barrbdoll

BEST decision I have EVER made and BEST money I have EVER spent!!! Minimal pain, no gas, no nausea, no issues, NADA!! I'm down 120lbs in less than 9 months and I feel FABULOUS!!!!

Dr. Ortiz and the rest of the staff at OCC are wonderful!!! He helped change my life and I am truly an advocate!!! I had my surgery on April 16th and am down 120 lbs... I feel amazing!!
Having my sleeve surgery was the absolute BEST decision I have ever made!!!
Best of luck to all of you on your decisions and upcoming surgeries!!

Everyone of you are in excellent hands!!! My surgery was April 16th and I am down 120lbs... BEST decision I have ever made!!
 
Best of luck to you all!!!!

Dr. Ortiz and the rest of the staff at OCC are wonderful!!! He helped change my life and I am truly an advocate!!! I had my surgery on April 16th and am down 120 lbs... I feel amazing!!
Having my sleeve surgery was the absolute BEST decision I have ever made!!!
Best of luck to all of you on your decisions and upcoming surgeries!!

Dr. Ortiz and the rest of the staff at OCC are wonderful!!! He helped change my life and I am truly an advocate!!! I had my surgery on April 16th and am down 120 lbs... I feel amazing!!
Having my sleeve surgery was the absolute BEST decision I have ever made!!!
Best of luck to all of you on your decisions and upcoming surgeries!!

Apologies in advance for my "brain dump" but there is a LOT to consider as you research surgeons in Mexico. Everyone who has posted on this thread have very specific and valid personal reasons they have selected their surgeon. Based on their high level of research, I have every confidence they will have a great experience because they know what to expect before they arrive. And that is what I hope for ALL of us, we do the research so we can have a good experience.
When I began to consider Mexico as an option for weight loss surgery, I learned a lot. There were several factors important to me in selecting a surgeon:
1. A surgeon who has performed a lot of weight loss surgery.
2. Member of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery (i.e. I wanted to be able to verify their credentials)
3. The doc should have a lot of positive internet “buzz”, or testimonials on weight loss surgery forums so I could contact those and get some independent feedback.
4. Would like to go to a part of Mexico WITH NO TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS from the US State Department
5. The icing on the cake would be if they were at an International Center of Excellence as designated by the Surgical Review Corporation – same body that designates US bariatric Centers of Excellence
6. Oh, and I wanted to contact the surgeon DIRECTLY, not through a surgery coordinating company
THE SHORT LIST
1. Dr. Guillermo Alvarez in Piedras Negras http://www.endobariatric.com/doctor.htm
2. Dr. Alberto Aceves in Mexicali http://gastricsleevesurgeon.com
3. Dr. Pompa in Tijuana http://www.limarp.com/en/dr_liza.php
4. Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana http://www.obesitycontrolcenter.com
I checked prices. I spent a great deal of time on each website to understand the process, review photos, verify
credentials, etc. Both Dr. Pompa and Dr. Ortiz are practicing at International Centers of Excellence. And I liked the fact Tijuana does not have a travel warning from the US State department.
Dr. Alvarez wrote a book about the sleeve. I purchased his e-Book. It’s an easy read and provides a great deal of information about the sleeve procedure, how he performs it, and what you need to do pre-surgery and post-surgery for diet.
Ultimately, I selected Dr. Ortiz. Why?
• He has a TON of YouTube videos available. I watched many of them and learned a lot about the surgery, recovery, diet, his philosophy, got to see the surgical team working together, pictures of the facility, etc. Also, he has a great video about the difference between healthcare in the US vs. Mexico and was spot on. This video actually made my decision for me. (He even addressed the sombrero issue. I’m in! Ha ha!) Check the video
• Confirmed they are a International Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery http://www.surgicalreview.org/locate/cmcoem/
• Confirmed Dr. Ortiz is a member of the American College of Surgeons http://web2.facs.org/acsdir/public/DetailMember.cfm?CHKDGTS=88010816878
• Confirmed Dr. Ortiz is a member of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery http://asmbs.org/member-search/ (search for last name Lagardere, as in Ariel A. Ortiz Lagardere)
• Tijuana is in Baja California, the only Mexican border state that does not have a travel warning from the US State Department. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5815.html All other border states have a “defer non-essential travel” warning
My hope is that you find a surgeon and location that are right for YOU! Just by being on these forums and becoming educated on your options - I have a feeling you will have GREAT results.

