Newbie

[Guest guest]

Hi a,

You've come to the right place. You might start by logging online and

reading the FAQs at the website. Answers LOTS of common

questions. www..com

If your Dr. hasn't told you what has caused your hearing loss, it may

well be that he doesn't know. Often hearing loss is " idiopathic "

meaning, nobody knows what caused it. Could be auto immune disorder,

could be a virus, could be bad karma. And the reason for the loss is

generally not that important anyway. And your hearing loss has to be

above a certain level before you qualify for an implant. Testing with

the most up to date hearing aids is done, to make sure that a hearing aid

won't do the trick. A Cochlear implant is a step in the right direction.

Tests are generally, an audiogram to see how well you are, or are not

hearing. A tympanogram, to see if your ear drum is in place. A Cat Scan

or MRI or both to see if there are structural problems with the cochlea,

and if the cochlea is open so the implant can be inserted. Sometimes

psychological tests are given to make sure you aren't expecting more than

the implant will give you. In my case they know I'm goofy anyway, so

skipped that part! LOL. The tests can be done in a day. They were for

me.

Then you need insurance approval, which generally takes a while to go

through. Might be denied, then you have to appeal to the folks who think

a cochlear implant is a hearing aid. Implants are covered, hearing aids

are not.

Surgery, if no complications (which would be determined in pre

testing, CT and MRI scans, etc.) takes 45 minutes, and is done on an

outpatient basis. You can go home the same day. Incision is small and

behind the ear and little or no hair is shaved. Waiting for first

mapping is 2-4 weeks depending on your center. They want to be sure the

swelling has gone down. But with the Nucleus 5, there is minimal

swelling, so they can program (MAP) you sooner.

You may hear noises with the first mapping. YOu may hear and

understand sounds. You may even hear and understand words with or

without lipreading. Further mappings refine what you hear at the first

mapping. Most people do not have speech understanding with the first

mapping. Some have very high cartoonish sounds (I did), but these get

mapped out as you go along. The fact that you have had years of hearing

means you have a lot of auditory memory. So you KNOW what words sound

like. Unlike a person who has never heard, you know what a sound means

in terms of a word it represents.

Losing your hearing is like losing your life. Any time a sense is

destroyed, you go through the stages of grief that beth Kubler-Ross

wrote about in her landmark book, " On Death and Dying " You might get it

out of the library and read it. You grieve the loss of a sense, go

through the " why did this happen to me " , and feeling sorry for yourself,

feeling helpless and so forth. We've all done that. So you're not

alone. But now that it looks like you will be a candidate for the

implant, you can look ahead.

The return journey to hearing is just that, a journey, not a race.

It takes time, patience and perseverence to learn how to hear with an

implant. It's not like a hearing aid where you put it on and hear. You

have to teach your brain how to interpret the signals it is getting into

sounds you understand. So you get to wear the processor all the time you

are awake so your brain adjusts to it.

Good luck, and ask any questions you have.

Nucleus 24 Aug 1997

Nucleus 5 September 2009

____________________________________________________________

Weight Loss Program

Best Weight Loss Program - Click Here!

http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=Jdphl8F_RRK9ieUnPm2y8wAAJ1CAYQG2fn\

ZWBLacCwlpBoaTAAYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEUgAAAAA=

[Guest guest]

Hi , no it doesn't sound crazy.  I lost the hearing in my right ear when

I was 33 or 34 years old and now I am 39.  I know exactly how you fell.  I see

my husband and kids talk and my husband & his mom talk and I feel so left out. 

I leave the room and start crying. There are times when I feel left out and just

want to be alone.  The hearing in my left ear was slowing going until recently,

this past year has been the worse, it went down dramatically.  In Aug. '09 my

Doctor did a special type of hearing test and it showed that the 8th cranial

nerve is severely damaged.  When I went and saw him back on Jan. 13, '10, he

did the reg. hearing test and it showed that the hearing in my left ear is down

to 97% gone.  He then told my husband that we are going to run tests to see if

the Cochlear Implant will work for me.  The 1st test is being done on Feb. 19.

'10.  I also have Bilateral Sensenoreal Hearing Loss.  A couple of years ago

my Doctor

told us that hearing aids wouldn't help bcause the way I was losing my hearing

we would have to buy a stronger one each year.

I hope everything goes well for you with your surgery and I will keep you in my

thoughts and prayers.  I will also check out the website you sent.

Sincerely,

a

From: Ortis <qglphx1@...>

Subject: Re: Newbie

Date: Monday, January 25, 2010, 5:40 PM

 

a,

I can relate.  Sounds probably crazy to hear this from a 40 year old man but

the first two months I would hide up at the house in Northern Az., sit on the

deck that had blinds covering where people couldn't see me.  They were always

use to me being very outgoing and would talk to anyone.  I would sit in the

chair, watch my mother talk to her friends and I would start to tear like

crazy.  I worked off the phone all my life and logistics is the only thing I

know.  I would sit there on some days and just think to myself, how about I pop

some valium and drink a 12 pack of beer and I wouldn't have to worry about it

anymore.  I finally did some research as well as my brother introducing me to a

buddy of his from Canada.  I found out that he is a moderator on HLAA.  He

invited me to come into there weekly chat on Monday.  I got in there and met

the most wonderful people, explained my situation and what was wrong with me. 

Alot of them were quite

shocked at first since all of this hit me overnight.  On April the 28th of 09

I woke up and couldn't hear a thing in any one of my ears, a month later they

diagnosed me with Mineares Disease, a month after that I found out I had

A.I.E.D. and a month after that I was told I have an arachnoid cyst in the lower

part of my brain.  So besides have Sudden Bilateral Sensenoreal Hearing Loss I

have the other things to deal with.  I am wearing Oticon Epoq XW Powers that

work wonders, I can talk on the phone by using a streamer that I wear around my

neck, it turns the hearing aids into a bluetooth, I have a TV Connect box that I

use to watch TV as well as a Phone Connect box that I can use on the landline. 

My hearing isn't getting any better so I am not getting my first Cochlear

Implant on Feb. the 9th and am looking forward to it.  I am going to get the

other one in about six months after this one is done.  I have been getting alot

of email from people

with tips on the surgery and what to expect from here.  It has been very

helpful.  If you want to chat with other people in a live chat room you can go

where I go every Monday at 8:00PM EST, the site is http://myhearinglos s.org 

You click on the orange chat button then make a name for yourself and click

chat.  When you get in there you want to double click the CI Chat room.  You

will see people in there that have the implants, are just wearing hearing aids,

are new to hearing loss like myself when I got in there.  They are wonderful

people and it is my Monday ritual to get in there and get up to date on everyone

and see how there doing as well as try to help people thru new hearing loss such

as they did me when I lost mine.  I have been telling alot of people about the

group and they didn't even know about it.  I know from asking that the surgery

is out patient and they turn the device on in three to four weeks.  I read what

you wrote and just

thought I would give you a little history on what I am dealing with and I can

sympathize with you.  It's horrible and you actually find out who your true

friends are when something like this happens.

Stay postive and up to date with information, I do it everyday to just keep

gaining knoweledge of the hearing loss world.

____________ _________ _________ __

From: cherokee0897 <cherokee0897>

groups (DOT) com

Sent: Mon, January 25, 2010 2:40:41 PM

Subject: Newbie

 

Hello, my name is a my Dr, ran the annual hearing test the this past Thurs.

(Jan 21) and finally realized that it is time to run the tests to see if the

Cochlear Implant will work for me, the first test is being done on Feb 19, 10. I

have been totally deaf in my right ear for a little over 4 years now and the

left year was slowly going until the past few months. Back in Aug.09 they ran a

special test and found out that the 8th Cranial nerve is damaged. So now he has

decided to try the Cochlear Implant.

I have been looking it up online, but haven't found the answers to my questions

& I was hoping that maybe someone here could help me. My questions are. Exactly

how many tests are there before they find out if the Cochlear Implant will work

for me? How long will I be in the hosp, if it is inpatient surgery? And how soon

after the surgery will the external device be put in place?

