Kelli from Oklahoma

Shanny, I was banded by Dr. Ortiz on July 10, 2006. I weighed in the morning of surgery at 472 lbs, and I've lost 70 lbs since (I have a foot problem that prevents me from exercising currently, so that's all from a change in diet). I would go back to Dr. Ortiz in a heartbeat. The clinic was super clean, the staff was experienced and friendly, and the care and compassion I received was so much better there than what my father and sisters received here in the US during their stays in the hospital. In fact, I never even met the surgeons who operated on my 2 sisters or even the assistant surgeons, but my sister who came with me met all of my surgical team, and Dr. Ortiz himself spoke to her when I was in recovery. I only wish I'd done this sooner. Kelli

Brenda, I live about an hour from the city and am looking for another fill doctor. I was a patient of Dr. Floyd, had one fill from him, and when I was ready to get a new one, I got the letter saying he was going to stop practicing bariatrics because of the malpractice insurance. That means that my $450 first visit fee and the $100 for fluoroscopy is long gone. Of the 3 doctors he recommened, 2 do not take patients banded in Mexico, and the other one, Dr. Keith, I went to first and didn't like the clinic. Though I made an appointment to get a fill, and made that quite clear, when I got there, they wanted me to go through evaluations, training on measuring food, and then come back (and pay another $185 for a followup visit). That's when I walked out and went to Dr. Floyd. I've contacted Weightwise via email for information, but they want to talk in person before they'll tell me anything. You say you paid $1000 for 1 year. That seems awfully steep, especially if you end up only needing a few fills. Do they make you go through their program? Attend meetings? I have a very busy life, and it's hard enough for me to take off and make a trip to the city for a fill. If you want to respond privately to this, email me at k.mcbride@sscok.edu. Thanks for any info about Weightwise you can give me. If this doesn't work out, it looks like I'll be driving to Paris, TX for my fills. Kelli

NEwbie, I'm also getting banded on the 10th. I am chomping at the bit (though this next week of all liquid diet is a bit daunting). As for Mexico, I have to agree with everyone. Plus, one of my students had the procedure done last spring. She spoke to me about her wonderful experience. I had not realized the major differences between lap band and gastric bypass. When I heard how non-invasive lap band is, I started investigating and was thrilled to learn about it. And Dr. Ortiz simply has the best reputation. I've not found one negative word about him or his clinic. With the ease of posting rants on the internet, that says a lot to me. I look forward to seeing you on the 10th! Kelli Starting weight: 427 lbs. Band scheduled: July 10, 2006

Karen, I'm also getting banded on the 10th. I'm driving from Oklahoma with my parents and sister. We decided to make a family vacation out of it. My sister, though, will probably be the only one with me in Mexico except on the day of surgery. I'm so excited. I weigh 427 pounds, and I'm tired of being unable to keep up with my friends. BTW, I'm 40. Saying I'm coming with my folks makes me sound like a teenager. ;-) Kelli M.