I'm sorry if this sounds mean.. not my intention... but...... Like the rest of us, you were sick of being overweight and unhealthy so you opted to have the surgery. Make the commitment and FOLLOW YOUR DIET!! I am 10 days post op and I was on clears for 4 days then to full liquids such shakes, drinkable yogurt, cream Soups (no chunks) etc....) I am STILL on this stage and will be until 3 weeks post op. Maybe I'm so gung ho about following my diet because I was a self pay and I refuse to let my hard earned money be wasted.. I dunno. This is a mental journey just as it is physical! I have a calendar that my surgeon provided that tells me every day what stage of food I can eat. How long did your surgeon tell you that you needed to be on clears?? If anything, reach out to your surgeon and ask if you can add shakes or soups but follow your Dr's orders. You just had 75-80% of your stomach removed!! It has to have time to heal. The last thing you want to do is eat something you shouldn't be eating.
Good Luck!

I had a bite at around 6-7 weeks... it was good but extremely filling and I didn't get much satisfaction from it. It was a craving that I wanted to satisfy and one bite did it. I keep a bag of Totino pizza rolls in my freezer so if I get a craving again (which isn't often) I will just pop a few in the oven and I enjoy my pizza!
Perfect size snack and I don't feel like I have to give up my favorite foods.. All in moderation!

I had a bite at around 6-7 weeks... it was good but extremely filling and I didn't get much satisfaction from it. It was a craving that I wanted to satisfy and one bite did it. I keep a bag of Totino pizza rolls in my freezer so if I get a craving again (which isn't often) I will just pop a few in the oven and I enjoy my pizza!
Perfect size snack and I don't feel like I have to give up my favorite foods.. All in moderation!

I'm sorry if this sounds mean.. not my intention... but...... Like the rest of us, you were sick of being overweight and unhealthy so you opted to have the surgery. Make the commitment and FOLLOW YOUR DIET!! I am 10 days post op and I was on clears for 4 days then to full liquids such shakes, drinkable yogurt, cream Soups (no chunks) etc....) I am STILL on this stage and will be until 3 weeks post op. Maybe I'm so gung ho about following my diet because I was a self pay and I refuse to let my hard earned money be wasted.. I dunno. This is a mental journey just as it is physical! I have a calendar that my surgeon provided that tells me every day what stage of food I can eat. How long did your surgeon tell you that you needed to be on clears?? If anything, reach out to your surgeon and ask if you can add shakes or soups but follow your Dr's orders. You just had 75-80% of your stomach removed!! It has to have time to heal. The last thing you want to do is eat something you shouldn't be eating.
Good Luck!

I'm sorry if this sounds mean.. not my intention... but...... Like the rest of us, you were sick of being overweight and unhealthy so you opted to have the surgery. Make the commitment and FOLLOW YOUR DIET!! I am 10 days post op and I was on clears for 4 days then to full liquids such shakes, drinkable yogurt, cream Soups (no chunks) etc....) I am STILL on this stage and will be until 3 weeks post op. Maybe I'm so gung ho about following my diet because I was a self pay and I refuse to let my hard earned money be wasted.. I dunno. This is a mental journey just as it is physical! I have a calendar that my surgeon provided that tells me every day what stage of food I can eat. How long did your surgeon tell you that you needed to be on clears?? If anything, reach out to your surgeon and ask if you can add shakes or soups but follow your Dr's orders. You just had 75-80% of your stomach removed!! It has to have time to heal. The last thing you want to do is eat something you shouldn't be eating.
Good Luck!

I had my surgery with Dr. Ortiz on April 16th and it was an amazing experience!! At 117lbs down I am such an advocate!! You will do great!!
Best of Luck!!

I had my surgery with Dr. Ortiz on April 16th and it was an amazing experience!! At 117lbs down I am such an advocate!! You will do great!!
Best of Luck!!

