Hi Effini, Been awhile since I wrote. Hope you are doing good. I was approved for a consultation with my doctor....they overturned that part of the denial, so that is good news. Will keep you posted. Do you have any idea if the sleeve is better than the RNY or do you have any preference? Am trying to figure out which might be best if I do get approved.

Thanks and hope you are well. 

I am scheduled for surgery with him on Aug. 2. I have full confidence that he is more than capable as a surgeon. I have read many testimonials about him and talked to some of his patients. ALL have great things to say about him and his staff.  You can call Susan and speak with her and ask questions anytime.

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.