RavenLunatic
Without getting to "wordy"
About 1992 or so.. I slowly started to "BEEF UP" , It was a very slow and gradual Process. I knew i was gaining weight, and tried every diet Known to man kind, Getting Minimal results, but **ALWAYS**.. gaining back the weight I lost , **PLUS** a few extra !!
Over time i became discouraged, And depressed, Eventually cutting myself off from the majority of my friends, and rarely leaving the house.** I No longer enjoyed my life.. **
A few years ago, After multiple lectures from my Cardiologist, Family, and "the few friends i had left"... I started checking into The possibility of Bariatric Surgery. AS A LAST RESORT.. God knows ... I tried everything else !!!
My Insurance WAS UTTERLY USELESS ! So Last year I decided to Bite the bullet, and seek out Financial Options,
**"As I had to Self pay."**
My options were #1. to Take out a Loan.. (I hadn't been employed for a few years at that time, so my credit rating wasn't the best.)
Option #2. Was to Re-Finance my home ( that would have worked against me, As far as the interest rate went )
Option #3. Max Out All the credit cards... (Not a great Option..)
Option #4. Was to take out a Home Equity line of credit.. (( DING,DING, DING... That was the winning Option.. ))
THEN.. came the hard part... To Pick the best Surgeon for the money..
After A Lengthy search I picked "One surgeon", in( TJ. Mex.) There was VERY little info at all. for this Guys practice, His stats, Or him.. I later found out ...He lost his med. License to practice, and he was even closed down by the Mexican Govt.
He later opened a "Nice NEW facility", and was hiring in Sub-Contracted Surgeons at a lower price to do the surgeries for him. There was NO Info Available for ANY of the surgeons, he had contracted to perform my surgery.
The entire time.. I was getting RED FLAGS and voices telling me.. This is a BAD IDEA !!
SO... I continued to do my research.. ((and then some more!! ))
Finally ** i came across "MY SURGEON" ** I selected Dr. Alberto Aceves.
After speaking with him, I was impressed that he was more interested in ((What was best for me..)) Instead of his bottom dollar, and how much more he could make from me.
He welcomed "Any and All Questions," about him, his back ground,, his staff, and facility. ((I was very impressed)),
and even more so, After I actually met him and his staff.
I Initially wanted the RNY.. but due to my BMI.. Dr. Aceves said he had concerns performing the RNY at my current weight / BMI, And suggested i check into the ((Vertical Gastric sleeve,)) Dr. Aceves took the time to carefully explain EVERY aspect of the procedure to me. and I did my own research as well. And yes.. I agreed ..it sounded like the best situation,for me, and the results I wanted to achieve, with LESS invasive procedures, and a MUCH lower risk factor.. That ALONE.. was a great selling point for me !
SO,, I got back with Dr. Aceves people, And made the Appointment. for Dec. 4th 2007. Dr. Aceves started me on the pre- surgery diet, ( I lost about 20 lbs ) I was quoted a price of $9,500.00 And that Covered EVERYTHING..but the airfare, and food an the way out and back. There were NO hidden charges or additional fees. ALL the pre- and Post Testing was included !!
The Hospital.. was Just That.."A real Hospital", Not a ((Euro-Spa Surgery Mill )) The Hospital was The CLEANEST.. I have EVER seen, The Staff was the best i could have possibly expected. I had a Roomy Private recovery room with private bathroom, and constant nursing staff checking in on me Numerous times day and night, As well as Dr. Aceves and Dr. Campos came to check and visit with me 3 times a day. I have never seen treatment such as this ANYWHERE in the USA !!! EVER !!
If it seems I am a bit Biased... *** well ***I admit it.. *I am..* I believe EVERYONE of us that has had "which ever" surgery.. Feels their Surgeon is the best !
Long story short.. It is SO very important..you find out ALL YOU CAN.
About your surgeon, the facility, and The surgeons ((TRUTHFULL STATS)) Your Life and health depends on it !!
Since my surgery 12-04-2007 (( I have lost 128bs )) to date 07-27-2008 That to me has been a Life changing event..
I am Happy with my life, I feel like living again, and I look forward to each day.. I hope and wish the exact same for each one of you !
P.S> Please excuse the MS, Grammar, Punctuation,and context... LOL at least its heartfelt !!
About Me
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
