TESTIMONIOS DE PACIENTES CON SISTEMA LAP BAND

Before

Página web de Carmen:
Bienvenido a mi página, Deseo narrar aquí mis experiencias con la banda gástrica ajustable.

Se que el compartir aquí esta experiencia me mantendrá motivada, alerta y conciente de los cambios que surjan en mi nueva vida. Creo sinceramente que gracias a la ayuda de esta maravillosa herramienta, haré algo que pensé imposible; terminar una guerra luchada toda mi vida contra la obesidad, y ¡saldré victoriosa!.

...Y espero tal vez, que compartiendo mi historia pueda ayudar a otros a liberarse de la prisión de la obesidad, una prisión del cuerpo, pero mas aun del alma.

Lea mas en la siguiente página:
www.gastricbandmexico.com

My decision on Lap-Band

Before

After

Yes…I know what you are thinking ‘what a huge difference’, it’s truly amazing to see what a difference 100+ lbs makes. Drastic circumstances call for drastic measures and being morbidly obese is without a doubt a drastic circumstance and it is a matter of life and death.

~ My Story ~

My Name is Karen, I’m a 26 years old Social Worker from California. Most of my life I’ve been thin, I started gaining weight after I had my daughter and got married. The weight slowly started creeping up more and more.

In January of 2003 I decided to do research on the best method of weight loss for those who are morbidly obese. I found a doctors article on morbid obesity and it said that 100% of patients surveyed that were on diets and DID lose weight GAINED IT BACK. 100%!!! I couldn't believe it when I read that. I felt doomed for the rest of my life. But then I kept reading and the article said that an obese person CAN maintain a healthy weight through some sort of weight loss surgery. That got me thinking! If that worked for other obese people maybe it would work for me too.

I started to research the gastric bypass aka Roux-N-Y and I was awe struck by all the stories of successful weight loss. I tried not to notice all the stories where people had major complications following the surgery.

I received information from several different bypass surgeons and was very excited about the potential of finally being thin. I discussed the surgery with my mother and husband and they both agreed that the surgery was way to drastic and harsh on the body, I finally realized that maybe it wasn’t such a great idea to have my stomach stapled and my intestines cut-up.

Bummed, yet again, that the surgery wouldn't work out I figured I was doomed to being an obese hermit for the rest of my life. Well, a few days later my friend mentioned that he had heard on T.V. that Sharon Osbourne, a famous TV celebrity, lost weight thru a minimal invasive surgery called Gastric Banding a.k.a Lap-Band surgery. I started my research and read that the average person looses between 75% and 85% of their excess weight. So if you had 100 pounds to lose you'd most likely lose 80 pounds. I figured the number was a little less then the bypass but what really got my attention was the fact that they didn't cut or staple anything!!! People didn't die from this surgery like they can with the bypass surgery and if you did have intolerable complications you can have the band 100% removed and go back to normal.

I couldn't believe it. A weight loss surgery that didn't cut and slice your intestines OR stomach, didn't have ANY major side effects AND would cause permanent weight loss. I found out that the surgery is very common in Europe and Mexico, Doctors have been performing this surgery for over 20 years. There was no doubt in my mind that this was indeed the surgery I wanted. Now, I had to find a good doctor. I started by doing my re-search with local doctors and noticed that the average price for surgery was about $18,000, which was very high. I continued my re-search and joined several yahoo groups and noticed that a lot of patients have gotten their surgery in Mexico and were so happy with the whole experience. At first, I was a little hesitant about having surgery outside the U.S. but the more and more I researched and read patients experience I said why not.

I did research to find out who the most experienced surgeon was that I could afford. I came across Dr. Verboonen and his group at www.obesitygoodbye.com in Tijuana Mexico.
I spoke to the patient coordinator, Marlon who is such a sweetheart. I also spoke to several patients of Dr.Verboonen to hear about their experience and they all had positive things to say about the group so I felt very comfortable with my decision. I had surgery on September 8th, 2003 in Tijuana Mexico. The hospital was immaculately clean and the nurses and doctors were so professional. I was really amazed. The day after the surgery I was feeling great, Marlon even took me shopping. Luckily, I have not had any complications with the surgery and till this day I have lost a little over 100lbs. What gives me even more comfort is that the doctor himself has the band! I think that is great, he understands what it like to be overweight and what it is to have the band.

I was so happy with the surgery and the results that I am now a patient coordinator for Dr. Verboonen, he performs most of his surgeries in Tijuana however he also performs surgeries in Cancun and Cabo San Lucas.

I am the patient coordinator for patients who decide to have surgery in Cancun and Cabo San Lucas, the website address is www.hopeparadise.com IF you prefer to have surgery in Tijuana the website is www.obesitygoodbye.com

For those of you considering surgery the best advice I can give you is to please do your research! Read as much as you can and just be well informed.

Here is the link to the official BioEntrics Inamed Lap Band Patient handbook; it is in PDF Adobe Acrobat format. Bio-Entrics Inamed are the official lap band makers. This 25- page book contains really great information, I recommend you print it, grab yourself a cup of coffee and read the whole thing. If you have problems downloading it PLEASE let me know and I will send you a copy.
http://www.inamed.com

In case you don’t have Adobe Acrobat reader, here is a link so my you may download it. Don’t worry it is completely safe.
http://www.adobe.com

If you have any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to contact me.

