devotion

Here is an interesting article about how more and more Americans are traveling to Mexico for their travel needs and AMERICAN hospitals are investing there: Bloomberg.com: Special Report You will be in good hands in Mexico! Just research and make sure your doctor is top notch. See my previous reply up-thread for link on researching Mexican doctors, courtesy of a wonderful bandster on this forum.

Hello, I have been researching Mexico for several months and finally decided to go for it, given that I am self-pay. My surgeon is Dr. Miguel Zapata in Monterrey, Mexico and is one of the best in Mexico. I really wrestled with this, but after months of research and after talking with a "band factory" here in the U.S. (where I felt like a number) I decided on Mexico. Feel free to PM me with any questions. My surgery is a week from today! Also, you will DEFINITELY want to read this wonderful reference article that a user on this forum created: "Research Mexican Lap-Band Doctors 101". You can find that article at: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f200/researching-mexican-lap-band-doctors-101-a-43575/ Good luck to you! :smile:

Good luck to you!!! I am right there with you - my surgery is on May 16th. I'm starting to get nervous - but I am excited too. I wish the best for both of us.

I'm pre-op; surgery is May 16. I've been on this board trying to learn about how people are dealing with being banded. Then I started reading several posts about how people are not losing weight, or they or only losing very little, or have plateaued. What is going on with that? I just do not understand how you can have the band, ear less, work out and still NOT lose weight. Is this a real problem with the band? I really need some advice. Thanks in advance.

I am wondering - how "naked" will I be during the surgery? I know this is a dumb question to ask, but I am really, really freaked out about being totally exposed during the surgery. I know the doc has seen hundreds of women like me, but still...the thought just makes me nauseous.:thumbup:

I initially got a lot of flak from some loved ones, and I simply told them "This is what I need to do to save my life. You will either support me or you will be silent." It worked. Everyone ended up supporting me. I am so sorry you are having to go through this. Please hang in there and remember to do what is best for you. One suggestion: find some literature or studies about how the failure rate of dieting for obese people is 100% over time (it's out there), and how the lap-band is a tool to help you help yourself lose weight, and how, ultimately, this surgery will save your live and keep you healthy. And then give your loved one this literature. Surely they will support you. If not, set boundaries with them and forbid them from being critical. Be good to yourself.

Yes it will be worth it that is for sure. I just have to get used to the idea!

Thanks amsderb - I wish you the best of luck as well! :smile:

I am so excited for all of us too. I am already on the list but wanted to say I'm on May 16 and going to Dr. Zapata in Monterrey, Mexico (after a ton of research on him of course). My mother, who is an RN, will be accompanying me - although I am 36, LOL. My husband and I thought it would be better for her to go since she is a nurse.

Good luck Gemini! I am right with you as my surgery is on May 16. This site is information overload - in a good way. You will learn so much. I am sure this will be a life-changing event for you and am so happy to hear you are going for it. Kudos and may you have great success.

Tottie1990, It is certainly a scary world out there right now and I understand your concerns about the recession. I do not know your total financial picture, but I have a few thoughts. First, have you thought about going to Mexico? There are fabulous doctors (do your research) in Mexico that cost about $7K as opposed to $15K in the U.S. Second, do you have insurance? if you do, put in writing that you are requesting the surgery and have a doctor explain why the surgery is Medically Necessary. Even with a WLS exclusion, you CAN get coverage if you fight hard enough. What will happen is you will make your request to the insurance company, and after they deny it, go ahead and get and self-pay for the surgery. Then you can seek reimbursement based on the argument that the surgery is covered because it was medically necessary. It will usually take about 2-3 appeals before you will get coverage, but you can if you meet the criteria or threaten a lawsuit. I have researched this and know a lot about it so feel free to PM me. I am going this route, having the surgery in Mexico, and then demanding that the insurance co. reimburse me. If I have to, I will sue for reimbursement. The insurance company must pay my attorneys' fees if I win. Third, how secure do you feel in your job? If you were laid off today, would you be able to find a job easily? Do you have enough savings to live on for 2-3 months if you are unemployed? This is just something to consider; ultimately only you can decide how much risk you are willing to take. Finally, consider the tax implications of having the surgery. You can get a deduction for the amount of the surgery if your health care costs are 7 percent of your adjusted gross income (or something like that). IMHO, I think the money is well spent despite the state of the economy. Ultimately you will save so much in health care costs, food, clothing, etc. and you will be feeling more confident which will make it easier to find work if you should need to. The main thing is to start now. Your health is worth more than gold! Again just my opinion. As far as getting into debt, make sure you are getting the lowest interest rate you can. You can always call your credit card co. and demand a lower rate by saying that you have better offers. Make sure the monthly payments are something you can live with. Gosh, I've really left a long post, and I apologize in advance for any unsolicited advice. I just hope you find the answers you are looking for. Best of luck, Angela

Hope2bhealthy, Please note there are some of us who do have difficulty with bathroom hygiene because of our weight pre-op. It's embarrassing and horrible, but this is where our weight has gotten us. I am 36 with short, short arms so you can guess what it is like with a lot of extra fat. Because I already struggle in this area, I was actually quite relieved to hear about the the toilet tongs, but I found a better product online and ordered it after reading casscity's great list. And I also wanted to add that I am sure you have the best intentions, but your email was a bit of a downer. Having a "list" gives those of us waiting for surgery something to do; it validates the importance of what we are doing; and it feels empowering to take care of ourselves by getting the things we need. I do believe that many of the items are important - especially if anyone is, like me, going to Mexico. I appreciate your perspective but I needed to stick up for the list and yes, even the toilet tongs :smile2: Wishing you success, Angela

SkiGirlDenver, Your story was very compelling to read, and I have a few thoughts. First, congratulations on making the wonderful and self-affirming decision to take control of your health! I too am getting banded - my date is May 16 so we are essentially getting banded at the same time. I want you to take time to really feel just GREAT about yourself and your inner and yes, your outer beauty as it is right now. Remember you ARE beautiful just the way you are. This band is going to give you the health benefits and will save your life down the road for sure. Please know how much courage it takes to make this kind of decision. I am 36 and am married, and my husband is very concerned about how my weight has ballooned. Mostly because of my health and because it interferes with intimacy. But he is standing by me and is doing that because he loves me. He loves me the way I am now though and that is what is important in any relationship. Of course, I am not saying that being overweight does not lead to discrimination in so many areas of our society - it does. But to those people who love you, the only thing they should be concerned about is your health. I am sorry if this offends you at all, but your guy friend is not worth having your friendship. He has insulted you and obviously is insecure because he is so focused on weight. If he loved you, really loved you, he would not say you would always be the fat girl. He is the one who is going to lose out as you lose weight. I know you are nervous this won't work, but it will. Physically, it definitely will. Mentally, of course, you have to empower yourself and refuse to see yourself - or let others see you -- as that "fat girl" any more. Take control, be powerful, and be kind to yourself. And pardon my intrusiveness, but please get rid of the guy friend. You are too good for him. Best of luck to you with your surgery! Angela

It's so great to see everyone on here. Good luck to all of us!

I am from Austin, Texas!

Hello, I am new here. In fact, this is my first post. :w00t: I am opting for the Realize band and my surgery is May 16th. I was nervous at first, but as I research more and more, I think I am doing the right thing. This looks like a fantastic forum and I'm so glad I joined.

Hi there everybody! Good luck to all. I just wanted to introduce myself and let you know my surgery date is May 16. Angela