Suzannesh

Hi, I had weight loss surgery when I was 63 and I am now 65 . I have been sleeved of 2 1/2 years. I lost 105 pounds on my journey. So I do know a little about what I am going to say. I have done what you want to do or have already done. So I have been thinking about this. WHY do so many of our friends not say Yay! or I am happy for you? 1. They know NOTHING about weight loss surgery let alone when we say we are have the "sleeve" done? 2. They have not heard of any positive things about WLS. 3. They are scared for us because we are having some kind of surgery they no nothing about. 4. They think we are having gastric bypass (we know it isn't but they don't) and they have heard nothing but bad thing when it comes to this surgery. Dumping, malnutrition, people gaining weight back again, because they have stretched out their pouch. 5. The are sure we are going to die during the surgery.:thumbs_down: 6. They have never had a weight problem in their life.:censored: 7. They view this as the easy way out--it take more courage to have this surgery than to do nothing at all, but they beleive it is the easy way out. 8. How will you stop losing weight. 9. Is this healthy--they are sure it isn't.:hurt: 10. It cost too much money and you will never keep the weight off and WHY if you are over 60 would you want to do this to yourself? So those are the top ten reason I can think of that the people are thinking all these things. I think if we are willing to talk more about it to them "AFTER" we have had the surgery and explain things to them--I say educate the uneducated friends that we have, they may be more willing to listen. There are so many people that just can't image that we would have surgery to lose weight, so they really have to see with their own eyes that you are OK and healthy and this is working for you. I know you want their support, but honestly sometimes it is just not going to happen. This isn't something that we just woke up one morning and said hey I think I will have someone remove 80% of my stomach and then I will solve all my weight issues. We thought about this for a long time, we did some research, we checked with other people and joined web sites to educated ourselves. So, don't let the uneducated people in your life stop you from doing what you know is right for you. If you had a tooth ache you would go see a dentist to get it fixed--and they would think that is the right thing to do. We have an addiction to food and an emotional connection to food. What is wrong with going and getting the help we need to stop our addiction. This is our tool that we are going to use to accomplish the weight loss with. It isn't a magical cure by any means. It takes time, work and effort on our part to become successful. A little support along the way also helps a heap! Finding the right doctor to trust our life with and one who is highly skilled in the field of WLS is the next step. For me that was Dr. Aceves, and I can't say enough kind words about him and his skills and he GREAT staff and wonderful hospital. I knew at 63 if I was going to take this giant step, it had to be with someone that I trusted and that had done a lot of these with no complications and was a skilled surgeon. So when the next person you talk to rolls their eyes around because you are over 60 and going to have weight loss surgery, please just have some patients with them. The are very UNEDUCATED. We will work at educating them and letting them know that this really isn't about them at all. It is ALL about you and you have earned and deserved the right to have this surgery. You will be making a lifestyle change and not be on a diet any more. You are going to put yourself first, for the first time in a long time. I want you to feel good about what you are doing because it is going to be a life changing event that is going to be so fabulous. Someone is going to call your "skinny" for the first time and you are going to smile and say "yes" I did it. I am here every step of the way to assist, you and help you. I will answer your million questions you may have and help you deal with the emotions that you are feeling. I want you to know that you are doing the right thing by wanting to become healthy and add years to your life. Hugs to you and you go for what you want in life. If not now then WHEN???? Suzanne

