KelliW

Thanks to all of you for the feedback... I made a consult appt with Dr. Carson Liu in west Los Angeles. I may also make an appt with Dr. Billy. I'm also still considering making an appt with Dr. Ortiz despite my trepidation re. Tijuana. I "can" pay $8500 or whatever in TJ and I "can" pay $25,000 here if I have to. My primary focus is wanting the best. I do wonder if I'm crazy to pay $25,000 here for a surgeon who has done 10% the number of surgeries as one in Mexico. I'm eager to get started on this process and appreciating how supportive folks have been on the forum. Best, Kelli Wanna Be Bandster - fall 06 Southern CA

Hi. I'm researching options re. a small group policy and looking for recommendations. I have insurance through the University of CA but it has been worthless for anything other than meds. That's partly my fault, but at nearly 35 years old, I don't want to go sit with freshmen in the campus health center so I pay privately for medical/dental costs. I am self-employed and have a few employees so I could purchase a small group policy. One of the surgeons' offices recommended United Health Care. I looked up some info and found out that the coverage isn't available "in my area," perhaps due to the small size of the business (3 FT employees vs. 3000 or something). Other question is... I thought when you purchased a small group policy that you didn't have to worry about preexisting conditions (e.g., MO), but the application does include info related to weight, medical history, etc. Ideas? I had previously tried to apply for individual policies before I gained more weight and was denied due to weight. I need to move quickly so that if I have to jump through any hoops I can get started. I'm having the surgery regardless, but if I can get help paying for it that would be great. Thanks for any ideas. Kelli

Hi MelAnne-I have no idea where you're located, but I had a fantastic surgeon for my breast reduction and lift 2 1/2 years ago. Dr. Grant Stevens in Marina Del Rey (west Los Angeles area). His site is www.laserbra.com He was able to write a letter re. medical necessity for me and my surgery was at that time the largest reduction he completed (12 pounds removed talking me from a J (yes, J) to a full C/D). Many patients fly in for the surgery because of his expertise. I did a lot of research before choosing him and couldn't be happier with the decision. If you have any questions, let me know. Kelli

Thanks for your feedback. I've looked at the NEW program, but hadn't heard of Dr. Billy. His reviews seem quite positive. Does anyone have any experiences with Dr. Carson Liu? I'm specifically interested in finding someone with expertise in the Lap-Band procedure with higher BMI patients, i.e., 50-ish. Thanks again for any feedback. Kelli

Hi. After some research, I'm basically sold on the procedure, but need some help narrowing down the best surgeons and facilities. I'm going to be a self-pay patient but price is not my priority. I want the best surgeon and team. I live in southern CA so am close to resources in Mexico, Orange County, San Diego, Palm Springs, or Los Angeles. Who would you recommend and why? I've read numerous recommendations for Dr. Ariel Ortiz, but the thought of Tijuana scares me to death. Many have said the facilities are top notch and the hotel is 5 star, but the photos don't look 5 star to me. 3 stars maybe with a big pool. I would never go anywhere near Tijuana for any purpose, so I cannot imagine having a medical procedure there. don't want to be blinded by college trips to the scummy bars on Revolucion, but quite honestly, I associate the city with filth, stench, crazy taxi drivers, poverty, panhandling, crime, preschoolers selling gum, etc. Another option would be Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles, but I saw that their physicians have not done anywhere near as many Lap Bands as Dr. Ortiz. They've done tons of gastric bypass surgeries, but that is not what I want. The reviews are not as consistently glowing as those for Dr. Ortiz, but the aftercare program seems to be more structured. Ideas? Thanks. Kelli