I'm sorry if this sounds mean.. not my intention... but...... Like the rest of us, you were sick of being overweight and unhealthy so you opted to have the surgery. Make the commitment and FOLLOW YOUR DIET!! I am 10 days post op and I was on clears for 4 days then to full liquids such shakes, drinkable yogurt, cream Soups (no chunks) etc....) I am STILL on this stage and will be until 3 weeks post op. Maybe I'm so gung ho about following my diet because I was a self pay and I refuse to let my hard earned money be wasted.. I dunno. This is a mental journey just as it is physical! I have a calendar that my surgeon provided that tells me every day what stage of food I can eat. How long did your surgeon tell you that you needed to be on clears?? If anything, reach out to your surgeon and ask if you can add shakes or soups but follow your Dr's orders. You just had 75-80% of your stomach removed!! It has to have time to heal. The last thing you want to do is eat something you shouldn't be eating.
Good Luck!

I'm sorry if this sounds mean.. not my intention... but...... Like the rest of us, you were sick of being overweight and unhealthy so you opted to have the surgery. Make the commitment and FOLLOW YOUR DIET!! I am 10 days post op and I was on clears for 4 days then to full liquids such shakes, drinkable yogurt, cream Soups (no chunks) etc....) I am STILL on this stage and will be until 3 weeks post op. Maybe I'm so gung ho about following my diet because I was a self pay and I refuse to let my hard earned money be wasted.. I dunno. This is a mental journey just as it is physical! I have a calendar that my surgeon provided that tells me every day what stage of food I can eat. How long did your surgeon tell you that you needed to be on clears?? If anything, reach out to your surgeon and ask if you can add shakes or soups but follow your Dr's orders. You just had 75-80% of your stomach removed!! It has to have time to heal. The last thing you want to do is eat something you shouldn't be eating.
Good Luck!

I'm sorry if this sounds mean.. not my intention... but...... Like the rest of us, you were sick of being overweight and unhealthy so you opted to have the surgery. Make the commitment and FOLLOW YOUR DIET!! I am 10 days post op and I was on clears for 4 days then to full liquids such shakes, drinkable yogurt, cream Soups (no chunks) etc....) I am STILL on this stage and will be until 3 weeks post op. Maybe I'm so gung ho about following my diet because I was a self pay and I refuse to let my hard earned money be wasted.. I dunno. This is a mental journey just as it is physical! I have a calendar that my surgeon provided that tells me every day what stage of food I can eat. How long did your surgeon tell you that you needed to be on clears?? If anything, reach out to your surgeon and ask if you can add shakes or soups but follow your Dr's orders. You just had 75-80% of your stomach removed!! It has to have time to heal. The last thing you want to do is eat something you shouldn't be eating.
Good Luck!

Dr. Ariel Ortiz was my surgeon. He has received numerous accolades and honors and practices in an "International Center of Excellence". Plus he was voted one of the best Bariatric surgeons by Newsweek magazine. I consider the cheapo doctors the ones around the $4500.00 mark. As far as their qualifications?? All I can say is do your research and make a decision that YOU feel comfortable with. Personally, It wasn't just about price for me... I was flying 4 thousand miles for my surgery and it was about my entire experience and the experience of my mother who was traveling with me. As far as cheap price?? When you consider how much the difference is between paying in the US versus Mexico... Yes... Mexico is a hell of a lot cheaper!! The 7k that I paid was the best money that I have ever spent. Sit back and think about how much you pay for food now, going out to eat etc... 2 grand should be a drop in the bucket.... Just my opinion!!

There are surgeons that charge anywhere from approx. 4500 - 9500 in Mexico. I flew in on a Sunday, had my surgery Monday, was discharged and laying by the pool on Tuesday and flew back home on Friday. I could have left on Thursday but I wanted an extra day in San Diego. As far as after care?? My PCP here in the states was extremely supportive and agreed to perform all of my after care which has really been nothing. I have gone to her for a routine check up but there is really no aftercare needed. My stitches were dissolveable and I had surgi glue on the outside. Everything was pretty much healed at 7-10 days out. At one year I will have my blood work checked and maybe an endoscopy to make sure all looks good in my tummy but the only thing that I have needed my PCP for was for a Nexium prescription for my reflux. Acid reflux has been my only issue since surgery and Nexium once a day or over the counter Prilosec twice a day has been my cure. Everything else has been a breeze!! Best decision I have ever made!

