Eric

I have always been the "big" kid in class. I played 3 sports in high school (football, wrestling, track) and played football my freshman year of college. I hurt my knee twice that year, which is when the weight started piling on. I gained 200 pounds in 7 years. It was a struggle to find clothes except at the big and tall stores, which were always 40 minutes to an hour away.

I found BeliteWeight through a contact at work. My sister just had my nephew and just wanted to start fresh. I had my Bariatric Surgery April 29th 2010 in Juarez. My patient facilitator, Dr. Rodriguez and his staff where amazing. It was one of the nicest hospitals I was ever in. The staff helped as much as they could and everything was explained and questions were answered. I never felt in the dark about anything. I was nervous because it was my first surgery ever.

It has been 17 months since my surgery and I have lost 226 lbs. I went from a 6x shirt to a 2x shirt. My pant size is 38 now instead of 56. I can go to a store and get clothes off the shelf. I went kayaking for the first time in my life. It hasn't been easy but I couldn't be more happier to see where I was to where I am I now.




Hilda

After 23 years of drugs, I turned my life around for the better by becoming completely drug-free, but it resulted with me constantly eating. By November 2007, I weighed my heaviest of 257 lbs. I needed the extra push so I could take control of my life again and decided to have the surgery done. I researched for about a year and wanted to loose weight the right way so I could be emotionally and psychologically ready for the weight loss. BeliteWeight provided me a list of previous patients where I could call and talk to them about their experience, where other companies did not. My patient facilitator was there with me every step of the way. I chose to have the gastric band procedure in Mexico. I had the best experience, the doctors, nurses, BeliteTeam never left me in the dark. I am so happy with my results that I have two co-workers with diabetes coming down to Mexico to get the surgery done as well. I honestly am the happiest I have ever been in a long time! I feel like me again, I have no pain, my life does not revolve around pain and the best part is I can be comfortable with myself again. It’s the best gift I have ever done for myself.




Jennifer (T1)

My name is Jennifer, I had lapband surgery in Tijuana, Mexico in March 2011. At the start of my pre-op diet, I was 264.8 lbs. and I am 5'4 tall. In less than 23 weeks, I have lost 80 lbs. at 184 lbs.  I have struggled with my weight my whole life. In 2008, I lost my mother at 51 years old and then in 2010, I lost my father at 53 years old. At that point I started to question how much of life I had left to live. I felt like I was on a ticking time clock and I am only 34 years old! My weight at this point was only going to increase my chances of having an early death as well. I have three wonderful children, which made me even more determined to change my life. Through BeliteWeight I have gained my life back. I have insured that I will be here for the next 40 years to celebrate every event in my children and grandchildren's lives. The facility was beautiful! JoAnne and the staff were incredible! I owe the remaining years of my life to this surgery! I still have around 40 lbs. to go till goal, but I will be there before my one year “surgiversary”!




Donna

I had done WeightWatchers, bought all the over-the-counter weight loss aids, nothing worked. I had high blood pressure and both of my parents died young, scaring me to what the outcome of my future was. I am blessed with three beautiful grandchildren and wanted to be healthy for them so I could watch them grow. My goal was to be able to be active, go on roller coaster rides, ride bikes with them, and I could not have done this with out the help of BeliteWeight. I was nervous to get my lap band procedure done in Mexico because you hear all the bad stuff going on, but it was affordable. After going, I feel somewhat silly for ever being nervous, there was no issue with the language barrier. Being a nurse and used to hospitals, I was so impressed with the professionalism of everyone here and how clean and caring everyone was. I got to the point where I would not go out because we live in an “image-is-everything” world, now I love going out and am able to ride bikes with my grandchildren! The biggest thing is I feel so much better about myself, I never thought I would get to this point and am so happy I have.




Jennifer (T2)

I have struggled with my weight most of my life.  I was always around 140 lbs. in high school and after I graduated I was married and had a baby.  When I delivered my daughter I was about 220 lbs. I was wanting to have the bariatric surgery, I did not have the funds to afford it. I have tried every diet possible, but an opportunity came where I was fortunate enough to have the funds to have the procedure.  I started researching on what procedure to have and because I am a registered nurse who works in surgery, I was able to understand the different surgeries. The one that seemed to fit me was the vertical gastric sleeve. 

Next, was where to have it done.  I had looked at a local hospital who had a great reputation for bariatric surgeries, but it was going to cost $15,000. I had extra money but not that much so I started researching going to Mexico. I had had several friends that had gone to different parts of Mexico for surgery and they had good experiences.  

