gtmikki

As I approach my 4-year VSG anniversary with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, I wanted to share all the positive things that have happened in my life:
1) Went from a size 18/20 to a 6. No more meds and overall fantastic health.
2) Weight loss gave me the confidence to go after my MBA.
3) I completed my MBA (and also completed a 2nd Masters just this year).
4) I got a promotion at work. And I'm making more money.
5) My husband says people think he is either rich or "well endowed" because I am "hot" and with him (he is crazy-funny).
6) Two other friends have had successful VSG surgery with Dr. Ortiz and have lost all the weight they wanted to loose. (And let me tell you, being an role model to others is a powerful thing I was not expecting, but love.)
7) I am glad to answer any questions about my experience as a 3+ year VSG veteran, surgery in Mexico, or other.
If interested, you are welcome to visit my own personal weight loss blog that chronicles my pre-surgery craziness and post-surgery experience. I don't work for anyone or get paid for anything, just my experience for those researching options. www.hoosierfatty.wordpress.com
HUGS - Shelley

Congrats on 4 years of successful weight loss! I just had my 2 year surgiversary in September and it's been great for me as well. I love being far enough out now that there are people in my life who never even knew me pre-op. It helps really bring home that this new me is the REAL me now. They never knew any other version of me. I also love that my WLS lifestyle is just the new normal for me now. I don't have to think about it all the time or figure things out anymore. I know exactly what I need to do and I do it automatically.
I too think it's cool the way I have become kind of a "mentor" to some people. I try to be as helpful and informative as I can. I find that sticking around these forums helps keep me accountable as well. Been such a great experience all around!

I have the Garmin Vivofit2. I hardly ever take it off. I do Water aerobics and aqua zumba. The Vivofit2 is good to a depth of 50 ft.

good to know - garlic parm wings from wingstop are my favorite thing

I made it to Onederland.  I haven't been this size since college.  My weight loss has been slow and steady but I am ready to switch that all up.  I have a personal trainer now and will be starting a 6-week body transformation program Saturday.  I am a little scared but I am up for the challenge.
 
Highest Weight: 281 - Surgery Date: 12/19/2014
Surgery: 254.0
Month 1: 238 (-16)
Month 2: 227 (-11)
Month 3: 219 (-8)
Month 4: 210 (-9)
Month 5: 203 (-7)

I made it to Onederland.  I haven't been this size since college.  My weight loss has been slow and steady but I am ready to switch that all up.  I have a personal trainer now and will be starting a 6-week body transformation program Saturday.  I am a little scared but I am up for the challenge.
 
Highest Weight: 281 - Surgery Date: 12/19/2014
Surgery: 254.0
Month 1: 238 (-16)
Month 2: 227 (-11)
Month 3: 219 (-8)
Month 4: 210 (-9)
Month 5: 203 (-7)

I made it to Onederland.  I haven't been this size since college.  My weight loss has been slow and steady but I am ready to switch that all up.  I have a personal trainer now and will be starting a 6-week body transformation program Saturday.  I am a little scared but I am up for the challenge.
 
Highest Weight: 281 - Surgery Date: 12/19/2014
Surgery: 254.0
Month 1: 238 (-16)
Month 2: 227 (-11)
Month 3: 219 (-8)
Month 4: 210 (-9)
Month 5: 203 (-7)

I made it to Onederland.  I haven't been this size since college.  My weight loss has been slow and steady but I am ready to switch that all up.  I have a personal trainer now and will be starting a 6-week body transformation program Saturday.  I am a little scared but I am up for the challenge.
 
Highest Weight: 281 - Surgery Date: 12/19/2014
Surgery: 254.0
Month 1: 238 (-16)
Month 2: 227 (-11)
Month 3: 219 (-8)
Month 4: 210 (-9)
Month 5: 203 (-7)

Good luck and let us know if you still have any lingering questions when you get through the whole thread. It really does cover almost EVERYTHING in one way or another, but I'm happy to answer specific questions as well.