Loosing my hearing has been more frustrating on me then my husband and kids. I

have actually cried myself to sleep a many nights because of it wondering if my

doctor was ever going to give me any answers as to why I was losing my hearing

and he never did. It is about time he is finally taking the next step into doing

something for me so that I may be able to hear again. I am just hoping and

praying that the test(s) he is running will show that the Cochlear Implant will

work.

If someone can answer these for me, I would greatly appreciate it.

[Guest guest]

Hi a,

Thats funny, I have the same type of hearing loss except mine just completely

went out overnight.  I hope the Cochlear Implant will work for you and I am

sure it will.  I have been getting alot of postive feedback from people in here

as well as HLAA so I am looking forward to it.  My thoughts and prayers are

with you as well.  Hang in there, stay postive and focused and we will all get

thru this.

________________________________

From: shawna taylor <cherokee0897@...>

Sent: Wed, January 27, 2010 12:27:33 PM

Subject: Re: Newbie

 

Hi , no it doesn't sound crazy.  I lost the hearing in my right ear when

I was 33 or 34 years old and now I am 39.  I know exactly how you fell.  I see

my husband and kids talk and my husband & his mom talk and I feel so left out. 

I leave the room and start crying. There are times when I feel left out and just

want to be alone.  The hearing in my left ear was slowing going until recently,

this past year has been the worse, it went down dramatically.  In Aug. '09 my

Doctor did a special type of hearing test and it showed that the 8th cranial

nerve is severely damaged.  When I went and saw him back on Jan. 13, '10, he

did the reg. hearing test and it showed that the hearing in my left ear is down

to 97% gone.  He then told my husband that we are going to run tests to see if

the Cochlear Implant will work for me.  The 1st test is being done on Feb. 19.

'10.  I also have Bilateral Sensenoreal Hearing Loss.  A couple of years ago

my Doctor

told us that hearing aids wouldn't help bcause the way I was losing my hearing

we would have to buy a stronger one each year.

I hope everything goes well for you with your surgery and I will keep you in my

thoughts and prayers.  I will also check out the website you sent.

Sincerely,

a

From: Ortis <qglphx1 (DOT) com>

Subject: Re: Newbie

groups (DOT) com

Date: Monday, January 25, 2010, 5:40 PM

 

a,

I can relate.  Sounds probably crazy to hear this from a 40 year old man but

the first two months I would hide up at the house in Northern Az., sit on the

deck that had blinds covering where people couldn't see me.  They were always

use to me being very outgoing and would talk to anyone.  I would sit in the

chair, watch my mother talk to her friends and I would start to tear like

crazy.  I worked off the phone all my life and logistics is the only thing I

know.  I would sit there on some days and just think to myself, how about I pop

some valium and drink a 12 pack of beer and I wouldn't have to worry about it

anymore.  I finally did some research as well as my brother introducing me to a

buddy of his from Canada.  I found out that he is a moderator on HLAA.  He

invited me to come into there weekly chat on Monday.  I got in there and met

the most wonderful people, explained my situation and what was wrong with me. 

Alot of them were quite

shocked at first since all of this hit me overnight.  On April the 28th of 09 I

woke up and couldn't hear a thing in any one of my ears, a month later they

diagnosed me with Mineares Disease, a month after that I found out I had

A.I.E.D. and a month after that I was told I have an arachnoid cyst in the lower

part of my brain.  So besides have Sudden Bilateral Sensenoreal Hearing Loss I

have the other things to deal with.  I am wearing Oticon Epoq XW Powers that

work wonders, I can talk on the phone by using a streamer that I wear around my

neck, it turns the hearing aids into a bluetooth, I have a TV Connect box that I

use to watch TV as well as a Phone Connect box that I can use on the landline. 

My hearing isn't getting any better so I am not getting my first Cochlear

Implant on Feb. the 9th and am looking forward to it.  I am going to get the

other one in about six months after this one is done.  I have been getting alot

of email from people

with tips on the surgery and what to expect from here.  It has been very

helpful.  If you want to chat with other people in a live chat room you can go

where I go every Monday at 8:00PM EST, the site is http://myhearinglos s.org 

You click on the orange chat button then make a name for yourself and click

chat.  When you get in there you want to double click the CI Chat room.  You

will see people in there that have the implants, are just wearing hearing aids,

are new to hearing loss like myself when I got in there.  They are wonderful

people and it is my Monday ritual to get in there and get up to date on everyone

and see how there doing as well as try to help people thru new hearing loss such

as they did me when I lost mine.  I have been telling alot of people about the

group and they didn't even know about it.  I know from asking that the surgery

is out patient and they turn the device on in three to four weeks.  I read what

you wrote and just

thought I would give you a little history on what I am dealing with and I can

sympathize with you.  It's horrible and you actually find out who your true

friends are when something like this happens.

Stay postive and up to date with information, I do it everyday to just keep

gaining knoweledge of the hearing loss world.

____________ _________ _________ __

From: cherokee0897 <cherokee0897>

groups (DOT) com

Sent: Mon, January 25, 2010 2:40:41 PM

Subject: Newbie

 

Hello, my name is a my Dr, ran the annual hearing test the this past Thurs.

(Jan 21) and finally realized that it is time to run the tests to see if the

Cochlear Implant will work for me, the first test is being done on Feb 19, 10. I

have been totally deaf in my right ear for a little over 4 years now and the

left year was slowly going until the past few months. Back in Aug.09 they ran a

special test and found out that the 8th Cranial nerve is damaged. So now he has

decided to try the Cochlear Implant.

I have been looking it up online, but haven't found the answers to my questions

& I was hoping that maybe someone here could help me. My questions are. Exactly

how many tests are there before they find out if the Cochlear Implant will work

for me? How long will I be in the hosp, if it is inpatient surgery? And how soon

after the surgery will the external device be put in place?

Loosing my hearing has been more frustrating on me then my husband and kids. I

have actually cried myself to sleep a many nights because of it wondering if my

doctor was ever going to give me any answers as to why I was losing my hearing

and he never did. It is about time he is finally taking the next step into doing

something for me so that I may be able to hear again. I am just hoping and

praying that the test(s) he is running will show that the Cochlear Implant will

work.

If someone can answer these for me, I would greatly appreciate it.

[Guest guest]

Hi a and ,

 

You both sound exactly like me!! I started losing my hearing when I was 32, I'm

44 now.. The right ear has been useless for several years. My left started to go

really bad about 2 years ago. Now, I'm getting ready to recieve a cochlear

implant on the right. The surgery should be sometime in mid-late february- I

don't have the date yet, should get it at my next appointment...

 

I've felt left out for some time now, and it's just diffiult! Even when I'm with

people that understand and are trying to help me hear, it's very frustrating to

not be able to do what everyone else is doing. I've always been pretty social

and just hate not knowing what's going on. Sometimes I just want to hide as

well. Sometimes, I do...

 

My career has been severly affected as well. I'm a Nursing Instructor, and right

now and am working on administrative stuff. I thank God that I have a job that

has given me some flexibility. I always loved patient care though, and can't do

it anymore. I love the students too and am missing them now. I hope that after

the CI, I'll be able to teach again. Crossing my fingers!

 

Good luck and God bless you both!

From: Ortis <qglphx1 (DOT) com>

Subject: Re: Newbie

groups (DOT) com

Date: Monday, January 25, 2010, 5:40 PM

 

a,

I can relate.  Sounds probably crazy to hear this from a 40 year old man but

the first two months I would hide up at the house in Northern Az., sit on the

deck that had blinds covering where people couldn't see me.  They were always

use to me being very outgoing and would talk to anyone.  I would sit in the

chair, watch my mother talk to her friends and I would start to tear like

crazy.  I worked off the phone all my life and logistics is the only thing I

know.  I would sit there on some days and just think to myself, how about I pop

some valium and drink a 12 pack of beer and I wouldn't have to worry about it

anymore.  I finally did some research as well as my brother introducing me to a

buddy of his from Canada.  I found out that he is a moderator on HLAA.  He

invited me to come into there weekly chat on Monday.  I got in there and met

the most wonderful people, explained my situation and what was wrong with me. 

