mmhutch

Are those of you who feel hungry taking anti acid medications such as Prilosec or Nexium? Acid in our sleeved stomachs mimics hunger. I am 18 mos out and still take Prilosec everyday. If I don't, I feel constant "hunger."

I had my VSG surgery in Tijuana one year ago. I paid $4400 and that included everything but the airfare to San Diego. 5 nights (Marriott night before surgery, 2 nights in hospital, 2 more nights at Marriott.) I had a great experience and am looking into returning for breast lift with augmentation. My best to you in whichever location you decide upon. You will not regret having the surgery!

I also recommend Premier Protein. 160 cal. 5 grams fat. 5 carbs. I love the chocolate ones Cheaper at Sam's than Walmart.

I had my surgery there by Dr Elias Ortiz, who used to work under Dr Lopez. I cannot say a nice thing about Dr Lopez. I know inside information about his practice and about him up charging many patients telling them that he repaired a hernia. It's a rip off. I work in healthcare and the odds of 4/5 patients needing a hernia repair on the same day are slim. The 5th patient had a bypass so hernia was irrelevant. I met another VSG pt of Dr Lopez' wife at the hospital who went through Mexico Bariatrics. They never gave her ANY post-op instructions or diet info! I ended up giving her what I had from A Lighter Me, and connected her with ALM's nutritionist who helped her post of for several weeks for free! I am so thankful for the great experience I had in TJ. So sorry to hear of your disappointing experience there. My best to you as you pursue your weight loss goal.

It was Elias Ortiz.

I had surgery with Dr Ortiz January 31, 2014. I had a mid-30's BMI too. I had a tummy tuck 5 years ago. My results are fantastic! I have lost 58 lbs and my stomach is flat and awesome! Due to the previous surgery, Dr Ortiz did not make an incision in my belly button. I don't believe that you have to pay 6-8 thousand dollars to have a great VSG result. I paid $4400 which included 5 nights; 1 in hotel night before, 2 in hospital (not clinic) post-op, 2 more in hotel. I researched other doctors prior to my surgery and I do not recall any other dr keeping you longer in hospital or hotel than Dr Ortiz. He is truly a very caring, talented, excellent surgeon. He used to work under another surgeon who charged more and paid Dr Ortiz less, and the other surgeon took credit for the number of surgeries. Even at his lower price, Dr Ortiz is making more money being on his own than previously. Another factor that affects pricing is contract negotiations with hotel and hospital from weight loss company. A Lighter Me may possibly have better pricing from better contract negotiations. All I know is that I am very happy with my decision to have had the surgery through ALM and Dr Ortiz. I am now consulting with my plastic surgeon for a lift and breast implants. That surgery will cost a couple thousand more than my VSG. I wish you the best. Feel free to private message me if you have other questions.

Let me first recommend Miralax daily to keep you regular. I have been using it for 7 mos. it's a miracle worker. LolSecond, it is very common to not like plain water after VSG. I add stevia sweetened flavoring to my water. It's found near Crystal Light in the grocery store. There are some great flavors. Try them.

Miralax is tasteless and can be added to a hit or cold beverage. It's my preference.

Miralax.

I have never heard of him. I had my surgery in Tijuana in January 2014 with Dr Elias Ortiz. In my research, his name never came up. One thing I learned when researching for my past surgery in Tijuana was that Jerusalem Hospital is not a hospital. It's a clinic in a little strip mall. The physician who owned it passed away earlier this year. I'm not sure of any changes made since his passing. I'm sure people have had successful experiences there. The main concern would be the lack of a critical care unit in the event of complications. My best to you.

Hey Jennifer. I'm in South Pittsburg, TN, near Monteagle. I may have some XL scrubs that you could have. I have to go through my bags of clothes I removed from my closet.

Are you taking an anti acid medication such as Prilosec? Acid mimicks hunger pangs. I noticed that feeling when I would skip my medicine. My dr told me to take 20 mg Prilosec 2x per day for four months. It makes a huge difference. Trust me, I tried stopping it early and felt terrible.

There are two Dr Ortiz'. Elias Ortiz is the one NOT associated with OCC. I had surgery with Dr Elias Ortiz. He is a great surgeon and an honest, kind, caring man. You will not be disappointed.

I understand that. I wouldn't base your decision on who has been doing them longest though. Make sure they are honest too. I know of specifics about experienced surgeons there and how they have ripped off patients. One woman I met went there for a band revision to sleeve. The surgeon only removed her band and led her to believe she had a sleeve too. Dr Ortiz "fixed" her by performing her sleeve surgery and documented things to assist with her lawsuit against the other group/surgeon who cheated her. Others up-charge for hernia repairs that were not really done. It's very sad but we are vulnerable there as patients. I can testify to Dr Ortiz' integrity. My best to you with your decision and surgery.