ObesityHelp

Remember to Look Forward ... It's important to remember where you've been so that you can make choices that move you forward toward your goals.

 Hello:) Can anyone help me with my decision. I have read extensively about Dr. Aceves' success and the accomplishments his patients have had, much less for Dr. Ortiz. Somewhere on this site, someone says that Dr. Ortiz is newer to the VSG and has more practice with lap band being that he proctored many US doctors on the procedure and was selected by the manufacturer to do so. I also read that Dr. Ortiz has been on shows such as Oprah and The Doctors as well as being name top 15 bariatric surgeons by newsweek some time ago. But on another site, this is just broken down to his practice having really excellent public relations and marketing. The cost doesn't really matter all that much to me. Many of the quotes I have been reading were in the 5000s. 

I left messages for Dr. Ortiz's office several times and no one has called me back. I also put down my information under their "contact us" tab on their website. That was about 3-4 days ago. Only today did I get an email from his patient coordinator; it is not very personal and I would have preferred a phone call. What I really like, however, is that Dr. Ortiz and his facility were given the Center of Excellence accreditation and that he practices both in the US and in Mexicali.

I don't think I will get approved by Anthem because my BMI is not >40; my BMI is 38 and I guess my only co-morbidity, whether they believe this to be one or not, is depression. I'm not going to be approved for financing with my credit. 

Can I please get more info on your experience, price, whether or not you came with someone and how was their experience, etc with either doctor. I really appreciate this.
 

Hi -- Waiting three years is tough, but I can see how you were disappointed that you hadn't waited, but how could you have known? I would gladly go through the revision thing, just am keeping my fingers crossed that I can be approved. My doctor's office manager said I am not quite heavy enough. BMI is 33.....ugh, stuck -- not quite heavy enough, but not healthy either. 

I had some luck with the band at first....lost about 45 lbs, but then slowly started gaining back and now have gained it all but 10. I gag alot, but haven't thrown up. Don't eat ice cream or other slider foods either.

We should meet one day when we're both thin and go clothes shopping for skinny clothes! ha ha.

I know this reply is coming really late because I just found this thread. Did you ever have any luck finding a surgeon? I know of Dr. Ramos- Kelly in Mexico who does the vertical sleeve for like 5300$ and he is highly rated among the patients that have used him. Also, Dr. Garcia in Tijuana has good patient reviews and his price is around 5000$. I think for a revision you might have to add 500$ or so but that is still in the price range you are looking at.

I just wanted you to know there are affordable and GOOD doctors in Mexico for around 5000-6000$. I hope you find someone to help you because we all know what it's like to struggle with weight around here. Best of luck.

I honestly hope you reply back that you found a surgeon already :-)

Oh, I see what you mean...yes, it's best to get a ride then for sure.

Wow, weird about the filthy office...makes you wonder -- doesn't it about the doctor himself.  I'm up in Santa Barbara County. My surgeon is excellent, but not under my insurance!

Hi Effini, Maybe that's what I'm trying to describe too....a couple of foods get stuck at first, but after that it is sort of a "free-for-all." Your plans sound good. I'm going to see my doctor on May 8th to find out what my options are. May I ask what part of California you are in?

I had an endoscopy too and did not need a ride. It only lasts about 30 seconds and you don't feel it....piece of cake, so to speak!

Last year I had a complete unfill because I maybe/probably had band slip (depended upon who you taked to). I could vomit from a swallow of coffee. But once I vomited, my eating was a free for all - easily 2 to 4 cups of food in one sitting.

This time I could eat anything, and never got full, at up to 4.0cc. At 4.3cc, I couldn't even swallow water. Now, at 3.3cc, I sometimes have first bite syndrome but, again, as soon as it passes I can eat unlimited quantities of anything I want (except bread or bananas - they always stick). The band seems to be keeping me from regaining (in 2010 I lost 35lbs but regained all of it in just 2 months of total unfill), but I'm not losing.

I finally found another surgery center to check out for a 2nd opinion. Realistically, I know "band to sleeve revision" is the new party line but I think I'll feel better if a 2nd doc says they don't believe I'll have complications. I'm quite nervous about an overnight lifestyle change which cannot be undone!

ps: I have an endoscopy planned for the 24th but they couldn't specify a time, and apparently won't till the day before, so I'm not sure that's going to work out. I kind of need to be able to tell someone, at least a week in advance, of what time I'll need a pick up.

I also do not have any slippage or hernia that I am aware of, but come close to throwing up many times. Also, never feel full; what is up with that? I am really tired of having the food get "stuck" in my throat...that is terrible as is that feeling of throwing up. Will be talking with my surgeon this week. Keeping my fingers crossed! Good luck to you too, effini.

 I had my VSG, in 2007 and haven't looked back since!  I am so completely happy with the decision I made with my doctor.!!!!!!!!!!!!  140+ pounds down, 15 to go!

You're welcome. I wish someone would post something. 2 years ago, when I got my band, I couldn't find many negative stories. Now I'm finding that it's considered completely common for banders not to know when they can eat vs when they'll barf. Why people put up with that is beyond me (I consider it an unacceptable lifestyle) but have had more than 1 person tell me "oh, that's just the way it is with a band."

Are you have the same problems or something else? My Upper GI came back as "no problems found" - no slip, no hernia, no excessive restriction. But I refused to continue living like this so it WILL come out. I just don't know if I'll revise or give up on surgical options.