Alot of them were quite

shocked at first since all of this hit me overnight.  On April the 28th of 09 I

woke up and couldn't hear a thing in any one of my ears, a month later they

diagnosed me with Mineares Disease, a month after that I found out I had

A.I.E.D. and a month after that I was told I have an arachnoid cyst in the lower

part of my brain.  So besides have Sudden Bilateral Sensenoreal Hearing Loss I

have the other things to deal with.  I am wearing Oticon Epoq XW Powers that

work wonders, I can talk on the phone by using a streamer that I wear around my

neck, it turns the hearing aids into a bluetooth, I have a TV Connect box that I

use to watch TV as well as a Phone Connect box that I can use on the landline. 

My hearing isn't getting any better so I am not getting my first Cochlear

Implant on Feb. the 9th and am looking forward to it.  I am going to get the

other one in about six months after this one is done.  I have been getting alot

of email from people

with tips on the surgery and what to expect from here.  It has been very

helpful.  If you want to chat with other people in a live chat room you can go

where I go every Monday at 8:00PM EST, the site is http://myhearinglos s.org 

You click on the orange chat button then make a name for yourself and click

chat.  When you get in there you want to double click the CI Chat room.  You

will see people in there that have the implants, are just wearing hearing aids,

are new to hearing loss like myself when I got in there.  They are wonderful

people and it is my Monday ritual to get in there and get up to date on everyone

and see how there doing as well as try to help people thru new hearing loss such

as they did me when I lost mine.  I have been telling alot of people about the

group and they didn't even know about it.  I know from asking that the surgery

is out patient and they turn the device on in three to four weeks.  I read what

you wrote and just

thought I would give you a little history on what I am dealing with and I can

sympathize with you.  It's horrible and you actually find out who your true

friends are when something like this happens.

Stay postive and up to date with information, I do it everyday to just keep

gaining knoweledge of the hearing loss world.

____________ _________ _________ __

From: cherokee0897 <cherokee0897>

groups (DOT) com

Sent: Mon, January 25, 2010 2:40:41 PM

Subject: Newbie

 

Hello, my name is a my Dr, ran the annual hearing test the this past Thurs.

(Jan 21) and finally realized that it is time to run the tests to see if the

Cochlear Implant will work for me, the first test is being done on Feb 19, 10. I

have been totally deaf in my right ear for a little over 4 years now and the

left year was slowly going until the past few months. Back in Aug.09 they ran a

special test and found out that the 8th Cranial nerve is damaged. So now he has

decided to try the Cochlear Implant.

I have been looking it up online, but haven't found the answers to my questions

& I was hoping that maybe someone here could help me. My questions are. Exactly

how many tests are there before they find out if the Cochlear Implant will work

for me? How long will I be in the hosp, if it is inpatient surgery? And how soon

after the surgery will the external device be put in place?

Loosing my hearing has been more frustrating on me then my husband and kids. I

have actually cried myself to sleep a many nights because of it wondering if my

doctor was ever going to give me any answers as to why I was losing my hearing

and he never did. It is about time he is finally taking the next step into doing

something for me so that I may be able to hear again. I am just hoping and

praying that the test(s) he is running will show that the Cochlear Implant will

work.

If someone can answer these for me, I would greatly appreciate it.

[Guest guest]

HI ,Sorry for the long delay in responding,my internet has been acting

up.  Losing my hearing has been hard on me.  I lost the vision in my left eye

when I was 10 yrs old, so I have only the sight in the right eye, I lost the

hearing in the right ear when I was 33 -34 yrs old over night & now I'm 39. 

The left ear started going away slowly, then this past year it took a dramatic

fall.  The Doctor just did the audiogram and it shows that there is basically

no hearing in the left ear at all, and the right ear is totally gone.  I am

scheduled for the testing on Feb 19.  He believes now that the NF I & NF II

that I have is more then likely what has caused the deafness, but is

uncertain.  NF = Neurofibromatosis which causes tumors to grow anywhere inside

& outside the body.  About 3 years ago a MRI showed a small tumor on the nerve

of the right ear, but a month later when they redid the MRI the tumor was

gone.  He told me that there was a

possibilty that the scan may have missed it when they did the 2nd MRI. 

Thank you for the information abt the tests that they do, but I was informed by

his nurse that he will keep me in the hosp.atleast overnight because my body

will reject foreign objects & they are taking this as a precaution.

I will keep everone posted and I will also go to the FAQ section & read up. 

Again thank you.

Sincerely,

a

From: Nucleus24 <nucleus24@...>

Subject: Re:Newbie

Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 8:33 PM

 

Hi a,

You've come to the right place. You might start by logging online and

reading the FAQs at the website. Answers LOTS of common

questions. www..com

If your Dr. hasn't told you what has caused your hearing loss, it may

well be that he doesn't know. Often hearing loss is " idiopathic "

meaning, nobody knows what caused it. Could be auto immune disorder,

could be a virus, could be bad karma. And the reason for the loss is

generally not that important anyway. And your hearing loss has to be

above a certain level before you qualify for an implant. Testing with

the most up to date hearing aids is done, to make sure that a hearing aid

won't do the trick. A Cochlear implant is a step in the right direction.

Tests are generally, an audiogram to see how well you are, or are not

hearing. A tympanogram, to see if your ear drum is in place. A Cat Scan

or MRI or both to see if there are structural problems with the cochlea,

and if the cochlea is open so the implant can be inserted. Sometimes

psychological tests are given to make sure you aren't expecting more than

the implant will give you. In my case they know I'm goofy anyway, so

skipped that part! LOL. The tests can be done in a day. They were for

me.

Then you need insurance approval, which generally takes a while to go

through. Might be denied, then you have to appeal to the folks who think

a cochlear implant is a hearing aid. Implants are covered, hearing aids

are not.

Surgery, if no complications (which would be determined in pre

testing, CT and MRI scans, etc.) takes 45 minutes, and is done on an

outpatient basis. You can go home the same day. Incision is small and

behind the ear and little or no hair is shaved. Waiting for first

mapping is 2-4 weeks depending on your center. They want to be sure the

swelling has gone down. But with the Nucleus 5, there is minimal

swelling, so they can program (MAP) you sooner.

You may hear noises with the first mapping. YOu may hear and

understand sounds. You may even hear and understand words with or

without lipreading. Further mappings refine what you hear at the first

mapping. Most people do not have speech understanding with the first

mapping. Some have very high cartoonish sounds (I did), but these get

mapped out as you go along. The fact that you have had years of hearing

means you have a lot of auditory memory. So you KNOW what words sound

like. Unlike a person who has never heard, you know what a sound means

in terms of a word it represents.

Losing your hearing is like losing your life. Any time a sense is

destroyed, you go through the stages of grief that beth Kubler-Ross

wrote about in her landmark book, " On Death and Dying " You might get it

out of the library and read it. You grieve the loss of a sense, go

through the " why did this happen to me " , and feeling sorry for yourself,

feeling helpless and so forth. We've all done that. So you're not

alone. But now that it looks like you will be a candidate for the

implant, you can look ahead.

The return journey to hearing is just that, a journey, not a race.

It takes time, patience and perseverence to learn how to hear with an

implant. It's not like a hearing aid where you put it on and hear. You

have to teach your brain how to interpret the signals it is getting into

sounds you understand. So you get to wear the processor all the time you

are awake so your brain adjusts to it.

Good luck, and ask any questions you have.

