yes, I know that this surgery is not just cosmetic, its about my health, and my health is very important to my kids. Still, I just feel better about having bought the house before spending the money on the surgery.

So, I arrive in Monterrey the 24th, have my surgery the 25th and am back on the 27th. Mom's coming to watch the kids (ages 3 and 5).

BTW, my boyfriend is super-proud of me that I bought the house. I'm not sure how he feels about me having the surgery. He's Middle Eastern and has always liked my body the way it is now. I've even gained 30 pounds since meeting him (due to giving birth to his daughter) and he's never stopped telling me I'm beautiful. As much as I love him, the relationship is far from perfect and we've stated explicitly that if I find someone else I'll break it off with him and we'll stay friends (daughter in common and all that).

Was that another overshare?

You will absolutely love Dr. Sanchez. He is the sweetest kindest Doctor I have ever known, and he's done more than 6600 of these so he knows what he is doing. You will also enjoy the guesthouse of his. Make sure and take some DVD's with you. I did and I was sooooo proud I did. Most channels are in spanish. There's a couple English but I'd take some movies with me. You can use they're computer and they have a phone you can use to call home on free of charge. If you take someone with you make sure you take them some Snacks or you can call in delivery. Tell everyone there that Sherri said hello, they were all so good to DH and myself.

The surgery will be a breeze and it is so fast.

Let me know how everything goes.

Sherri, I just on another thread that you were banded by Dr. Sanchez last month. I was going to email you when I saw you'd posted to my thread.

I researched several doctors and found Dr. Sanchez to be a good combo of (a) experience/competence, (:rofl: price, and © distance (I'm in Houston). So far his staff has been easy to work with. Thanks for the advice, I'll bring some DVDs, though nearly all I have are children's movies that I've watch 500 times each with my kids. Maybe I'll ... I don't know ... read.

Trying to get my ticker on there. Let's see if I've done it.

Cool, there's my ticker!!

You are going to LOVE Dr. Sanchez! Sherri and I were banded on the same day (July 10th) by Dr. Sanchez, and it was the best experience for me! I wish I could use him for all of my medical issues LOL He is fabulous, his staff is fabulous, and I could not have asked for an easier time with recovery! I feel so supported by him and his staff, and I know that if I have any problems I will be well taken care of.

Funny, did you decide to get the apron removed now or later?

I have an apron because of my two pregnancies. Its strange to be at my nearly heaviest non-pregnancy weight and still have an apron!

I'm thinking ahead to a year or two when I will need a TT or body lift and I'm starting to prepare financially for something like that.

Suggestions? Comments?

At some point I'd also like a nose job, wisdom tooth removal and skin resurfacing to fix all the sun damage, but that truly is cosmetic and can wait until the money is there. The apron, on the other hand, is a bit uncomfortable with certain skin issues - I know you know what I'm talking about.

Gonna..(maybe you can post your real name if you're comfortable), I'm off to be banded by Dr. Sanchez this Monday! I stay in Seattle, WA, so I opted for the diamond package since it includes my airfare for the surgery and the follow-up. I feel you on the financial issue...I plan on taking another job to make sure that surgery loan bill is paid. I will have to side with Funny and Sherri...not only did I do my research on him and it proved positive, but everyone that has been banded by him has all good things to say about the experience.

Good luck and keep up posted.

I was banded by Dr. Sanchez on 5/25/06. Wonderful experience. No regrets. You're in great hands.

Sharon

You know how most of my experiences here in the states when you meet a new surgeon you might get a quick handshake if your lucky. Dr. Sanchez comes in and gives you a big ole bearhug and then kisses you on the forehead each and everytime you see him.

I know that doesn't mean alot to some people but to me it just made me feel hey, he's human and he cares and trust me he does.

I have only wonderful things to say about him and if I lived in Houston or somewhere I would see him for everything in the medical field.

Okay, now that I'm here..I can say that from the time you step off the plane, you'll feel like family! It's hot, the room is nice (jetted tub), wonderful chinese down the street, and alma won't leave you alone until you leave-she's soo cute!

I'll tell you more tomorrow!

msbrookins I am SO excited for you!! Please share everything with us as soon as you're up to it.

Very excited for you MsBrookins!!

Hey, everyone whose been banded by Doc Sanchez, do you get a chance to socialize with the other patients? I know I won't be there long, but this forum makes me feel like we're a community and I'd love to chat with other bandsters in person.

Anyone else going to be down there on the 24th-27th?

as for the question about my apron removal, i opted to wait till i get to goal to have the removal because of my history with blood clots. this was a decision that my doctor sort of made for me. LOL But i agree and trust his judgement.

As for socialization, sherri and tracy and myself were all banded on the same day and we went out to dinner the night before, and sherri and i got to talk before the surgery in the prep room, and when we got back to the guest house we were totally comfortable and spent time in the back yard walking out the gas and relaxing.

Funny,

You list your highest weight, but what was your pre-op weight? I know you haven't lost 60 lbs in 3 weeks.