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Sunshine2's (Tonya's) Journal
 

I got my first pre-op testing appointment.

I got a call from the Hospital and they stated they received a fax from my doctor to schedule my appointment for an Upper GI. I thought this was kinda weird since I'm still not approved yet. But I guess they are starting the process with my test.   At least I know the ball is moving. I'm supposed to go in on December 14th at 7:30 am, however, I'm thinking about changing it until the first of January.   In January I will have $4,000 on my Payflex account card to be used for any medical cost, right now I have ZERO. So I will more financially able to handle all the co-pays and test cost if I wait until January. So I'l calling back and rescheduling the first week of January. I don't want my surgery until January anyhow, so this will work better for me.   I'm just excited that things are moving, even though I'm still waiting on the darn insurance company! I know, patience.
tonya66

tonya66

1
Julie*'s Journal
 

December 8

So, today I thought I'd have some soup from the dining hall at lunch and there was a winter vegetable garden soup. New food that doesn't work at all is MUSHROOMS. I guess I can't chew those up no matter what. It got completely stuck and I had to spit it back up. Not how I wanted to start my day especially when trying to figure out the portions. I guess the rest of the day will be liquids.....
Julie*

Julie*

1
tammyj's Journal
 

I need to get this weight off NOW!!!

My knees are killing me, my back is killing me and I am so tired. Any other time I would be running to get my diet pills or trying the next new diet by now, but I need to keep this weight on for my first dr's appt. (Dec. 26th) I'm supposed to bring my medical records for the past year to submit to insurance, so I assume my height and weight recorded on that day will also be submitted. As soon as that's over I have to get this weight off 'cause I feel like crap!:phanvan
tammyj

tammyj

3
Suzie Q's Journal
 

Friday, December 8, 2006

JC Breakfast Scramble Black Coffee w sweetner Herbal Tea   Apple Snap Peas   JC Southwest Chicken Garden Salad V8 Juice   JC Mocha Shake   JC Salisbury Steak   Went to Erin's B-Day party - drank red wine... 4 glasses. Had a slip with the food.... ate some chicken wings and calamari.... was yummy... but I'm sure the scale will have something to say about it this week!
Suzie Q

Suzie Q

1
Telly's Journal
 

Revamped my program

Made a new friend who happens to be a personal trainer as well as a recent former men's figure/fitness natural competition....checked out my program and also my food. I was doing some wrong things. He tweaked it a bit.   Here's my new regimine. I created a personal webpage for my transformation.   http://www.angelfire.com/crazy/tellytell/beginning/
Telly

Telly

5
Julie*'s Journal
 

December 7

I'm finally starting to figure out how to work with my band instead of against it. I finally have restriction, this is what I wanted but I have still been trying to eat too much. I realized today that I have to change my mind set and down grade my portion size. Sounds silly but for some reason I have been taking the same old portions and then getting upset when I couldn't eat them even though I really didn't want to. Head hunger is a hard thing for me. Thank God for therapy.
Julie*

Julie*

3
Cha Cha's Journey
 

Just Stuff

Okay . . . so it's been a few days since I posted. I am very happy that I am 26 days smoke free :clap2: (with one slip last night due to a car accident). The urges are hitting less often, but when they do, they're a lot stronger than they've been the last few days. I dropped down to a 7mg patch. Maybe I need to go back to the 14 for a few days. Better yet, I'll just give this a few more days and see what happens.   Last night I was in a car accident. A female driver broadsided me, and did a tremendous amount of damage to the entire driver's side of my beautiful 2004 Nissan Maxima (I LOVE that car -- she's beautiful). I was so angry about it, and today when I took it to the repair place, I looked at it again and just burst into tears.   I called the insurance company and they said that they received the information on 11/28, and they take 10 business days to review it, so by next Tuesday I should know if I'm approved. I also found out that Dr. Jay requires a current EKG, so I have one scheduled with my family Doctor for the 15th.   I used to hear people talk about all the steps that they had to go through to get approved for WLS, and I thought "Man, that's too much for me to do, I would get lost in the whole process". Now that I'm almost done, I realize that it's not quite as bad as I thought. Besides, with this website, there is plenty of things to research and plenty of people to read about, and their experiences. So, all in all, it's not been nearly as confusing as I thought it would be.   We are driving tomorrow to Lubbock to see my DH's Dad. He is very ill, and not expected to live long. While we are there, we will visit Texas Tech (DH is alumni), and see all the Christmas lights. I am looking forward to that. I love Christmas lights and decorations.
angelburch

angelburch

2
luvlif's Journal
 

12/7 yay!

:clap2: I'm fitting into most of my old clothes that still have tags on them...that never fit...yesterday I was wearing my new, unworn silk Jones NY black blouse. Tomorrow I will wear my shiny snake print beige & black shirt that I bought 6 yrs ago! To day I'm wearing my purple tweed blazer that my old assistant Anmarie had given me for Christmas in 2000 :nervous I also weigh less than I have since 2002...to-day I weigh 187.1. Now my journey begins to where I haven't gone since 1989. Now I'm ready to begin that journey, & looking forward to it....the band makes it possible for me to shed more weight.
luvlif

luvlif

1
thickchickTEXAS's Journal
 

DO IT NOW!!!!