My toll free number is 1866-673-4538.

If you need to contact me immediately I can be reached at my cell phone (510) 435-4147.

My email address is Karen@hopeparadise.com

If you have MSN messenger and would like to chat with me you can also add me on my email address is kctellez78@hotmail.com I’m usually on messenger during the day.

Good luck in your journey~

Karen

July 28, 2005

Dear Dr Verboonen and associates,

Please accept my deepest gratitude. I have lost almost 70 lbs. since my by pass surgery on May 20, 2005 . You and your staff performed with the highest professionalism and skill.

I arrived in San Diego not sure what to expect. However, shortly after arriving, Tony showed up at the airport prepared to take me to your office. The transport vehicle was clean and well kept. The A/C was on and the ride was comfortable.

When I arrived at the Clinic, everyone was friendly and adequately knowledgeable of my pending procedure. The prescreening tests were performed quickly and professionally.

When finished with that, there was Tony, ready to transport me to the Hotel. The hotel was first class. Everyone was more than helpful. The restaurant buffet was really good. It was a special, last big meal accompanied by generous helping of Corona .

Tony picked me up promptly and 9:00am the following day for the trip to the surgery center. I don't speak Spanish; however your team was prepared. I felt confident in placing myself completely in their care. In addition, there were several Spanish/English cheat sheets to assist in communication. However, during my stay, I lacked for nothing. The care overall, was better than I am used to receiving when I go to the Dr. in the states.

Prior to surgery, I was afforded an opportunity to meet the Surgeons, and Dr's performing the Bypass surgery. They explained what was going to happen and what to expect. I didn't experience and single surprise. I woke up later that evening wondering what had I done. Did I make the right decision? Just a few hours later I knew I had done myself a great favor.

During my stay at the Surgery center, the care was wonderful. Morning, Noon and Night, there were competent staff available to take care of my needs. I felt a little bloated with gas one afternoon. The answer was to get up and walk. Gas problem taken care of and I felt better.

This is a major surgery. So after a couple days recovery, I still had a couple of tubes sticking out of me. One was for draining fluid from the abdomen, and the other to alleviate distention. I didn't suffer from distention, but was glad it was there just in case.

One week later, I returned to San Diego , and of course there was Tony for the short ride to your office. There your staff once again was prepared and immediately took me to a clean adequately stocked room. At which time you and your staff removed the tubes and checked me over to make sure everything was ok.

In closing, again I would like to thank you and your staff for a professional, caring and positive experience. My blood pressure is down from 140 over 90 to 128 over 82. Lost almost 70 pounds and have improved my flexibility, strength, and appearance.

The only real down side to this experience, is I need a whole new set of clothes, much smaller clothes.

Harlan Breakey
Tucson, AZ

Hello everyone.
I was banded on 5/31/03 and I am down 158 pds with about 8-10 more to go.

I remeber the night before my surgery I had a panic attack and almost backed out. My daughter had gone with me and she talked me through my anxiety and now I think I did the best thing in the world for me. I had been considering buying a new truch then and decided that the money would be better spent to improve my health so that I would be around to
one day enjoy my granchildren.

I started out at 325 pds size 26/28 today I am 167 (Few more to goal) and size 9/10. I have more energy, more confidence and enjoy life again.

I can't say how much I appreciate the OGB staff and doctors foe helping me change my life for the better. Now all I needs is an arm tuck and I am a whole new Linda.

Goood luck to all of you just starting out and remember, when you feel like it is going too slow, "the journey starts with the first step"!


Linda Arreguin

March 16, 2005

Hi Marlon,  

I'm not sure if you remember me but I had surgery last March..  I believe it was March 26th it was on a Friday.  It will be my 1 year anniversary...  

Well here is my progress..  I haven't weighed myself in about a month, but last weigh in at my doctor's office I was at 151 lbs..  How awesome is that from 228 to 151 lbs!!  I'm sure I have lost a little more cause the clothes I was wearing then, are fitting a little looser now.  

I have gone from a size 22/20 to a 10 pants & I have gone from XL tops to a S sometimes M depending on the tops.  

I have attached 2 pictures of my self below, so you guys can see the progress..  I will email you another picture tonight of how I looked before surgery,  just in case you guys want to post for before & after pictures..  By the way I'm the one in the middle w/black short hair in both pictures.

Please email me back & let me know if you got them & also if you remember me?  I went for the consult back in December of 2003 & I saw you only briefly at the clinic when I went for my surgery, Tony was our driver & was a big help..  Can you tell him I said hello, I hope he remembers me..  =o)

Renee Hart

Jan. 13th, 2005

Today it has been exactly one week.  I am doing well on the liquids and much better since the shoulder pain from the gas left!  Wow!  I have also lost 15 lbs, already.  Hope this isn't unusual.  I am wondering a couple of things. 

