Rocky1

This is the description of the Ortiz surgery method that for a layman such as myself looks to be very thorough. The OOC marketing email claims Ortiz has had a 0% complication rate which is a bit hard to believe and impossible to verify; however, I'm sure it complication rate is very low. The one concern I have about Ortiz and OCC is that you only get one night in the hospital and four nights in the Marriot. That is why I am currently signed up to go with Corvala at Hospital Angels. I like being able to have the four nights in the hospital if I think I need to stay there that long to recover. I just think the nursing care would help as I'm recovering and and having emergency care at the hospital makes me more comfortable that staying at the Marriot. The thing I'm not sure of yet is Corvala's surgery technique as compared to Ortiz. I would like to better understand Corvala's suturing technique and the percentage of sleeve's he has done without leaks however I'm not sure that information on percentage of post op leaks is readily available. From what I can tell it looks like Ortiz and Corvala are both well qualified surgeons and i understand they used to practise together.
Standardizing the sleeve gastrectomy through staple imbrication - note from Dr. Ortiz about his suturing technique

With less than a decade from its start, the Sleeve Gastrectomy (“Sleeve”) has had great results and a low complication rate, but these results vary amongst bariatric practices in the United States and the rest of the world. Variations in the technique and surgical materials used for the procedure could be partially responsible for these differences that can result in less weight loss or a higher complication rate. The world renown bariatric surgery team at OCC with vast experience in Sleeve surgery has been able to perform this procedure with a 0% complication rate and greater that average weight loss. In order to achieve these results, we perform all of our surgeries with a standardized approach that involves complete gastric mobilization, and removal of the fat that is around the area where the esophagus meets the stomach. This is done to allow complete visualization of this area (important when stapling and suturing the stomach). After the stapling and removal of the divided stomach, the imbrication or suturing over the staple line is used primarily to avoid bleeding and leakage, it is not routinely performed by all bariatric surgery centers. In most cases an absorbable suture will be used. At OCC we use a non-absorbable suture for the imbrication process, starting in the proximal tip of the staple line, making sure that this area is completely over sutured (imbricated) since this is where most leakages in the medical literature have been reported. The initial removal of the fat in this area allows perfect visualization of the stomach wall and its staple line. The suturing is continued distally along the staple line with the oral gastric calibration tube in place so that we can calibrate the sleeve in order to have an even and perfectly formed tubular or sleeve like stomach. This also allows the suturing to be continued more distally than that of the staple line to extend the sleeve, if necessary. Since the suture is non-absorbable the patient is less likely to lose the restriction of the sleeve gastrectomy.

For me I'm glad they gave me morphine drip though it was very weak.when I got home I was real gassy from surgery and I was so bruised. My dr works different from others I only had to be on liquid diet for 5 days I think then mushy then solids. But had the band.

i've never had a worry about becoming addicted to pain meds so I can't really relate. To me that is a huge leap...one, I've never even been close to making...
I had dilaudid in the hospital and then liquid oxycodone at home -- and I used them both and have given them both up...no problems.
good luck

I don't do well with narcotics and I discussed that with the dr's prior to surgery. I took Toradol for pain in the hospital. I did not take any additional pain meds when I left. I didn't need them, not even Tylenol.

Just scheduled mine for March 6th with Dr Corvala at Hospital Angeles, so excited (and a bit nervous). Anyone having theirs done then and traveling from the southeast maybe we could buddy-up! This site has been very helpful!

I didn't mean to start a feud by creating this thread. I think many posters missed the fact that I stated how "disappointed" I was in myself, which diplays that I take ownership for my errors in this process for sure. With that being said I've made the decision to delay surgery. I'm restarting the liquid diet. Day#1 and I did awesome!! I can do this! With all due respect I appreciate all comments on this thread, whether I agreed or disagreed I still found value in the responses of others. Thank you all.