THESE ARE MY THOUGHTS MY BELIEFS & I PRAY THAT NOTHING I SAID OFFENDS ANYONE! IF ANYTHING I PRAY THAT SOMEONE IS ENCOURAGED & THAT GOD QUICKENS YOUR HEART TO FIND HIM AND ACCEPT THE PLAN OF SALVATION, SO THEY MAY BE SAVED. *****IF YOU BECOME OFFENDED I DO APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE BLESSING ON YOU NEGATIVE COMMENTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED ON MY COMMENT BLOCK***   A LOT OF TIMES WE FEEL LIKE WE WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MOMENT TO DO SOMETHING!OR EITHER WE PUT IT OFF UNTIL WE HAVE NO CHOICE TO DO WHAT WE WERE SUPPOSE TO DO!   I LEARNED THAT ISAIAH TRIED TO PUT OFF WHAT GOD TOLD HIM TO DO. *BY USING EXCUSES* IN ISAIAH CHP 6 VERSE 1-8 ISAIAH FELT UNWORTHY TO DO WHAT GOD TOLD HIM. THE LORD HAD TO SHOW HE IN A VISION THAT HE WAS WORTHY OF THE WORK HE WAS ASSIGNED. AN ANGEL CAME AND TOUCHED HIS LIPS BECAUSE HE WAS A MAN OF SINFUL LIPS! THE ANGEL TOUCHED THEM AN HE CAME PURGED OF HIS SIN & CLEAN OF HIS INIQUITY. WE OFTEN DONT DO WHAT WE ARE TOLD BECAUSE WE LET SMALL THINGS TRIP US UP! *OUR WEIGHT* I HAVE DECIDED TO START DOING WHAT I PLANNED ON DOING AFTER I LOST THE WEIGHT! TOMRROW IS NOT PROMISED TO ANY OF US! WELL ACTUALLY THE NEXT HOUR ISNT PROMISED IF YOU ASKED ME!! ALL IM SAYING IS DONT WAIT UNTIL THIS OR THAT DO IT NOW!! PUT YOUR FAITH TO WORK! DONT WAIT FOR ANYBODY TO GIVE THEIR APPROVAL!!!
thickchickTEXAS

thickchickTEXAS

3
Sunshine2's (Tonya's) Journal
 

Here is what I am hoping the Lap Band will help me do

I've been thinking a lot about the Band, and actually what I want the band to help me accomplish - so here goes some things I am hoping to achieve in the next few years:   1. I want back in my bikini! I haven't worn it since, well, 14 years ago.   2. I want a fit body, not just healthy but toned, I want my atheletic shape back - the one way to do this is EXERCISE (note to self, get off the couch and MOVE)   3. I want to buy sexy clothes again! and not only buy them, but be able to wear them and feel good in them.   4. I want to be able to bend down and tie my shoes without the breath being knocked out of me. - DONE!   5. I want to be able to get in the tub and not have my ASS take up the entire tub, side to side - oh this sucks. - DONE!   6. I want to be able to cross my legs. - DONE!   7. I want to be able to wear shorts without them riding up my crotch.   8. I want to be able to walk without my thighs rubbing each other and sweating in the summer and leaving that horrible heat rash!   9. I want to be able to push food away and not feel the need to clean up the entire plate.- Still working on this one!   10. I don't want food to be my focus in life.- Getting better!   11. I want my kids to be proud of me.   12. I want to feel beautiful again and not 40 & fat.   13. I want to be able to buy a low rise pair of jeans without my stomach hanging over. my current jeans go clear up to my belly button.   14. I want to be able to have sex with my DH and not feel the need to "turn the lights off".   15. I want to become where exercise is a part of my life, where I crave exercise like I crave chocolate.- Becoming more and more part of my life!   16. I want to inspire other people to lose weight.   17. I want to become a personal trainer.   18. I want to buy attractive Teddies to wear instead of my sweatpants and tee shirts to bed.   19. I want to be proud of my weight, not ashamed.   20. I want people to be shocked that I am 40 because I look younger, not shocked because I am 40 and I look 50.   PS - my weight this morning 229.2
tonya66

tonya66

2
Suzie Q's Journal
 

Thursday, December 7, 2006

JC Pancakes & Light Syrup Black Coffee w sweetner Herbal Tea   JC Choc Twists     Erin B-Day lunch - salmon spinach salad w dressing on side.   JC Mocha Shake Snap Peas   JC Salisbury Steak JC Cookies & Cream Cheesecake   Didn't get a chance to walk to Costco yesterday, ended up driving to Costco on the way home yesterday. I have Karate tonight, still tired from Tuesday nights workout.... but I'll go... and I will do this. Like I said before, it will only get easier. I'm feeling crampy today, I can feel I'm swollen a bit today as well....I will concentrate on drinking more water today.
Suzie Q

Suzie Q

1
losingjusme ....
 

i'm NOT a loser ...