Let me just say this.... I haven't discredited anyone! Choosing a surgeon is a personal decision and I've never bashed anyone's decision. I know many folks that have used other surgeons in Mexico for whatever reason and they are satisfied so enough of that... Those that have had good experiences with their surgeons are going to be advocates and those that have had bad experiences are going to bash.. It's that simple! I started researching WLS over 7 years ago when I saw Dr. Ortiz on Oprah. Throughout the years I have researched many surgeons including Almanza, Garcia, Alvarez, etc.. I made the choice that was best for ME!! What I wanted in a surgeon may not have been what others wanted but I have had an amazing journey and I feel like I have been given a platform to some extent to help others and that is what I do... This forum is open to anyone and yes.. there are trolls and paid advertisers. I am just a former 332lb girl that has had an incredible experience and I have made the choice to answer questions or help others n any way that I can. It's that simple!!

Let me just say this.... I haven't discredited anyone! Choosing a surgeon is a personal decision and I've never bashed anyone's decision. I know many folks that have used other surgeons in Mexico for whatever reason and they are satisfied so enough of that... Those that have had good experiences with their surgeons are going to be advocates and those that have had bad experiences are going to bash.. It's that simple! I started researching WLS over 7 years ago when I saw Dr. Ortiz on Oprah. Throughout the years I have researched many surgeons including Almanza, Garcia, Alvarez, etc.. I made the choice that was best for ME!! What I wanted in a surgeon may not have been what others wanted but I have had an amazing journey and I feel like I have been given a platform to some extent to help others and that is what I do... This forum is open to anyone and yes.. there are trolls and paid advertisers. I am just a former 332lb girl that has had an incredible experience and I have made the choice to answer questions or help others n any way that I can. It's that simple!!

Dr. Ariel Ortiz was my surgeon. He has received numerous accolades and honors and practices in an "International Center of Excellence". Plus he was voted one of the best Bariatric surgeons by Newsweek magazine. I consider the cheapo doctors the ones around the $4500.00 mark. As far as their qualifications?? All I can say is do your research and make a decision that YOU feel comfortable with. Personally, It wasn't just about price for me... I was flying 4 thousand miles for my surgery and it was about my entire experience and the experience of my mother who was traveling with me. As far as cheap price?? When you consider how much the difference is between paying in the US versus Mexico... Yes... Mexico is a hell of a lot cheaper!! The 7k that I paid was the best money that I have ever spent. Sit back and think about how much you pay for food now, going out to eat etc... 2 grand should be a drop in the bucket.... Just my opinion!!

Dr. Ariel Ortiz is amazing!! That man has changed my life and I am a true advocate! I had my surgery April 16th and I am down 113 lbs so far!! Truly the best decision I have ever made!!!
Good Luck!

Dr. Ariel Ortiz was my surgeon. He has received numerous accolades and honors and practices in an "International Center of Excellence". Plus he was voted one of the best Bariatric surgeons by Newsweek magazine. I consider the cheapo doctors the ones around the $4500.00 mark. As far as their qualifications?? All I can say is do your research and make a decision that YOU feel comfortable with. Personally, It wasn't just about price for me... I was flying 4 thousand miles for my surgery and it was about my entire experience and the experience of my mother who was traveling with me. As far as cheap price?? When you consider how much the difference is between paying in the US versus Mexico... Yes... Mexico is a hell of a lot cheaper!! The 7k that I paid was the best money that I have ever spent. Sit back and think about how much you pay for food now, going out to eat etc... 2 grand should be a drop in the bucket.... Just my opinion!!

I'm 7 months out and down over 100lbs and my stomach still sounds like a 30 piece Orchestra!! LOL My boyfriend lays his head on my belly and just laughs!! It can get really loud at times! I call my sleeve "Chewy" because it sounds like Chewbacca from Star Wars!!! LOL!!!

I'm 7 months out and down over 100lbs and my stomach still sounds like a 30 piece Orchestra!! LOL My boyfriend lays his head on my belly and just laughs!! It can get really loud at times! I call my sleeve "Chewy" because it sounds like Chewbacca from Star Wars!!! LOL!!!