I contacted several different companies for the weight loss surgery.  The first one to contact me was BeliteWeight. My patient facilitator contacted me by email and told her of my dilemma. She sent me all kinds of information about the doctor and a list of people who had had surgery in Mexico. 

I decided to go to Juarez, Mexico to have the surgery in March 2011 and my journey began! I flew into El Paso, Texas and BeliteWeight picked me up and took me to the hospital. As soon as I got in the room everyone came in and started getting me ready. The anesthesiologist, Dr. Leticia Solis, came and introduced herself.  She was very compassionate.  She came and sat by me held my hand and told all that was going to happen.  Afterwards, I was taken down to surgery which was only about 30 minutes long!

After surgery, everything went well.  The first day there was a lot of gas pain, but nurses were very considerate and took very good care of me. Dr. Jose Rodriguez and Dr. Elmo Aramburro were very attentive, they came by everyday.

The whole time I felt very safe.  My family was very worried about being kidnapped by drug dealers.  I was confident in my safety.  The whole group worked very hard to make you feel safe from the driver in the car to the hospital staff.  There were guards in the lobby of the hospital at all times.

As of May 22, 2011 I have lost 46 lbs.!!! The thing about losing weight to me is it is a mind game.  When you get to that point that you decide that surgery is the only way then that is half the battle.  As for me I am very conscious of what I eat and how much.  The only snag I have found is that eating at work is very difficult.  Like I said I work in surgery so I can’t eat whenever I want to.  The people I work with are very supportive and helpful.  They give me breaks if possible to get a sensible snack.  I carry my lunch now and make sure I have enough for the day.  I would recommend BeliteWeight to anyone.  I have told people great things about this group and hope everyone has great success like I have had!!!!!




Tara

In high school I was always the skinny cheerleader, I was bubbly and happy.  I was tiny and loved my body.  After marriage and 6 pregnancies in 6 years I gained a lot of weight.  With each pregnancy I gained about 60lbs even though I worked out during the pregnancies.  I never was able to lose all the weight from the previous pregnancy before the next one.  I went from 135lbs to 255lbs in 6 years.

I tried to lose the weight between each pregnancy.  I worked out 2 hours a day and ate 1800 calories a day.  I’d manage to get a few pounds off just to gain them back.  I successfully lost 60lbs after the birth of my 4th child.  I was so excited!  Then I found out I was pregnant again.  After the birth of my 5th child things were different for my body.  No matter how many hours I spent working out, or how many calories I ate my weight would not budge.  In desperation I went to the doctor begging her to help me find out what was wrong.  Her words?  “I’m sorry but you are just going to have to settle with being fat.”  I would have nothing of it.  I demanded more tests and came out with a diagnosis; I had hypothyroidism and Lupus. 

I gave it my all. I used the trainer at the gym, ran and took classes, and ate an “ideal diet” and lost a whopping….10lbs! My best friend had gastric bypass surgery a couple years ago and we had always battled our weight together. I watched her shrink away. Why would her insurance cover it and mine wouldn’t!  I had a disease! I would see her in these adorable clothes and go home and cry. I was embarrassed to go out with her.  I had multiple people tell me that “I had a pretty face,” or I would “be pretty if I just lost weight.” That didn’t help anything. 

I finally got an insurance company that would cover my surgery and decided to start scouring the internet for information. Then life took over again, and insurance refused my surgery.  I started searching forums and asking questions and looking into surgery across the border.  I thought I was crazy for considering it at all.  However, in talking to other people on the forums they pointed me towards BeliteWeight.  I looked into it and started calling doctors in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Arizona and they all had nothing but amazing things to say about Dr. Rodriguez.  Furthermore, they financed and with 5 kids, I couldn’t afford a surgery on my own.

My friends and family thought I was insane, but I was either going to do the surgery and become active in the game of life or stay fat and watch my children’s lives go by on the sidelines.  I told them I wanted to live my bucket list!  I wanted to hike, swim with dolphins, run with my children, play baseball with them, play volleyball at picnics, go swimming….and my weight was holding me back from all of it.  I told them either I do this and die or don’t do this and die.  If I do it, at least I tried to live.
We spent a few days in San Diego for celebration of our 10th anniversary and then met Alberto at the airport and traveled to Mexico.  The second we sat down in the van, I felt like I knew it would all be ok.  I was on a journey to a new beginning.  The whole experience was wonderful.  The nurses were great and the hospital was the cleanest I’ve seen in America or Canada!  Dr. Rodriguez was fantastic and so caring-he truly cared.  The anesthesiologist was so sweet and just made me feel like everything would be fine.  Looking back, my fears of Mexico were ridiculous.  They took amazing care of me.  I laugh at people now when they say that they would NEVER have surgery in Mexico.  I honestly can say it is probably the ONLY place I would have surgery.  My experience was amazing.

