“The hospital was first rate and nicer than many I visit at home in St Louis and surrounding.”
In early 2006, I was 430 lbs and the size 58 pants in the picture fit me tightly. Even with that extra stretch waist band. I really have two jobs, I sell Medicare insurance products to Senior citizens where I manage 12 agents in about five states, and I also sell medical equipment to doctors offices in Missouri and Illinois. Once I was denied by all of my possible health insurance carriers, because (Thank God) I am too healthy, I realized that if I was going to have the surgery, I was going to have to pay for it myself. And as I talked to doctors in hospitals and clinics in Missouri and Illinois, they kept trying to talk me out of going to Tijuana.
So I went to Dr Kuri’s Bash last August for the primary purpose of meeting the doctor and seeing the hospital. Some of the pictures in my head based on some of the conversations with doctors at home had me a little nervous.
So walked across the border, after taking the train from the airport, and told the first cab driver I wanted to go to Hospital Angeles, because if I didn’t like the looks of the hospital, I may have gone home that night.
I was very pleasantly surprised. The hospital was first rate and nicer than many I visit at home in St Louis and surrounding.
Next I called a cab from the TGI Fridays across the street from Hospital Angeles and he took me to Marriott for the 2007 Bash.
I met Dr Kuri, talked to others who have been banded and had decided that I was going to come back for the surgery.
And then at the party they drew my name for a free lap band.
I was banded on Saturday December 1, 2007. The staff was top notch. The nursing staff was great. On Sunday mornng, the next day, I was transferred to the hotel where I was walking down Revolution Avenue with my sister buying trinkets and silver. I came home on Monday and returned to work on Tuesday. I was a bit tired on Tuesday so I quit working about 3pm.
I had my first fill February 15 at Travelers Fill Center in Atlanta. I go to Atlanta on a regular basis. My next fill was May 30 at the same place.
I have lost 82lbs. to date and have gone from sizes 4XL and 5XL and 22-24 shirts to now wearing 2XL and size 18 shirts. My pants are now 52. The picture shown is a pair of size 58’s.
I have nothing but good things to say about my experience with Dr Kuri and his staff and the staff of Hospital Angeles and would do it again. If anyone has any further questions please call me at 314 374 8244. I am not going to be able to make it to the party this year but will be there next year, hopefully with clothes from the regular mens department instead of the Big and Tall stores. August through November is my busiest work time but I will for sure look forward to seeing all of you at the party next year.