Nucleus 24 Aug 1997

Nucleus 5 September 2009

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

Weight Loss Program

Best Weight Loss Program - Click Here!

http://thirdpartyof fers.juno. com/TGL2141/ c?cp=Jdphl8F_ RRK9ieUnPm2y8wAA

J1CAYQG2fnZWBLac CwlpBoaTAAYAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAADN AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAEUgAAAAA=

[Guest guest]

Hi a,  This group has so many answers to so many questions so welcome.  I

totally relate to how you are feeling.   I lost the hearing in my left ear

when I was 26. II am now 36.  gradually lost hearing in my right ear until it

was gone a year ago. I have had a CI Freedom in my left ear for two years and

just got the Nucleus 5 in my right ear last month.  It is very isolating going

from being a hearing person to a non hearing person. I had to stop working since

my job was very phone based. It also takes a toll on my husband too but I am so

lucky that he is very supportive.  My real heartbreak was not knowing if I was

going to be able to hear my six year old son who was diagnosed with autism when

he was 2.  He stopped talking when he was a year and a half and just started

again June 2008.  I was very determined that there was no way that I was not

going to hear my son talk again.  The CI is a godsend but they are not normal

hearing.  I am

doing well but I am still not working.  If anyone knows of a job where I can

sit in a soundproof room with only one other person let me know!! lol.  Good

luck with your journey.  Things will get better.

 

Lori

Phoenix, AZ

From: Ortis <qglphx1 (DOT) com>

Subject: Re: Newbie

groups (DOT) com

Date: Monday, January 25, 2010, 5:40 PM

 

a,

I can relate.  Sounds probably crazy to hear this from a 40 year old man but

the first two months I would hide up at the house in Northern Az., sit on the

deck that had blinds covering where people couldn't see me.  They were always

use to me being very outgoing and would talk to anyone.  I would sit in the

chair, watch my mother talk to her friends and I would start to tear like

crazy.  I worked off the phone all my life and logistics is the only thing I

know.  I would sit there on some days and just think to myself, how about I pop

some valium and drink a 12 pack of beer and I wouldn't have to worry about it

anymore.  I finally did some research as well as my brother introducing me to a

buddy of his from Canada.  I found out that he is a moderator on HLAA.  He

invited me to come into there weekly chat on Monday.  I got in there and met

the most wonderful people, explained my situation and what was wrong with me. 

Alot of them were quite

shocked at first since all of this hit me overnight.  On April the 28th of 09 I

woke up and couldn't hear a thing in any one of my ears, a month later they

diagnosed me with Mineares Disease, a month after that I found out I had

A.I.E.D. and a month after that I was told I have an arachnoid cyst in the lower

part of my brain.  So besides have Sudden Bilateral Sensenoreal Hearing Loss I

have the other things to deal with.  I am wearing Oticon Epoq XW Powers that

work wonders, I can talk on the phone by using a streamer that I wear around my

neck, it turns the hearing aids into a bluetooth, I have a TV Connect box that I

use to watch TV as well as a Phone Connect box that I can use on the landline. 

My hearing isn't getting any better so I am not getting my first Cochlear

Implant on Feb. the 9th and am looking forward to it.  I am going to get the

other one in about six months after this one is done.  I have been getting alot

of email from people

with tips on the surgery and what to expect from here.  It has been very

helpful.  If you want to chat with other people in a live chat room you can go

where I go every Monday at 8:00PM EST, the site is http://myhearinglos s.org 

You click on the orange chat button then make a name for yourself and click

chat.  When you get in there you want to double click the CI Chat room.  You

will see people in there that have the implants, are just wearing hearing aids,

are new to hearing loss like myself when I got in there.  They are wonderful

people and it is my Monday ritual to get in there and get up to date on everyone

and see how there doing as well as try to help people thru new hearing loss such

as they did me when I lost mine.  I have been telling alot of people about the

group and they didn't even know about it.  I know from asking that the surgery

is out patient and they turn the device on in three to four weeks.  I read what

you wrote and just

thought I would give you a little history on what I am dealing with and I can

sympathize with you.  It's horrible and you actually find out who your true

friends are when something like this happens.

Stay postive and up to date with information, I do it everyday to just keep

gaining knoweledge of the hearing loss world.

____________ _________ _________ __

From: cherokee0897 <cherokee0897>

groups (DOT) com

Sent: Mon, January 25, 2010 2:40:41 PM

Subject: Newbie

 

Hello, my name is a my Dr, ran the annual hearing test the this past Thurs.

(Jan 21) and finally realized that it is time to run the tests to see if the

Cochlear Implant will work for me, the first test is being done on Feb 19, 10. I

have been totally deaf in my right ear for a little over 4 years now and the

left year was slowly going until the past few months. Back in Aug.09 they ran a

special test and found out that the 8th Cranial nerve is damaged. So now he has

decided to try the Cochlear Implant.

I have been looking it up online, but haven't found the answers to my questions

& I was hoping that maybe someone here could help me. My questions are.. Exactly

how many tests are there before they find out if the Cochlear Implant will work

for me? How long will I be in the hosp, if it is inpatient surgery? And how soon

after the surgery will the external device be put in place?

Loosing my hearing has been more frustrating on me then my husband and kids.. I

have actually cried myself to sleep a many nights because of it wondering if my

doctor was ever going to give me any answers as to why I was losing my hearing

and he never did. It is about time he is finally taking the next step into doing

something for me so that I may be able to hear again. I am just hoping and

praying that the test(s) he is running will show that the Cochlear Implant will

work.

If someone can answer these for me, I would greatly appreciate it.

[Guest guest]

Hi a,

Was there a delay in answering? LOL. I only log on once a day, and

if you're not there with answers or questions, I figure tomorrow.

MY computer was making up addresses when I sent message by hitting the

" reply " key. Totally different address typed out. HELLO. Didn't

realize it until I got all the bounced messages back. Life is cruel.

Thanks for explaining what NF I and NF II are. Many of us don't have

medical backgrounds, so you need to use lay person's language. Nerve

VIII is, I think, the vestibulocochlear nerve, but easier to just let

everyone know so we don't have to go through the " memnonic " to remember

which of the 12 cranial nerves it is.

I had to stay overnight because I live alone and the Dr. didn't want

me coming home all by myself. And none of my friends offered to put me

up, either. NICE friends. LOL.

So either way, whatever works, works.

There is also an auditory brainstem implant that works much like a

cochlear implant if you do have tumors on the hearing nerve. So even if

a regular cochlear implant won't work, there are still things to try.

Good luck, keep us advised.

____________________________________________________________

Nutrition

Improve your career health. Click now to study nutrition!

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ZWBLacCwlpBoaTAAYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASQwAAAAA=

[Guest guest]

Hi, Debbie - welcome!

You lost a lot in only a year, and it sounds from your dilation that you were

too tight and simply not getting adequate calories you regained quickly then

because you were so deprived - when that happens, the body grabs all the

calories it can and packs the weight back on to protect from future episodes of

(what it perceives as) starving. This isn't from dehydration. It's real weight,

not just water-weight.

Not surer why you were on protein shakes - one of the basic band rules is to

avoid all liquid calories - and protein shakes are liquid calories. people often

regain on them, because they are not satisfying and we end up taking in way too

many calories. It's easy to get enough protein in real meals.

As far as your hard time with fills now - many docs are too aggressive with both

fills and then with unfills.

Take a look at the document in the files called " Back and forth with fills, but

never " just right? " It may help explain what is likely happening.

Also, see the documents on fills - when to get more fill, what is a good fill?,

etc - lots of useful info for you, i hope.

You're surely right that many fail with ALL types of surgery. The solution is

not to hop from one surgery to the next - the solution is to work with the

surgery we have.

ALL the surgeries require exactly the same things - much improved diet, much

improved exercise, and serious work on the emotional eating we all do. That last

point is responsible for many not doing well - are you looking at your

food/eating issues - preferably with a good therapist? IMO, that is essential.

the band (or bypass or sleeve) will not guarantee success. They are only a help

to our own serious efforts at changing our eating behaviors.

You can still do just fine with your band, if you're willing to start over as if

you were new, follow the " rules " pretty well (about 80% of the time is fine) ,

commit to daily exercise, and learn more and more so you can prevent problems

and reach a good fill level.

Glad you're here!