It has been about 2 months since my surgery and I’ve lost 41 lbs. and have an hourglass shape showing.  I take pictures every couple weeks to chart my progress.  I went from a plus size to a medium/large.  In addition, I’m amazed at how different foods taste!  I don’t want sweets at all (they make me nauseous) and now I can’t STAND the taste of soda! I love my new emerging body, I am finding myself again.  I wouldn’t trade my fat years for anything because I love who I grew to be.  I struggled and battled but I realized how strong I am.  I have 5 beautiful babies now and I am married to a hero. 

The biggest thing the surgery has given me is hope.  I now have hope for a future and for fun and I’m training to run a half marathon January 2012 in Disneyland!  A half marathon, who would have thought!!! I’m so excited!  Thank you BeliteWeight for taking me off the sidelines and putting me in the game that matters!  Love you all!




Stephanie

I am the definition of a roller coaster dieter. Every time I had a baby (I had 4) I would go on a new diet then gain twice of what I lost. I wanted to the gastric sleeve, but because my insurance changed the policies every year it would not cover it. The cheapest, but best surgery I could find would cost me about $20,000, which was too expensive for me, but I was set on this surgery, so I started saving.

Through research, I found that many people were traveling to Mexico to get the surgeries done. This is how I was introduced to BeliteWeight. From the moment I started talking to my patient facilitator, it was a no-brainer. My patient facilitator gave me a list of people who had the surgeries done and they gave me the extra support I needed to make my decision. In just three weeks of my surgery, I have been off all of my diabetes and heart medicine and feel so much better. The hospital was great, it was like I was staying in a five-star resort! If I had to go back and have anything else done, I would go straight back there. While I was there, I was not nervous, had no reservations of doing my surgery and I am going with my friend when she gets her surgery done to see the doctors again. I had better care there, than any other hospital in the United States. I am looking forward to what this surgery will do for me and would recommend the services of BeliteWeight to anyone.




Savannah

BeliteWeight saved my life. I was the girl who struggled with her weight her whole life, I went up the scale and down the scale. When I had a bad day, I ate, when I was bored, I ate.... I love food! I come from a Mexican family and our celebration are centered around food. I hated going to the movies because I couldn't fit in the seat comfortably, I wore sweatshirts to cover my body and I hated planes. A month before surgery, I had to get on a plane and I remember how awful it felt to get on a plane and the seat belt wouldn't felt. When I looked in the mirror, I saw ugly and FAT! I had enough and I told my mother that I wanted to have Bariatric Surgery, this is when I found BeliteWeight.

If it wasn't for their kindness and passion of BeliteWeight, I would not have done this. Yes, I had the same fears, as you all do about going to Mexico, but I trusted BeliteWeight that I would be okay. My mother did the Gastric Sleeve Surgery with me as well! On March 11, 2011 my mother and I went on the plane, barely fitting in the seat, holding each others hands, as we were ready to take on this journey! No turning back!

When we arrived to El Paso, a kind man picked us up and took us straight to the hospital. The hospital was the nicest hospital I have ever been to. My mother is a medical professional and we were both in awe. The most impressive part was the care, from the moment we got there we were greeted with professional and kind individuals.The surgeons were there to easy your nerves and educate you. It was just an amazing experience! To me, Juarez has a lot to teach the United States!

On March 11, I gained years on to my life! Five days after the Gastric Sleeve Surgery, I flew out to Baltimore from Texas and walked five miles with no problem! The Gastric Sleeve Surgery has changed the person I am inside and out. I started at 5'8 at 261 and seven months later I weigh 174 lbs., That's 87 pounds! My mother who is 55 has lost over 60 pounds! I still love food, but now food does not control my life, I do! I started this journey at a size 22 and today I bought a pair of size 12 pants!

These moments were created because of BeliteWeight! BeliteWeight is a company that can change your life, the staff has become my friends, but most of all they saved my life! If you are sitting thinking, "Should I do this? Is it safe?" My answer to you is YES! You are worth this amazing Bariatric Surgery! Call BeliteWeight now!!!




Terry W

My experience with BeliteWeight has been nothing short of life changing and quite possibly life saving. It’s the most pleasant surprise I’ve had in a long time. When I say “surprise,” I mean it was everything promised and much more.
I have battled with my weight my entire life. I‘ve been on every diet, pill and fad that has ever been conceived to lose weight--I lost about 100 lbs. a couple of times, I’ve probably lost and regained 500 lbs. in my lifetime. About a year ago, I decided that I needed something that was permanent and worked for weight loss and I had been researching bariatric surgeries for quite some time. Every doctor and hospital that I contacted in Texas was the same thing, the first thing they wanted to know was “what kind of insurance do you have?” When I told them that my insurance had an exclusion to bariatric surgery they suddenly weren’t as interested in me as they were before. Paying the full $30,000 was not an option for me.