Hi Everyone, I know that I can only speak about what I have experienced. Everyone who has had WLS feels the same about the doctor they had as I do my doctor who I had. So for me, I new without a doubt my insurance was NEVER going to pay for my weight loss surgery. So it was my mission to figure out how I was going to have the weight loss surgery. I knew after a lot of research that I was only interested in "Sleeve or VGS" weight loss surgery. Then the next mountain to climb was how was I going to pay for this. I had a little money set aside for an emergency--almost enough to pay for my surgery. I put about $1,000 on my credit card when it came time to have the surgery. My next challenge was WHO was I going to have do the surgery. I had worked with someone who had weight loss surgery and I must have asked her a million questions--she is a Nurse Practitioner and I really trusted her judgment. She made me do a lot of research on my own. I kept hearing the name Dr. Aceves over and over when I got on this board and two other boards. I called his office, I loved the people who worked for him and how open they were an listened to my concerns and answered my questions over and over. I found that asking others who had been to him really gave me a lot of great information too. They were honest and told me the good, the bad and the ugly about having sleeve surgery. They were all so honest and helpful. When I was scared or had all kinds of feeling an emotions they were there for me too! So, I am here to say, Dr. Aceves is rated extremely high in my book--the BEST. If he lived closer to me I would make him my Primary Care Doctor in a heart beat. He is so caring, and kind along with being a high skilled doctor. He really cares about his patients. I am a real person who lives here in Eugene, OR. Honestly if you are sitting on the fence please give me a shout out, I would be happy to talk to you and answer any of your questions. YES, he is in Mexicali, Mexico. It is a very safe boarder to cross. They have a fully equipped hospital and NOT just a clinic. They pick you up at the airport in San Diego and take you to the hospital and return you back to San Diego when it is time to go back home. You have nothing to fear. I went alone and ALWAYS felt safe, comfortable and well taken care of. I have never in my life ever received the kind of care in any US hospital that I received by this team of excellent medical people. So this it my story and how I lost 105 pounds. I am almost 66 years old and I lost this almost 3 years ago. So don't wait as long as I did to have WLS. This is a life changing event, and one that I have never regretted. I wish you all the success in the world on your journey. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi Everyone, I have posted this before and some find it helpful if they are heading to Mexicali to see Dr. Aceves. If you are not just ignore this. Here is what I took and you might want to have when you pack for the Weight Loss Surgery with Dr. Aceves. 1. Gas-X because you will have gas after the surgery and they don't have Gas-X in Mexico. They (the nurses and doctors) will ask you are you passing gas? It is nice to have this on the plane ride home too after the surgery. I bought a box (of 36 tabs) of Gas-X (thin strips) that you just put the strip in your mouth. It tastes good and it is easy to take--no Water required—nothing difficult to swallow either. 2. A comfortable bra & panties--nothing very tight (cotton is nice—what ever you like to wear) to wear home on the plane or if you want to wear these items in the hospital. Everyone was pretty relaxed with what they slept in or wore around the hospital. I didn't bring a robe at all--Just T-shirts and comfortable pants. Maybe a sweatshirt because the air conditioner makes it cool sometimes and then there are times when the air conditioner isn’t working that well. Bring some extra T-shirts in case you spill on yourself. My IV came out and I got blood on one of my T-shirts. I just washed it out in the sink and hung it up in the shower to dry. 3. Drawstring pants or pants with elastic waist—nothing tight around the middle section. I had some Nike walking pants and they were very comfortable—or short, or pants you would wear to relax in. I also had some that I wore to sleep in, walk around the hospital in and wore them home on the plane too (a pair for each day you are going to be away from home). Sweatpants work great too. I was there in Oct and so the air conditioning was going and sometimes it was cool at night when I was sleeping--so I brought some warm socks along too. But in some rooms the air conditioning wasn't working so well in their rooms and they were warmer than some of us were. If it is too warm or too cold tell one of the nurses they will help you with anything you need. They are excellent when you need something—don’t be afraid to ask. 4. A heating pad--I was so glad I had mine (someone had suggested I bring one) because it felt good on my stomach area. When my feet were cold at night I used my heating pad on my feet. Also when I was there with a friend for her surgery in April 2009 I found out at the nurse’s stations they also had heating pads—so if you don’t want to bring your own use theirs. 5. Some kind of slip on shoe for the plane ride home and something to wear in the hospital (I had some flip flops for the hospital and some clogs for the plane ride home. Flip flops didn't take up a lot of room in your suitcase. I also carried on the plane my tote bag carrying some things like, meds, change of underwear—in case my suitcase got lost, a snack so I could eat something after the tests that first day you arrive—because they will tell you not to eat a few hours before you get to Mexicali because of the tests you are going to be having upon arrival at the hospital in Mexicali. Sometimes you have to wait for everyone to have their test before they take you to the hotel and your are soooooooo hungry because you haven’t eaten anything all day long because most of us are flying into San Diego, so bring a snack that you can eat after your tests while waiting to go to the hotel. I brought along some packages of trail mix—bring what you like. 6. Only one (1) small or medium sized suitcase with wheels is really great because you will have to deal with your own suitcase at the airport (coming and going). I also brought along my laptop computer so I could stay in touch with my friends and family—I carried that on the plane too—don’t put it in a suitcase—too much stuff has been stolen out of suitcases. 