Cigna Insurance Doctor Recommendations: Torrance, CA

January 21, 2014

Hi

I'm 18 months post-op. Had surgery in Mexico. Decided to have the surgery and 2 weeks later, was under the knife. Had a minor complication during surgery and no follow up care whatsoever.

I was recently blessed with a great place to work and now have PPO insurance with Cigna. I was wondering if there are any VSG doctors you've worked with and would recommend? My two biggest concerns are (1) curing my acid reflux (recently on OTC lansoprazole 15mg once and sometimes twice a day) and (2) losing more weight (20-25 pounds).

Would greatly appreciate your recommendations!

Truth&Gutz · January 21, 2014

Hope that you get to feel better soon.......who was the surgeon who operated on you in Mexico ?

January 21, 2014

Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center. Never go to a center or a clinic. You need a hospital. I learned that the hard way, I guess.

Truth&Gutz · January 21, 2014

Hi......how are you feeling ? It sounds as if you had a difficult time ? What happened ? How were able to choose that surgeon ? I was going to go to Mexico and I changed my mind at the last minute...glad that I was able to find a surgeon in New York City......presently, I have lost 112 pounds since July....I am eating a little at a time....and now go to the gym....let me know how you are doing ? All the best......

Truth&Gutz · January 21, 2014

the surgeon that I used is at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC...... Dr. Daniel Herron.......I was in a pre surgery program for 9 months prior to the surgery....I had to see many physicians for testing so that I could get clearance for the procedure.....

January 23, 2014

It's a long story... I really am over it emotionally, but not physically - still need to take care of my extreme case of acid reflux but medication is helping. I switched from omeprazole to lansoprazole and wow, the difference is incredible. Just don't want to be on medication twice a day for the rest of my life though. I was not very wise when choosing Dr. Ortiz - very hasty and was impressed by his popularity as a celebrity figure… Not a doctor. Never saw him after surgery, never asked about me or responded to calls. The nurses (who do not speak English, by the way) saw me drinking Gatorade - which has citric acid, but said nothing and I was ignorant… when my stomach and throat were burning from acid… Very sad.

Anyway, you are doing a great job and the accomplishment you have achieved is monumental, to say the least. And you will still accomplish much more! Just remember, the sleeve is a tool and it is a permanent one - which is bittersweet. Some people have been sleeved and still eat 5 Cookies apparently - I can't do that (thank God) but hey, some people can because their stomach was initially much larger than others… You've accomplished so much and thank God, you had a problem-free surgery! Some of the complications I read on here had me crying… It's great that you're working out too - that's one thing I regret not doing and hope to change as I see a doctor and work on my energy problems and fatigue...

Thanks so much for checking on me, and for your kind wishes. Wishing you all the best!

Truth&Gutz · January 24, 2014

Hi,,,,so nice to hear from you,,,,, I hope that you get to feel so much better soon...... so very sorry that you had a terrible experience with Dr. Ortiz....I looked him up and yes, his ads seem like they sell......I almost made a terrible mistake by going to a Dr. G. Alvarez in Piedras Negras,Mx...I had the sugical date and sent in the required $1,000 dollars to his ;coordinator'....they refused to return the funds to me after explaining that my personal doctor said that I had a bleeding disorder and could not got forward with the surgery at that time....they refused to return the money and kept it.....clearly, not the way to run a medical practice...I also lost the money from the air fare,,,,my feeling is that people who are dealing with these weight issues already are struggling.... and it was upsetting since financially , I was struggling.....that 'surgeon; also has a glitzy website...and self promoting..... after doing my research,I discovered that that surgeon did not have the qualifications that were important to me...and did not have the post graduate training that was necessary......I found a wonderful team in New York City......it took 9 months to prepare....and visit many doctors in a variety of disciplines to get clearance.....prior to the VSG..... at this point, I am trying to adjust to the eating....to make sure that I get enough Protein and liquids....there are strips that melt in your mouth that helps with the acid issue..... did you have issues upon your return to the USA? Did you have to see a specialist ? I hope that you get to feel better each and every day.....stay well and stay intouch....all the best......