Then one day, I got on the internet and low and behold there it was, BeliteWeight. I clicked on the website and found the solution to my problem, or had I? At that point I thought, “you know what have you got to lose Terry?” To do nothing was not an option at all. So I filled out the info form and sent it in. Then I got busy with my life and had forgot about it to be honest, but a couple of days later I got a phone call from, what I now refer to as “my guardian angel,” Teri Biga. She introduced herself and I immediately knew she was very knowledgeable about what she was doing, as well as, patient and caring. From that moment on, I was treated that way by everyone in the organization. I asked for referrals and they were immediately sent to me, along with all the information about the costs. I was blown away by the difference in cost of this versus what it did it America.

But Mexico? Because of the bad stories in the media whether or not this was a smart move or not. Never having been a quitter, I called the people on the referral list one at a time and over and over it was the same answer “it really is all they say it is, and I would go do it again tomorrow.” So armed with all this new information, I decided I was all in. I called Teri and told her that I wanted to schedule my surgery and from that moment on it was all about me. The service was absolutely personal and professional from that point forward, outstanding, the best.

In June 2011, my wife and I headed west to begin our adventure and we were off to Juarez, Mexico at the Star Medica Hospital. We were met by smiles and one of the cleanest hospitals I’ve ever seen. We were immediately checked in and shown to our room which was very nice and once again extremely clean. I was then given the pre-ops, which was very professionally done by some of the nicest nurses I’ve ever known.

Then the Doctors all came in and we talked about the procedure and they answered all my questions, in perfect English. There are no words to describe how much I like Dr. Jose Rodriguez. He is the kind of person you have to meet to truly appreciate. He genuinely cares about you as a patient and a person, his bedside manner is second to none, not to mention an excellent surgeon. He was awesome. When I woke up in recovery they continued to monitor me constantly and then I was taken back to my room. The care I received for the next 3 days was amazing, I never had to wait for anything. All medications were given on time and every time we needed something, it was seen to immediately, again with a smile. It has been 8 weeks since my surgery and I have never felt better. I have lost 52 lbs. and 2 sizes in pants. I no longer have to take blood pressure or cholesterol medications and I can walk 2 miles a day which would have been impossible before surgery. I have probably taken the long way around in telling my story, but I feel it is very important for anyone trying to decide on having this surgery done to have as much information as possible to help put their mind at ease. The surgery itself is only a tool and you still have to put in the work, but it is by far the best thing I have ever done for me and my family. I’d like to assure anyone out there that may be hesitant, that you will not be sorry you had this done. A positive attitude will help you more than anything else and it is what you get when you call BeliteWeight. They will stay with you every step of the way. I could not be more pleased with my experience with all involved.

Thanks again and God Bless.
Terry




Christiane

Dear Beliteweight, these are my before and after pictures 22 months post-op, (better late than never :-) I will always be ready to praise Dr. Jose Rodriguez expertise; I'm an RN in the OR and I questioned him on the phone. He uses the same products we use in my hospital in Texas.




Daniel H

I started at 315 lbs at age 39 on August 28th 2010, and have ended up 196 lbs at age 39 on March 19th 2011. I feel great w/ tons of energy. I would recommend this surgery to anyone.




Olga C

I converted from a Lap Band to a Gastric Sleeve and it has been very successful for me. I was so afraid to go to Mexico but Dr. Rodriguez and his team team are one of the best and most experienced Bariatric surgeons in the world.The Hospital was beautiful and the rooms were large and everything was so clean. My Faciltator Sylvia was extremely helpful every step of the way. I would recommend this surgery and Beliteweight to anyone.




Joe L

I was an eating machine, a food-addict, the “big guy” at work; I lived to eat. I knew I needed to make a change and I could not do it alone. This is when I found BeliteWeight. My patient facilitator and I discussed and decided that the gastric sleeve procedure was the perfect fit for me. Going into this surgery in Mexico, I never knew the outcome would ever lead me to meeting such a great group of people, now whom I call friends. When you arrive, you are picked up by Alberto, who was an absolute blast. He loved his country and showed me how wonderful it truly is. The doctors are there for you through it all, when I needed something, the nurses and doctors would be at my hospital bed in less than 30 seconds. It’s just the personalization that makes everything perfect. In one month I went from a size 60 to a 52 and I keep loosing. It makes me really ask myself, what did I do to get to this way and was it ever worth it. The most uncomfortable part of this journey was the post-operation diet, but I have a lot more energy now. I would be taking at least 4-6 Advil every day for pain, ever since the day of my surgery, I have not take any pain pills. If you’re miserable and uncomfortable, this surgery and the people at BeliteWeight takes it away and gives your confidence back, I am paying it forward.