7. Please be aware if you use your cell phone in Mexicali they will charge you roaming fees to CALL OUT. For me if people called me from the US to Mexicali and they were calling my Cell Phone there were NO ROAMING charges because they called me from the US. Most all cell phones work in Mexicali; I think they said Cricket was the only Carrier that they had problems with. I didn't have anyone come with me for the surgery, and they were so nice as to call someone (in the US) for me after surgery and let them know that I was doing great. 8. I brought my own favorite small pillow with me (almost sofa size). It was nice to have it while I was in the hospital and on the plane ride home. 9. As far as money someone suggested I bring about $45.00 to $50.00 in one's so that I could have them for tipping—they all accept US money in Mexicali. I tipped Ernesto $25.00 who picks you up and takes you to the hospital, takes you to the hotel, takes you back the hospital for surgery and then back to the San Diego airport. He takes such good care of everyone and I tipped him at the end when he took me back to the airport to go home. I also tipped the hotel guys for taking my bag to my room, and when I had dinner that night at the hotel. I would also bring along a small gift for 4 or 5 nurses or give them a little cash—I understand they really don’t make a lot of money and they might appreciate the cash as a gift. I would suggest that you take enough money or Credit Card or Debit card to purchase the medication that you will need after the surgery. There is a pharmacy about 1/4 block from the hotel--anyone at the hospital will tell you where it is—it is a easy walk. The Nexium that Dr. Aceves suggests you take after surgery for acid reflux for about 3 months cost a lot less —don’t forget they will negotiate over the price of medication in Mexico –even when it is at a pharmacy-they will give a price and then ask them “if I buy 4 boxes will you sell it to me for—ask for a lower price. This medication costs a lot less in Mexicali than in the US—so don’t forget to buy it while you are there. I also bought Prilosec because some people had told me that Nexium did work for them—as it turned out I was one of those people that Nexium didn’t work that well on and so I was glad that I purchased Prilosec. 10. Do not take any jewelry with you or wear any. All I took was my watch. Leave ALL other jewelry at home. 11. Be prepared that Ernesto will be late picking you up--find a place to sit down in the baggage area where they said he would pick you up. Make sure you can see people walking in that area and he will come walking down through there with your name on a sign holding it up. He will have you back at the airport on your return trip home in plenty of time to catch your plane ride home. 12. Bring a camera along to take some pictures of yourself in the “before stage” and maybe a group picture of the other people who are going to have the surgery the same day you do. I have kept in contact with them. You will be so glad you have done this. Take lots of pictures. People really do enjoy seeing the pictures if they are considering doing this surgery. 13. Don’t forget the personal things like toothbrush, shampoo, soap that you may want to use in the shower, a razor, cream rinse for you hair—maybe a hair curler and hair dryer if you want. I don’t know if you want to bring make-up—I did, because I wanted to look ok going home on the plane. Yes, we used their water to take a shower—it is ok for showers… they do give you bottled water to drink. 14. I brought along a book I wanted to read along with my Ipod, so I could listen to my own music. You may or may not get a lot of reading done because you might want to take some nice naps too. Getting up and walking around is good for you and it makes you feel a lot better too. 15. Bring along some chap stick for your lips—they dry out and it is good to have something to put on your lips. If anyone else can add anything please jump in here and help me out! I know you are worried about a few small things and I can tell you not to worry because we all have been where you are. Just keep posting to the web site-- anything you want to say or ask. We all understand and have been where you are right now. I wish you GREAT success and it will be a life changing event and in about 2 months you will be saying the same thing too. Also Linda adds that when they make you drink the vile stuff to make sure your new stomach has no leaks don’t for get to ask for chips of ice. It numbs your taste buds because they are so cold and you can drink their YUCK stuff. She did it and it worked great for her. I didn’t know about it and I wished I would have. I think they do this on the 3 day before you go home. Suzanne This is what someone else added to what I put on my list--you never can have too much help or information I wore and underwire.....so I didn't get that message! I also brought a robe...for sure and maybe flip flops or slippers for doing lots of walking after the surgery. They give you those hospital gowns, but the day after the surgery, I was in my own pjs that were button down the front and elastic band capris...something easy to slip in and out of. Suzanne says-- I put my on PJ’5 on after the surgery when I got up to go to the bathroom. I would definitely take a comfy pillow for on the plane ride too. Just don't over pack! You will need very few things....one outfit for the day you arrive and one for when you leave and just the PJ’s for comfort. You may need to have something on the plane ride....maybe some tea from Starbucks or get some hot water and add some chicken broth to the hot water--(take Chicken broth packets from Top Ramen Noodles works great for the Chicken broth. You most likely won't be hungry at all....but just in case......a clear broth with water works. I realized that most of the stuff that I brought, I didn't even need.....so pack light! You will mostly be walking the halls of the hospital! The best of luck to you! You will do great!

