Hi Stacey! I can tell you my reasons for choosing Dr. Ortiz.
My insurance completely excludes anything to do with obesity, so I am self-pay.
Dr. Ortiz is one of the best in the world, and has taught (proctored) a good number of doctors in my area, and has done WAY more lap band procedures than US doctors.
Yes, the cost was about 1/2 what I would have had to pay, but I was more than willing to pay to have it done here, even had the financing in place. However, the extra payment would have been a hardship for us.
The one piece of advice I keep reminding myself of is - There is no magic pill! Meaning, be sure to approach the lap band as a tool, not a cure all. To be completely successful, I believe one has to make several changes in the way they approach food and exercise.
I' am getting banded on July 10, 39 days and counting!