A.  When can I get in the Hot tub?

B.  Where is the site on line where I can join the "group"?

Also, I said I wanted to talk to you about something.  I had a great experience and was impressed with the professionalism of the team, as was my mother.  My only concern is that you really wanted me to bring someone with me, so I did, but my mother was 75 and needed to take meds with food, juice, etc. and didn't have any lunch, until we asked.  She had no way of running around in the rain to find food.  Maybe the guest of the patient needs a little more attention.  Just a suggestion, please don't take offense.

Thank you for all you did.  I need to know who to keep in touch with, with questions, etc.

Thanks

Randi Hart

I had my surgery last Thursday afternoon (December 16, 2004)at the Clinica Lityen surgery center by Dr Verboonen, Dr Ponce de Leon, Dr Friday, Dr Ayala and Dr Sanchez ( pretty impressive). I was taken very good care of and had no complications. My every need was meet even if I didn't ask for it. My friend Barbara was keep informed after the surgery and than spent the night at the Grand Hotel. She was very impressed that it was a 5 star hotel. On Friday we did not here from Tony till 6:30 that evening, Barbara had to take a taxi to the surgery center, so we just wanted to go home. I spoke with Dr Verboonen about leaving which he felt I should spend one more day but I just wanted to get home. Had a fairly comfortable 90 minute drive home.

Saturday I had a headache from hell. Took the sublingal Supradol (Toradol in America) well it nauseated me and I vomited one time Saturday night but great relief to the headache. I also felt a lot of swelling to my abdomen from below the breast to the groin area. I had very little pain just soreness and tightness and as the old saying goes mostly when I laughed, really with movement. I found it very hard to get down even 2 ounces of anything at a time, but now on the 6th day that is much easier and am completely satisfied with that. The soreness, tigthness and swelling is much improved. I have lost 9 pounds so far and I know that will slow down as I am able to add more varied foods. I have studied the diet I was given and will follow it. I will keep you informed as I progress. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Donna

I'd like to say some good things about the Obesity Goodbye Center! My whole family was banded by Dr. Ponce de Leon this last April. He was very attentive and spent a lot of time with us answering our questions with Marlon doing the translating. We are all doing great and losing weight. We had wonderful care while we were in TJ and a lot of follow up calls and e-mails after we got home. Marlon was wonderful. He was constantly checking in on us to see if we needed anything or wanted to go anywhere. We were always able to get ahold of him with the walkie talkie's they gave us when we got to TJ.

If we had it to do over again we would defiantly go to the OGB Center.

Laura Haney

Regard  

John Krenik

After my first one was born I went o fen-phen for 3 months and ended up in the e.r. with a heart beat of 245bpm. I quit taking the drug immediately but over the next couple of years I had the same heart problem which I was in the e.r. a total of 8 times.

Heart disease runs in my family. My father had his first heart attack at 40. He has had 2 attacks,3 strokes, one triple bypass at the age of 40 and one quadruple bypass 18 years ago. He lives with our family and has dementia. He is 70 years old and is still holding on.

After my second child was born I was 200 pounds on a 5'2" frame, I went on Atkins immediately and lost about 50 with my husband but we stopped and I gained all the weight back and then some. I was getting ready to turn 35 and really feeling my mortality and bad I was feeling all the time. I had gestational diabetes with both my pregnancies, a thyroid problem after my 2nd baby was born, the heart condition and I didn't have energy to be a great mom to my 2 small kids. I saw where my life was going and I didn't want it.

I first heard of the band when Sharon Osbourne came out with it and I thought that was for me but I didn't really believe I would do it. Last year I started a new job {I'm an optician} where I met a coworker who had the band and lost 150 pounds.

After a few months with lots of research I went to Mexico to have the surgery with her doctor. I did private pay as I have Kaiser but I didn't want to wait anymore to try and see if they would approve me.
I lost 25 pounds the first 2 months as I was healing. I was getting pretty discouraged as for the next 3 months I was eating right and exercising and the scale just would not move! It took 4 fills to get my sweet spot which just happened on memorial day. Since that last fill I've been sticking to the protein drinks and vitamins for nutrition and have lost 6 pounds!

Now after 5 months I finally feel like I'm getting somewhere.
I'm so happy I did this for myself. I can reach down and paint my own toenails already and cross my legs!

I also want to say that I just now discovered this wonderful web site and many of the frequent regulars have already touched my heart with their optimism and encouragement. It's so nice to have people to share this journey together.

I also want to apologize as I'm horribly dumb with computers and I will post a picture when I find someone who can help me do it because this computer I'm using is 13 years old and it can't handle my digital computer software because it has no memory left on it. Please don't hold it against me! You'll just have to believe me when I say I'm cute!

Liisi C.

I was the first scheduled for surgery that day and my boyfriend got to watch the surgery on a TV monitor. The surgery center was very nice with marble floors, oil paintings and very nice dicor. Since I had an in-room guest I got a big room with a private bath. The surgery wasn't very painful at all, especially since they kept the painkillers coming on regular schedule via the IV. I got up and walked around right after surgery and couldn't wait to see the other two girls when they got out of surgery.

We left for San Diego the next day and I was really feeling pretty good. My ribs were a little sore like when I was pregnant, but overall I was doing well. I am very thankful to Obesity Goodbye for taking such good care of us. I felt the care I received in Mexico was better than any medical care I've ever received in the US. People ask if I have to go back to Mexico for fills and I tell them I want to go there, which is true.

