Hi, I am new to here, banded with the VG band on 11/14/06. I just read your post about Dr. Ortiz telling you your BMI was too high. That is just crazy!!!!:update: I weighed 489 when i first went to the doctors office for the band. My PCP doctor was so happy to hear i wanted to have this done, he reccommended me immediately to my lapband doctor and had me go make an appt. the next day before i could change my mind. My lap band doctor put me on Optifast for two weeks before surgery and I took off 28 pounds in that two weeks. They make you do optifast only two weeks pre-op so that your Liver shrinks and is not in the way for the band to be put in. I believe that this band saved my life. I am loosing great, had my first fill 2cc's and so far in 2 months (i go again this month on the 18th) i lost over 50 pounds. I would have never done that in 6 months no less if i did not have the band. I think that your BMI should definitly not be such a factor if it is so high. I believe I would have died soon had i continued not to have any help in my weight loss. I love Dr. Rhenke and Dr. Grosbard in Florida. On November 14th, 2006 they not only gave me a band, they gave me a new life and a new birthday! Please get another doctor, and keep up your quest. A high BMI is no way to die. Good luck to you and feel free to write me with anything, problems, questions, anything if you just need to talk!! Good luck! Take care!!!!