Sandy

>

> Hello

> My name is Debbie Legare I live in land and was banded 2 years ago. The

first year I lost 100 pounds. I had some issues with sinus phlegm around that

time and had esarly stages of dialation so I had to have a unfill. Apparently

some of my weightloss was dehydration because I immediately gained 20 punds back

on just proteins shakes and water. I had a hard time with that but understood

why it happened. Since then this past year I have yo yo'd with a fill then

unfill then fill and unfill. Sinus issues again this spring caused an unfill

again. I think I finally have restriction again after fluctuating between 5- 5

1/2 ccs in an 8 cc band. 5 1.2 I have phlegm and at 5 I am too open. I am at I

believe 5.33 ccs and so far so good. But out of the 100 pounds I originally losy

I have gained 40 back.

> I have spent most of this past year on soft calories and I know that and the

carbs came back big time after being off for so long.

> Revision has been discussed since now my insurance will cover bariatric stuff

as long as there is preauthorization but not to redo band but to go in a whole

new direction. I was self pay for the band.

> I have Sandy's booklet she sent me and printed it out and even though I know I

followed these rules in the beginning I was working, etc and had a good method.

This past year has seen alot of band issues, personal issues, high blood

pressure come on and loss of my job. My mehtod of every day had been lost and

getting back into the rules it feels like I never knew some of this stuff in the

first place. I know many who have had bypass but not too many with the band so I

hope I found a good place to hang and get answers and meet some new friends.

> I was thin all of my liofe and only gained weight in the last 13 years due to

a metabolic disorder. I really believe the band can work since I know in my head

from even bypass patients that even that wont work if you dont follow the

general rules and use the tool given to you...

> Anyway

> Thanks for listening

> Deb

>

[Guest guest]

My experience was similar. Now 7 months after my replacement band I've gained a

lot of my weight back and am starting over. I realize what I did to sabotage

myself, mostly by not going in for an unfill when I needed too. I'm back on

the track again now and will keep up with your progress and let you know about

mine. Good luck to both of us!

Joan

From: gypsyscribe@...

Date: Sun, 20 Jun 2010 21:07:34 +0000

Subject: Newbie

Hello

My name is Debbie Legare I live in land and was banded 2 years ago. The

first year I lost 100 pounds. I had some issues with sinus phlegm around that

time and had esarly stages of dialation so I had to have a unfill. Apparently

some of my weightloss was dehydration because I immediately gained 20 punds back

on just proteins shakes and water. I had a hard time with that but understood

why it happened. Since then this past year I have yo yo'd with a fill then

unfill then fill and unfill. Sinus issues again this spring caused an unfill

again. I think I finally have restriction again after fluctuating between 5- 5

1/2 ccs in an 8 cc band. 5 1.2 I have phlegm and at 5 I am too open. I am at I

believe 5.33 ccs and so far so good. But out of the 100 pounds I originally losy

I have gained 40 back.

I have spent most of this past year on soft calories and I know that and the

carbs came back big time after being off for so long.

Revision has been discussed since now my insurance will cover bariatric stuff as

long as there is preauthorization but not to redo band but to go in a whole new

direction. I was self pay for the band.

I have Sandy's booklet she sent me and printed it out and even though I know I

followed these rules in the beginning I was working, etc and had a good method.

This past year has seen alot of band issues, personal issues, high blood

pressure come on and loss of my job. My mehtod of every day had been lost and

getting back into the rules it feels like I never knew some of this stuff in the

first place. I know many who have had bypass but not too many with the band so I

hope I found a good place to hang and get answers and meet some new friends.

I was thin all of my liofe and only gained weight in the last 13 years due to a

metabolic disorder. I really believe the band can work since I know in my head

from even bypass patients that even that wont work if you dont follow the

general rules and use the tool given to you...

Anyway

Thanks for listening

Deb

_________________________________________________________________

The New Busy is not the too busy. Combine all your e-mail accounts with Hotmail.

http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?tile=multiaccount & ocid=PID28326::\

T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:042010_4

[Guest guest]

Please Don't feel too bad - you guys are far from alone.

Thankfully, the band is pretty forgiving, and gives us more than one chance to

succeed.

But it IS hard work, and I don't think people understand that very well going

into the procedure. I don't feel the docs and staff do a very good job educating

before, during, or after getting the Band. Many think, still, that is is a

guaranteed weight loss and we don't have to make major changes. Unless we really

understand this, and are ready and able to MSKE the changes, our chance for

success is poor.

Glad you're here too! Please let us help you any way we can.

Sandy r

>

>

> My experience was similar. Now 7 months after my replacement band I've gained

a lot of my weight back and am starting over. I realize what I did to sabotage

myself, mostly by not going in for an unfill when I needed too. I'm back on

the track again now and will keep up with your progress and let you know about

mine. Good luck to both of us!

>

>

>

> Joan

>

[Guest guest]

Deb,

I too live in land - maybe we can chat or be email buddies? Read the post I

just posted a few moments ago when you have a chance & that will catch you up on

my band journey.

Good luck,

>

> Hello

> My name is Debbie Legare I live in land and was banded 2 years ago. The

first year I lost 100 pounds. I had some issues with sinus phlegm around that

time and had esarly stages of dialation so I had to have a unfill. Apparently

some of my weightloss was dehydration because I immediately gained 20 punds back

on just proteins shakes and water. I had a hard time with that but understood

why it happened. Since then this past year I have yo yo'd with a fill then

unfill then fill and unfill. Sinus issues again this spring caused an unfill

again. I think I finally have restriction again after fluctuating between 5- 5

1/2 ccs in an 8 cc band. 5 1.2 I have phlegm and at 5 I am too open. I am at I

believe 5.33 ccs and so far so good. But out of the 100 pounds I originally losy

I have gained 40 back.

> I have spent most of this past year on soft calories and I know that and the

carbs came back big time after being off for so long.

> Revision has been discussed since now my insurance will cover bariatric stuff

as long as there is preauthorization but not to redo band but to go in a whole

new direction. I was self pay for the band.

> I have Sandy's booklet she sent me and printed it out and even though I know I

followed these rules in the beginning I was working, etc and had a good method.

This past year has seen alot of band issues, personal issues, high blood

pressure come on and loss of my job. My mehtod of every day had been lost and

getting back into the rules it feels like I never knew some of this stuff in the

first place. I know many who have had bypass but not too many with the band so I

hope I found a good place to hang and get answers and meet some new friends.

> I was thin all of my liofe and only gained weight in the last 13 years due to

a metabolic disorder. I really believe the band can work since I know in my head

from even bypass patients that even that wont work if you dont follow the

general rules and use the tool given to you...

> Anyway

> Thanks for listening

> Deb

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Sometime if you scroll down you will see the original message. If you check your E-mail you will start getting the original message. Right now you are jumping in the middle of a lot of what is going on. It gets easier the longer you are one here. You can go back to the mail page and see all the original messages too.

Welcome to this site. I think it is wonderful that you have started out already asking some questions. The group of people are wonderful to support and help you on this site. There isn't anything that you can't ask us that we won't try to help you with. You are making a choice to do something that is going to be a life changing event. You will never have one regret. Having the sleeve surgery has changed my life in so many ways and they are all good!

Suzanne

[Guest guest]

You go to the bottom of the page and see the link that shows the number of messages in the topic and click on that. ;o)Good to see you over here!On Mon, Aug 2, 2010 at 10:06 PM, nomorebadonkydonk <terriejeter@...> wrote:

 

I'm new to this site as of today. I am hoping to have surg. in Sept. (getting money together now) as I am a cashpay.. Anyway, my question is, how do I find the original messages people post? I am only finding replies...thanks!

[Guest guest]

Dear Rita,

I wrote this exact same letter about a year ago. You won't get any negative replies, even in private correspondence.

This crowd is Dr. Aceves biggest cheerleaders. We pretty much, all have the same thing to say - how wonderful Dr. Aceves is, how great the staff are, how clean and well run the hospital is, how well taken-care of we felt then and the comaraderie we feel with each other.

I am four months out, have lost 66 lbs and feel terrific. I know that part of my stomach was removed because, before you leave the hospital, you have to drink that nasty barium stuff and they show it moving through your esophagus and very small stomach during your pre-discharge fluoroscopy. They SAY they're doing it for a leak check, but I think that's when it finally hit home that I had WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY. You will quickly know this is going to change your life.