Hi Everyone, I am celebrating year 5 of having a very successful weight loss surgery! I was 63 when I had sleeve surgery done, so it is never too late to have weight loss surgery!!!! This was very best choice I have ever made in my life. I had my Weight Loss Surgery in Oct 2008. After a lot of investigating and considering all the doctors and places I could have my surgery. I made the choice to have Dr. Aceves in Mexicalli Mexico do my surgery. I was a self-pay, and believe me I really checked out every option there was. I was an older person and I really took my time to figure out what was best for me. I talked to a lot of different people who had already had weight loss surgery about who their doctors were. It wasn’t something I rushed into. It took me about 6 months before I knew for sure that I was going to the right place for me. I also made the choice to have VGS aka the sleeve. I lost of total of 105 pounds and it took me 14 months to do this. Was it easy, yes and no? The 1st month was the hardest month I had to do. After that it just kept getting better and easier each month. It is NOT a magical cure. It is my tool to allow me to use to reach my goal. The big question you are thinking is have I maintained my weight loss goal? The answer is YES, I fluctuate between 5 to 7 pounds sometimes. I still eat healthy, make sure I get enough Protein and stay away from too many carbs. It accurately is a lifestyle change NOT a diet. It is easy for me to live like this and eat like this for the rest of my life. I have some really delicious meals and I never feel deprived at all. Do I eat deserts, yes and it is made healthy and is extremely good. Do I eat deserts every day; the answer is no. I love all the lifestyle changes I have made in my life and it will always work for me. I was the person who hated to exercise. Now I do something every day. Last Sept, I thought I would just see if I could walk 7 days a week for a month and I did just that. Well that became a good habit and I walked EVERY DAY for one YEAR without missing a day. Yes, I walked outside when it was raining or not nice weather—I am always coming back home, so I will get dry if I get wet while walking. I walked between 3 ½ miles to 4 miles a day. Five years ago, I could have never walked that much. Find some type of exercise that you like and it will be easier to do. Start out slow and then add to it. You don’t have to do it 7 days a week, but do something at least 3 or 5 times a week. I want you to know that you too can become successful at weight loss. I am 68 now and life is so different for me. If you are thinking about having weight loss surgery, I am living proof that it does work and you can do it too. Suzanne Beaty Sleeved Oct 21, 2008