You will do great I have found it very helpful to add a little chike 90 percent fat free Peanut Butter powder to my shake xtra Protein goes great with vanilla and chocolate shakes makes me feel fuller and tons of Water I use crystal lite pray you do well and as long as your doing your best thats all that matters

Good for you. It's great that you are owning this and taking steps to do it right. The psychological part is often overlooked and easy to underestimate. My comments were not made maliciously, it's just my "directness" is often misinterpreted. I wish you all the best.

@@BeautifullyCreated1982 good for you! As you can see from the variety of responses, you have to find the motivation that works for you. None of us are the same. This process is a journey, not a destination so if you head down the wrong road, turn around and try a different one. Progress, not perfection.
Happy and healthy thoughts to you!

I started at 20 mgs and didn't really need it until I started adding regular food back in. Then I found that 20 mgs wasn't cutting it. I started taking them 2 x's a day and would also use tums chewables. When I talked to the doctor he increased it to 40mgs. That seems to be working. My doctor does a 90 day course post op. When he increased it to 40mgs we decided to do another 90 day course.

I'm not getting a good feel, from their website: "These statements have not been evaluated by the food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose,treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
If you are pregnant, nursing, have any serious health conditions or take certain medications, please consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before using this product."
I would want to see double blind type study proof for this one.

I also love Nashua Nutrition for a wide variety of samples! I ordered almost $50 worth of samples pre op to try the first couple of weeks after surgery. It was wonderful to try so many different flavors and brands!

And I am moving this thread into the proper area as well.

I love to eat out! at a sandwich shop I order an "unwich", (the guts wrapped in a lettuce leaf). It's not that I don't tolerate bread, I do, but it fills me so fast I can't do the meat so I avoid it most of the time. If I can't snitch a few bites off someone else's plate, the toppings off a pizza or 1 piece of a very thin crust works, Soup or 1/2 salad at Panera is great. Half a sushi roll (4pc) works. A single hard taco from Chipolte is good too. I've also been known to nom a single chicken strip or 4-6 nuggets from Chick Filet, (I know, fried, but it's not a habit and it's good protein)! I also never travel without Quest bars. Portable Protein and not covered in chocolate so if they melt they're just chewy.

Just FYI, There is an alternative to injections and large oral pills. I take 500mcg sublingual B12 3-4x week. They are tiny tablets that dissolve under your tongue. My B12 level was high normal on my 6 month bloodwork. $11.25 for 250 tablets. I had surgery 10 months ago and I'm still on my first bottle. pretty cheap even if you did take them everyday.

There are good and bad surgeons in every country all over the world. Just because they were trained and practice in the US doesn't make them good. And just because they were trained and practice in Mexico doesn't make them subpar. As for my surgeon's training, it certainly doesn't fit into stevehud's explanation.....After high school, my surgeon went to undergrad and medical school for 6 years. He then completed a 4 year residency in general surgery, followed by another year in advanced bariatric surgery. That's 11 years of formal medical training. He's proctored over 60+ surgeons in the US and Canada in laparoscopic surgical techniques. He's performed over 12,000 bariatric surgeries (including repairing other surgeon's botched jobs) and has been doing VSGs longer than any US surgeon. He's been employed by Allergan and by Johnson and Johnson as a professor at their bariatric surgery training facilities. His surgical facility in Tijuana is an International Center of Excellence. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Pretty sure they don't give those credentials away in gum ball machines.
And as for why I went to Mexico for surgery, money was not an issue. Neither was the issue of who can I sue or not sue. I researched all of the surgeons within 200 miles of my home as well as top surgeons in Tijuana (logistics to any other destination got too complicated). I went with the surgeon with the most experience, lowest complication rate, and most highly qualified support staff. And guess what.....I had a fun 4 day vacation in Mexico with my sister, went shopping and sightseeing, met some nice people, enjoyed a great movie on the flight home, had an easy recovery, was back to work within a week, lost over 100% of my excess weight and am easily maintaining well below goal. I truly hope everyone has as good of a surgical experience as I had, no matter where you go or who your surgeon is.

