Gina.marie

I had a fantastic experience with OCC. I actually didn't interact with Dr. Ortiz very much. I had maybe a 15-20 minute chat with him right before I was wheeled into surgery. I interacted a LOT with his staff, though, and they were fantastic. The nutritionist was a Godsend. She answered all my pre and post-op nutrition questions, even months after surgery when some random question would come up, I would email her and she'd reply immediately. Agree!!!

My experience was amazing. I highly recommend Dr. Ortiz. He's amazing. His staff is amazing. Couldn't ask forms better experience.

You're right. I see other losing so much more but are heavier than me. Thanks so much for the reassurance. You have made my day. I do need to work on my water intake. I get some but not all. ❤️

I was sleeved 10/22 and have only lost 22 lbs. it's coming off slow. Highest weight was 216. Down to 195. I need advise. People that I've talked to have said it's slower because I started at s lower weight. Any advise or thoughts? Thanks!

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

I am 4 days out. Just started protein shakes, drinkable yogurt and soups. My question is I can easily drink a shake or yogurt. I sip, but I can finish in about 15-20 minutes. My question is: is this normal? I see so many people not being "able" to do this? And, does stretch my stomach?

Hi there, Had my surgery 10/22. Feel great. Can you please add me to the group? Gguest321@yahoo.com Thank you!!

Running a 5k with my 7 year old daughter. Getting a shoulder tattoo Cross my legs Keep up with my 3 year old Feeling sexy and confident again. Remind my husband ????

My NUT said to add a little vanilla or cinnamon to my shade a blend. It's a little better.

Ventura, CA

Love this post! 1. Run a color run with my daughter 2. Cross my legs again 3. Get a pretty shoulder tattoo There are more!

I have a 7 year old daughter and I was wondering the same thing. I too am going to Mexico and will be gone for 5 days. I think I'm going to make it very light... Just tell her that mommy needs to have a surgery that some mom's have to get when they are older. This is a great question, I'm curious to here what the others post.

I too will be sleeved my Dr. Ortiz. I ordered the supplements from the company they recommended. I haven't received them yet to tell you how they are. I think you get the vitamins, the b12 liquid and 3 things of protein powder.

Thanks. Good info. Following

Hi there, I'm pretty new here, posted a few time but lurk a lot. Thank you all for your questions and stories, it helps a ton. So I went to my primary to get her opinion on WLS. She was all for it until I told her I wanted to go to Mexico. My insurance won't cover it so I'm self pay and it's SO much cheaper. She suggested I not go there and when I was home I noticed that she stated that in my paperwork. So needless to say, my surgery is Oct. 22. Ha ha. My question is should I find another doctor? I only see her once a year for my annual. If am sick or need to be seen right away I always see the nurse practitioner. So I won't miss her. I was a little bummed she wasn't more supportive. I'm not even sure if I would find a Dr. That would support going to Mexico. What do you think would happen if I had issues after and needed to be seen here locally? Any input or experiences you've had would be appreciated.

Thanks all for you updates. Lots of great info. It's nice to know what to expect.

Great post. Thanks!

I'm going to Mexico with Dr Ariel Ortiz. Me too... Dr. Ortiz. Oct. 22

My surgery is scheduled and I got an email from my Dr. Office telling me what supplements I need to take and where I can order them from. My question is did you order them from your dr office or did you pay from them on your own. They are about $250. I guess it makes it easier to just get the package. I can't remember the name, I will check my emails. What are you all taking before your surgery?

Hope you are well!

October 22 for me too... Super nervous ????

Thank you.

And I am soooo nervous. October 22, in FIVE weeks. I'm getting it done with Dr. Ortiz at OCC. I feel like I'm going to be sick. Why do have so much anxiety... Is this normal? Am I setting myself up for failure and deep down I know this? Does any one else have these crazy thoughts? ???? If anyone has gone to OCC or has gone to Mexico for the surgery please share your experience. Thank you.

No we won't be staying. I live about 2 hours away from San Diego. I'm down there a lot. You'll have a great time in PB. I don't k ow a lot of sites and I'll check out Cluisie L today. Can you recommend any more?

Hi Gina! I'm going to Dr. Ortiz as well. My surgery date is November 16th. Are there certain things you are worried about? I've done a lot of research on him and the OCC and haven't really found anything negative. He seems to be a very well-respected, educated and wonderful surgeon. He's not the cheapest down there, but also not the most expensive. I think there are some threads on this site about other people's experience with him. I'm very excited to go down there. And no, you are not crazy! A lot of people hear "Mexico" and they think of chickens in the operating room in some dirty strip mall clinic. The OCC is top notch from what I've heard. Have you gotten on the OCC's website and watched their testimonial videos?Hi! Yes. I've been all over the website. Googled. Yelped. And your right I haven't heard anything negative. I think it's a great choice, I just need some confirmation and you have given it to me. Thank you. When did you schedule? I was wondering how long I would have to wait after I scheduled. Thanks so much for your input! I just scheduled a few weeks ago and sent in my deposit. My health insurance, of course, would not pay for the surgery, and paying out of pocket was ridiculous. The coordinator I've been working with at OCC, Ora, said that you can schedule anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months out. Do you have a date in mind? I decided to set my date for Nov. 16th, right before the holidays. That's a time that I normally put on a good 10-15 pounds. Have you done searches on this site for Dr. Ortiz? I think you can even just search "Mexico" and find a lot of good info like what to expect when getting picked up at the airport, crossing the border, the hotel, what to bring with you, etc. I'm already making lists! I've also found a few videos on YouTube that were helpful. Do you have someone who can go with you? Yes. I'm bringing my mom. My husband is going to stay home with the little ones. I have done a lot of research too and YouTube has been helpful. I just sent out for my passport because it's expired, so I was thinking of booking the end of sept. Who knows maybe we'll be there together. Your energy is refreshing. Thank you.