well i went to the gym this am and let Ted (treadmill) kick my ass for 36 minutes ... i did an incline of 11 for what seemed like eternity. i did it until my legs were screaming so loud i thought the guy next to me was hearing them. it was about 3-5 mins (i lost track when i blacked out ) then down to 0 for about 10-15 seconds then back up to 6 or 7 for a couple of minutes then back up to 11 for a couple of minutes ... repeat that until you hit 36 minutes total and that my friends is my workout... i burned just over 410 calories this morning.   i have a step class tonight that i must go to. why must i?? well ummm ... i had a huge breakfast burrito this morning - eggs, shredded cheese, 1 sausage patty and hash browns wrapped in a tortilla. oh dear i dont even want to know the calories - probably more than what i burned this morning!!   in todays weigh in, i did not lose. in fact i gained a bit less than 1/8 of a pound so i am going to call it a wash... and of course T.O.M. is visiting starting this morning. oh happy day. not.
losingjusme

losingjusme

3
KayDotRn's Journal
 

one day at a time

Had a Designer Whey protein drink this morning before hitting the gym. It is nice to not have to worry about what to have for breakfast and it only takes a minute to mix the shake. I am not really hungry inthe am anyway. At the gym I switched it up today since I don't want to get bored or my body to get too used to the same routine. I did the dreaded treadmill for 20 minutes today and tried jogging. I walked at 3.6 for about 5 minutes, then I would lightly jog at 4.2 for about 2 1/2 minutes then switch back. I think I ran about 2 1/2 times since the last time I could feel a blister in my foot. I had the wrong sneakers on today. After, I jumped on the elliptical for 35 minutes. It was a good workout. I even stretched out in the gym-usually I stretch in the locker room since I am uncomfortable around the men there (even though I am sure they are paying zero attn to me!).   Today is my last maternity clinical! I am so excited for some time off. I will try to take care of as much Christmas stuff as possible this next week since I could be somewhat out of commission after surgery. I still cannot believe I am doing this!
Kaydotrn

Kaydotrn

1
BabyGotBack's Journal
 

More patient testimonials

I loved my experience with Dr Ortiz, I would recommend him to anyone. I'm an RN and I did a lot of investigating before surgery. I was considering using another Dr and then I called Don Mills at Inamed/Allergen to review my options and I chose Dr Ortiz after speaking to him. I didn't visit with him or the the clinic beforehand because I live in New Jersey and I scheduled my surgery for 2 weeks to the date that I called. I can tell you that my surgery lasted around 30 minutes and he fixed 2 hernias. I went shopping the day after surgery for a few hours. My husband is also an RN and he was very impressed with Dr Ortiz, the surgical center, and the aftercare. If you have any further questions feel free to ask. Patti     Hi,   You should really talk to my wife, since she's the one with the lapband: Koala   After doing endless amounts of research, we discovered why you can never find anything first hand reports of problems with Dr. Ortiz, they just don't exist. The only negative things we could find online about him were rumors and hearsay.   After talking with him while waiting for my wife's turn in the operating room, we could tell that he is a man who A) knows exactly what he's doing and is truly passionate about helping people lose weight without doing permenant, irreversable damage to them. Unprompted by me, Dr. Ortiz covered every single argument I've ever had in favor of the lapband and against gastric bypass.   "I'm not rearranging what God made," he told us. "I'm just putting a little squeeze on it."   We also found out why he has done so many bands. He was been a close friend of the inventor of it for many years and has been involved with the lapband pretty much since it was an idea in this guy's head. If anyone claims to have done more Lap-bands than him, I would definitely question them extensively because they're probably lying.   Heck, Dr. Ortiz taught the most prolific LB surgeon here in Las Vegas how to do the procedure...and he's done about 200 of them. If I was going to get the transmission in my car fixed, I would go to a transmission shop since they would do a better job than the "fix everything" guy with a garage. :-)   The actual facilities of Obesity Control Center are spotlessly clean. There isn't a surgeon in the world, let alone America, who wouldn't be proud to be a part of a facility like that. While we were waiting to have her bloodwork, we saw someone wiping down the wheels on a piece of equipment. That said a lot for their attention to detail.   One advantage they have is that they ONLY do lap-bands, so they only operate on completely healthy people. The chances for post-op infection are naturally reduced that way. Dr. Ortiz pointed that out to us. I'd never really thought about it, but it makes sense. Their instruments are never used on someone with a staph infection or bad disease like that.   Lap-bands are literally all they do at OCC, so the whole team is very good at it. Plus, the work is divided between Dr. Ortiz and his partner Dr. Martinez. Dr. Ortiz places the band after Dr. Martinez gets everything ready. Then, Dr. Martinez removes the laproscopic equipment and closes. So, you don't have to worry about "Geez, I'm the sixth patient today, so he's already been working for six hours."   One of the operating room nurses has the lapband. She carries pictures of herself with an additional 120 pounds. It's very reassuring to see her and to know that someone who literally knows exactly how you feel is by your side the entire time.   We felt 100% comfortable with Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez. They both speak English better than most Americans, so there are no communication problems there. Dr. Ramirez was the overnight doctor and he's a great guy, too.   There were a couple minor language barrier things, but nothing very significant. Heck, we've had the same thing with nurses at Summerlin hospital who ONLY speak English, so it's barely worth mentioning. One very kind, older nurse was actually asking us for help pronouncing some words. She was just as sweet as can be, a true "abuelita". Some of the staff may speak only Spanish, but you are never there without someone who speaks English fluently.   Try as we might, we just could not find any reason to use another doctor in Mexico. Everything (including my one hour phone conversation with Inamed's Patient Liason) pointed to Dr. Ortiz having the experience that he claims and the facility to back it up.   I honestly do not think you could have a better surgeon do the operation at any price, anywhere.   My wife, being the "touchy-feely" type asked him why he does it and what his greatest joy is from his work. He said "the best thing about doing this is seeing someone in the waiting room or running into them somewhere and thinking that they look familiar...then having them show me their 'before' picture of what they looked like 100 or 150 pounds ago and tell me 'I am one of your patients'. That's the most incredible feeling in the world."   Contrast this to our first surgeon's words of "You can't lose all the weight you want with the band."     If you're truly serious about the band, it can be the greatest thing in the world. My wife had her surgery in August and she's down 78 pounds (not a typo, seventy-eight pounds). A couple of other people who had the surgery that same day (and did NOT take it seriously, in my opinion) have lost like 25-35 pounds. One of them actually ate solid food (Cup o' Noodles) the day after surgery.   Anyway, if you have any more questions, just let us know. We could even talk with you on the phone if you wanted.   We have no ties whatsoever to Dr. Ortiz other than as very satisfied customers. Jason     Hi, I don't have a lot of time to write this morning, but I didn't want you to think I hadn't seen your email. Jason gave you some great information in his letter. Here are snippetts of stuff that I think helped me:   First, take your own pain meds to Mexico with you. Everyone there while I was felt they didn't get enough relief with the ones Dr. Ortiz prescribed. We shared with one of the guys who thought to bring his own. That would be my number one suggestion about the surgery.   Do walk as much as you can to avoid the shoulder pains from the gas. That helped a lot because mine weren't bad.   I followed directions to a T. My weight dropped very quickly up until I reached 70 pounds off. Typical day of eating for me: Oatmeal bar for breakfast Lean Cuisine for lunch Light meal at supper   I never drink with meals. Getting enough water is my current problem, though.   I have not added exercise, really. So, I know I need to do that. Maybe that will get the weight coming off better again.   My therapist says you have to replace food with something. The key is to figure out what that something is. For me, it's music.   The other thing I find is that I'm having to deal with emotions without medicating myself with food. That leaves me feeling pretty open and bare sometimes, and it take some emotional work. Be prepared.   I have to get my hair dry, but please write if you have any questions. I'll surely share my thoughts with you. It helps to walk this path with others who really GET what it's all about. Have a great day, Pam       This is what some wonderful people from these boards sent me to reasure me. I just wanted to keep them all somewhere I could keep them, read them, re-read them and for others who would ever read my journal, help you the way I needed help to be reasured I was doing the right thing with the right doctor!!! scared:
BabyGotBack

