donniej

Im definately glad to have the band removed! The damage from the band was very bad and yes my decision to get sleeved very well could of saved my life. 6 months seems like a long time, but Im already planning for the surgery later this year! I feel like I have completely healed from the surgery, I feel soooo much better now that the band has been removed.

Just read this sorry. I was quoted 11,200 for removal and sleeve. The charge for removing my band was 4500 and I was reimbursed the difference.

Not the best news from the tests, looks like I may have a eroded band, will not know if Dr. Aceves will be able to do the VSG surgery at the same time. Happy that I chose him as my surgeon tho because he has the experience to make the best decision! Hoping that if there is erosion that its minor and not in the area that will cause a problem. Yall cross your fingers.And Pray. Donnie H

I was not as lucky. I also had my band in 2003,I went to Mexico to one of the best Doctors there to find out that my band was 90% eroded into my stomach, apparently it had been that way for a while. I had no pain and no obvious symptoms, the endo or atleast a barium swallow before surgery is a must! Unfortunately I have to wait 6 months for mt stomach to heal. Hope you have better results than I ,but always be prepared. Donnie H.

Im sure he made the right decision, Ill just have to wait a while to have the sleeve. Hope things are good with your sleeve, keep us updated. Donnie

Unfortunately my band was eroded to bad to do the sleeve will have to wait about 6 months...Very happy that things are going good for you.

Sad to report that Dr. Aceves was unable to do the revision at the same time. 90% of my band had eroded into the stomach,very bad erosion, Dr Aceves did a great job removing the band and reparing the stomach and said after about 6 months of healing the sleeve will be no problem. I trust his opinion. This guy and his staff are extremely professional.

first class hospital and doctors.....you will do great and let us know how it goes.

Will be leaving tomorrow morning for surgery by Dr. Aceves on 6/18.... wish me luck guys and hold me a seat on the losers bench. Donnie H.

Good to hear all is well with you Patti Sue. Thanks for the good luck guys. Ill try and keep evryone posted how things go.

Best of luck to you Patti sue, Keep the bench warm for me, Ill be there on the 17th. Let us know how things went when you feel up to it. Donnie

Im in Pineville La. Theres a few in the area that do the VSG. I will be having a revision from lapband to VSG and almost all the doctors I spoke to wanted to do it in 2 surgeries, I decided to go with a very experience Dr. in Mexico, I would have never considered going to Mexico but once I did the research I decided it was best for me. Dont rule it out until you have looked into it. Donnie

My surgery is June 18 with Dr. Aceves....Although I wasnt given a strict pre-op diet, I have been doing the Atkins diet and drinking 1 Isopure drink from GNC no carbs 40 grams of Protein and taste pretty good. Good luck to all the June sleevers, keep everyone updated! DonnieJ 240- pre-op

Anyone else gonna be in Mexicali then? Im excited yet nervous.

Thank You Becca.... Im nervously excited

I feel we are in good hands. I could have the surgery locally for about the same price, but Id rather travel to someone I feel safer with!!!. Dr. Aceves reputation serves him well.

Hi Patty Sue, You will be leaving the day I get there, my revision is scheduled on the 18th. Good luck.

Southwest doesnt fly out of Alexandria....Will book with continental, they have the best rates or the same as the booking agents. Thanks for the replys and the helpful hints.Hope all goes well sarsar....please keep us posted and if you think of anything else I may overlook just let me know!! You guys are great, looking forward to sharing my experience soon.

Hey friends, forgive my ignorance but Ive never flown in a airplane in my 47 years. Who should I book my trip with? Who should I avoid at all costs? I know theres dozens of places to book, but Ill take some advise from those of you with firsthand knowledge. I will be leaving Alexandria, La. and flying into San Diego Cal. My tentative surgery date with Dr. Aceves is on 6/18 Any hints on what to take and what not to take? Ill be flying alone so the luggage will be minimal, just dont wanna take anything not allowed by security or whom ever Thanks for the help. Donnie Pre-op 240 Dr. Aceves 6/18/2011

I was wondering if surgery cost for the sleeve in Mexico can be claimed on income taxes?

Thats great news, hoping to possibly recoop some of the expenses. Being self pay is tuff on the bank account. Thanks for the replies. Donnie 2 failed lapbands ready for a change.