Debra

Well it has been 6 months since I had my Gastric Sleeve surgery done. I am down 66 lbs. I have spent the last 25 years of my life trying to figure out howI got so heavy and how to get it off. I have tried all the programs and pills with little to no luck at any significant weight loss. If I did loose a few pounds I put it right back on. I am 51 years old and never had a weight issue as a child it was after having my kids that the weight started adding up.

I tried to get my insurance to approve the procedure but had no luck with that. My health was declining and I finally decided that I needed to do something or I was going to be in really bad shape soon. I already had arthritis and sleep apnea. I read about Belite on the Internet and requested a quote. The price quoted was a small fraction compared to what they quoted me here in Ohio. I knew that this would probably be my only option.

They assigned me a patient facilitator that walked me through the whole process. It wasn't very long before I was on my way. I was met at the airport just as they said. From there it was on to the hospital. The driver took us straight to the hospital and hand delivered us to the correct people. After completing the check in process the pre-surgical testing began. It was only a couple of hours until the actual surgery. I had no trouble at all. They were very helpful and everything was done just as they had explained. They even sent me home with a surgical report and X-rays of my new sleeve.

The hospital was pretty new and very clean. It is just like the pictures you see on line. I want to loose a total of 100 lbs so I still have 33 more to go but I am sure I can do it. I have had no problems since the procedure was done on 4-15-2010. I can't tell you how much better I feel and everyone of course says that I look a lot better. It has been fun going out and purchasing new clothes because the others are way too big...I feel like a new woman and my husband says I look like a new woman as well.

I would recommend anyone considering weight loss surgery to contact Belite and just go for it. Life is too short to spend it being unhappy or unhealthy, especially if you can do something to make it better.



Kelli F

I haven't had the chance to tell you yet… but THANK YOU!. I had the lap band in December 2007. It will be three years in a couple of months. I have easily and happily lost over 150 lbs. I am only 50 lbs from my goal weight. I would never have been able to loose the weight without the lap band. Thank you for the connections, the organization, the discounted price, and my life back. Next-we need discount/Mexico connections for plastic surgery for a total body lift!

A+, I have referred to anyone that will listen.




Lynn

I am glad my journey with belite has been such a great experience. I have went from three blood pressure medications, two cholesterol medications to no medications. I had to add one blood pressure medication about three months later. This was due to a high stress job. I love finding things to wear that I have not been able to wear before.

I know feel I can reach my goal without ever gaining the weight back. I feel better, look better and am excited knowing I will be at my goal weight someday. My daughter is almost at her goal weight and she looks wonderful.. To experience this life changing procedure, of the gastric sleeve, together has made the transformation that much more exciting. I can't express how much of a difference it has already made in my life. I wish this surgery would have been available when I was a teen, I would have had it then. I hope this is helpful to those who want to feel better and to look thinner.




MaryAnn E

Hi my name is MaryAnn and I am 23 years old. After a year of talking to Ishi with belitewight I finally made the choice to have wls.

On 7-12-10 my life became forever changed. I went to Dr. Rodriguez in Juarez Mexico and got what is called Laparoscopic total gastric vertical plication (TGVP) aka Super Sleeve. In one month I am only a few pounds shy of what I lost in one year. I have so much more freedom now with my TGVP when it comes to food.

I now eat what makes my body feel good and not just what even comes to mind at that moment. I eat to live, not live to eat. The morning of my surgery I missed my flight to El Paso and you can guess how stressed I was. With in minutes of talking to Ishi and the driver all the details where worked out. It was so nice to have Ishi to take care of all the details instead of me doing it all alone. Dr. Rodriguez and his team are amazing! They came to see me almost as much as you would expect to see your nurse here in the states. And speaking of nurses the nurses were very kind and fast. I never had to wait very long after calling them. The hospital there was beautiful and honestly it was closer to a resort than a hospital.

If you are interested in getting wls there is no reason to pay over twice as much just to do it in the states. I felt more cared for than any US hospital I have ever been to! If I was to do it all over again I would go to Mexico no questions about it!



Robbyn A

My first impression was that Dr. Jose Rodriguez was a caring man. My impression only changed in that I realized just how good he is at what he does, and that the patients come first with him. He brings his own surgical staff with him to Tijuana. His staff was awesome, all spoke good English, and were helpful and willing to answer any and all questions. There was nothing I disliked about Dr. Rod or his staff. He is very serious about the after care and the post op instructions to the patients. Would, and do recommend Dr. Rod to anyone and everyone!