BabyGotBack

1
BabyGotBack's Journal
 

1 week before lapband surgery

I start my preop diet on Sunday. The diet consists of a protein shake for breakfast, a lean cuisine for lunch and dinner. My surgery date is Dec. 18, 2006. I reallly can't believe that my life is about to change. I will lose the weight this time and keep it off! I am weighing 185 right now. My first goal will be 155. My second goal which I plan on doing slower and gradual is 135 or so? My friend Monica had the lapband put in a year ago and she did very well. She lost fifty pounds and has had no complications.   She did gain a little back, but only due to a loss, eating around the band and needing a fill. We are going to support each other also. I know the support has a big part to play in all of this. I log onto this forum at least twice a day for an hour at least.   I have been eating some things that I know I won't be able to eat for a while if not ever. Not getting to out of hand though. So many people have emailed me with such positive things about Dr. Ortiz. I get more reasurred everyday. I want to post what they said here so I can look back or others can get the info they need. This week before my surgery will consist mostly of what I am learning in preparation to the surgery and post surgery and peoples comments.     COMMENTS I RECIEVED FROM OTHER PATIENTS Hey" so sorry about that earlier email - i had to rush off! anyway, i researched like mad and chose ortiz because he is the best (imo) - very skilled, credentialed, etc and I wanted someone with the most experience. I also liked his staff and his anestsiologist (can never spell that right) and they use a type of anesthesia that doesn't require intubation. I was super scared of the surgery and my husband was initially against going to mexico etc. I didn't go to the clinic but we both talked to dr ortiz prior and i loved him immediately. I still very positive about him for the surgery - both he and dr martinez give you their personal cell phones - something unheard of in the states. Their facilitiy is different now (but even better) than when I had surgery last year. The only reason I'm unhapppy is i've had trouble losing weight and have struggled living with the band and I haven't felt very supported AFTER the surgery for non emergencies. But face it , most go home and lose weight with one or a few adjustments. There aren't as many of us who struggle so I don't want to sway you from him - just make sure you have some local support and possiblly a local fill doctor etc. And mostly, talk to dr ortiz yourself and ask all your questions, etc. That will help youmake up your mind. hey, good luck to you - also dr. ortiz has a good book with other doc recommendations too and lastly don't base your decision solely on price - experience is key. take care and i wish you good luck in your journey. email me anytime! take care, mary __________________   Hi, My brother is a surgeon in the U.S. and he suggested I check out some TJ doctors for the lapband. My BMI was too low to qualify here. Ever since I first heard about the band, years ago, I knew I wanted it! I found Dr. Ortiz on the internet and ordered his book. I also spoke on the phone with someone who had surgery there. She was NOT a paid coordinator or anything (neither am I.) Anyway, I drove down to Mexico from L.A. and had the surgery without ever meeting Dr. Ortiz ahead of time. There was a really peaceful feeling that I was doing the right thing. The surgery is clean and the staff very professional. Honestly, I don't know of any doctor that could have so many happy patients. He does this surgery about 4-5 times a day. He is extremely experienced and that is what I wanted. Also, he teaches the surgery to U.S. doctors. I am totally satisfied!! No regrets! Good luck!!!!!   Surgery November 18, 2005 (Dr. Ortiz) When I first started researching the lap band the first thing I looked into was insurance coverage. Insurance won't cover the surgery for me (I didn't even try b.c i don't come close to meeting the criteria) SO I am self pay. So getting the surgery here in the US was out of the question. B/C it was between 15-20K. I then started researching Dr.'s in Mexico, the carribean and even Europe. Money is a big factor. I'm single, I'm 24, I live in the NYC area and I have a mortgage so I couldn't spend 10-13k like a lot of Dr's charge- in foreign countries. I also found cheap Dr's in Mexico (the cheapest was 6500). But after researching the doctors credential's I was quickly turned off. Dr. Ortiz's credentials seemed really impressive. The maker of the lap band trained Dr Ortiz. Dr Ortiz has 2 centers the cancun and the tj. One of his partners in the Cancun center is the Cheif of St Vincents- here in ny (he has been on the news and in magazines (for his achievements), which put my mind at ease. B/c if Dr. Ortiz was a crook or a bad dr the cheif of such a big hospital wouldn't be associated with him (atleast that's what i think). ALso Dr Ortiz completed a course at Harvard and Yale. And he has trained surgeons around the world. This all seemed very impressize to me. In addition I have not found 1 bad thing about him on the internet, which also helps. I also found one testimonial of a girl who went to dr ortiz. The band would have been too close to her aorta, so he did not complete the surgery. This put me at ease b/c he put safety before her desires. So in a nutshell that's why I chose Dr. Ortiz. What made you choose Dr.Ortiz? Well, I arrive on the 14th and I leave mexico the 17th. Im