I am not sure if I have begun this correctly. I just registered on this site. My endocrinologist in Atlanta suggested I look into gastric plication with Dr. Ortiz at Obesity Control Center in Mexico. I have looked at his website. Has anyone had the plication by Dr. Ortiz? I am also interested in hearing from people who have had the procedure by other surgeons. I am 5 feet 9 inches tall and weigh 312 pounds. I have Type II Diabetes, Hypertension, GERD, Sleep Apnea, elevated liver enzymes and very bad knees. I'm only 50. I am frightened about having the surgery, but I need some type of weight loss surgery. My medical insurance through work does not cover any type of surgical or nonsurgical treatment of obesity. I look forward to hearing from anyone who wishes to share any good or bad experiences. Thank you for your time.

What is plication????

I went to Dr Ortiz for my lap-band in 2007. His plication ad is what got me thinking about sleeve surgery. I think Dr Oritz is a very good doctor and his staff are good as well. Use this time to review all of your options. When I had my lap-band removed I decided against the plication and for the vertical sleeve - but that was my choice based on my research. I also didn't return to Dr Ortiz - I think he is a great doctor, but he didn't have as much experience with the procedure that I wanted. He is extremely experienced with lap-band and is the only one I know of that is doing the plication right now. It is a very new form of surgery. He is a well respected surgeon.

If you are going to be self-pay, you have a lot of surgical weight loss options.

For those who don't know, plication is similar to the sleeve except the excess stomach is not removed. It is sort of folded over and stitched.

Do lots of research and read the posts here - they are very insightful.

Good luck--

Lara

Lara is right = LOTS of options! Do your research, and also put Dr. Aceves in Mexicalli, Mexico in your search line. I prayed about it and knew my surgery was the right thing to do and Dr. Aceves was the surgeon to do it. I had 3 personal friends that he did 2 bands & a sleeve on. I never had second thoughts or any nerves from the day my decision was made. Good luck on your search for the right one.

So Lara, why did you decide on the plication instead of sleeve?

I went to Dr Ortiz for my lap-band in 2007. His plication ad is what got me thinking about sleeve surgery. I think Dr Oritz is a very good doctor and his staff are good as well. Use this time to review all of your options. When I had my lap-band removed I decided against the plication and for the vertical sleeve - but that was my choice based on my research. I also didn't return to Dr Ortiz - I think he is a great doctor, but he didn't have as much experience with the procedure that I wanted. He is extremely experienced with lap-band and is the only one I know of that is doing the plication right now. It is a very new form of surgery. He is a well respected surgeon.

If you are going to be self-pay, you have a lot of surgical weight loss options.

For those who don't know, plication is similar to the sleeve except the excess stomach is not removed. It is sort of folded over and stitched.

Do lots of research and read the posts here - they are very insightful.

Good luck--

Lara

So Lara, why did you decide on the plication instead of sleeve?

No plication - I got the sleeve. I decided against the plication because it was too new. Finding this forum was a big help in making my decision. For a long time I thought I had no options - all I knew was that my band had to go and I was terrified of gaining weight after it was gone. Lots of research and finding Dr. Aceves convinced me that VSG was the way to go. He has the most experience with lap-band to sleeve revisions. I wanted to make sure I went to someone who would know how to deal with my possible complications.

Of course, your mileage may vary... :-)