Angie B

I am doing great after my surgery. I had tried every diet program that came along and never had the success that I have had with this surgery. I weighed this morning and have lost 49 1/2 pounds. I will reach the 50 lb. mark this week :-)

I bought some new clothes a couple of days go and had to buy a size 8 and 10 in some of the pants!!! I haven't worn a size 8 in over 30 years. Before my surgery I was buying 20/22 size clothing.

Initially my goal was 150 pounds, which I will easily reach and most likely surpass. I have not been able to get in as much exercise as I was a few weeks ago, so the weight loss has slowed down a bit.

I no longer take medication for high blood sugar and recent blood tests confirmed that everything is within normal ranges. The surgery was one of the best investments in my health I have ever made.

Dr. Rodriguez and JoAnne's entire staff is terrific. I appreciate the opportunity to tell what wonderful progress I have made.




Mike and Bel

Sorry we have not done this sooner. The before picture was taken in February 09 at Daytona Beach ….3 months before the surgery. I was weighing 300lbs and Belinda was weighing 233. The after picture was taken May 29th almost exactly one year after the surgery. I now weigh 235 and Belinda weighs 155. A combined weight loss of 143. Mine has all but stopped….i probably could have kept it going but I didn't want to get below 225 so the last 10 lbs will be up to me.

Belinda continues to lose just at a slower rate. We are both very pleased. I no longer am on any diabetes medication. My last A1C was in the low 6's. And I now take only one little 5mg Rampiril for my blood pressure and that is due more to work than weight...ha. We answer everyone that ask and let them all know to GO FOR IT. We truly appreciate everything you helped us with Joanne. And truly, truly appreciate Dr. Rod and Dr.Calderon for making it as affordable as he did. Please give him our sincere thanks also.

All the best to you and yours
Mike and Bel




Vince

Whats up Joanne, I told you I would send you some Pics:-) I'm in the Virgin Islands for the next 2 months, when I get home I will send you some more.




Kev

Hi JoAnne, here are a few old and a few new pics!! I am still working on the new me. It is slow, but i walk 3 miles every night and try to eat only chicken and or turkey, but a little other meat slips in every now and then, but only in very small amounts..... like a few bites, and then i am full!! I will try and write you more soon and i hope i hear back from you. Thanks for being out there for us!!




Sylvia

My name is Sylvia and I live in California. Somehow I found myself at approximately 350 lbs and a size 4-5 x, and to this day I cannot tell you how I let my weight get that high. But I also knew (and this was the scariest part) that I would never be able to diet that weight off, though I had sure had given it my best shot. But I had no clue what to do about it – I was desperate. Then the miracle came; during my research I noticed that a lot of people were going to Mexico and paying for theirown surgery, as it was much less expensive and most insurance companies in the United States won't pay for it.

After finding out that my own insurance company didn't cover it, I found some chat sites for people who had already gone to Mexico for their weight loss surgery, and I talked to at least three nurses who had had their surgery done there (I was very nervous and wanted to be safe!). I figured the nurses especially would know about the cleanliness of the facilities and whether the surgery was being done correctly. They assured me I had nothing to worry about and absolutely nothing to fear, and because they had been through it themselves in Mexico, I believed them and took a chance.

I cannot tell you how much my life and health have changed for the better since I took that chance, and how much more confident I am. I always wore skirts – NEVER pants, not even to the mailbox – but now all I wear are jeans. That was a huge milestone! Weight loss surgery was the best thing I ever did for myself, and I would do it again tomorrow.

Sylvia,
Patient Facilitator.




Debra

In 2001 at the age of 45 I knew I had to do something about my weight or I wouldn't live to be 50. I had high blood pressure, I had just been diagnosed as type II diabetic, I had no cartilage in either of my knees and was in constant chronic pain. It was difficult for me to walk short distances; I could not even tie my own shoes or shave my own legs. I had been obese to morbidly obese for over 20 years, gaining and losing weight while having 3 children in my 20's and all the diets in-between including Opti-fast, Weight-Watchers, Nutri-system, Phen-phen, etc. I was able to lose weight as I was a professional dieter, my problem was maintaining. I always ended up gaining the weight back, plus more.

I have now lost over 100 pounds since my highest weight, had total knee replacement surgery in my right knee last year and my life is completely different! I am healthier now than I have ever been and can keep up with my 7 year old granddaughter. I have gone from a size 3X-4X to size 16. I have been banded 4 1/2 years now and I would do this again in a heartbeat! I am grateful every day for the Lap Band surgery giving me my life back!

