I'm 27 years old and I'm flying to Monterrey Mexico on March 31 to have lap band surgery with Dr. Rodolfo Sanchez. I'm also going to have cosmetic surgery (nose and chin) with Dr. Cardenas.

In the last 10 years I have had countless struggles with my weight. I've been on every diet from Weight Watchers to Jenny Craig to Atkins, name it and I've done it. Some were successful, most were not.

I will have my one year wedding anniversary in a few months and I still haven't ordered any wedding photos because I can't bear to see myself in them.

I've had serious depression for the last five years and will not go out with friends or relatives because I'm ashamed of how I look. Most recently, I refused to attend my father-in-law's funeral because of the shame.

I've been so consumed with my image lately that I'm afraid my husband will get tired of it and leave. I'm 5'9 and weigh 245 pounds. My goal weight is 150.

I'm sorry to drag this on, but has anyone had surgery with either of these two surgeons? I'm terribly frightened and I'd appreciate any reassurance anyone can offer...

Girl, do your research. I have no opinion good or bad about your Dr but I know others here have seen them. Go up to the top to the search button and type in your Drs name, and also search the threads under cosmetic and reconstructive surgery forum. You will find info.

The 1st is approaching fast. Are you prepared for life after banding? Ya know, at 5'9" 245 ain't so bad...I know how you feel though. Invest a little time on the computer, and others will pop up here and give you their feedback. Good Luck!!

Wow, you are having major facial cosmetic surgery AND the lap band at the same time? WOW! you are one brave girl! Good luck and we are all pulling for ya here!

I wish you so much luck. As long as you have done all your research on these Doctors backgrounds I am sure you will be very happy with your outcome. You will really need someone with you for several days after & I would be leary of flying soon after surgery because of the amount your having done. I hope your able to extend you time in Mexico & recover a bit before going home. I do think its a good thing to have it all done at the same time. You'll be happy to heal everything up at once.

Someone on here just got back from having surgery with Cardenas. I can't remember who it was. Look for the thread "I am having my eyes and ears done" Or something like that.

There are some on here that have had Sanchez do their surgery. I think Vera is one of them. Send her a PM and she will fill you in.

Good luck and keep us posted BRAVE woman.

It's great to have found a place to share with others that are going or have gone through the same thing. Thank you all for your support.

I plan to stay in Monterrey for a little over a week. I arrive there on March 30 and have my cosmetic surgery the same day. I have my banding scheduled for April 1 and I return home on April 7 unless I run into any complications (hopefully not!)

Good luck with your surgery! Please post and let us know how everything went.