gabe4x4

I too did my research WASA and when I spoke with Gonzalez, I asked him about complications which was a big concern of mine. He flat out said it, his combined complication rate is less than 3%. When I asked him how that stacked up against the rest he had his assistant email me 5 different studies where like mylap says: complications including erosions ranged from 1-9.x%. Gonzalez is a nice guy, but I did not go with him for his personality, I went with him because of his track record and from day one I was treated as if I were their only patient, darn it, I still am treated in that way. Calls and emails checking on me, my incisions and my diet! Man I struck gold with these guys! They are good. And by the way none of the patients I met mentioned any facilitators or mylap, and as far as I know, doctor Gonzalez has no sales people or facilitators, at least not to my knowledge. I'm sure that if they sent you their stats initially, they can also send you the studies that they sent me (call them up!), and if you do ask them can you please also ask them for their stats on follow-up. Were you thinking of getting follow-up with them, or why did you ask them for statistics in the first place? Because I know by reading these posts that they offer follow-up to any doctor's patients at no cost. I read somewhere in this forum that a patient of doctor Ortiz has been given follow-up by Doctor G's team, I think it's "short c", look her up. Did you also know that doctor Gonzalez does charity work performing at least two to three free lap band surgeries each year, totally free, I think even including airfare and hotel. Patients all that need to do is fill out a special form and they are picked according to their morbidities, overall health and income bracket. I don't care what anyone says, Gonzalez and his team are the real deal.

I've read mylapband's posts and they are not about slamming doctors as much as yours (and you have over 3000). And yes baby you hit hard on anyone but your own surgeon, so let's give mylap band the respect that's due. She had a good experience with Gonzalez, has never met anyone with complications, and according to her research she has very good stats on Gonzalez. To each his own. I agree with Gonzalez stats being great because I honestly believe everyone else's to be self serving and way out of the average, how convenient that no one ever mentions stats close to 2%!!!! And yet most studies out there except for INAMED's are on average around the 3% mark. I had surgery with Gonzalez and had a great experience and like mylap have not met anyone with complications, I guess it must be because I have a 97% chance of meeting only patients with outstanding outcome. Good luck WASA!

Wishing everyone a good weekend! Its been a tempting time for me but I've been able to handle it, liquids and purees. You want health and a better life you got to do it. I know in a few months this hard time will be worth it. Stay away from the tempting food and I'll be ok. You girls going to doctor Gonzalez will do just fine, that's the easy part, following all instructions and diet is the challenge. I'm doing it and losing weight so will you!! Gabe out............

LUCKY YOU!!!!! All patients going to doctor Gonzalez: Good choice. Young doctor, explains everything and goes to work. I like it, no beating around the bush. I met him and his First question: How was your flight? 2nd: How are you feeling? 3rd: Did Dr. Valenzuela explain everything to you and answer all your questions? Ok now we will go over the procedure and answer your questions afterwards. He went over every detail of the procedure, explained that I needed to work at it after surgery, Lap Band is not a magic cure speech, answered my questions and that was it. Next day I underwent surgery. Nursing staff did their job great and I am happily losing weight. And yes they do call and email you afterwards to check up on you. Great experience I would recommend Dr. Gonzalez and his team to anyone who is serious about losing weight. B A, lets keep in touch hope you are doing as well as I am!

I´m posting from the airport ready to leave to San Diego, I´ll keep you all posted!!!!!

Feels good to be in the same group as all you guys. My best wishes to all! Lets do it!

You fill out the medical history form, you get the pre-op diet, I was told low BMI people are not that critical on the pre-op diet (I'm starting mine today). Then they mail you a package to prepare you for the surgery. I'm pleased with the service. Have you called? try 877-249-2263 talk to Laura. You'll probably talk to Doctor Valenzuela. If you have more than a few questions, write them down cause when you are on the phone you may forget, Dr. Valenzuela gets pretty deep into his answers. After he goes over the whole thing he can put doctor Gonzalez on the phone for you if he is not in surgery, if he is Gonzalez will call you. Go for it baker! Just make the call man! I looked around and this is a tightly run outfit, everything checked out, oh and the price as well. I feel its a good deal ALL THE WAY AROUND. ##BAND-AID 2007##

Im basically excited to get this done, I can't stand the weight, its killing me. And I look forward to meeting you as well B A. I haven't really gone through any "mixed emotions" phase, its probably because I'm sure of what I want and just want to get it over with and on to the next stage. I'm really sure about Gonzalez and his team so on we go! He's putting the "band-aid" in me on the 17th! BAND-AID 2007!

Looks like were going to meet down in TJ! I got mine for the same date as you. I talked to my boss, set up vacation time, talked to Laura and the doc with the stone cold patience (dr. Valenzuela) and got the wheels rolling pronto, Dr. Gonzalez is putting the band in me real soon. I´m just like that, I made up my mind and I ain´t pussyfooting around the issue. Im all researched up. Meet you in TJ Marcy!!!! Thanks for all your help everybody!

I got your info and I think it´s been great the way your life has changed I´m thinking I can be as lucky with the surgery and with the first couple of months. Maybe luck does have a little to do with this and a little more chosing the right doctor. I´ve seen the results the patients of doctor Gonzalez talk about and also the videos. As soon as I know my vacation schedule I´m almost sure I´m going with doctor Gonzalez. I´ll see you on the web! Thanks!

Ive read this post and am interested in Dr. Gonzalez, do any of you mind if I PM you for more information?