So far I have lost 20 pounds. I lost 15 the first week, 2 the second, 0 the third and 3 the fourth week. I plan to go back to Mexico for a fill before Christmas and my boyfriend plans to get a band. I am really happy with life with a band and glad I went to Obesity Goodbye for my surgery.

Thanks again!

Amy

April 2004 247Lbs I am the blone on the left

October 2004 189lbs blone on right

Linda Templeton

arrived back safely...

After being both anxious, excited and periods of loosing my mind I am so glad to have the opportunity to have this experience.  I started walking the evening of the surgery and have been walking every day since...not a lot just something to help get rid of this unjust gas.  When I first got the gas I felt like someone walked over one side of my rib cage, I had to ask "Please check my heart out and ensure I'm not going through a heart attack".  They said I'm just soar and the rest is gas...getting better by the minute though.  I must admit I can't wait to see some kind of results anything even 1 pound.

I must say I am getting tired of my juice, tea, and don't forget the highlight of my day, jello!!!  I really need something else just a little, even one inch or 2 cm, not because of hunger, because I'm really not hungry, but just taste.  What are your suggestions?

The doctors told me I could go in the pool immediately and my daughter has been begging me, however, I feel it is definitely too soon, my wounds are not completely closed even though the doctors told me they were.  I have been washing them daily, though they look great I am scared to go in the pool I can see they are not completely healed.  Please advise...

To ensure you have read this mail completely, I look forward to your response on my concerns.  Please take this opportunity to thank everyone for their help and support, it really makes a difference.

Tiera

When we arrived, we were taken to the facility where I had the pre-ops done, which was nice and clean.  From there, we were taken to the hospital where I had the surgery done the same day.  The hospital was beautiful.  It did not look like a hospital room, it looked more like a retreat.  The next day, we were taken to the Grand Hotel where the staff treated us very well.  Everyone was so polite.  The doctor came in to check how I was doing.  I felt fine and my experience in Mexico was great.  If I was to do it again, I would most definately go back.

I want to thank everyone, especially Marlon and Tony for making us feel at home when we were far from home.  Also, thank you for taking my calls now that I'm back in the States.  I have called sevral times to ask questions and Marlon has always been nice and friendly. Thanks!

Daisy 

June Ericson

Hank Yeomans

Thanks

C. Lark

You did take good care of Michelle and I. You are a real professional and I truly appreciate every thing you did for me. I'll never forget those theaters, they were great.

I hope all is well and that the support girls give each other a great time. HAHA

I hope that Michelle and I can come back for the fills.

Take care and I hope to hear from you soon.  

Adam R. Peterson

Before the procedure, I drove down to their offices and had all the needed lab work and pre-op work done.  They offered to pick me up, but since I live so close I chose to drive down.  On the day of the surgery, they picked me up at my house and took me to took me to the hospital.  It was absolutely hassle free!!

Normally the surgery is simple and quick.  I had a Gastric Bypass before so I had some complications.  My surgery took about 3 1/2 hours.  But my husband had it done two weeks after I did and his surgery took only 15 minutes, as well as other people I know.

You have surgery sometime during the morning and spend that night in the hospital.  Usually the next night they put you up at a nice hotel, but again, I my surgery was a little more intense so I stayed in the hospital an extra night.  And since I live so close I chose to come home the following night instead of going to a hotel.

You're a little (a lot) uncomfortable and it's not a painless procedure what so ever.  But it's easily forgotten and well worth it.  I think I've probably lost about 35 pounds, if not more and feel great. 

Not sure what else to tell you except that the idea of leaving the country to have the surgery shouldn't scare you or much less prevent you from proceeding.  It's only a couple of months and I can totally tell the difference.  It's well worth the money and any discomfort or inconvenience you may have coming out here.  I already feel SO much better than I did!! 

Not sure if you've ever been, but the concept of Tijuana is no whereas bad as the myth or stories you or people have probably heard about.  Besides, it's not like you're just left there all alone.  There's someone from the Obesity Goodbye clinic there with you almost 80% of the time if not more.  They're really wonderful, in fact, sometimes you just wish they would just go and leave you alone! 

But seriously, I wouldn't worry about leaving the country what so ever.  Like I said, what ever inconvenience you might encounter is absolutely worth it, and you won't regret having have made the choice to have it done.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to let me know!

Good luck to you!!

Have a good day!

Dinorah Pesqueira

Tony had said something about sending us a copy of the tape of our surgery, if you could do that it would be great, also we would like to know the name of the doctor in Florida that will do the fills so we can contact him and get something set up.

We will be talking to you again soon. Thanks for everything again and please tell everyone how much we appreciate all you did for us.

Love Nancy

Heather Wiley

285/187/155

banded May 23.2003

Healthfully and happily your friend,

Dianna "Suzanne" Erwin

I was very nervous about having surgery in Mexico , and I was pleasantly surprised.  I felt more like a guest than a patient.  There are many American doctors and other medical staff in the United States that could learn a thing or two from Obesity Goodbye.  Everyone from the nurses and doctors, to the support team went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed.