It has been a while since I have posted. I have been doing great since surgery. My sleeve is still very noisy and it will surely let me know not to put anything else in my mouth. But I must say, I experienced my first dumping syndrome today. I know that sleevers don't dump like bypassers but I surely did. So today for Employees Appreciation, they were handing out Outshine fruit Bars. I looked at the nutrition facts and said 80 calories and 19g sugar is not so bad. I believe my WLS is no one's business and have not told anyone at work. So against that voice in my head saying do not eat the fruit bar, I did anyway. I ate maybe 3/4 of the bar. I talked with several co-workers that I had not seen in awhile for maybe 10 minutes and I went back to my office. About 15 minutes later a feeling came over me that I really can't explain. I felt faint but then I got hot as hell. I was sweating profusely and my breathing was fast. I got up and closed the door to the office. If I thought no one would knock on the door, I would have stripped down to my undies. The sweating went on for about 30 minutes and afterwards, I literally had to take a nap.
This was the first time I cheated and you can believe, I will not do it again. That fruit bar was definitely not worth it.
Highest Weight: 281 - Surgery Date: 12/19/2014
Surgery: 254.0
Month 1: 238 (-16)
Month 2: 227 (-11)
Month 3: 219 (-8)
Month 4: 210 (-9)

It has been a while since I have posted. I have been doing great since surgery. My sleeve is still very noisy and it will surely let me know not to put anything else in my mouth. But I must say, I experienced my first dumping syndrome today. I know that sleevers don't dump like bypassers but I surely did. So today for Employees Appreciation, they were handing out Outshine fruit Bars. I looked at the nutrition facts and said 80 calories and 19g sugar is not so bad. I believe my WLS is no one's business and have not told anyone at work. So against that voice in my head saying do not eat the fruit bar, I did anyway. I ate maybe 3/4 of the bar. I talked with several co-workers that I had not seen in awhile for maybe 10 minutes and I went back to my office. About 15 minutes later a feeling came over me that I really can't explain. I felt faint but then I got hot as hell. I was sweating profusely and my breathing was fast. I got up and closed the door to the office. If I thought no one would knock on the door, I would have stripped down to my undies. The sweating went on for about 30 minutes and afterwards, I literally had to take a nap.
This was the first time I cheated and you can believe, I will not do it again. That fruit bar was definitely not worth it.
Highest Weight: 281 - Surgery Date: 12/19/2014
Surgery: 254.0
Month 1: 238 (-16)
Month 2: 227 (-11)
Month 3: 219 (-8)
Month 4: 210 (-9)