I don't regret it, I'm sorry I didn't do it sooner.

Sally

From: rhopebubby@...Date: Sat, 14 May 2011 19:49:19 +0000Subject: Newbie

Hello. I was thinking of getting the gastric sleeve. I live in Southern California and was considering having it done by Dr. Aceves.Does anyone know of any negative experiences from Dr. Aceves? I have heard of people going to Mexico for WLS and coming back to find out that nothing was done. They had the incisions but the surgery was never done. The doctor had just taken their money. Thank you for the responses in advance. BTW I have only heard of good and positive things on Dr. Aceves.

[Guest guest]

Rita,When you have surgery with Dr. A, you get a leak test and get to see your new tiny tummy, so you will see it before you leave.I have absolutely NOTHING negative to say about Dr. A....I had an excellent experience and would recommend him to anyone. I have referred a friend who may go and am also trying to convince my mom....that is how much confidence I have in him. I don't think you will hear anything negative on this board, we all think very highly of him and his staff. I searched and searched and searched before I scheduled with him for ANYTHING negative (because not EVERYTHING is roses and sugar-plums, right? Lol) but I couldn't find not a one negative thing anywhere. Now I know why!I was sleeved on 8/27/10 and have lost 116lbs. It has slowed and is taking more of an effort now, but is hands-down the best thing I have ever done for

myself and hope you will join us on the loser's bench! You are in great hands with Dr. A and this board has been so helpful to me in my journey!Best of luck to you!!Sent from my iPhoneOn May 14, 2011, at 3:49 PM, "Rita" <rhopebubby@...> wrote:

Hello. I was thinking of getting the gastric sleeve. I live in Southern California and was considering having it done by Dr. Aceves.

Does anyone know of any negative experiences from Dr. Aceves? I have heard of people going to Mexico for WLS and coming back to find out that nothing was done. They had the incisions but the surgery was never done. The doctor had just taken their money. Thank you for the responses in advance.

BTW I have only heard of good and positive things on Dr. Aceves.

[Guest guest]

Hi there, My name is Sharon Hendricks. I live in Northeast Montana and am a Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Midwife. I had my VSG with Dr Aceves, I can promise you that I got even more than I paid for not only have I lost 65 pounds in 5 months (4 pounds from goal and normal BMI) Dr Aceves repaired a huge hiatal hernia. I knew as soon as I woke up that something had been done because the pain that I had lived with for years from the hernia was magically gone. And he didn't charge me a penny more to fix it. Dr Aceves team is the absolute best. I traveled back to Mexicali to have my f/u appointment even though I could have done it here at home. I don't regret one step of my jouney (except maybe not having it done 10 years ago, but then VSG wasn't availible). I have a profile on OH you can read my review there and if you PM me I would be happy to send you my phone number if you want to talk with me ( as I am sure many on here would be willing to do).

Good luck with your Decision

Sharon

From: rhopebubby@...Date: Sat, 14 May 2011 19:49:19 +0000Subject: Newbie

Hello. I was thinking of getting the gastric sleeve. I live in Southern California and was considering having it done by Dr. Aceves.Does anyone know of any negative experiences from Dr. Aceves? I have heard of people going to Mexico for WLS and coming back to find out that nothing was done. They had the incisions but the surgery was never done. The doctor had just taken their money. Thank you for the responses in advance. BTW I have only heard of good and positive things on Dr. Aceves.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I read this, and just had to answer you. The answer is a BIG NO,Dr. Aceves

would NEVER do something like this. Everything that you have read about him, is

the truth. He is everything that everyone has said plus a whole lot more.He is

the most down to earth, caring kind man I have had the pleasure of calling a

doctor. He is highly skilled doctor and your health and success are always the

first things that he thinks about. If you want the best doctor for WLS then Dr.

Aceves is the ONLY Doctor that I would every consider letting do WLS.

Yes, you can find surgery maybe with another doctor for less money. Most of them

are NOT in a hospital--but a clinic and send you to a Hotel to recover--this is

BAD. I always wonder why people shop for surgery by a doctor who charges less

money. This is about your healthy and the REST of your life,this isn' time to

be out bargain shopping when it comes to your health. When you have the BEST

why would you want the rest?

I was 63 years old and 2 1/2 years ago Dr. Aceves did my sleeve WLS. I am 65

now and lost 105 pounds. I have kept it off. My entire life has changed. I am

healthy, happy and would love to answer any of your questions that you might

have.

I saw where you asked if Dr. Aceves has ever had a leak. I believe in over 1000

WLS he had (1) leak, and I am not sure, but I believe I heard it was NOT

anything he did wrong. I can tell you from my experience, I was tested 2 times

before I went home to make sure that everything worked correctly and that there

were NO leaks. They also sent home an EX RAY for my doctor here in the US which

showed my new " small stomach " , along with a very detailed report about my

surgery for my medical records here in the US.

I have never been treated so well by any doctor as I was by the teams of doctors

and nurses that Dr. Acves has on staff. He and another doctor saw me after

surgery 3 times a day for a total of 4 days before I went home--you don't get

that kind of care anywhere else. They ae caring, kind, helpful, highly skilled

people, and they are there for you every step of the way.

I have NO idea where you hear the kind of things you wrote about. Sounds like a

place I would never consider going. Please do a little homework and check out

what other have to say about Dr. Aceves. DO NOT have it done in the US. You

will never get the kind of care and expertise that you are going to get with

anyone BUT Dr. Aceves. Checked out ObesityHelp.com. It is a great site along

with VerticalSleeve.com

If you have any questions, send them to me, I am here to help you every step of

the way OK.

Hugs and I hope that you make the right choice.

Suzanne

Sleeved 10/21/2008

225 120 125

Start Now Goal Weight

>

> Hello. I was thinking of getting the gastric sleeve. I live in Southern

California and was considering having it done by Dr. Aceves.

> Does anyone know of any negative experiences from Dr. Aceves? I have heard of

people going to Mexico for WLS and coming back to find out that nothing was

done. They had the incisions but the surgery was never done. The doctor had

just taken their money. Thank you for the responses in advance.

>

> BTW I have only heard of good and positive things on Dr. Aceves.

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much Suzanne. I'm having a really really hard time right now and your posts always make me calm down just a tad. WHY is this such an emotional thing? It's so hard, I never dreamed it would be. As I sat here crying I read this email and it made me feel better, so thank you for that!

`

Re: Newbie

Hi,I read this, and just had to answer you. The answer is a BIG NO,Dr. Aceves would NEVER do something like this. Everything that you have read about him, is the truth. He is everything that everyone has said plus a whole lot more.He is the most down to earth, caring kind man I have had the pleasure of calling a doctor. He is highly skilled doctor and your health and success are always the first things that he thinks about. If you want the best doctor for WLS then Dr. Aceves is the ONLY Doctor that I would every consider letting do WLS. Yes, you can find surgery maybe with another doctor for less money. Most of them are NOT in a hospital--but a clinic and send you to a Hotel to recover--this is BAD. I always wonder why people shop for surgery by a doctor who charges less money. This is about your healthy and the REST of your life,this isn' time to be out bargain shopping when it comes to your health. When you have the BEST why would you want the rest? I was 63 years old and 2 1/2 years ago Dr. Aceves did my sleeve WLS. I am 65 now and lost 105 pounds. I have kept it off. My entire life has changed. I am healthy, happy and would love to answer any of your questions that you might have.I saw where you asked if Dr. Aceves has ever had a leak. I believe in over 1000 WLS he had (1) leak, and I am not sure, but I believe I heard it was NOT anything he did wrong. I can tell you from my experience, I was tested 2 times before I went home to make sure that everything worked correctly and that there were NO leaks. They also sent home an EX RAY for my doctor here in the US which showed my new "small stomach", along with a very detailed report about my surgery for my medical records here in the US. I have never been treated so well by any doctor as I was by the teams of doctors and nurses that Dr. Acves has on staff. He and another doctor saw me after surgery 3 times a day for a total of 4 days before I went home--you don't get that kind of care anywhere else. They ae caring, kind, helpful, highly skilled people, and they are there for you every step of the way. I have NO idea where you hear the kind of things you wrote about. Sounds like a place I would never consider going. Please do a little homework and check out what other have to say about Dr. Aceves. DO NOT have it done in the US. You will never get the kind of care and expertise that you are going to get with anyone BUT Dr. Aceves. Checked out ObesityHelp.com. It is a great site along with VerticalSleeve.com If you have any questions, send them to me, I am here to help you every step of the way OK.Hugs and I hope that you make the right choice.SuzanneSleeved 10/21/2008225 120 125Start Now Goal Weight>> Hello. I was thinking of getting the gastric sleeve. I live in Southern California and was considering having it done by Dr. Aceves.> Does anyone know of any negative experiences from Dr. Aceves? I have heard of people going to Mexico for WLS and coming back to find out that nothing was done. They had the incisions but the surgery was never done. The doctor had just taken their money. Thank you for the responses in advance. > > BTW I have only heard of good and positive things on Dr. Aceves.>