There was some discomfort the first couple of days following surgery, but the recovery was very quick.  I had the surgery on Friday (5/21/04) and then went back to work on Tuesday.  After only one week I am bike riding, walking, and enjoying life.

Thanks to everyone at Obesity Goodbye!   

Debra Taylor, 6/1/04

My doctor has changed his mind bout the LAPBAND and is very encouraged by my weight loss, he is happy now that I had the surgery and checks me every 90 days. I have only needed one adjustment since my surgery and found that to be easy except for the drive time to Mexico.

Thanks again
Dawn Unruh

Renee Hart
228/211/Goal 135 lbs.

Use a baby spoon. I got out my daughter's old silver spoons.--It's more fun to go fancy. Also, use demitasse cups---I had them in my china cabinet.

You can also use shot glasses for measuring your liquids---real crystal makes it even easier. Egg cups and Indian(continental) dessert dishes are good too.

I'll keep you posted.
Victoria

Thanks for my life back,
April (from Georgia)

March 2, 2004

On Thursday 3-1-2004 I arrived in T.J for my prep ops.  Finally I put a face to Marlon my contact for the weeks leading up.  Everyone was so nice.  Once I finish my pre ops I went to the Grand Hotel "of course not until I did a little shopping". 

The next morning I went to the clinic for my surgery.  I wasn't the biggest place but it was clean and I had full attention.  The nurses were very nice and willing to help.  Once my surgery was over I had a some pain in the 4 small incision area.  The nurses keep me well medicated and I was up and walking in no time.

Like any one else I was not to sure about going to T.J Mexico.  Let me tell you I have 6 kids from American Hospitals and never had as great of experice as I did in Mexico.

April 3, 204

Today my best friend had lap-band  surgery by Dr. Ponce De Leon.  I had my first fill.  Everything went great.  I've meet several different people from all over today.  There were five different people getting fills with great stories to tell.  Can't wait until next time.

Just wanted to take a minute to tell the whole staff thank you so much. 

Rebecca Flores

Rebecca_flores_31@hotmail.com

In particular, my husband is a dentist in the states and he has seen very poor dentistry from patients that went to Mexico to save some money. He was VERY concerned. I asked the same questions you are asking. I got a nice email from this woman named Shelly (I will try to cut and paste it in for you to read). But I will tell you my story. I live in New Mexico. I am 5' 7.5" tall. For the last ten years, I have been working on losing weight with no results. I have weighed between 177 and 205 during that time. At the time of surgery, I weighed 200 (my BMI was 31). As you know, in the USA, you have to have a BMI of 35 or higher. So, the USA was not an option for me. I picked Obesity Goodbye from the ObesityHelp.com web site. Obesity Goodbye had done more surgeries than any other practice.

(Remember also, I am not sure how that web site is maintained or updated.) I think that it is independent from any particular practice.

I left early this past Thursday to arrive in time for my pre-op testing.

There was a slight snag on my pick up, but that was quickly resolved with a phone call to the clinic. (You might want to bring a cell phone to avoid similar problems.) The young man, Tony, could not have been nicer. He was SURPRISINGLY, well informed for a driver. I asked him lots of questions and he knew all the answers. Tony gave me a special radio (kind of like a walkie-talkie) to contact any of the staff, at any time of night or day. Tony drove me and another patient to the pre-op clinic.

On the way to the clinic in TJ, I found out that the other patient had been fasting since the night before (I had just eaten a Cinnabon thinking that it would be my last chance for an indulgence). I did not like that I had not been told before hand. AND the other patient had stopped her hormone and anti-inflammatory medications for the past week (Again, I had not been informed to do the same). I will say that the other patient was much heavier than I was and we were not in the same health category. That may account for the different instructions.

The pre-op clinic was not much to look at. But it was fully functional and well staffed. I asked about the building choice and they said that Obesity Goodbye paid a premium price to be so close to the border to make it easier for patients to get across the border as quickly as possible. Obesity Goodbye said that they had considered a nicer looking building, with cheaper rent, but farther from the border and had chosen to be as close as possible for the fill patients, etc.

At the pre-op clinic, I spoke to a nutritionist, an internal medicine doctor and the gastro-surgeon. They were all completely open to any and all questions. I felt like I had all the time in the world to ask questions or express my concerns. My patient coordinator, served as my interpreter for my discussions with all the staff and doctors. At the pre- op clinic I had some blood drawn, a chest x-ray, an EKG test and a brief physical exam by the internal medicine doctor.

After all that testing, Marlon took me and the other patient out to lunch at his favorite restaurant within walking distance of the pre-op clinic. The restaurant was right in the middle of the tourist section of TJ. If you want to buy trinkets, this is the place. (Just a note, the lady at the table next to us at lunch had her pocketbook stolen from the back of her chair. She was sitting right next to us, right before our eyes and still we did not see a thing. Keep you wallet close to your body.)

After lunch we were dropped off at the TJ Grand Hotel. It was GREAT. Nice views of the golf course and the hillsides of TJ. It was very nice. That evening I asked the other patient to join me in the luxury dining room at the hotel for our "last supper". Marlon had been so nice to treat us to lunch but it wasn't the final meal that I really wanted. The other patient and I had a great dinner with piano music for only about $20 each. Later that evening, my husband was picked up in San Diego and brought to the hotel. He also liked the hotel and LOVED the view. He plays golf! That was Thursday.