I had my surgery at the OCC with Dr A Ortiz.. I'm Canadian NEVER traveled and suffer anxiety and panic attacks along with depression. I'm 47 years young and this had to be the most TERRIFYING experience of my life! I was accepted for gastric bypass Twice here in Ontario, however the closer I got and my research into the PRESTIGIOUS local hospital made me back out. I found Dr Ortiz thru a friend. Her mother traveled to Tijuana scoped the place out and booked a surgery for herself.. Then her daughter went down. I still wasn't in no way shape or form prepared to travel to Mexico for surgery. I have also a few friends that had the bypass done locally ( I wasn't impressed by the Drs) .. Then I started my research ... Calling emailing reading etc.. So one night I thought I'm going to do this!! It was just before Christmas I called and sent my deposit.. Then I ordered their vitamins( I wanted it all done by the book) in January hubby told me he couldn't make the trip due to work.. I was scared to death however a few days later he informed me he could whewwww!! So I booked our tickets.. Well hubby didn't have a passport so we got that all done.. Then ... I look at his passport and he decided he was going to remove the JR from his name!!! Not a problem????? NIGHTMARE!! I had to call the airlines buy another ticket for him without JR. On it.. Thank heavens they reimbursed me for the other ticket... Well it didn't stop there.. I realized I hD to fly to San Francisco with a 2 hr layover and he gets a direct flight to San Diego ! Being a suffer of anxiety and panic attacks I felt all these bumps was someone or something telling me not to go.. The day I sent the balance of my payment was my meltdown.. I called up my patient coordinator and cried and cried telling her how scared I was.. All she did was reassure me and calmed me down (2hr conversation).. I don't know what I would have done with out her. ( wasn't the first time talking to her, however first meltdown). Well the day we left for the airport February 4 2015 it was a wicked snow storm. Got to the airport and panic set in! Couldn't feel my legs couldn't breath throwing up etc hubby said we could go home.. I pulled my big girl panties up and said nope I'm doing this. ( very familiar with surgery had a auto accident many years ago and constant operations) Off we go our separate ways.
Flight was good the wait in sAn Francisco was good. Then I get to San Diego .. Met hubby cried and cried I did. Got our luggage and then our driver was waiting! Wow Omar was Awesome!! Told us about some sites and what to do when we got to the border.. EASY!! It was late when we got in so we just went to our hotel the Marriott . Weather wS beautiful. We unpacked and I wanted to see some sites. So a driver took us on a 2 hr tour it was amazing! I never opened a door once while I wAs there lol
Thursday morning day of surgery! Panic set in big time couldn't breath etc we get to the OCC and met the lovely ladies. Talked to the nutritionist then went and had my test done. All while my nurse was with me ????when they did my blood work , gloves we worn everything was going so smooth.. Then I met Dr Ortiz .. I explained and cried to him. He was so comforting ( not like any surgeon here in Canada I've had and trust me I had a few) he talked with hubby and I and he even said if I really wanted to back out I could. I was just scared.. However he explained everything to me and I felt very comfortable.
Surgery DONE! Few aches nothing serious nurse kept coming in and out of my room hubby was there.. I didn't need pain meds so passed on those.. My nurse got me up to go pee brought me extra blankets.. Hubby left about 7 pm I don't remember much kinda in and out. Slept all night..
The next morning hubby was there first thing.. I was already up since 6 walking the floors lol.. They came in and checked me asked me how I felt and said I could go back to the hotel if I was feeling good! I saw no reason to stay I was in Tijuana!!!
My hubby told me Dr Ortiz sat with him for an hr after I came out of surgery telling him what he did what to expect etc I was so grateful for that. Hubby don't listen to me that well lol.. We got back to the hotel and I had a little rest then I said I want to go shopping!! We got a driver and that's exactly what we did! I didn't overdo it ..
So the next few days were amazing. Saturday morning I went and had another leak test which was kewl to see how small my stomach was.. I talked to Dr Ortiz ( he's so good looking lol) then back to the hotel.. We had an amazing time the staff were super!! The hotel staff were super!! I felt I was taken care of like a queen! Not just another surgery case!!
I just wanted people to know wherever you go for your surgery has to be your choice! I've had no complications ( other then the runs lol and hemorrhoids lol) now that I'm eating thicker liquids everything is stating to bind up ???? gas wasn't much of an issue as I made sure I moved around even my arms .. My experience at the OCC was FABULOUS ... Dr.Ortiz called me after 1 week out to check on me which was awesome.. I also called to speak to a Dr when my runs wouldn't stop lol they assured me I would be fine however suggested I see my Family Dr to bring my mind at ease . Which I did. All ended up turning out just fine ????.I hope everyone that has been there can relate ❤️

Ditto to what Jamie said. This has been such a helpful thread for so many. It would be nice if we could keep on track and not let this thread turn into a shit show like so many others do. Everyone has different priorities and preferences. Like raven, I specifically did not want to be in a hospital, I prefer surgical centers....even here in the US. But I see the point of some people preferring a full hospital. It's good that there are so many choices and options available.
As for OCC's lack of reported complications, I wonder if their marketing people should just go ahead and make up some leaks and infections so the skeptics feel better. I guess a 0% complication rate just isn't good enough. ????

