Juli; I just got back from Mexico. I went to Dr. Alvarez in Piedras Negras. It was a wonderful experience. I had the Vertical Sleeve Gasterectomy and I love it. I just didn't want to deal with visits and having something in my body, so I did not choose the lapband. That, and I know 3 people who had the lapband errode into their stomachs, all 3 of them after their repair, went in to have the Vertical sleeve. If you want to know more about this surgery let me know, would be glad to share with you. My email is [email protected] You can also go into my blog and read my entire experience. I am 4 weeks out today, had my surgery on March 16th. I was self pay. The surgey only cost $10,000 total. I flew into San Antonio, TX and they picked me up, we drove to eagle pass, spent the night, picked me up there, went across the border, had surgery, friday, stayed saturday, and they drove me back to San Antonio on sunday, I flew home on monday. Betty

Lori; Where do you live? Betty

As a volunteer clown, participating in functions to help children, I often ride one of those silly little bikes where my knees are above the handle bars. As a chubby clown I had problems riding them. As a slim downed clown the small bikes are much easier although I prefer my carbon frame, Kestrel Road Bike now. Now that I am almost to my goal I plan to spend the next ten years riding my bike in events across the USA. The plan is to ride in five events each year which will give me whole USA after ten years. There are many bike rides sponsored annually by worthy charitable organizations. Riding my bike will allow me to help others while helping myself maintain my newfound slimness. I wanted to commit to this on the state forums as a reminder to myself that the surgery is only the first step; a life-style change is imperative if I want to maintain. I intend to do that on my bike. Kim

Kirsten, So sorry I didn't get back to you. Too many irons in the fire and I just forgot. I know about the doctor in Post Falls. His name is Dr. Pennings. I'm fighting the Medicare insurance battle right now and then I'm going to try and get an appointment with him. I live about a 10-12 hour drive away from him, but any port in a storm as they say. He is a "Center of Excellence" qualified physician and I assume his hospital or clinic is, also. Thanks for the tip. Are you from Idaho? Jo

HI all just got my surgery date with Dr. Baird in Idaho Falls, Idaho and am SSSOOO nervous, excited, HUNGRY!!! Started my two week pre op diet today.. hope to get to know some of you all!