The next morning, we were taken to a hospital. It was different from what I think of as a hospital in the USA. It was more like a floor in an office building. But it was "squeaky-clean" as you asked. It reminded me of the modern birthing rooms in most hospitals today. For example the sheets and blankets were more lush and softer that most hospitals. My hubby and had a big recliner to relax in. I gave my husband the radio to communicate with the staff.

My surgery was scheduled for two. But the patient ahead of me in the OR (not an Obesity Goodbye patient) had some complications with a totally different type of surgery-not gastro related. So my surgery was delayed. That gave me a lot of time to ponder, “Did I really want to do this?” I answered yes, I am tired of being overweight and anxious to look and feel pretty again. What is that worth to you?

We met the anesthetist. He gave us his card and told us about his 24 years of experience. He promised me a safe and easy “round trip”. That’s all that I remember. My husband watched the surgery through the window in the OR. He was impressed with the speed and accuracy the surgery team possessed. My husband said that we were moved into a larger room for recovery. It was thought to be better than our first room. It was bigger, but there was a SHORT love seat instead of a recliner. It was NOT an upgrade as far as sleeping for my husband. He said that I complained through out the night about pain. I do not have any recollection of that. That was Friday. Saturday, I woke in the morning to a tight sensation between my ribs. I felt a sharp pain when I tried to inhale deeply. It did not affect my breathing but it had my attention. I also had something like slight heartburn or maybe the pressure you feel before burping. Definitely, it was not as bad as I expected. The nurse checked me over several times during the morning. I left the hospital ~ 1. The driver, George, took us to the market. My husband bought me some juices and Jell-O for the two days. We went back to the hotel and I slept. My husband went for several walks in and around the hotel. He just kept checking in on me every few minutes. I just slept. My husband used the radio to contact George. Right away, George drove him up to the golf course. My husband hits some balls on the driving range. When he came back, I was still sleeping. I did doze in and out of sleep. I got up and did go to the bathroom. I did turn the TV on and off a couple of times and drank a couple sips of juice. But I didn’t DO anything the following day. I just wanted to rest and that is what I did.

On Sundays, there can be a big delay getting back to the states at the border. So Obesity Goodbye trys to get you across the border as early as possible. We were picked up at 9 at the hotel. We arrived at the airport at about 10:15. If I had known, I would have got us an earlier flight. But, I did not know, our flight left at about 2:00. It was a very boring wait. (Be sure to keep the early departure times in mind. But then again, you are probably driving-right?)

That is the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Dr. Verboonen displayed all 3 bands that he would use according to what I wanted. He showed me a couple of things about the filling procedure and how this one would push the needle back out, the other was rigid and the third was soft, supple, less associated complications and being the newer of all three with the largest fill capacity.

I didn't get to see Dr. Verboonen after the surgery, but the rest of the staff was super! Everyone was so pleasant and a true joy to be around. If one member didn't understand me, another would explain what I was trying to say.

I had my first fill on February 27th and it was such a chore. With the port turned at such an angle the first attempt was bad at best because Dr. Ponce couldn't get the needle to pierce the fill area of the port. Everyone involved was so patient, kind, caring, supportive and quick on their feet. I say quick on their feet cause I had to sit down a number of times and threw up, but thru it all I couldn't have been more pleased, impressed and actually surprised with the professionalism and determination that I would get a GOOD fill and not be rushed or denied like I know I would have been in the states.

I am so glad I had the surgery done with Dr. Verboonen and his staff. And because of the first difficult fill process, I will continue to get them with Dr. Ponce cause I know I won't have unnecessary surgery reccommended to me as doctors in the states would do so it wouldn't be as difficult on them to perform a fill.

If anyone wants to know how the second fill goes, get in touch with Marlon and he has my permission to forward your e-mails to me so I can answer them. Don't be afraid and know that you are in good hands all the way thru.

Good day Dr. Ponce , Marlon & staff,

Just a short note to let you know I traveled home in 12 ½ hours only because I did stop and rest a few times. Still hard to believe that I drove myself there and back with such ease. I feel great. I was only sore a couple of days. Suffered from the gas more than the operation. I went back to work that following Monday putting in 14 hour days and have not slowed down since.

I wanted to thank you for the great service you offer. Your staff is very organized and thoughtful. The operation was painless. I work up feeling great with no pain and not nauseated like I have been in the pass with previously operations. The hospital was more than thoughtful in my treatment. Your nurse was so attentive I felt guilty every time I got up because she would be right there. She seems to know when I need anything and took care of it before the pain started. Nothing like the states where you buzz and wait 30 minutes and then you have to talk them into it.

My hesitation to go to Mexico for medical treatment is completely resolved. I would recommend Obesitygoodbye to everyone.

Kay

Just wanted to say hi and thank you again for all your patience and help during my recent trip. You made it less boring for Penelope also. Hope everything is going well for you and all your dreams come true.

Paulette

Oh no! 275 pounds! Gasp, sniff, sob. I'll never make Dr. Ousterhout's weight limit at this rate!