[Guest guest]

You should do it, I did my research before going with Dr. Aceves and I had

already scheduled my surgery with another Dr. in TJ. Once reading the reviews

for Dr. Aceves and seeing the youtube testimonies, I had to cancel with the

other Dr and go with Aceves!

I will be getting sleeved on 6/18/11, you should schedule it around the same

time and share expiriences.

>

>

> Hi there, My name is Sharon Hendricks. I live in Northeast Montana and am a

Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Midwife. I had my VSG with Dr Aceves, I can promise

you that I got even more than I paid for not only have I lost 65 pounds in 5

months (4 pounds from goal and normal BMI) Dr Aceves repaired a huge hiatal

hernia. I knew as soon as I woke up that something had been done because the

pain that I had lived with for years from the hernia was magically gone. And he

didn't charge me a penny more to fix it. Dr Aceves team is the absolute best.

I traveled back to Mexicali to have my f/u appointment even though I could have

done it here at home. I don't regret one step of my jouney (except maybe not

having it done 10 years ago, but then VSG wasn't availible). I have a profile

on OH you can read my review there and if you PM me I would be happy to send you

my phone number if you want to talk with me ( as I am sure many on here would be

willing to do).

>

> Good luck with your Decision

>

> Sharon

>

>

>

>

> From: rhopebubby@...

> Date: Sat, 14 May 2011 19:49:19 +0000

> Subject: Newbie

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hello. I was thinking of getting the gastric sleeve. I live in Southern

California and was considering having it done by Dr. Aceves.

> Does anyone know of any negative experiences from Dr. Aceves? I have heard of

people going to Mexico for WLS and coming back to find out that nothing was

done. They had the incisions but the surgery was never done. The doctor had just

taken their money. Thank you for the responses in advance.

>

> BTW I have only heard of good and positive things on Dr. Aceves.

>

[Guest guest]

Hello miss rita:

I was sleeved by dr aceves on January 14 2011 and since then I have lost 46 pounds, your body can miss that type of surgery since the first day but with dr Aceves you have a complete professional and moral honesty and integrity.

God bless you

From: Rita <rhopebubby@...> Sent: Sat, May 14, 2011 3:49:19 PMSubject: Newbie

Hello. I was thinking of getting the gastric sleeve. I live in Southern California and was considering having it done by Dr. Aceves.Does anyone know of any negative experiences from Dr. Aceves? I have heard of people going to Mexico for WLS and coming back to find out that nothing was done. They had the incisions but the surgery was never done. The doctor had just taken their money. Thank you for the responses in advance. BTW I have only heard of good and positive things on Dr. Aceves.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am thrilled that I have a calming effect on you. Your life as you have known it --you know your entire life is about to change and you are scared because you can't believe that this will really work for you.. And there are so many UNKNOWN factors for all of us.

We have failed at every attempt that we have tried to lose the weight (you know the rolls of fat that we pack around) and become healthy. Many of us have ridden that darn roller coaster of lose it gain it, lose it gain. That leaves us feeling like we are a failure and WE have done something wrong.

Some people need different things to become successful. I remember going to a Weight Watchers meeting and had a leader that was just wonderful. I admired her so much because she always seemed to have all the answers, and I knew she would keep her weight off forever. Well, I stopped going to Weight Watcher's--not sure what excuse I came up with to stop. I saw her about 5 months after I stopped and she had put back on ALL of her weight plus some. So what ever we did to try to lose weight was NOT working for us. Can you list the number of Monday's your NEW diet was going to start??????????

If diet and exercise and support groups worked for everyone there would be NO need to have WLS. I have a disease call obesity--I NEED AND WANTED help with my disease--how do I do this--simple WLS. So for me my answer was going to be weight loss surgery. It takes a lot of courage to step up to the plate and say--what I am going to do will change and effect my entire life. Now, that is a BIG step. They took out 80% of my stomach--I do not nor have I ever needed a stomach that was big--it allowed me to over eat and get fat. My new tiny small stomach is something I wished I would have been born with. I had to take steps to make sure I always would have this tiny stomach and this was the only way that I could do it.

Change is very hard for a lot of people. You are NOT a failure. For the first time in your life you are thinking clearly, and you are taking steps to change your life, become healthy and be the person you want to be. That person is screaming to come out--let her out. It is like a tug a war with ourselves almost. We fear most that what if I am the "ONE" person that will NOT work on, what makes me think it will work?--I failed at everything else I have done. It is a LOT of money to spend to just end up failing--you will not fail and it will be the BEST money you have EVER spent in your entire life. I don't want you to think you are different or unique, we all have had thoughts just like you are having or will have. It is OK, I am tell you make a list of your fears--say the top 10, and post them here. I promise you I will address each one for you and help you with them. Look if an old lady like me--LOL can do this I am sure you can too.

Hugs

Suzanne

In a message dated 05/15/11 12:49:36 Pacific Daylight Time, widget1@... writes:

Thank you so much Suzanne. I'm having a really really hard time right now and your posts always make me calm down just a tad. WHY is this such an emotional thing? It's so hard, I never dreamed it would be. As I sat here crying I read this email and it made me feel better, so thank you for that!

`

Re: Newbie

Hi,I read this, and just had to answer you. The answer is a BIG NO,Dr. Aceves would NEVER do something like this. Everything that you have read about him, is the truth. He is everything that everyone has said plus a whole lot more.He is the most down to earth, caring kind man I have had the pleasure of calling a doctor. He is highly skilled doctor and your health and success are always the first things that he thinks about. If you want the best doctor for WLS then Dr. Aceves is the ONLY Doctor that I would every consider letting do WLS. Yes, you can find surgery maybe with another doctor for less money. Most of them are NOT in a hospital--but a clinic and send you to a Hotel to recover--this is BAD. I always wonder why people shop for surgery by a doctor who charges less money. This is about your healthy and the REST of your life,this isn' time to be out bargain shopping when it comes to your health. When you have the BEST why would you want the rest?

BR>I was 63 years old and 2 1/2 years ago Dr. Aceves did my sleeve WLS. I am 65 now and lost 105 pounds. I have kept it off. My entire life has changed. I am healthy, happy and would love to answer any of your questions that you might have.I saw where you asked if Dr. Aceves has ever had a leak. I believe in over 1000 WLS he had (1) leak, and I am not sure, but I believe I heard it was NOT anything he did wrong. I can tell you from my experience, I was tested 2 times before I went home to make sure that everything worked correctly and that there were NO leaks. They also sent home an EX RAY for my doctor here in the US which showed my new "small stomach", along with a very detailed report about my surgery for my medical records here in the US. I have never been treated so well by any doctor as I was by the teams of doctors and nurses that Dr. Acves has on staff. He and another doctor saw me after surgery 3 times a day for a total of 4 days before I went home--

you don't get that kind of care anywhere else. They ae caring, kind, helpful, highly skilled people, and they are there for you every step of the way. I have NO idea where you hear the kind of things you wrote about. Sounds like a place I would never consider going. Please do a little homework and check out what other have to say about Dr. Aceves. DO NOT have it done in the US. You will never get the kind of care and expertise that you are going to get with anyone BUT Dr. Aceves. Checked out ObesityHelp.com. It is a great site along with VerticalSleeve.com If you have any questions, send them to me, I am here to help you every step of the way OK.Hugs and I hope that you make the right choice.SuzanneSleeved 10/21/2008225 120 125Start Now Goal Weight>> Hello. I was thinking of getting the gastric sleeve. I live in Southern California and was considering having it done by Dr. Aceves.> Does anyone know of any negative experiences from Dr. Aceves? I have heard of people going to Mexico for WLS and coming back to find out that nothing was done. They had the incisions but the surgery was never done. The doctor had just taken their money. Thank you for the responses in advance. > > BTW I have only heard of good and positive things on Dr. Aceves.>

[Guest guest]

Wow, congratulations to you. What a smart person you are--I am impressed. You have made a choice that you will never regret. When it comes to your health you want the very best there is, and you have just that when you have Dr. Aceves and his team of doctors and nurses. Please keep me posted and if you have any questions I am here to help you.