Thank you,
Debra




Kathy B

I was banded by in December 2003. At that time I found myself gaining weight and pretty much unable to stop my upward climb. I knew I had to stop or my health would be in jeopardy. I had a very good friend who had the band and was successful in losing over 100 pounds. She was my mentor and went with me to have the procedure. Since then the battle to lose has not been easy but it has been steady. I love the fact that I have to eat slowly. I love the fact that I have to stop before the plate is empty. Combined with good food choices, these make the band a powerful tool for weight loss.

I am still on my weight loss journey but it continues to be a journey downward and I can see myself reaching my goal in the not too distant future. I wouldn't hesitate to encourage anyone with a weight problem to have this surgery and use the band as an aide to overcoming the difficulties of weight loss.

Kathy B
-45




Nadia R

I was always overweight, even as a child. I struggled with my weight my entire life, and never really thought I was to the point of needing surgery to help me lose weight; I always figured I could lose the weight on my own. But I tried every diet out there and nothing really worked. My aunt had the lap band in Mexico 5 years ago. Then, my mother decided to have the surgery 3 years ago. I saw them shrink right before my eyes, and figured…Ok, if they can do it and look as good as they do….it was definitely my turn to make a change for myself!

Everyone makes New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight and I had done it every year for the last 30 years it seemed, without much success. I was going to keep my resolution this year and stop talking about it. I scheduled my lap band surgery in Mexico and to kick off my New Year’s Resolution, had my band placed on Jan. 2nd, 2006. I was not scared at all about having surgery in Mexico – everything went very smoothly and I received excellent care while I was there. The surgeons and hospital was top notch! My recovery was easy and after about a week, I had already lost about 15 pounds and on my way down!

My starting weight was 246lbs – I am only 5’3”, so I was almost as big around as I was tall. After surgery, the weight came off steadily for the next few months. I joined a gym and hired a personal trainer to help whip me into shape! Since I was turning a lot of my fat into muscle, the weight tapered off for a while. I was okay with it because I was losing inches instead.

By January 2007, I felt like I hit a plateau. I had another fill (only my 3rd one) and that carried me all the way until July 2008 when I finally reached my goal weight! I never imagined I would feel as good as I look, or look as good as I feel!!! I have a new appreciation for food, and for how I perceive food. I don’t think about eating all the time anymore and it does not control my life. What a relief!!!

To date, I have lost a total of 96 pounds and am wearing a size 10!!! At my highest weight, I was a size 20…not good! I can shop just about anywhere now and not worry if they will carry sizes big enough to fit me. I wore a 2 piece bathing suit this past summer for the 1st time in many years, without feeling self conscious!!! I am so proud of myself for reaching my goal…it is an amazing feeling of accomplishment that I take with me in every aspect of my life. People notice and compliment me all the time…some don’t even recognize me!!

It’s been an amazing journey and I will always be so grateful to Beliteweight for helping me achieve my goal and change my life for the better! I highly recommend Beliteweight to help you choose a surgeon and procedure that is best for you. It has not been an easy road, but without the help of my band, I would never have gotten here. To all of you considering weight loss surgery, be strong and have faith in yourself and know that you deserve to be healthy and happy! You must take the first step! Good luck to all!




Al K

HI GUYS, HOW IS EVERYONE. I AM DOING GREAT.HERE IS THE BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES.THE BEFORE PICTURE WAS TAKEN ON 08-18-2008 AND THE AFTER PICTURE WAS TAKEN ON 07-16-2009 I WAS AT 378 LBS AND NOW I AM 252 LBS.

THAT IS 126 LBS GONE!! MY WASTE SIZE WAS 54 INCHES AND NOW IS 40 INCHES AND ALSO MY JACKET SIZE WAS 60 AND NOW IS 48. THE LAP BAND HAS WORKED FOR ME AND I HOPE THAT IT WOULD WORK FOR EVERY BODY ELSE.

IT SURE FEELS GOOD TO GO SHOPPING IN THE DEPARTMENT STORE AGAIN AFTER 16 YEARS OF EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL SUFFERING. THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING.




Andre P

"Here are the pics you requested..one picture is in texas, the time of the surgery. The other one is today at work, I still have alot of work to do, but i am getting there." :-)



Don L

My name is Don. I had the surgery done 5 weeks ago today. I had the gastric sleeve and It has completely change my life in just 5 weeks. When I started this venture I weighted 340 pounds at my weight I had to go on a liver shrinkage 2 weeks before the surgery which means you eat meat & drink sugar free drinks which means all total I have been working on this for 7 weeks. I now weight 264 pounds and feel like a new person it is just unreal how good you feel.

