LocketLady

@nolagirl...
I would love to hear your experience since you just went.
Thanks!

McButterpants, what did your follow up visits consist of? My Mexico surgeon has a nutritionist I can consult with via email or phone, but wonder if I'm missing out on something by not going to see a physician. I have detailed instructions for diet and exercise and I'm not scheduled for routine bloodwork till 3 months out.

BTW, I did also research US surgeon options within 200 miles of me. None of them came close to the experience and low complication rate that I found with OCC. Many of their patient advocates were difficult to deal with and I couldn't get answers to many of my questions (they just treated me like I was a moron and that they knew best).
And as for post op followup, OCC has been outstanding. Dr. So, their followup doc has even returned calls and emails on Saturday. With no complications, I haven't needed any actual doctor visit followups, but my OB/Gyn is incredibly supportive and is willing to do all my followup bloodwork. I guess if you do go to Mexico, I would check locally for support if you were to need medical attention after surgery.

I had surgery with Dr. Ariel Ortiz and Dr. Martinez at Obesity Control Center, and I can't recommend them enough. Dr. Ortiz is a member of the Amercan College of Surgeons and OCC is an International Center of Excellence. But It's not just Dr. Ortiz, it's the whole staff that makes your surgery a success. (I actually found Dr. Ortiz to be a showman and a bit full of himself, but he is an excellent surgeon with tons of experience and less than 0.01% complications, so I guess he's allowed to be arrogant) But everyone from Joel, the driver, Gloria, the transportation coordinator, Miranda, the nutritionist, dr. Jimenez, the cardiopulmonary specialist, my night nurse (don't remember her name), to Dr. So, the followup doc were incredibly friendly and helpful. I had almost no pain postop and it turned into a fun vacation for me and my sister. Everyone at OCC speaks English so there was never any communication issues. My greatest problem the night I was there was the volume on the TV remote didn't work. But my nurse came in and manually adjusted it for me .
Since OCC is a surgical center instead of a full service hospital, I had asked ahead of time what would happen if I had any complications... would they have to take me to a local hospital? I was told they are accredited as a US hospital and have a fully equipped ICU to handle unexpected emergencies. I really didn't want to go to a regular hospital because of my fear of increased infection risks from other "sick" patients. (There were at least two cases of Pasturella infections at Mi hospital last November.)
In addition, OCC only does 5 surgeries/day 4 days/week, so the place isn't packed and run like an assembly line. In contrast, Jeruselum Hospital does 11-12+ surgeries/day, some not started until midnight. One poster on another forum who is a nurse told how when she was there for her surgery, she was helping do bandage changes because they only had 2 nurses for 11 patients. She actually thought it was a great experience, but it was not something I would be comfortable with.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing the other facilities. They have hundreds of satisfied customers that have had great experiences and will provide rave reviews. I'm just letting you know some of the things I discovered that led me to choose OCC. Keep doing lots of research and make the best choice for you. There is more than just one good option in Mexico.

I would report the surgeon who won't refund your money to the Better Business Bureau.
I also did my due diligence for an entire year and still went to Mexico. I used Ariel Ortiz at Obesity Control Center. I had a great experience. I can honestly say I received better care in Mexico than I have here in the states. My surgeon in Mexico identified a problem I had that my family doctor here in the states wasn't willing to explore. Not only did he find the problem but he fixed it. The good care I received has inspired me to find a new doctor here at home.
Don't be discouraged, read as much as you can before you decide Mexico is not for you. I wish you the best!

Obesity Control Center.
Here is a thread on this forum with lots of personal stories from patients...
http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/261806-dr-ariel-ortiz-and-obesity-control-center/page-46?hl=%2Bortiz#entry3318175
And here is their website...
www.obesitycontrolcenter.com
Definitely worth a look. I was sleeved by Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez on 12/20 and couldn't be more pleased with the care and personal attention I received before, during and after my surgery. PM me if you have any questions and good luck with your decision.

I am totally excited!! I will definitely buy the spirometer on Amazon and as for what my dr. Said was to do a minimum of 2 wks before surgery to exercise my lungs.. OCC is so helpful and supportive they even sent me an email with instructions on how they wanted me to use the spirometer and what kind TO actually buy because there are so many to choose from. Every email and contact information is straight to the point, I can understand exactly everything that they want me to do and when I needed help Lori my coordinator was there right when I needed her!!! I can't wait!!

OMG!! It is!!! I have exactly 39 days today to get my butt in motion to lose the weight prior and take take my vitamins.. I'm excited and I will be too going the day before!!! I wanted to start pack as well I still have not found a spirometer though not sure where I can find one at.

I Will be sleeved on February 17 with dr. Ariel Ortiz at the OCC.< /p>

Hey Shalisa,
I'm not trix I but if she doesn't reply shoot me a msg. I had VSG at OCC a few weeks ago.
Awesome experience. I'm happy to answer any questions I can