You are so very welcome. I always loved seeing that years down the road people still posted here and let others know that they can be successful too. So I try to give back and let others know that this can happen for them too. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, thanks for taking the time to say the nice things you said. Life is good and I just want others to know 5 years down the road that they can do this too. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, Oh, I have been right where you are too. So I do remember how reading these posts helped me so much. The unknown is the hardest things. I want you to know that each day it just keeps getting better. I am always here if you have any question or you are having a hard time. You can do this too. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, thanks for taking the time to read my post and enjoying it. I just want people to know that Weight Loss Surgery does work and you can be successful too. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, thanks so much for taking the time to write what you did. It was so nice. Hugs, Suzanne

Thank you so much, I appreciate your comments. Hugs, Suzanne

Hi, Thanks, I have always tried to stay in touch with how I became fate and how I became successcul. Weight Loss Surgery has changed my entire life and all for the better. Take it one day at a time. You can be just as successful. I want people to see 5 years that it is still working for me. It has to be a lifestyle change and NOT a diet. We have all failed at many diets. Thanks for you kind and sweet words. Hugs, Suzanne

Thanks for the very nice words. I really appreciate your words and thoughts. Keep doing what you are doing and you are going to be just as successful. Hugs, Suzanne

Thanks so much for your comment! Hugs, Suzanne

Hey out there, Can we help each other and give more support? I know we can. Sometimes we are so busy leading our own lives we forget just how far we have come and what a difference we can make helping someone else who is just starting out. If people would take more time to think about ways they can make others feel good about their choices or answer some of their questions, or offer some support it might mean the world to that person. I know when I was starting I had some delightful ladies who were always right there for me—THANKS LADIES! I had a million questions, and they always answered all my questions. I had a million questions and they were always so nice to answer all of my questions. Perhaps the best way is simply through sharing sincere compliments, answering the question that they are asking and do it sincerely. It just takes a few minutes to do this. How about looking for ways to compliment them on their success or their choice to have weight loss surgery? It will make both of you and the people reading these posts feel a lot better. You are all very important. Just because we make different choices doesn’t make us right or wrong. You will find that I do reference that I went to Dr. Aceves. I do this because he is the only doctor I have knowledge about, and I feel he is a marvelous Doctor who cares genuinely about his patients. He has years of experience and you will find that anyone who has gone to him, feels the very same why I do. So let step up and help the new people out there. How about being accountable and offering our expertise that we have developed on our weight loss journey? Some of us have accomplished our weight loss, and we have a lot we can share. I want everyone to be successful, healthy and ecstatic with their choice. NEVER ever give up on yourself. Having Weight Loss Surgery was the very FINEST thing I have ever done for myself. You can and will be successful too! DO not give another day of your life away being overweight, fat, hefty, chubby, heavy, pudgy, stout, plump and obese. There are so many words I can say for fat, but we know all of them. How about you are unhealthy! It is your time to start living. Hugs,

Hi, It is hard to know who to talk to. I was very lucky that I had two ladies who really helped when I was starting this journey. If you have any questions please feel free to send me an E-mail to Suzannesh@aol.com. If you send me a note I will also be happy to send you my phone number if you want to talk. You are doing all the right and correct things. I wish you great success. I am always here to help you in any way I can. Hugs, Suzanne

Hey Kathy, Thanks for all the nice words. And heck NO I don't mind you saying my age at all. I am proud to be the age I am. This surgery has changed my entire life. Yes I have lost this weight and kept it off. Best of all I am walking every day. Yes, I walk 7 days a week. In about a week, I will have walked for 9 months, and NEVER missed a day of walking. Yes, I walk in the rain. I won't melt, and it feels good to walk every day! We are ALL out here to help and support you. There are NEVER any wrong questions to ask. Start asking some of us for help or send us your questions. We are here to be honest, cheer you on and support you in any way we can. Hugs to you Kathy and thanks for all the nice words about me. Suzanne

Hi, Why are you still sitting out there waiting to have surgery. I know for many, it is the fear off failing just one more time. I felt like that too, and I want you to know that "sleeve" surgery was the ONLY thing that has ever worked for me. I had it over 4 1/2 years ago and I lost 105 pounds and I have kept it off. STOP giving days of your life away. Make the choice to do something that is going to save your life. I am always here if you have any questions. Do something NOW, and I promise you, that you will never have any regrets

Hi, We have choices and we have to make the one that is best for us. I am a big fan of Dr. Aceves, and he was everything I was looking for. I think you know what is important to you, and you should do what is best for you. I asked 100's of questions. I checked out infection rates, I want to know what the hospital was like. Was the recovery in a fully equipped hospital and not a recovery house. I had certain standards. You should also, this is about your health and you know what you want. I wish you great success. If you have any questions that I can answer for you, please feel free to ask me. Take care.

Hi, You are making a great choice. I went there 4 1/2 years ago. I lost 105 pounds and have kept it off. He is an amazing doctor. I am always out here if you have any questions or want to talk. Hugs, Suzanne

Nina is Dr. Aceves's patient coordinator. You can reach her at this number 1-888 344 3916 She will answer any and all your questions without any pressure. I think it is always good to have a lot of questions and feel comfortable with the answers that you are getting. Remember this is ALL about YOU and NO one else. I wish you great success with your journey. Suzanne

Like some other people have suggested. If you are concerned about you life and health, maybe you might want to save up and go to Dr. Aceves. I went in 2008, and I loved him. You know there are also loans available for this surgery. We never stop and think twice about making car payments. So way not make payments to change your entire life forever. You certainly are worth the cost of having a great doctor! I wish all of you great success. For me I wanted the best I could find and after a lot of research, I knew it was Dr. Aceves. Hugs and take care of yourself. Suzanne