A month's intensive search later and I'm speaking with the openly gay patient coordinator for a Tijuana weight-loss surgeon group. I mention being "queer" and my concern for sensitive and safe treatment in Tijuana. He reassures me. I press him a little more... "Are you sure it's OK? I'm an obviously feminine looking man you know, I've been on Estrogen". Long pause. "It's OK, really it's OK, really." he says. I heave a great sigh of relief that he "gets it" and we start talking about payment arrangements. Finally he says "You will do really well you know, we guys lose weight so much quicker than the women." Damn! He doesn’t get it at all; I was a fool to think he did. But, unlike Stateside, there is no need for any psychological test, so that clinches it for me (I suffered severe psychiatric abuse in my childhood) and arrangements are soon made.

Come the day, I’m up at 4:30 a.m. to catch the first flight from San Francisco to San Diego, I decline the breakfast as I am to have surgery today. Andres meets me at San Diego airport and drives me across the border to the doctors’ clinic in Tijuana at #670 on the famous Avenida Revolucion with its gay bars, drag shows, etc., none of which will I get to see. There is a whirlwind of having my blood drawn, an X-ray, EKG, questionnaire, introductions, interviews, weight and height measurement and by 1:00 p.m. I'm in the hospital where they measure my weight and height again (just in case they changed during the ten-minute drive over.) The usual pre-op workup, plus an interview with the cardiologist, then I’m into the OR and at the tender mercies of the anesthesiologist. Before I know it I come to with an Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB) inside me. They tell me the procedure took 20 minutes, and I was unconscious for less than an hour. It is also obvious by this time that everyone has read me as transsexual (which is kind of obvious when I'm naked) and no one has a problem with it. None of the nurses even speak a word of English and my schoolboy Castilian Spanish has 40 years of rust on it but amazingly "Quiero agua por beber" is understood.

AGB is a less risky and less invasive form of weight-loss surgery than the gastric bypass operations previously favored. AGB is fairly new to the USA but has been used for about eight years in Mexico and longer than that in Europe. It’s still surgery.

I spend the first night post-op in the hospital on an IV drip and the next day I meet with the Nutritionist and then I'm discharged and driven over to the Five Star Camino Real hotel. The hotel is beautiful, I really didn't care because I was there alone recovering from surgery, if I had had a loved one with me that would have been different. Andres and one of the nurses explain the painkiller and antibiotic drugs, give me some Gatorade and bottled water and I spend two nights in the hotel recuperating. The package price includes all food, but of course I can’t eat any food!

For most patients that would be the end of the story, after two nights in the hotel and a quick checkup at the clinic they would be driven back to San Diego airport and on the flight back home.

Lucky me, I was the one in 1000 who has complications, my surgical team has performed this procedure over 700 times and I was the first to require post-op surgical intervention. Surgery is always a risk and everyone should know that, even though the risks associated with AGB are really small. All I can say is that Doctors Verboonen and Ponce de Leon and their team went to great trouble and expense to put things right and in the end all is well that ends well. I flew home three days behind schedule. I was greatly relieved that my painstaking research and careful choice of surgical group paid off in that even after things went wrong the doctors went to great lengths, including a second operation of well over an hour with no surgical fees to me, to make it all right.

I'm actually looking forward to my next trip to Tijuana, in a few months' time, for a checkup and adjustment of the AGB. I'm a "Bandster" now, and expect massive weight loss in the next year. For anyone interested, Dr. Verboonen’s office is best reached through his website www.obesitygoodbye.com Holly can be reached at holly@tgforum.com

12/16 08:19 AM
I had my surgery with Dr. Verboonen in Aug. I would find it difficult to say anything bad about the whole procedure. Everything was taken care of for me. I was told that the only thing I would have to do would be to get to the airport and get on the plane. My mother, sister-in-law and brother-in-law all went with me. My B-I-L and mom both required additional assistance for a wheel chair, oxygen tanks and a motorized scooter chair. We were met at the border in San Ysidro and then taken to the hotel. The next morning we were picked up and taken to the clinic for my blood work and then to a lovely outdoor restaurant for breakfast. It was my mother's birthday, so I was having my surgery the next day. Marlon- the patient coordinator hired a mariachi band to come over and sing a birthday song to my mom. We went back to the clinic to review the tests and see the doctor and the driver - Enrique - took my mom and the others shopping and to find some nice silver jewelry.