Actually, my neck fusion was elective surgery. I could have gone with PT and steroid injections, but I insisted on surgery instead. And I did pay surgeon B and surgeon C for their services...their followup exams and X-Rays and MRI. Just as I've paid my PCP and gastroenterologist for their followup care after going to Mexico for my VSG. I'm one of the fortunate ones that has compassionate doctors that aren't prejudice and have no problem with the fact I had surgery in Mexico. My PCP is actually quite impressed as he's seen other bariatric patients from local surgeons not do as well as I have.
I also have a friend that had gastric bypass in California several years ago and then moved to Idaho. She's had numerous problems with dehydration, Vitamin deficiency, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. She has never had any problems getting care from other bariatric surgeons or doctors, despite the fact they didn't perform her surgery. How is that different from treating a patient that had surgery in Mexico? Same complications, same "liability" since the followup docs didn't perform the surgery.

You'll be surprised that your plate can look like any normal plate of food. However, you will only be able to eat a tiny portion, so have lots of Ziplok bags and storage containers on hand.
As I mentioned to another woman on a different message board, I bought a bunch of large Water bottles and cups. I keep them all over the house, practically in every room, including the basement. Every time I get close to one, I take 3 or 4 sips. Unlike others, I have had no terrible issues with dehydration or balancing liquid intake vs. food intake. I do get dry mouth and my skin is dryer than usual, but not too, too bad.
My typical day of food looks like:
A Protein shake and a 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt with maybe some museli or fruit mixed in.
I don't have any hunger pangs at all, so I have to remind myself to eat a decent lunch...proteins first, the good carbs (dark green vegetables), then if there's room left, that where the bad carbs go in (bread, rice, pasta).
I usually eat a small type of Protein for dinner...a piece of chicken or meatloaf along with some cottage cheese.
I eat out all the time and bring home food for 4 more meals. I have treats like Cold Stone Creamery ice cream, but just the baby scoop.
I have not had any cravings and I do not miss anything that I thought I'd be sacrificing, like my beloved donuts or things like bread and cake. During this Halloween season, I allow myself one piece of candy from our company candy dish per day, but I don't always feel hungry for candy. I don't miss not having chocolate or sweet things at all. But if there is any around, I don't deny myself a bite.
I think a lot of it is mind over matter. You have to really dedicate yourself to using your new tool to most efficient way, otherwise, it's just a waste of major surgery.
Also, you'll be amazed at how your new, tiny stomach will be sure to tell you when it is full. Just one bite too much and you'll have a cramp or two to remind you that it's time to stop. Another bite too much and your food come up the same way it went down.
There are a lot of excellent cookbooks for people who have had bariatric surgery. I bet you won't every feel hungry or deprived once you get used to your new stomach.

Some of these articles can be found online. Others, if you go to a medical library, will let you read them or get a copy.
Some links to medical references on general bariatric information:

1) Surgery for weight loss in adults (Review)
Colquitt JL, Pickett K, Loveman E, Frampton GK

2) International Journal of Surgery
journal homepage: www.theijs.com
International Journal of Surgery 8 (2010) 86–89
Review: Bariatric Surgery by S.S. Jaunoo and P.J. Southall

3) The American Journal of Surgery (2011) 201, 266–268
Editorial Opinion
Bariatric surgery

4) Bariatric Surgery Outcomes
Kristoffel R. Dumon, MDa, Kenric M. Murayama, MDb

5) Complications following Bariatric Surgery
Christopher S. Huang, MD, and Francis A. Farraye MD, MSc
in Techniques in Gastrointestinal Endocscopy

