SharonByTheSea

Hi Everyone...I had my Band in 2004, by Dr. Ortiz, in Mexico.....and lost about 85lbs, had that Band removed in 2009, and new Band inserted at same time by Dr. here in the States, but am now having issues with acid reflux and a hiatal hernia. Have removed all Fluid from my Band, have gained back 28lbs, and have total fear of gaining it all back! My Dr. has suggested I have the Band removed and have gastric-bypass at the same time. I am on Medicare, and they paid for the removal of old Band and insertion of new Band two years ago, but now fear that they will not pay for it removal again and a GP surgery. Has anyone out there had the same problem? And did Medicare pay for it? Just don't know if I want to take the risk, siince Medicare does not pre-approve anything! Wishing everyone out there good luck on this journey.. Ciao, Sharon

TJ Good luck on your upcoming surgery with Dr. T, he is a great Dr and has done all my after care (fills and unfills) and he is very caring and I love his staff. Would have gone to him for my surgery, but was not told that he did it on an outpatient basis back then and the cost was quoted $24,000 in the hospital, and that was not in my budget! So went off to Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. I also spoke to Denise, who just had her surgery last month by Dr.T, so maybe sometime we could all get together. I am almost at my goal, about 15lbs to go now. It is a long journey, with some bumps in the road, but so worth it! You can email me anytime and I will give you my phone#.

Hey Darcey: So glad to see that you are doing great with your 2nd lapband. It has now been a little over 2 years for me, have had some problems, especially the last 6 months! Have had to have 2 unfills, (with each new fill, I have to go back becuase of being too tight) Can't seem to get it right! Am at 1.0cc and some days I feel so tight that I can't eat, but other days I have no problem eating anything..... Wishing you continued success.

Tracey, Thanks for the info, I will pass the the word along, regarding his drop in fees. That is a great price, and very competitive with Mexico. How are you doing since your band removal? That is such a fear of mine.

Hi There Heavenly: I am from Bandon, on the Coast of Oregon, and had my surgery 2 years ago, by Dr. Ortiz.....had a wonderful experience, and love my band! I don't go to any support groups, nothing around here, but do rely on this site to help with any questions I might have. I go to Dr. Tersigni, in Coos Bay, for my after-care, and he is great. Would have gone to him for my original surgery, but was quoted a price of $24,000, so that is why I went to Mexico. Since then, he does a self-pay day surgery now for about $13,000. So you might want to look into that. Good luck on your journey...