excited and nervous. It sounds like your friend is doing great. I hear stories of people losing 60 lbs in a few months while it takes outhers a year to do it. It sounds like the fills are very important for a lg weight loss. Me personally, I'd rather lose consistently over a year than lose it so quick that I'm stuck with excess skin. That's my main fear. Today I started my preop diet. When I decided to get my surgery (3 weeks ago) I have eaten everything I coluld possibly want and more. I have gained 8 lbs. So I'm starting the preop det today of 2 shakes and a lean cusine. Then Friday I'm going to start 3 shakes a day. Of course the day I start my diet I woke up at 6 am (opposed to 8- I work sun-thurs) So I have already had a large salad and I have to go prepare my protein shake before work. I hear if you blend the shake w/ice it's more filling. I'm going to go test that out. Please keep in touch. It's great to find others that are experiencing the same things I am. Lori     I hope this info helps- my family and friends were opposed to me going to Mx at all for my surgery- but I sent them all the links and his resume and his credentials and they feel comfortable. I have not been able to find any bad info on him. I heard horror stories about betancourt medical -and Dr Lopez. I feel confident about my decision. Evaluate both doctors credentials- also go through lapbandtalk forums and find info on btoh dr's that may help. The two doctors I had it narrowed down to was Dr Rambaut and Dr Ortiz- but I went w/ dr ortiz b/c of his credentials.   Dr Ortiz has 2 centers- the cancun one has been closed since the hurricane. this is the website that show's his association with Dr Nick Gabriel   www.lapbandincancun.com   Ameri Med Hospital offers Lap-Band surgery exclusively to patients of Dr. Ariel Ortiz and Dr. Lee Grossbard of the Lap Band in Cancun web site. Ameri Med Hospital is Cancun's newest hospital complex offering a full range of emergency and routine services. Ameri Med offers private rooms and a fully bi-lingual staff. The whole setting creates a soothing environment that will delight even the most demanding patient.     Dr Ariel Ortiz, a Board Certified Mexican medical doctor whose medical practice is in Mexico, is a world renowned expert on Lap-Band surgery, having trained almost a decade ago under the designer of the Lap-Band, Dr Mitiku Belechew. Dr. Lee Grossbard started his private practice in 1984 in Zephyrhills, FL where he is currently located. After attending Lafayette College, Easton PA he then went on to graduate from Autonomous University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico with Honors. Dr. Nick Gabriel currently holds an appointment as the Chief of Minimally Invasive Surgical Education at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York, and an assistant professor of surgery at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine dr ortiz's credentials: Click here to view an extended curriculum vitae for Dr. Ariel Ortiz.   Click here to view additional certifications.   for more info on Dr Otriz http://www.drarielortiz.com/ www.obesitycontrolcenter.com http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobe...ere+gl h.html http://www.aftercareprovider.com/dr_ortiz.html more info on dr gabriel   http://drnickgabriel.com/ http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobe...briel+hgm.html     Ariel Alfonso Alfredo Ortiz Lagardere, M.D. Address: Office: Obesity Control Center Leona Vicario #1510, 2nd Floor Zona Rio, Tijuana, Mexico, Zip:22320 Phone:   US. 619 270 1126 1866 Dr Ortiz (376 7849)   MX: 011-52(664) 6849505   Email: drortiz@obesitycontrolcenter.com Mailing Address USA: 1503 Liberty Creek Place Chula Vista CA 91913 Cell Phone: (619) 247-9695   Current Academic Rank: Professor of Clinical Medicine Professor of Surgery UABC School of Medicine University of Baja California, Tijuana   Training 1997 Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Fellowship Centro de Adiestramiento del Noroeste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social University of Baja California, Tijuana Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico 1997 Obesity Surgery Fellowship University of Baja California, Tijuana Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico Hospital Angeles del Pedregal Mexico, DF 1993 – 1997 Residency in General Surgery Centro Medico Nacional del Noroeste Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico. 1986 – 1992 M.D. awarded June 1992 Faculty of Medicine, Tijuana University of Baja California, Tijuana Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico 1983 – 1985 B.A. awarded in Clinical Laboratory Escuela Federal Preparatoria “Lazaro Cardenas” Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico         Academic Board Certification Board Certified in General Surgery 1997 #98254 Mexico, DF   Certification & Licensure: Board Certified in General Surgery # 98254 06/99 Mexican Medical License # 2526822 Issued: 10/08/97 Baja California Medical License # 10575-02/00 Last Issued: 02/00 Baja California General Surgery License #125/2000 Last Issued: 03/00   Academic Appointments   2000-present Professor of Surgery   University of Baja California, Tijuana Professor of Clinical Medicine University of Baja California, Tijuana 1998-2000 Professor of Laparoscopic Surgery   North Western Laparoscopic Training Center Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Tijuana, B.C., Mexico 2000 – present Professor Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Course   