6) Revisional Bariatric Surgery
Todd Andrew Kellogg, MD

7) Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases (2014) 00–00
Self-report of gastrointestinal side effects after bariatric surgery Q3
Melissa A.Kalarchian,Ph.Da,*, MarshaD.Marcus,Ph.D.b, AnitaP.Courcoulas,M.D.,M.P.H.c,
Yu Cheng,Ph.D.b,d, MicheleD.Levine,Ph.D.b

8) Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery
Michelle A. Kominiarek, MD

9) Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases ] (2014) 00–00
Variation in utilization of acid-reducing medication at 1 year following
bariatric surgery:results from the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative
Oliver A.Varban,M.D.a,*, AbdelkaderA.Hawasli,M.D.b, ArthurM.Carlin,M.D.c,
Jeffrey A.Genaw,M.D.c, WayneEnglish,M.D.d, JustinB.Dimick,M.D.a,
Michael H.Wood,M.D.e, JohnD.Birkmeyer,M.D.a, NancyJ.O.Birkmeyer,Ph.D.a,
JonathanF.Finks,M.D.a

10) The American Journal of Surgery (2010) 199, 604–608
The North Pacific Surgical Association
Medical Tourism in bariatric surgery
Daniel W. Birch, M.D.a,b,*, Lan Vu, M.D.d, Shahzeer Karmali, M.D.a,b,
Carlene Johnson Stoklossa, R.D.c, Arya M. Sharma, M.D.c

11) Bariatric Surgery Patients in the ICU
Mary Jane Reed, MD, FCCM, FCCPa,*, Jon Gabrielsen, MDb

12) Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases ] (2014) 00–00
Exploring the impact of bariatric surgery on high density lipoprotein
Ali Aminian,M.D.a, AndreaZelisko,M.D.a, JohnP.Kirwan,Ph.D.b, StacyA.Brethauer,M.D.a,
Philip R.Schauer,M.D.a, Q1 *

13) Diabetes & Metabolism 40 (2014) 87–94
Review Gastrointestinal changes after bariatric surgery
I. Querciaa,d, R. Dutiaa,d, D.P. Kotlerc,d,f, S. Belsleye,f, B. Laferrèrea,b,d,f,∗
available online

14) Nutrition 26 (2010) 1031–1037
Micronutrient deficiencies after bariatric surgery
Padmini Shankar Ph.D, R.D., L.D. a,*, Mallory Boylan Ph.D., R.D., L.D. b,
Krishnan Sriram M.D., F.R.C.S.©., F.A.C.S. c
available online

15) Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases ] (2014) 00–00
Citation classics:Top 50 cited articles in bariatric and metabolic surgery
Ali Aminian,M.D.,Christopher R.Daigle,M.D.,Stacy A.Brethauer,M.D.,
Philip R.Schauer,M.D.*

16) Nutrition 25 (2009) 1150–1156
Applied nutritional investigation
Prevalence of nutrient deficiencies in bariatric patients
Seok Yee Toh, M.Sc.a, Nazy Zarshenas, B.Sc., M.Nutr.Diet., A.P.D.b,*,
and John Jorgensen, M.B.B.S. (Hons.), FRACS, M.S.c

17) Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases ] (2014) 00–00
Reproductive health counseling and practices:Across-sectional survey of
bariatric surge
Julie Chor,M.D.,M.P.H.a,*, PatriciaChico,M.D.b, SubhashiniAyloo,M.D.c,
Alicia Roston,M.P.H.a, MichelleA.Kominiarek,M.D.,M.S.d

18) Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases ] (2014) 00–00
Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a primary
bariatric procedure
Camilo Boza,M.D.*, DavidDaroch,M.D.,DiegoBarros,M.D.,FelipeLeón,M.D.,
Ricardo Funke,M.D.,FernandoCrovari,M.D.

19) Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases 6 (2010) 635–642
Revisional bariatric surgery: who, what, where, and when?
John F. Radtka III, M.D.a, Frances J. Puleo, M.D.a, Li Wang, Ph.D.a,b,
Robert N. Cooney, M.D.a,*

20) Gastro-esophageal reflux and esophageal motility disorders in morbidly obese patients before and after bariatric surgery.

