Hi, My name is Susan. I have been heavy most of my life, on every diet out there. Was successful with (Adkins) low carbohydrates, high protein, losing weight fast until I started craving my favorites: bread and pasta. Gained back all weight loss plus. Successful on Jenny Craig losing weight at time 203 lbs . and went down to 150 lbs . Was told I would be on my own and make my own foods instead of eating theirs. Started binging and gained all weight back plus. Now, at age 50, I had found myself miserable, unhealthy, and at the highest weight ever 257 lbs . I know that if I worked this summer at my business with my sister, I will either have a heart attack or lose my life from weight related problems. In April, I searched and read about everything I could get my hands on Lap Band Surgery. I live in the US and since I knew my medical insurance would not cover this surgery or any RNY surgery, I would have to pay for the procedure myself. Well after calling and emailing many US Doctors and finding out what their fees were plus the hospital fees I knew it would be unrealistic for me to pay this at this time. Plus, most US Doctors offices wanted to talk to me only about RNY surgery only. I would not even think about having RNY surgery.


I started joining Lap Banding forums and found that most of the Banders had their surgery in Mexico . So I started researching Mexican Bariatric groups and after contacting each group I finally contacted WEBSITE: www.bajanor.com.

I filled in info and was contacted by the patient coordinator,Miguel Alessandrini. miguel called me and answered all my questions and I knew right away that this was the place for my surgery. miguel was able to schedule me within a 7 day surgery date and from that point on, my new life began. I flew into San Diego Airport (Sunday (5/16)), one day ahead of Surgery. miguel picked me up from airport(coordinating with his cell phone). He was so wonderful. What a positive experience for I was totally by myself going to Mexico to have a life changing surgery. miguel made me feel so at home and totally relaxed all my fears. He is so full of energy and all you have to do is let him take care of everything. He took me out for dinner in Mexico to a local cafe. The food was excellent. He checked me into my Hotel. I was very appreciative since I do not speak any Spanish. But, not to worry, the Hotel employees do understand English and I had no problems there.

The room was beautiful. And after checking in, miguel and I walked to the close local shopping center and enjoyed shopping and talking. It helped me to calm down and relax. After shopping, I said goodnight to miguel and went to my room and rested for next day's surgery. miguel set me up a wake up call for 7:00 AM for Monday morning and he picked me up right on time as planned at 8AM. From the Hotel, we went to a local Xray clinic where I had my chest x-ray done. Within 15 minutes we were on our way to the Hospital. miguel always made traveling in Mexico interesting. He is a good tour guide. We arrived at the Hospital before 9 AM. The Hospital was small, but very clean. My room was beautiful. A private room with a separate big bathroom. The room and bath was brand new and very nice.


I met all the nurses and Doctors and got to see 2 babies that were born at the same time as my stay. They were adorable. I had my own private nurse. I just know that when I needed anything all I had to do is call and she was right there. I had all my labs and EKG done and I was found to have hypertension. It did not surprise me. I had been told I was border line high blood because of my weight by my US Doctor. All the Doctors can in one at a time and introduced themselves or miguel was right there to do the introductions. They were all very nice and answered all my questions and relieved any left over fears I may have had to that point. At around 4:30 PM, I was wheeled into operating room and surgery was completed in about 20 minutes with no complications. miguel kept my family informed of my progress with phone calls and before he left for that night, made sure I was well on my way to recovery. The night went pretty smooth. I barely remembered anything except when I called, my nurse was right there. Tuesday morning, I met with Dr. Mike about my post operative instructions and medication (antibiotics and pain medicine).

He reassured me that we were all in this together and would be working closely together with my new life change and got to talk to him about any worries I may not have already discussed. I could call him for anything or email him and he would get back to me right away. By 10AM miguel and I left the hospital and went back to the Hotel. miguel rechecked me back in with an early checking and I told him I wanted to rest for I was still a little tired. He told me he would call later and was going to stop by with another US post op patient who was banded by them last year and had successfully lost all her weight. I was interested in talking with her to find out how hard it was to get to her goal. I rested most of the day. I started to feel nauseated and did not know what to get to eat since I did have a little problem with room service menu. I was not familiar with Mexican soups. Thankfully miguel called and came up to my room and took care of ordering my soup. I was able to talk with my surprise visitor. I quizzed her on my post operative diet and was very happy I got to meet someone who actually had the surgery done and was successful. Room service came but I was only able to eat 5 or 6 spoonful of a delicious chicken broth. My stomach was full. miguel and visitors left and I went back to sleep. I slept until my wake up call at 4:30 AM and miguel came at 5AM sharp to drive me back to San Diego Airport to caught my early morning flight. I got home at 9PM that night and was happy to be home but did totally enjoy my time in Mexico .

I am writing this 10 days after my surgery, already 13 lbs . lighter. I know that weight loss is probably from fluids but I feel good and happy. I want miguel, and all my Doctors and staff at Bajanor Hospital to know that I am so thankful for everything and I am so happy they were there for me. God Bless you all.

Susan Monroe May 26, 2004 Banded May 17, 2004 253 lbs ., Now 240 lbs .