North Western Laparoscopic Training Center Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Tijuana, B.C., Mexico     Honors & Awards   2002 President, National Association of Bariatric Surgery, Mexico 2000 President, Baja California College of Surgeons 1999 Secretary, Baja California College of Surgeons 1998 Scientific Committee, Baja California College of Surgeons 1996 Honorary President, Northwestern Resident Association 1995 Chief of Residents, General Surgery 1994 Chief of Residents, General Surgery 1993 Chief of Residents, General Surgery 1992 A.H. Robbins Award of Academic Excellence       Professional Organization Memberships   1997 – present Tijuana Medical College Baja California College of Surgeons 1997 – present National Board of General Surgery 1997 – present Mexican Association of General Surgery 1997 – present Mexican Association of Laparoscopic Surgery 1999 – present International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity 1997 – present Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgery 1998 - present Latin-American Society of Endoscopic Surgery 2001 - present American Society for Bariatric Surgery 2002 - present Fellow American College of Surgeons       Committees 1998 – present Medical College of Tijuana, Educational Affairs Committee 2001 Tijuana College of Medicine, Digitalization Committee       Department and Hospital Appointments & Committees   2001- present Chief of Surgery, Notre Dame Hospital, Tijuana, Mexico 2001- present Quality Assurance Committee, Siglo XXI Hospital, Culiacan, 2000-present Quality Assurance/Risk Management, Praga Hospital, Tijuana, 2000-present Blue Shield International Evaluation Committee, Tijuana Medical College 1997 – 2000 Co-Director, Endoscopic Hernia Training Center, IMSS, Tij. 1998 – 2000 Co-Director, Advanced Laparoscopic Training Course, IMSS 1998 – 2000 Operative & Invasive Procedures Committee, IMSS, Tijuana     Abstracts   Ortiz Lagardere, AA, Lopez Covala JA, Guzman Cordero F. 3 Years Experience, Endoscopic Hernia Training Center. Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Achalasia Accumulated Experience. Endoscopic Training Center, IMSS, Tijuana Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Complications related to adjustment port after 150 Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Bandings. Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Multidisciplinary approach after Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding elevates success rate. Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Preventing Lap-Band Slippage, Modifications to the Technique. Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Lopez Covala JA, Guzman Cordero F, Ortiz Lagardere AA. First 100 cases of Adjustable Silicon Gastric Banding, 3-year follow-up. Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F, Ortiz Lagardere AA. TEP hernia repair, Focus on the technique. Presented at the AMCL Annual Meeting, Leon Guanajuato, Mexico. November 1999. Lopez Corvala, JA, Guzman Cordero F, Ortiz Lagardere AA. Laparoscopic Nephrectomy, our experience. Presented at the AMCL Annual Meeting, Cancun, May 1999. Awarded the first place by the AMCL Scientific Committee. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Intragastric Balloon for mild obesity. Technique and results. Presented in the AMCL Annual Meeting Acapulco Guerrero, Mexico. May 1999. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Band Adjustment, a Multidisciplinary approach. Presented at the AMCO Annual Meeting, Mazatlan Sinaloa, Mexico. July 1999. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Complications related to the Lap-Band, Slippage and Erosion. Presented at the AMCO Annual Meeting, Mazatlan Sinaloa, Mexico. July 1999. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Technique is related to band slippage. Presented at the AMCO Annual Meeting, Mazatlan Sinaloa, Mexico. July 2000. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Crovala JA, Guzman Cordero F Laparoscopic Hernia Repair; A revised training protocol. Rev Mex Cir Endosc, 2, 71-74 Abril 2001       Ongoing Research     “Risk factors for Band Erosion. A multicenter evaluation.” (Funded by Grupo Laparoscopico de B.C.)   “Beating the learning curve in Laparoscopic Hernia Repair. Integrating new interactive teaching tools.” (Funded by Tyco Healthcare, International)   “Is band adjustment always necessary?” (Funded by Grupo Laparoscopico de B.C.)   “Restrictive mechanism of the Lap-Band, How does it really work?” (Funded by Grupo Laparoscopico de B.C.)   “A prospective randomized study, The Tep Repair without mesh fixation.” (Unfunded)     Teaching Responsibilities   2000 – present Latin-American Lap-Band Training Coordinator, Grupo Laparoscopico de B.C.   1999 – present Endoscopic Hernia Training Center for Latin America, Grupo Laparoscopico de B. C.       Invited Lectures . University Autonoma de Baja California, School of Medicine Anniversary Conference, “Minimally Invasive Surgery.” Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, “Skill Development For the Laparoscopic Surgeon.” University Autonoma de Baja California, School of Medicine. “Aids related surgical procedures.” 1998 Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, HGR 20 Tijuana. “Hernia Repair, Laparoscopic vs Open.” 1998 Baja California College of Surgeons, Laparoscopic Hernia Meeting. “The Tep approach, the future of the endoscopic approach.” Baja California College of Surgeons, VII International Laparoscopic Reunion. “Avoiding bile duct injuries.” 