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I'm a military spouse and Tricare doesn't cover the sleeve. We were stationed in Germany and the only options they'd offer me were the band or bypass. I researched the band for six months before seeing a trend and deciding that if so many folks with bands were revising to the sleeve, I'd skip a step and go straight to the sleeve.

With no local surgeons that I felt were experienced enough (for me) in Germany, I opted to research three other surgeons instead . Two were in the US and one was in Mexico. After a great deal of research and many contacts with all three surgeons, I opted to go with Dr. Aceves due to his experience and the sheer number of happy patients. I also wanted more "bang for my buck" and felt that several days in the hospital were preferable to a short 23-hour stay.

I self paid, using an unsecured loan through USAA bank. I have never once regretted that small monthly payment! I financed both my surgery and my flight, for a total of $10K.

I flew all the way from Germany to San Diego for surgery and was sleeved on 15 July 2010. It was a great experience and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Dr. Aceves to anyone.

On surgery day I was 242 pounds and wore a very snug 18/20 and XXL. It took me 17 months to reach my goal, but I am now 134 pounds and a size 4/6 S. I have no regrets.

I frequently advocate a more relaxed approach to diet and I truly feel that part of why I am so happy and healthy, mentally, physically and emotionally, is because I used the time when I was losing weight to deal with my food issues and learn how to eat like a normal person.