I know a several folks have had surgery this week (or very recently) with Dr. Ariel Ortiz. Just checking in to see how it's gone or going.

I had my surgery on the 15th and it went better than I had hoped! The rooms at the surgery center smell like lavender and they play spa music. Very relaxing! I did have a small panic attack when it took the nurse 4 tries to get the IV in, but once it was in, everything went smoothly. I was pretty dizzy right after I woke up after surgery. I had to pee, and the nurse had to hold me up to get me to the restroom since I was weak kneed and dizzy. That went away pretty quickly, though. So I suggest taking a potty break prior to getting your IV placed. My gas pains weren't terrible, and I really think walking and gasx helped with that. The marriott is really nice and the chicken broth is homemade and tastes amazing! I started on activia drinkable yogurt yesterday that I picked up at Walmart up the street. I haven't been able to find G2 gatorade here, but I picked up some coconut and pina colada flavored mexican version of pedialyte. I also found a GNC right next to Walmart that had Isopure grape and alpine punch, so I have been trying to get that down for some protein. They are pretty nasty, though! I haven't really been hungry, but the head hunger is starting to kick in! I had the barium swallow yesterday and there was no sign of a leak. I also got my drain removed which was a huge relief! I was starting to have some intestinal cramping and a strange pain on the right side, but it went away immediately when the drain tube was pulled out. So, I am still here tonight, then one night in San Diego before I finally fly home Monday morning. I have very little pain and plenty of energy, so overall, I'm feeling better than I expected! I also met some wonderful people from all over that were having surgery around my same date, so traveling alone hasn't been an issue at all. The shuttles back and forth between the surgery center and hotel have gone very smoothly too! Good luck to all the upcoming surgeries! I hope you all have an easy time too! :-)

Sounds like it's been great! Thanks for sharing. Are the shuttles Marriott shuttles or OCC? They haven't been overly clear but just stated "take the shuttle."

What should I bring? I hear

- lip balm

- gas x

-

do you feel he gave sufficient pain killers? I have read some places don't in MX.

 

Anything else?

 

Mary

The shuttle in and out of MX is the OCC van, but between the OCC and hotel is Marriott shuttles. I brought only one carry on bag since I'm traveling alone, so I didn't bring much extra stuff. Definitely chapstick, Gas X, slippers for walking the halls at OCC. Lotion is good to since I feel dried out after anesthesia. The hotel has plenty of broth and water, but you may want to bring crystal light or other water flavoring. Be prepared to make a trip to Walmart while you are here to get a little variety with clear liquids. I'm getting pretty bored with broth, so the yogurt has been a nice change. The pain meds are supradol, which is the equivalent of torradol. It's not a narcotic, but I think it's done well to cut the pain down. I was sore for the first 3 days, but it never was "painful". The antibiotic is so sweet, btw! It tastes like strawberry pancake syrup. My kids would probably beg for it, but it's a little too sweet for me! And you have to take 4 syringes full per day! 20ml... The antinausea and pain med go under your tongue. Some people were swallowing them, but I don't think it was as effective.

Thanks! Okay, one more . . . Walmart- did you need to exchange $ or just use your card? Was thinking the same about needing to get the drinkable yogurt there.

I used my credit card. It was easier than trying to figure out whether I got the correct change! :-)

OMG, I will be on a plane to LAX then on to San Diego this time tomorrowing morning. It is really going to happen.

 

Mary

Mary - all the best! Looking forward to reading about your experience! Sending prayers and good vibes your way!

Good luck to you! Im sure you will do great!

Well wishes to you....

Hello! I am getting really excited about my upcoming surgery... I'm past the nerves and now just ready to go! I'm scheduled for Feb. 6th with Ortiz. I am low BMI so not much of a pre-op diet which I am really relieved about because my baby and I have been sick. I've been following the forums for a long time but just recently started posting and making a few friends. I hope that everyone is doing well!!

Best of luck Mary! Keep us posted

Hello! I am getting really excited about my upcoming surgery... I'm past the nerves and now just ready to go! I'm scheduled for Feb. 6th with Ortiz. I am low BMI so not much of a pre-op diet which I am really relieved about because my baby and I have been sick. I've been following the forums for a long time but just recently started posting and making a few friends. I hope that everyone is doing well!!

 

Hi, I have been trying to get through to Dr. Ortiz office to find out how much Gastric Sleeve surgery but can't get through. Can you tell me how much they are charging you please so I can at least compare? Thank you so much

Hello! I am getting really excited about my upcoming surgery... I'm past the nerves and now just ready to go! I'm scheduled for Feb. 6th with Ortiz. I am low BMI so not much of a pre-op diet which I am really relieved about because my baby and I have been sick. I've been following the forums for a long time but just recently started posting and making a few friends. I hope that everyone is doing well!!

 

 

Part of my paperwork was an agreement for confidentiality on pricing so sorry, can't disclose my price.