EJ01111

Littleroo - If your new insurance carrier does not cover Dr. Oritz (as he is not in their network ?) you might be able to get your PCP to request on your behalf that your surgery be covered out of network. You obviously have built a trust with Dr. Oritz and that means everything when one is having surgery. Although I am not a patient of Dr. Oritz, it is quite obvious to me he is held in high regard and is an experienced surgeon. You maybe be able to mention that as well that he has more experience etc.... Good luck but don't take "no" for an answer either. EJ

WOW... I am not certain WHY anyone would write such a highly charged post. Of course all surgeries carry a risk. I was more concerned about going under than I was about the placement of the Lap Band. The risk of being put under was less than not being here for my child due to obesity induced medical problems. Save money by dieting ? hmmmmmmmm don't Americans spend in excess of 1 billion dollars in exercise cd's, equipment, diets, diet cookbooks ?

Hi John R. My surgery was covered by my BC/BS. Although I did not have any serious health risks (eg. cardio, orthopedic, etc) I did qualify under the height/weight and BMI. I also did not have the blessing of my PCP and BC/BS approved it on the first request. BC/BS has become very proactive in helping their clients and issues of weight. All I had to do was write a check for the co-pay. Best of luck to you and if they say "No" first time, keep at 'em ! In the long run it is cost effective. EJ

Hi Marie - Congratulations on taking the intial steps that will change you life forever! The one thing I wish I had been prepard for was that I felt as though a horse kicked me right in the stomach. Boy I was taken by surprise. After the first couple of days I started to feel much better and did not need the presciption. Of course everyone is different and you may have more pain or less pain (I hope for you it is less). Best of luck to you and please let us know how you are doing ! Take care ! EJ

Hello everyone, First I am totally fine it was sliming (yuck). Secondly, I feel AWFUL, I am not a patient of Dr. Ortiz. I live on the East Coast and I was looking for an on line support group for the Lap Band. I found it with you wonderful people. I would like to stick around and discuss everyone's concerns, progress etc. Unless I see any objections, I will check in ? Thanks, EJ

I am 10 days post op and I have been doing beautifully. Last night I took a bite (which I should not have) of my husband's sandwich, I had "graduated" to mashed potatoes and thought a tiny bite would not hurt. BOY ! was I wrong. I immediately realized I made a HUGE mistake. We were traveling overnight from Thanksgiving and my husband made me drive. So, between the larger than "tiny" bite and the begining of car sickness, I started to vomit. It was all mucus but it was over the course of an hour. It was not violent but I am terrified that I have done something to my lapband. My port area still sore from the surgery, seems to hurt a bit more now, but it could be from me poking at it to make sure it is still there ! I delibertly took more of my protein drink than usual to see if I would get my "fullness" feeling, that was 2 hrs ago and I still have that feeling. Am I just completely overreacting ?