I had a heart attack several years ago, so Dr. Partida (Dr. V's wife) insisted that I see a cardiologist to make sure I could have the procedure. They set it up for me and took me to his office. He was wonderful and spoke very good English. He gave me a stress test and a check up and gave me the go ahead. He said it would be a good idea to have the surgery as losing the weight would help my heart. I did have to pay $300 extra for the testing from him, but considering the circumstances, it was well worth it. I met with Dr. Verboonen and found him to be extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He does all 3 bands, but I believe he prefers the Midband. He shows all of them to you and lets you decide which one you want. I had already decided on the Midband, and after seeing and touching them, I stayed with my decision. It is much softer than the others and I had heard there is less chance of slippage or erosion with them than the lapband or the Swedish band. I am sure that others will disagree, but it was my personal choice. Then Marlon and Enrique took us to a mall where we ate and shopped a little more. The next morning I was picked up and taken to the hospital. After I was prepped, Dr. Verboonen came in and chatted with me for awhile. The next thing I knew, it was the next day. I slept all day and night after the surgery, but was up the next morning and ready to go back to the hotel. I was a little sore and slept off and on that day also. Marlon came by with my medications and to see if I was all right. The next day I felt great. I was supposed to stay one more night, but I asked if I could leave a day early. Marlon brought Dr. Anna over and she checked my incisions and changed my bandages. She said I was doing extremely well and they asked Dr. Verboonen to release me. We had to wait a couple of hours for the driver, as he was in San Diego picking some one up from the airport, but then we were picked up and taken back to our cars. Dr. V called us in the van to apologize for not seeing me before I left and to make sure I was okay. I drove to LA and spent the night at my sister-in-law's. The next day I drove my mom back to Las Vegas and stayed there a couple of days and then flew home to NJ. I had my surgery on Tues. and was back at work on Monday. I did find that it helped to wrap a large ace bandage around my middle. It seemed to help when I was walking around. I wish I had had it right after the surgery, as it helps with the feeling of pressure against your incision.

I have been back for a fill with fluro. I met with the nutritionist for some dietary instructions. It was $150 for the fill. That was in late Sept. I think that some people expect to find the same facilities in Mexico as in the states. Things are different in other countries. The buildings are older, but they are clean. The cardiologist's office was in a building that was more like a converted house, but so is my dentist's office in Millville. They are all friendly and caring. When I returned for my fill, I stopped at the clinic and all the nurses remembered me and seemed genuinely happy to see me again. I have no regrets and would do it again. Anyone that has to make this journey alone, should feel quite safe. I had my mother and some family members with me, and we had a mini vacation before the surgery. I see now that it is over, that I would have been fine if I were alone. Everything is taken care of for you and you have free time to go shopping or exploring if you desire. You can also just stay at the hotel. The hotel is very modern and nice and most of the television stations are in English. There is a small gift shop/newspaper stand in the lobby, a nice restaurant and if you want to stay in, room service was extremely reasonable and the food was very good. I heard there is a place to access the internet also, but I didn't take advantage of that particular facility.

If anyone wishes to ask me more about my experience, please feel free to email me. I'm more than happy to answer questions about this positive, life changing experience. -- J Hinds

01/16 08:31 AM
I have to take this opportunity to thank Dr Verboonen and Dr. Ponce de Leon. I went to get a fill here in the states. It was to be done without fluoroscopy. It was before the holidays and I couldn't get away to go to Mexico. The doctor found the port, but couldn't find the area that the needle goes into. He set up an appointment to have a fill with fluoro. I went back and the surgeon tried very hard to get to the port. He said that it was twisted and that he could do a same day surgery to untwist it and stitch it in place. I am not in any way displeased with these doctors. They are very kind and I appreciate every thing they did to try to do my adjustment and the fact that they were even willing to take me on as a patient when they didn't even do my surgery. However, I decided to email Marlon and see if that was the normal procedure that Dr. V. follows. They told me to come down, and they managed to fit me in right after the holiday. Drs. V and P were waiting at the radiology lab. Sure enough, my port was twisted. They numbed the area around my port with a local and manipulated the port around and untwisted it without having to do any additional surgery. I also got my second fill. This fill is working quite well, and I am now down almost 50lbs. I feel great and have had to buy some new clothes. I am down about 2 sizes so far. Thanks again Best regards Janice -- J Hinds

Hi!! My name is Alison and I had the lap band surgery about 7 weeks ago and I´ve lost about 19 pounds and I feel great!!!. My surgeon and his staff are GREAT.. they really take care of you and all of your needs. They book your flights, they pick you up at the airport and take you to the hospital and the hotel. At the end of the procedure they take you back to the airport.

My insurance didn´t cover the surgery, but Dr. Verboonen in his web page (which is www.obesitygoodbye.com) has a link to a financial institution which can help you pay for the procedure. They also have a nutritionist that gives you a meal plan that you can follow to maximize your weight loss. Plus for me this was a great option because I can´t last on any diet for more than 3 weeks and I LOVE TO EAT!!! I really recommend Dr. Verboonen and his staff .. they´re highly cualified and they helped me take the first step to a new life!!!!

My first impression of Dr. Verboonen was that he was very much a professional. His demeanor was what I would expect of a focused surgeon on a day when he had several operations scheduled. (I am so glad that I chose him as my surgeon. I had a quick surgery, and easy recovery.) Before I was released I was checked throughly and had an appointment with a nutritionist. I discovered when I went in for my first fill that when he is not having a "surgery day" Dr. V is very open and generous with his time and expertise. My fill was neatly done and painless. Dr. V always uses fluro, something I find very reassuring. I liked being able to see my band and how it is working. I can't say enough nice things about his office staff. They were warm and patient, helpful over and above anything I have experienced here in California. I was impressed with Dr. V's associates as well. I can honestly reccomend Dr. Verboonen without reservation.

Liane

I had the band put in 3 weeks ago to the date and am very glad I had it done.  I believe it to be so much better than the