I don't have anything against you speaking your mind. This is a forum for open discussion. But don't pretend that your mind isn't already made up. You said several posts back that you have already chosen Corvala and given several reasons why. I'm happy that you have reached a decision that is right for you. If you feel like you can continue to constructively contribute to this thread, despite having decided against Ariel Ortiz and OCC, then I welcome you to do so. But if, from this point out, you want to talk about your decision to use Dr. Corvala and your experiences with that, then it might be better expressed in another thread so as not to derail this one further.

No. You came with your mind made up and hoping to change other minds. it is evident from your posts that you already have an answer to everything. Fine Enjoy your life.

@freddie8_8 Go have your surgery with Dr. Corvala and get off this page

Dr Martinez performed my surgery as Dr Ortiz was out sick. I don't think I could have received better care. No issues with drawing blood or IVs. If I had to stay longer than 1 day I would have gone nuts. We were out shopping the next day. Easy recovery!

I had never had any type of surgery either. And I said those same words to Dr. Ortiz on December 19th about being scared and nervous. He totally put me at ease with his bedside manner. You are in very capable hands. Dr. Ortiz and his staff will take very good care of you.

I had never had any type of surgery either. And I said those same words to Dr. Ortiz on December 19th about being scared and nervous. He totally put me at ease with his bedside manner. You are in very capable hands. Dr. Ortiz and his staff will take very good care of you.

I had never had any type of surgery either. And I said those same words to Dr. Ortiz on December 19th about being scared and nervous. He totally put me at ease with his bedside manner. You are in very capable hands. Dr. Ortiz and his staff will take very good care of you.

I had never had any type of surgery either. And I said those same words to Dr. Ortiz on December 19th about being scared and nervous. He totally put me at ease with his bedside manner. You are in very capable hands. Dr. Ortiz and his staff will take very good care of you.

I had never had any type of surgery either. And I said those same words to Dr. Ortiz on December 19th about being scared and nervous. He totally put me at ease with his bedside manner. You are in very capable hands. Dr. Ortiz and his staff will take very good care of you.

Congrats to all those sleeved ! My day was 1/5 w dr ortiz at OCC ! Loved everything !!! I want to tell everyone i have had no difficulty at all i feel amazing ! The hardest part is you must must must be careful w what you are drinking and taking in the calories can add up so fast! Also Vitamins in capsules you csn break open are very handy !!

Well, it's been slow going for me, but I finally, officially reached Onederland today! I am 19 weeks post-op. My starting weight was 260. My surgery weight was 236. And as of today, I am 198! Others might be disappointed by the slow loss, but I am very content with it. For one thing, I'm not having to replace clothes as often. For another, since my weight loss hasn't been drastic, I haven't had people asking me questions about what I'm doing to lose weight. And finally, I hurt my hip in November and haven't gotten back to exercising since then. I plan to start back at that today, so I suspect the weight will come off a little more quickly once exercise is back in the mix.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my happy news! I really feel like it's all down hill from here. I only have 18 pounds to go to 180, which is a weight I was really happy at a few years ago. And I only have 33 pounds to go until the goal weight OCC set for me. I have 43 pounds to go for a "healthy BMI", but I honestly don't feel any urgency at all to get that low.

I am 3 weeks post-op today and have lost 12 pounds since weigh-in (actually gained about 3 pounds during surgery or at least that's what my scales stated when I returned home).
I returned to work on Monday, Jan 5th and I have felt great all week. I was on purees and that definitely helped with my energy level. I have to work on getting more liquids and Proteins in. Right now I am getting about 50 oz of liquids and about 50 grams of Protein. I think with me, it is really a timing issue. I get busy at work and don't always eat or drink at the right times.
I also joined a bariatric support group at Emory Hospital Midtown. The group is led by doctors, psychologists, dietitians, and health fitness experts. My first meeting is Monday evening. This is good timing because I am suppose to start exercising today. But I am afraid that I will do the wrong type exercise and do harm to me and my sleeve. So getting that expert advice is what I need now.