1998 Mexican Association of Laparoscopic Surgery, VIII International Laparoscopic Surgery Reunion. “Management of Chronic Pain, Laparoscopic Hernia Repair.” Mexican Association of General Surgery, New Techniques and Innovations in Surgery, Mexican, B.C. “The double mesh technique” 1998 Mexican Association of General Surgery, New Techniques and Innovations in Surgery, San Luis Rio Colorado. “The double mesh technique.” Mexican Association of Obesity Surgery, Annual Reunion. Ixtapa, Guerrero. “Obesity surgery, a stepped-up approach.” 1999 Mexican Association of General Surgery, Regional Reunion, San Luis Rio Colorado. “Partial or Total fundoplication, indications and technique.” 1999 Mexican Association of General Surgery, Open Hernia Course, Chihuahua, Chihuahua. “Experience with the double mesh technique.” Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery, Obesity Course, Acapulco Guerrero. “Intragastric Balloon Placement, technique and results.” Mexican Association of Obesity Surgery, Annual Reunion, Mazatlan, Sinaloa. “Band Adjustment Protocol, a multidisciplinary approach”. 2000 National Defense System, Annual Reunion, Ensenada, Baja, California. “Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication” 2000 Mexican Association of General Surgery, Northwestern Regional Reunion, Mexicali, B.C. “The Tep repair, technique.” Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery, National Meeting, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico “ Lap-Band, Safe and effective procedure; Four year follow-up”. Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery, National Meeting, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico “ LASGB, Long term complications and Follow-up”. 2002 LASGB, Mexican experience, Phil Schauer Course, Breckenridge Colorado. 2002 Complications in Lap-Band, avoiding and treating them successfully.     Live Exhibition Surgery   Mexican Association of General Surgery, International Laparoscopic Reunion, Tijuana, B.C. “Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.” Mexican Association of General Surgery, International Laparoscopic Reunion, Tijuana, B.C. “Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.” Mexican Association of General Surgery, Regional Laparoscopic Reunion, Mexicali, B.C. “Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication.” Mexican Association of General Surgery, International Laparoscopic Reunion, San Luis Rio Colorado, “Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication.” 2000 Mexican Association of Obesity Surgery, Annual Meeting, “Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding.” 2000 Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery and National Defense System, Annual Meeting, Ensenada, Baja, California, “Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication.” 2000 Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery Regional Meeting, Tijuana, Baja, California “Endoscopic Hernia Repair, Tep.” 2000 Mexican Association of General Surgery, “Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding.”     Live Exhibition Surgery to the USA Endoscopic Hernia Repair, TEP Hernia Balloon Repair, Yale Laparoscopy Training Program, 28-29 April Live transmission from: HGR No 20 IMSS Hospital Tijuana, B.C. Mexico To Yale Laparoscopy, Yale University, New Haven Ct. Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Yale Laparoscopy Training Program, Six-week course Live transmission from: HGR No 20 IMSS Hospital Tijuana, B.C. Mexico To Yale Laparoscopy, Yale University, New Haven Ct.     Surgical Proctoring in USA   2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding LAP-BAND System Bariatric Surgery Department Lennox Hill Hospital, New York, New York.   2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding, LAP-BAND System Minimally Invasive Surgery Department University of Illinois, Chicago, IL   2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding, LAP-BAND System Bariatric Surgery Program Hoag Hospital, Orange County, California   2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding Loyola University Chicago, Chicago IL.   2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding Little Rock, Arkansas   2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding Arlington Hospital Dallas, Texas   2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding Irvine Medical Center Los Angeles, Ca   2002 Proctorings in the USA   Chicago, Illinois Port Huron, Michigan Detroit Michigan Seattle Washington Austin, Texas Fort Worth, Texas Baton Rouge, Louisiana Minneapolis, Minnesota     2002 Proctoring in Canada Montreal 1st International Workshop     Television Appearance- TV Program Host   June 2001- June 2001 Information Capsules Home Remedies Discovery Health   Feb 2002- Feb 2003 Discovery Channel Latino-America Discovery Health Spanish Version of “Living Pulse” Show Host For Latin America and Spain     this is info on nick gabriel ·Dr. Nick H. Gabriel Joins the Airport Medical Offices Announcing the addition of Dr. Gabriel at the Airport Medical Offices at JFK·Stomach Surgery for Weight-Loss (stream video) Special Interview with Dr. Gabriel on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360·Suddenly Skinny Dr. Gabriel's patient Lisa Sohr featured as the "cover girl" in New York Magazine   Click here to view Dr. Ariel Ortiz being interviewed on The Wellness Hour with host Randy Alvarez.   __________________ "If love is blind, what's the purpose of lingerie?"
BabyGotBack

