505dardar

Thanks for you help. I'll rethink the band. Have a happy new year and lets hope 09 is a great one!!!

I talked to Pleatman and decided he was not the one I wanted to go with. I did talk to Aceves assistant. Can't remember his name, about the band. If I just had a doc. that was around me if I had a complication. I've talked to a few docs here in town (ABQ) and none of them wanted to help at all. Maybe I'm thinking I'll need a doc more than I will. Just like the no maintenance thing but maybe not in the cards.

Thanks Wasa, Since I've been investigating different procedures I've followed that band/sleeve diet for the most part and have lost about 15#s. By the time I figure out what is best for me I'll be at goal (wish, wish). I've pretty much ruled out the band. Too many trips to doc. and I'm far from any bariatric doc. Soooooo, looks like a longer more invasive surgery. Not a good option either but don't like the maintenance on a band. Any suggestions other than sewing my mouth shut??????

Hey Wasa, Did I hear you right. I might be able to get a sleeve?

Thanks Mac, LAPSF is one of the places I'm looking into. I've been lurking around these boards for a few months now and its amazing how much I have learned. Thanks again!!

Hi Mac, I got a VBG in 1991. Worked for about a year and now I have gained all my weight back plus more. I did not have any complications at all but now I need a revision. Don't know what to do. Would love a sleeve, band seems like alot of complications as a revision and I live in a state where there is no aftercare. What would you suggest for me to look into. Thanks!!!

I like this surgeon. But little voice telling me something not right when I can't seem to get info. from some of his patients who just posted. Too bad.

I have sent pm to some of these new posts and NO ONE has responded to me. Not one. Why? Can't figure it out.

Jessica is pretty non-responsive. Won't use him if I have to go through her. Anyone else that I can go to directly in his office????

I'm not afraid of TJ. My brother lives in Baja California so quite comfortable with Mexico. I'm afraid of getting home and having a problem and no one here to help me. There is no bariatric surgeons in the state where I live. Living in San Diego in a no brainer, unfortunately, I do not. Can you give me your personal experiences instead of telling me to go to their web sight? Thanks alot!!!!!

marissaloree and nomorefat Wow, great testimonials. How did you find Dr. Gonzalez, how do you feel now, where do you both live, is it close to TJ. Still haven't decided in a Doc. because I'm scared to death about not being close to a surgeon. Any surgeon. Mexico doesn't bother me, just the distance to get there if something needs attention, goes wrong, etc. Can you guys give some info. more than he is "great". Specifics would be wonderful. Thanks!!!!!!!

"um, yes. That's how the fills work." Is the icky part of your response. I would not have liked the response either.

I've heard great things about Aceves, Jose Rod., Rumbault. Heard not such great things about Arturo Rod., Check the forums, he has had some problems in the past. Check forums on Ortiz, quite famous. Don't know about Kelly or Zapata. I'm still looking also and have researched alot, but can't quite decide.

congrats on your decision, how did you pick your surgeon?

I need to find a doctor that does revisions. I had stomach stapling 20 yrs ago and am looking for a surgeon that is familiar with revisions. Thanks for the name of your doc.

Hi Cheryl, I'm in NM also. I had a date set but cancelled it. Wasn't sure about the suregeon. Who are you using??

what is the lbt system? new to this forum and don't know all the in and outs yet. Thanks, D.........

Hi Wasa, I'm glad you saw my post. I had gastric bypass 20yrs ago with no support or instructions. I live in New Mexico and we still have no bariatrics surgeons so I'll have to travel somewhere for this surgery. I'm thinking of the band. I see alot of success but also failures on line so I'm leery. I found Dr. Gonzales on the internet. I have talked to his team but wondered how to find out about his credentials. I've tried to find out all Mexico Drs. credentials but can't seem to find the link to that information. Does it exist?? I've talked to some other Drs. teams but just had to pick one and leaned towards Francisco Gonzalez. I've done some research but hard to get some of answers I'm looking for. I see you had the band and now looking into the sleeve. Can I ask why? Should I get the sleeve, so much to consider here. Thanks Wasa for any information you have. I did see your report on how to pick a surgeon. The more I research the more confused I am and wonder if I should do this at all? Anxiously waiting to hear from, Thanks so much,, Darlene

Hi Judy, I talked to Dr. Valenzuela today and Laura a couple of days ago. Very curious as to what is going on. I got a price of $7,500 from Dr. V. for a revision and I talked to a patient facilitator in Florida and gave me a price of $9,000.00 for same exact procedure and same Dr. What # did you call? I called the one on their web site. Thanks Judy for responding to me so I can make a well informed decision, Darlene

Hi Judy, thanks for such a quick reply. I hope I'm talking to the right surgeon. Dr. Francisco Gonzalez, his assistant is Dr. Angel Valenzuela, support person is Laura?

nm sunshine, i'm from nm also. Thinking of using dr. G. I need a revision so i hope things go well. Its kinda of weird, i guess i found a site that had a patient facilitator and he quoted me $9,000. $300.00 per fill from dr. G. Plus some other charges. Then i called dr. G. And they quoted me $7,500. For same surgery and amenities. Fills are free. I have done a lot of research - and have found some slimey people on the internet. This thread seems real. Some hostile people on some threads. I'm just browsing around and did find most banders a kind and curtious.