Which surgeon? Which surgery?

[genepha 47]

Hi again!

Thank goodness for these boards because I feel like I'm literally starting all over again. I researched WLS 10 years ago, found the Lapband, was able to get it covered by my insurance (after only 5 months of it being FDA approved). I lost about 100 lbs. over the course of 4-5 years. For a variety of reasons including having 2 difficult pregnancies, being on bed rest for 5 months, reflux and a completely unfilled band, I have regained about 70 lbs. In addition, 6 weeks ago I had my port replaced since it had been giving me lots of problems - it was flipped and difficult to access. When I went for my first fill after the surgery the dr. realized that my esophagus is dilated and my stomach is beginning to come up over the band - all bad news. Anyway - he left me unfilled for 8 weeks to see if my band, tummy, etc. will cooperate. In all honestly, I don't care if it does because I've pretty much had it with my band. I loved it for the first 5 or so years, and really appreciated it for the tool that it was. But now I'm so ready to have a procedure where I don't have to have fills, adjustments, PBs, etc.

I do not want the RNY mainly because I know a few people who've had it and have pretty much been able to "eat around" it. I am also severely anemic so the malabsorption would be a problem for me. My doctors are trying to talk me into the RNY or the sleeve, which my insurance will pay for. I am definitely leaning towards the Plication. I've spoken w/ Dr. Rod's Belite team and so far, I like what I've heard. I'm also considering Dr. jaime Ponce de leon and of course, Dr. Corvala. I have lots of experience w/ Dr. C because he has done lots of my millions (j/k) of band adjustments!

Anyway - I'm doing so much research I'm starting to become obsessed...

Just wanted to share my story and let you all know I really appreciate your stories and thoughts.

If anyone has had surgery with any of the doctors I mentioned, please let me know how your experience was. Thanks!

genepha

[Kare 0]

Hello I am having surgery with dr. Ponce de leon on Oct 18th. I am always looking for information as well. I have hear good things about all of the Dr's.

Good Luck!

K

[Kimmes 38]

Please let us know how your surgery goes! I am thinking of using Dr jaime Ponce de leon myself and want to hear all the details!!

[genepha 47]

Please let us know how your surgery goes! I am thinking of using Dr jaime Ponce de leon myself and want to hear all the details!!

Hi!

I am still waiting to find out news about my band. I see my dr. here in Los Angeles on Oct. 18.

Then I can figure out what I'm going to do next. Right now I'm deciding between Dr. Corvala

or Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Tijuana. And I'm trying to save $$ for the procedure

Hope your surgery goes well.

[SuziM 0]

I'm having my gastric plication surgery with Dr. Ariel Ortiz at Obesity Control Center in TJ on Nov. 8th. They will be removing my gastric band at the same time.

[NotSoLittleMermaid 14]

Check out Dr. Watkins. He is awesome, experienced, skilled, kind and very caring! You can do a search in this forum.

[genepha 47]

I am in So California so the best options for me are really doctors in Tijuana. Although I did email Dr. Watkins office to find out some info.

Right now I'm leaning toward Dr. Rodriguez or Dr. Corvala.I've seen Dr. Ortiz in TJ before for fills and like him but I think Dr. Corvala is more experienced in plication. My band definitely needs to come out so I will be decidin within the next few weeks.

Please keep your experiences coming!! Thanks!

[Ihave6kids 29]

I am in So California so the best options for me are really doctors in Tijuana. Although I did email Dr. Watkins office to find out some info.

Right now I'm leaning toward Dr. Rodriguez or Dr. Corvala.I've seen Dr. Ortiz in TJ before for fills and like him but I think Dr. Corvala is more experienced in plication. My band definitely needs to come out so I will be decidin within the next few weeks.

Please keep your experiences coming!! Thanks!

I had my plication done with Dr. Corvala in July. No problems at all. I've lost 41 lbs so far. I recomment him.

[genepha 47]

Wow that's great! I think Dr C has the most experience of Mexican doctors. Still not sure as I have an appt here in CA next month.

[Cknorte 7]

I had surgery with Dr. Corvala in July, no issues at all, am down 46 lbs.....Really liked him and his staff.....

[Koinonialove1 0]

I'm having my gastric plication surgery with Dr. Ariel Ortiz at Obesity Control Center in TJ on Nov. 8th. They will be removing my gastric band at the same time.

Hello SuziM, I am just beginning to research the Plication and think it's the WLS for me! Wanted to congratulate you on you surgery and ask some questions if I may? How did your surgery go? How are you doing since it's almost been a month out? Did you like Dr. Ortiz and his team? How was the facility? I'm asking b/c I don't know if anyone in my area does this procedure, and was on his site yesterday. How did you decide on OCC and Dr. Ortiz? Thanks in advance for answering!

[SuziM 0]

Hello SuziM, I am just beginning to research the Plication and think it's the WLS for me! Wanted to congratulate you on you surgery and ask some questions if I may? How did your surgery go? How are you doing since it's almost been a month out? Did you like Dr. Ortiz and his team? How was the facility? I'm asking b/c I don't know if anyone in my area does this procedure, and was on his site yesterday. How did you decide on OCC and Dr. Ortiz? Thanks in advance for answering!

My surgery went well. Had pain for almost three weeks as they had to remove the band first. I guess it took a while to remove. I'm still on soft food but comsumption is way down. Won't be able to see how this really works until I get on regular food. But I think it's going to work really well. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez and staff are the best in the business. The facility is first class. Honestly. That's why I picked them. Some doctors are cheaper but when it comes to me, I don't do cheaper. I want the best. If you go with Dr. Ortiz you won't be disappointed. Let me know what you decide.

[Koinonialove1 0]

My surgery went well. Had pain for almost three weeks as they had to remove the band first. I guess it took a while to remove. I'm still on soft food but comsumption is way down. Won't be able to see how this really works until I get on regular food. But I think it's going to work really well. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez and staff are the best in the business. The facility is first class. Honestly. That's why I picked them. Some doctors are cheaper but when it comes to me, I don't do cheaper. I want the best. If you go with Dr. Ortiz you won't be disappointed. Let me know what you decide.

Thanks you so much for responding so quickly! I would really like for Dr. Ortiz to do my surgery, but, it is so far, I live in Kentucky. If anything went wrong what would I do? I don't think I can make myself comfortable with the distance. All my best to you!