BabyGotBack

1
thickchickTEXAS's Journal
 

A wonderful change

I ACCEPTED MY CALL INTO THE MINISTRY ON SUNDAY! I HAVE REALLY BEEN LISTENING TO THE LORD AND ABIDING IN HIM TOTALLY! I FEEL SO BRAND NEW AND I THANK GOD FOR THE CHANCE TO PREACH HIS WORD. I WANT TO THANK THIS PLACE FOR ALL THE SUPPORT I HAVE RECEIVED. AS FAR AS MY WEIGHT IS CONCERNED IM DOING GOOD ON THE "EATING BETTER DIET" NO EXCERSIE OTHER THAN WALKING AND MY SIZE 20'S ARE BECOMING LOOSE!! SO I GUESS IM DOING GOOD.   WELL THAT IS ALL FOR NOW AND I WILL TALK WITH YOU ALL LATER   BLESSING ON YOU & YOURS HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
thickchickTEXAS

thickchickTEXAS

4
KayDotRn's Journal
 

First entry

I am on a time crunch but I need to get a journal entry so I can start logging what is going on. I am 2 weeks or so away from surgery. I am scared! I just called the Dr. today to see if my insurance approved the surgery and they have. I think I was half thinking htat I would be denied. Next Monday is Pre-op appt then the following Monday is surgery. I feel conflicted. I am definitely not feeling 100% like I want to do this and I am wondering if this is normal. Of course I am afraid to ask that question at the MD office for fear that they will say "Nope, you aren't ready" and cancel my appt. Am I nuts???? I think I am questioning because since I was told that I had to lose 10 pounds and I have joined Weight Watchers (for the 100th time), I have managed to loae about 17 pounds. I have been going to the gym 5 or 6 days a week and I feel wonderful. There is that little thought that, wow, maybe I can do this myself. But then I look at my history and I am always gung ho for about 3 months or so then I lose steam. Typical diet failure. The other thing is, I plan to continue my WW meetings becauseI find them so supportive. ANother thing I never had before. This particular meeting is thebest I have ever attended and every week I feel really pumped to do my best. Anyway, if I continue to go to WW, am I a fraud??? I have not told anyone about my plans and do not intend to. I willbe weighing in with my friend that doesn't know about my plans to have surgery, and I will basically be lying to her every week. It seems so deceitful. I just know how anti-surgery she is and I don't want to tell her. I don't know what to think.   On a side note, I had a good workout today-50 minutes elliptical. I need to do my weights at some point since I did not have time at the gym today (dentist appt). Got a root canal today-lucky me. I made another appt for next week and I actually scheduled it around my workout. Whoever thought that would be a priority! haha.
Kaydotrn

Kaydotrn

3
losingjusme ....
 

training with Kari

i have a trainer at my gym. she is wonderfully fit and just makes me ill ...   i visit with her for a 1/2 hour every wednesday morning, today was no exception. she really worked me today - oh muh gawed ... she pushed me harder than she's ever pushed and i am already quite sore   i did get on the scale today and i am down another 2 pounds to 351.5. i have lost 51 pounds so far and just could not be much happier. my initial December 8th goal was a very aggressive 60 pounds. although i will not make that goal, i am very pleased with my changes so far. both weight-wise and attitude-wise. i know i've posted in previous entries how my mindset has completely transformed, but it really continues to amaze me that i am actually excited to go exercise and have taken a step class and i LOOK for classes at other gyms.. un freaking believable!! :omg:   my parents are coming to town in 2 days, i am getting nervous/excited. not sure if they will notice - if they notice will they say anything - if they say anything will they hound me every time they talk to me from now on "how much have you lost in the past 10 minutes??" ... **sigh**   ok ... gotta go.
losingjusme

losingjusme

2
sheilamj1fan's Journal
 

Eleven Down and Too Much To Go!

Hello everyone,   I started on Adipex on 12/2, but before I started Adipex I was watching what I ate. So last night I weighed and "my" scale said 242! I'm thinking that can't be correct...but it is! I guess since I've been a little more discipline lately and exercising along with the Adipex it's starting to show. Oh by the way I am taking only half of the Adipex a day (it's too strong). So I updated my ticker for the first time!!! I hope I keep it up!:clap2:   Sheila   Be BLESSED!
sheilamj1fan

sheilamj1fan

1

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