"***THIS IS MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE ONLY****rnrnI found Dr Aceves and his clinic doing research on weight loss surgery options out of the United States. I was very impressed with the information of his website (http://www.mexicolapband.com/index1.php) and I joined his Yahoo group (http://www.mexicolapband.com/index1.php) to see what how his patients were doing. Everything I heard about Dr Aceves was terrific. The reviews of the hospital and the staff were all extremely positive and Dr Aceves' patients all had a deep respect and love for their surgeon.rnI didn't stop my research there however, I asked a friend at the local Mexican consulate here in Portland to check into the doctor and the hospital and let me know if there was any reason that I should not consider having surgery in Mexicali. My friend did check into the matter and said that both the reputation of the doctor and the hospital were perfect.rnI scheduled my surgery and made my flight arrangements. The hospital was beautiful. The staff were wonderful. The doctors were miracle workers and the entire experience was amazing. Every effort was made to ensure that I knew what I was having done and what the risks were before I even went to Mexico and then everything was gone over again in person. I had a complete battery of tests done prior to surgery to ensure that I was in good enough health.rnThat was a year ago, June 2007. I was 286 pounds when I had surgery. I am now 192 pounds and still losing. I have had no complications, no problems, no issues. I work very hard at my weight loss. I eat right and exercise. I could never have done this with out the amazing tool that Dr Aceves gave me when he gave me my lap band. It reminds me of my limitations regarding food. It keeps me motivated. rnThe only real drawback is that I have not been able to afford to go back to Mexico for after care. I have followed the instructions given to me by the doctor at the hospital and I have been getting fills and follow up care from Kelley Fitzpatrick here in Portland. I also attend Weight Watchers meeting as a support group mainly. rnI am currently in training for the Portland to Coast walking relay which takes place in August. I will walk between 10 and 15 miles on mountain roads. I would never have dreamed of being able to do anything like that a short year ago. rnSurgery in a foreign country is not something to be taken lightly. You need to know what you are doing and who is taking care of you. You need to educate yourself and you need to have an open mind and avoid having ignorant attitudes about other countries and cultures. Many US doctors go to Mexico to get training on the Lap Band procedure. If you cannot have this surgery covered by insurance, Dr Aceves is great option to making your weight loss goals a reality. My local physicians are so impressed with my progress that they have asked for Dr Aceves name so they can tell patients about him.rn"