Now for Juarez Mexico There is not a hospital around that will treat you the way they treat you. It is a 5 star hospital and the staff treats you like a king or queen. I would tell any body to go and let them change your life. At first I was going to try and get it done here in Monroe la. but they wanted twice as much and he had not done half of the surgeries that DR. Rodriguez has done so I'm like this makes no sense. There is no doubt in my mind that I made the right choice. also I used Mrs. Deborah to set everything up and she is the bomb.



Lucinda R

Everything went very well, the care I received from the Star Medica hospital was excellent. I really liked the beautiful, private room that I stayed in at the hospital. The entire hospital staff treated me like a queen. The driver was the best. They gave me my xrays, all of my band information and my medications before I left the hospital. My patient facillatator Deborah Mc. was wonderful, she helped me through the entire process. I could not have worked with a better person.

She explained everything to me and she was always pleasant to talk to. I never had a problem getting in contact with her; she always returned my phone calls. She is truly a special person!



Jodi

I am very impressed with how easy it was to schedule my surgery, and how smoothly everything has gone. The drivers were prompt and courteous. The medical staff was very knowledgeable, efficient, and showed great concern for my well being. I do not speak any spanish, and still found it relatively easy to communicate with the staff. Some do speak english very well. Dr. Rodriguez was terrific. He made sure to check in before surgery to make sure I was comfortable in my decision and had no questions. The StarMedica facilities were very nice. The private room allowed me to rest comfortably. It was a very nice room with plenty of space. I joked with friends that I was beginning to feel like I was on a vacation.

I would be happy to answer anyone's questions via email. It is kind of scary to think of doing any weight loss procedure, and then to select something out of the country adds more doubts to your decision. I am grateful for all the information and links that you gave me though, because it erased my doubts. This information was what I needed to select the best possible Dr. and hospital.



Patsy

I am doing fantastic!!!!. Had no vomiting or stomach sickness after surgery ,but still have gas pains,expecially at night.My husband and I had a pleasant trip and have no complaints. Our driver Hector picked us up at 9:00. He was very friendly and told us a lot of information about areas as we passed by. He told me that I would be treated like a queen--boy was he right. When we arrived at the Hospital everyone was ready and waiting for me.Went through all the tests quickly and was rolled into the ER at 12:30. All the Doctors spoke to me before surgery and made me feel very comfortable. After surgery they came back to give me information and wish me well. I felt so important. Would go back in a heartbeat with no fears. I would gladly talk to others thinking of going to Mexico.



Diana

Well, it's been 5 months, as of Valentine's Day, the 14th…and that day, I hit 100 pounds lost!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so ecstatic, I can't stand myself!!! It was everything I had hoped, and more. My goal is to lose about another 60 lbs, which should put me into the high end of my weight range. I've never been there as an adult, so once I get close, I'll take it pound by pound.

I'm on facebook, and have posted all of my pictures, if you want to see them.




Melissa S

I went through your service almost 2 years ago. I am very pleased with my band I have lost 110 lbs and I was wondering if I could help out in anyway with people here in Oregon to get your services? I had a wonderful experience with your company. I am very interested in letting others know.



Yolanda

Hi Ishi, im writing to think you for all of your help with my surgery, Dr. Rodriguez is wonderful I would recommend him to everyone.

I had my surgery the gastric sleeve on 7-1-10 my dr, was dr. jose rodriguez. My first impression of him was he has a nice smile, he was always friendly when he spoke to us about the surgery before and after. When dr. rodriguez started my procedure he found a large hernia in my stomach, and the upper part of my stomach was in my chest. Dr. jose had to work extra hard on me he removed my hernia and repaired my stomach and did the sleeve surgery also. He did not hesitate to decide what to do, he took charge and made a decision that he felt was best for me; I will never be able to thank him for taking such good care of me. If anyone has any doubt or scared about having surgery in Mexico please give me a call, I will asure you everything is safe. The driver picks you up at the airport and takes you to the hospital and he takes you back to the airport after your surgery is over; you are never alone. The staff of Star Medica Hospital were great, the hospital was clean and you have plenty of room to rest and move around in privacy.




Gwen

Hi JoAnne,

The surgery is one of the best things i have ever done. I enjoy life so much better. 75lbs gone, I am very happy i took control of the situation.




Andre

Hi JoAnne,

I have been very busy at work. Hard to get to exercise to much, but i am still hard at it. I would not have went any other way but this way (the sleeve surgery.) I am thankful to god for allowing me to be able to get the surgery. I have had no pain nor problems at all, I mean not a one!.....and thanks to you second of course.