Hey I am new.

[Randy35 0]

Hi, I call myself the lapbandit because thanks to the lapband I literally stole back my life from the wretched claws of morbid obesity. Obesity had me in its grasp. Pulling me slowly but surely in a downward spiral to my pre-mature death. Why? You ask. Simply because I was suffering diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and plantar fascitis and on top of all diseases my low self-esteem and depressive swings were making everything worse. One day while talking to a friend, who had undergone lapband surgery in Mexico, I heard the name Dr. Gonzalez. I contacted Dr. Gonzalez and within 20 min. of speaking with Dr. Gonzalez I knew he was the surgeon for the job. His affable personality, his calm demeanor, and his obvious expertise convinced he was the man for the job.

It was Jan. 1st 2005, the date that would forever live in my mind; that was the day I got my lapband! The 1st week after the surgery was tough. There was a little pain, but the hard part was: no food! Only liquids. By the second week the liquid diet began to be my friend.

After 1 month I started to adapt and by the 2nd month I had lost a full 20 pounds. For the next 20 months I lost an average of 5 lbs. a month. I have been at my goal weight for the last 4 months.

My wife is happy as she can be, I am able to actually play sports with my kids.

I am very happy, Thanks to the lapband. Thanks to Dr. Gonzalez and most importantly my will to live longer.

[Kat817 19]

There are many, many Dr.'s in Mexico---they do not sound like the same Dr. to me. Be sure to research thoroughly not just the Dr. but the facility they use. Get that particular Dr.'s stats for complications. Find out how many bands they have placed---speak to former patients. Find out info about them from places other than their own site!

I am not anti Mexico Dr.'s---I used one myself---but I researched for months before reaching a decision! Your health --- even your life is what is at risk---do your homework!!! You may have already done all this, it just worried me that you thought it might be the same Dr. is all!

Good Luck!

Kat

[Randy35 0]

CONGRATS! Their not the some doctors though, Dr. Gonzalez is located in Tijuana. Hope all goes well in your surgery, I've traveled to Monterrey before its a very nice city, and the people are very kind.

[Randy35 0]

I agree with Kat. I chose Dr. Gonzalez because a close freind had recommended him + when I went to visit Dr. Gonzalez I was impressed by how nice the facility was AND the buildings' view was amazing. The facility isnt really what matters though, It's the Doctors experience and the equipment they use. Dr. Gonzalez even has a Myspace ( Myspace.com/lap_band).

[Kat817 19]

I agree that the Dr. and his experience matter, but it DOES matter with the facility and whether or not they have modern medical technologies available to them. There are Dr.'s doing lap bands out of small clinics. If you have a bleeding issue, or any number of problems that can arise during surgery, especially a surgery most of us go into being morbidly obese, you need to be sure that the facility has the ways and means available to the surgeon, on the spot to help save your life! A Dr. cannot carry with him all the things that may have to be used to save your life---I stand by my belief that the facility needs to be researched as well. However I mean no offense to Randy and his opinion, and do not wish to argue with anyone, that is totally not my style. Just wanted to point out WHY I believe it is important.

Kat

[Randy35 0]

You are right about that Kat, I was wrong. The facility does mean alot,especially in Mexico ( I dont mean that in a bad way) I dont think we would feel so comfortable in a small and crumy clinic + being concerned if they have the latest medical technology and the right equipment for any emergencies, But I am sure you would research all that before making your decision.

[gigi8 0]

Hi Randy and congratulations on your success! That is wonderful! I was banded on 1/30/07 and am doing well. I have alot of energy and have lost 29 lbs so far. I have not had a fill yet-that won't be for about 3 more weeks. Again, great success. It is so nice to hear inspiring successes. Have a great day! Gigi