Merrouche M, Sabaté JM, Jouet P, Harnois F, Scaringi S, Coffin B,
Msika S, . - Obes Surg - ; 17 (7); 894-900

From what I've come to understand, the following attributes warrant the higher fee:
1. Hospital Almater, where his group (Mexicali Bariatric Center) perform all their surgeries, is supposedly the only JCI approved facility in Baja.
2. Mexicali Bariatric Center, employs their own staff and coordinators, as opposed to contracting with a Medical Tourism service.
3. They use Ethicon staples and top of the line equipment, such as what are used in the U.S. (Some of the less expensive providers I've looked into say they do, as well.
4. They schedule a maximum of 3 cases a day, to ensure each patient gets adequate time and care. The feedback from every patient I've seen so far seems to substantiate this claim.
5. Additional procedure needs, i.e. hiatal hernia repair, are included in the fee, whereas the less expensive providers typically charge additionally for those services/needs.
6. I personally noted a marked difference in how they present themselves on social media (more in keeping with the professionalism of a medical practice in the US), as well as the quality and professionalism of the coordinator I've been dealing with.
7. They are located in Mexicali, which I understand is a safer area than Tijuana.
With all that being said, there are some things that I am still considering:
1. Your (Rocky1) point about his role prior to the death of Dr. Aceves.
2. Checks for Dr. Wilhelmy's services are to be paid to Dr. Aceves's widow. In the US, a surviving spouse could not take over and collect fees for medical care unless they were a licensed physician. But perhaps there aren't any rules against the corporate practice of medicine in Mexico?
3. Dr. Wilhelmy does not perform single incision sleeve Gastrectomies, as he feels it adds additional risk and may not result in the best work. I did some reading and the NIMH reported on a recent study that demonstrated no difference in the weight loss/effectiveness, or risk in either group. It also cited a faster and less painful recovery for the single incision patients. I really don't want the additional scars if I don't have to have them, so it's on my mind.
So those are my thoughts from the research I've done. I'll be interested to hear anything more that you learn.

check out Les Mills' Pump. it's available now on dvd and comes with weights, about $200 all together i think. i used to take these classes at the gym. they are high quality, with great music, and work the whole body smartly and i found it fun.

Yes! I find it frustrating too, and I wonder whether these folks are getting no guidance from their providers or they go into this blindly or are just not paying attention

Hi everyone! I'm still working my way through this whole thread (up to page 83!), but I decided to go ahead and post, because I feel like maybe I made a decision today that I really am going to do this and NOW the stress just switched right on!
I didn't want my decision to be based on cost, because I wanted to decide whether or not to have the surgery for the RIGHT reasons, but I feel like now that I think I've decided I really am going to do it, I've immediately started to stress about money. OCC is definitely not the cheapest option. When I first started considering gastric sleeve, I contacted my former plastic surgeon in Tijuana (had some plastics done after I lost 90 pounds back in 2011, but I've put the weight back on now) and she recommended a surgeon that offers a package for $5500. In fact, she and her patient coordinator both got sleeved by him in 2012. So it's very tempting to go with him because of the lower price tag and the fact that I put a LOT of faith in my plastic surgeon's opinion. I adore her!
But reading this thread and researching the media coverage, credentials, and patient reviews for OCC, it's kind of overwhelmingly evident that I can't go wrong with OCC. Plus the doctor my plastic surgeon recommended doesn't speak English, so I would be HEAVILY reliant on the patient coordinator for translation.
So I guess right now I'm leaning toward OCC, despite the $1000 higher price tag. You'd think deciding to have the surgery at all would have been the hard part, but really it's just opened up a whole host of new decisions to be made!

Ratings websites are often created by the people with the highest ratings on them. Be leery. Look for personal feedback from many sources.