Dr. Ariel Ortiz? or low BMI options?

soonergirl · 05-23-2005, 02:07 PM

Has anyone used Dr. Ortiz in Mexico?

I am a low BMI candidate and it appears that Mexico is my best option.

I would also like to hear from other lower BMI members who chose the Lap Band - please share any knowledge or considerations.

I am 5'5" - 188 down from 198 with 5+ months of a personal trainer 5x/week and closely monitoring my diet. My metabolism has slowed considerably over the last 4-5 years (no medical conditions contributing) - and I am strongly considering this option.

I would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks

La_madam · 05-23-2005, 04:27 PM

Hi Soonergirl
I am a very happy Ortiz patient, however I did not have a lower BMI, mine was 42 or 44 I can remember off hand, there is another member here who used Dr. Ortiz and had a lower BMI her name is Princess_nthe_p...Iam sure she will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding a lower BMI if you send her a PM. She is also a member on Ortiz's board www.lapbandforum.com and her screen name is JennaR she is very sweet and will be glad to help you, Iam sure of it
As far as Dr. Ortiz, low BMI or high BMI , in my opinion he is fantastic. He has been there for me every step of the way in the last 13 months. He is very approachable and reachable and extremely caring about his patients well being. If I had to do it all over again, Dr. Ortiz would be my Dr. of choice. This is just my opinion. Best of luck to you on whoever you decide to use for your sugery and whether you have it done in U.S. or Mexico

angiebell · 05-23-2005, 04:40 PM

You may not have to go to Mexico unless you just want to. My BMI was 30 and my insurance company paid for my procedure. I weighed 187 and I am 5' 6". I would recommend you try your insurance first. The entire process took less than 1 month.

bandit · 05-23-2005, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angiebell

You may not have to go to Mexico unless you just want to. My BMI was 30 and my insurance company paid for my procedure. I weighed 187 and I am 5' 6". I would recommend you try your insurance first. The entire process took less than 1 month.

What is your insurance co's name?

soonergirl · 05-23-2005, 05:03 PM

Starmark is my insurance - I will look at my policy. I am glad to hear that their are others who have success through insurance with a low BMI - I am currently at 30-31, but having to work soooooo hard to keep it there.

I will look into it, I am in Dallas as well - so thank you for your Dr.'s name.
This is great feedback!!
soonergirl

angiebell · 05-23-2005, 06:37 PM

I had United Healthcare and Dr. Powell's office processed everything very quickly. They work closely with the insurance companies and told me they thought mine would cover the procedure and walah! they did. It was that easy. No psyc test, I just had to document all the weightloss programs that I have tried and failed at. Good Luck! Dr Powell is actually in Richardson and does the surgery at the Surgery Center of Richardson.

KarenB · 05-23-2005, 06:44 PM

Soonergirl, I am a Dr. Ortiz patient and am very, very happy with him. He and his partner, Dr. Martinez have made themselves available to me for any questions I have had, and it is a pleasure dealing with their office. I would use him again in a minute and trust him more than many USA doctors. Sorry, I was not low BMI.

HOWEVER, I do know of a low-bmi study that costs $12,000 in Westchester NY. If that interests you, PM me and I'll get you the info.

Take care.

lizzyd · 06-15-2005, 11:15 PM

Hi KarenB,

Newbie here. I'm very interested in finding out more about the low bmi study in westchester. I tried to pm you, but your mailbox is full and it wouldn't take my message. Could I trouble you to either post info about it (what doc, what hospital, how low can your bmi be, how do you sign up, etc.) or pm me?

Thanks very much,

LizzyD

lins12 · 06-16-2005, 10:24 AM

I have a somewhat low BMI 35.2 and I used Dr. Ortiz. I am only on Day 9 but am happy to answer any questions I can for you.

GOOD LUCK!
Lindsay

alice · 07-12-2005, 01:16 AM

I am 5'7 and weighed 194 when I had my band applied in January. I have lost almost 20lbs, I am a bad bandster and eat too much icecream or I would have easily lost 30 or more. I have never been the same weight for so long in my adult life.

I work out a lot and have gone from a tight 16 to a loose 14....:)

princess_n_thep · 07-14-2005, 01:38 PM

I am a low BMI that chose the band. I was a BMI of 34. I was 5'9", 220 lbs. I am 4 months post op and am now 184 lbs. I had Dr. Ortiz do my surgery in Tijuana.

I went from a size 18 to a 14 so far.

bettyann29 · 07-15-2005, 07:43 PM

Does Dr Ortiz have a website?

Barb · 07-15-2005, 08:45 PM

http://www.obesitycontrolcenter.com/about_dr_ortiz.html

GeezerSue · 07-16-2005, 12:00 AM

To make things simple, let's assume that someone has 50 pounds of excess weight. Although we all like to think of ourselves as the one who will have a smooth ride...statistically speaking, that person will most likely lose 31 pounds.

And they will still have to work to keep THAT weight off.

Just so you know the odds going in.

bettyann29 · 07-16-2005, 06:19 PM

Thanks for the website info.. I looked at it last night and this sounds the way to go to me... I recvd a call today from Natalie from his office and found out she moved from my area to California.. she answered so many questions for me.. Cant get enough of the researching..