Hugs,

Suzanne

In a message dated 05/15/11 12:49:24 Pacific Daylight Time, letsslamit@... writes:

You should do it, I did my research before going with Dr. Aceves and I had already scheduled my surgery with another Dr. in TJ. Once reading the reviews for Dr. Aceves and seeing the youtube testimonies, I had to cancel with the other Dr and go with Aceves!I will be getting sleeved on 6/18/11, you should schedule it around the same time and share expiriences. >> > Hi there, My name is Sharon Hendricks. I live in Northeast Montana and am a Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Midwife. I had my VSG with Dr Aceves, I can promise you that I got even more than I paid for not only have I lost 65 pounds in 5 months (4 pounds from goal and normal BMI) Dr Aceves repaired a huge hiatal hernia. I knew as soon as

I woke up that something had been done because the pain that I had lived with for years from the hernia was magically gone. And he didn't charge me a penny more to fix it. Dr Aceves team is the absolute best. I traveled back to Mexicali to have my f/u appointment even though I could have done it here at home. I don't regret one step of my jouney (except maybe not having it done 10 years ago, but then VSG wasn't availible). I have a profile on OH you can read my review there and if you PM me I would be happy to send you my phone number if you want to talk with me ( as I am sure many on here would be willing to do).> > Good luck with your Decision> > Sharon> > > > > From: rhopebubby@...> Date: Sat, 14 May 2011 19:49:19 +0000> Subject: Newbie> > > > > > > Hello. I was thinking of getting the gastric sleeve. I live in Southern California and was considering having it done by Dr. Aceves.> Does anyone know of any negative experiences from Dr. Aceves? I have heard of people going to Mexico for WLS and coming back to find out that nothing was done. They had the incisions but the surgery was never done. The doctor had just taken their money. Thank you for the responses in advance. > > BTW I have only heard of good and positive things on Dr. Aceves.>

[Guest guest]

Hi Rita, they take an xray after the surgery so you can see the size of your stomach. You have to drink, can't remember the name this liquid that shows up on xray. You then get to take this xray home with you, as its part of the package.

That's terrible that other doctors don't do the surgery, take the money and of course patients might not know to ask for this xray. I think its barium.

Upper GI. I think its recommended that you get one after six months or a year so you can compare.

Liz

Newbie

Hello. I was thinking of getting the gastric sleeve. I live in Southern California and was considering having it done by Dr. Aceves.Does anyone know of any negative experiences from Dr. Aceves? I have heard of people going to Mexico for WLS and coming back to find out that nothing was done. They had the incisions but the surgery was never done. The doctor had just taken their money. Thank you for the responses in advance. BTW I have only heard of good and positive things on Dr. Aceves.

[Guest guest]



You know, I really don't think I have 10 of them lol

For the most part I'm a glass is 3/4 full type person, always so positive, and then I totally hit a wall of despair. My friends made it possible for me to have the surgery because they donated money toward it. My only real fears are these:

1. I'm afraid of the pain I will wake up in

2. what if I have complications when I get home? I want to bring Dr. Aceves home with me! LOL

3. I have a social phobia. These are the totally crazy things my mind is coming up with right now lol; what if I have to get undressed into a gown in front of other people? Will I have my own dressing room, etc. before surgery?

4. Last time I had surgery I breezed through it easier than anyone had a right to. Will my luck hold? probably not! I'll end up that % that have horrible complications and the surgeons here SUCK and I won't have Dr. Aceves with me here =*(

See? My mind is nutso right now! lol

`

Re: Newbie

Hi,I read this, and just had to answer you. The answer is a BIG NO,Dr. Aceves would NEVER do something like this. Everything that you have read about him, is the truth. He is everything that everyone has said plus a whole lot more.He is the most down to earth, caring kind man I have had the pleasure of calling a doctor. He is highly skilled doctor and your health and success are always the first things that he thinks about. If you want the best doctor for WLS then Dr. Aceves is the ONLY Doctor that I would every consider letting do WLS. Yes, you can find surgery maybe with another doctor for less money. Most of them are NOT in a hospital--but a clinic and send you to a Hotel to recover--this is BAD. I always wonder why people shop for surgery by a doctor who charges less money. This is about your healthy and the REST of your life,this isn' time to be out bargain shopping when it comes to your health. When you have the BEST why would you want the rest? BR>I was 63 years old and 2 1/2 years ago Dr. Aceves did my sleeve WLS. I am 65 now and lost 105 pounds. I have kept it off. My entire life has changed. I am healthy, happy and would love to answer any of your questions that you might have.I saw where you asked if Dr. Aceves has ever had a leak. I believe in over 1000 WLS he had (1) leak, and I am not sure, but I believe I heard it was NOT anything he did wrong. I can tell you from my experience, I was tested 2 times before I went home to make sure that everything worked correctly and that there were NO leaks. They also sent home an EX RAY for my doctor here in the US which showed my new "small stomach", along with a very detailed report about my surgery for my medical records here in the US. I have never been treated so well by any doctor as I was by the teams of doctors and nurses that Dr. Acves has on staff. He and another doctor saw me after surgery 3 times a day for a total of 4 days before I went home-- you don't get that kind of care anywhere else. They ae caring, kind, helpful, highly skilled people, and they are there for you every step of the way. I have NO idea where you hear the kind of things you wrote about. Sounds like a place I would never consider going. Please do a little homework and check out what other have to say about Dr. Aceves. DO NOT have it done in the US. You will never get the kind of care and expertise that you are going to get with anyone BUT Dr. Aceves. Checked out ObesityHelp.com. It is a great site along with VerticalSleeve.com If you have any questions, send them to me, I am here to help you every step of the way OK.Hugs and I hope that you make the right choice.SuzanneSleeved 10/21/2008225 120 125Start Now Goal Weight>> Hello. I was thinking of getting the gastric sleeve. I live in Southern California and was considering having it done by Dr. Aceves.> Does anyone know of any negative experiences from Dr. Aceves? I have heard of people going to Mexico for WLS and coming back to find out that nothing was done. They had the incisions but the surgery was never done. The doctor had just taken their money. Thank you for the responses in advance. > > BTW I have only heard of good and positive things on Dr. Aceves.>

[Guest guest]

Rita, when I was thinking about this surgery, I tried (hard) to find something negative...i couldn't find a thing. Trust me...he is not going to take your money and leave you stranded. (I even had him take a picture of the stomach portion he took out...not because I didn't believe him, but because I wanted to see exactly what was taken out! Worries are normal, but please know that you're in great hands!

From: Rita <rhopebubby@...> Sent: Sat, May 14, 2011 2:49:19 PMSubject: Newbie

Hello. I was thinking of getting the gastric sleeve. I live in Southern California and was considering having it done by Dr. Aceves.Does anyone know of any negative experiences from Dr. Aceves? I have heard of people going to Mexico for WLS and coming back to find out that nothing was done. They had the incisions but the surgery was never done. The doctor had just taken their money. Thank you for the responses in advance. BTW I have only heard of good and positive things on Dr. Aceves.T