So I just booked my surgery with Obesity Control Center in TJ. I started researching WLS last spring and finally settled on VSG with Dr. Ariel Ortiz and Dr. Arturo Martinez. I would encourage anyone in the "research stage" to contact Obesity Control Center with any questions about the procedure and/or their facility. Carolyn has been very helpful and quickly responded to my dozens of emails. Never once did I receive an unsolicited phone call or email. They are extremely no-pressure when it comes to your decision to book your surgery with them (or not).

Anyways, within hours of scheduling, I received several emails with all the info I need from a helpful preop checklist, Heath and patient survey paperwork, pre-op diet info, travel and transportation details and suggestions, and nutritionist contact information. I also received an email from their cardiopulmonary specialist, Dr. Jimenez. He provided instructions for the purchase and use of an incentive spirometer that they want you to use pre and post op to help strengthen the muscles used for breathing. (It costs about $10 - $15). He also included his contact info if I have any questions.

I will keep you all posted as things progress closer to surgery date (December 20). I just ordered Vitamins, the spirometer, and a variety of Protein supplements from Amazon.

started researching WLS last spring and finally settled on VSG

congrats on your wise decision to be sleeved

you are on the road to a healthier, happier, longer life

good luck

kathy

OMG

why is the word HOT next to my name in proudgrammy in previous post???

kathy

Congrats on your surgery date! I too, am scheduled at OCC for December 16. My husband and I are leaving MX on 12/19, we may cross each other's paths at some point. I feel like I've made the best decision possible in choosing OCC. I feel no doubt about not having surgery in the US. Maybe I'll see you next month!

So I received my incentive spirometer, Protein powders and Vitamins last week. It's getting more real! I even did a little prepping by making my own protein Popsicles for post-op (see thread under diet/nutrition sub forum)

If anyone's read my past posts about telling others about the surgery, there's a big update there, too. I told my older sister two months ago and she convinced me to tell my parents. Once I made it "official" by actually buying my plane tickets, I called them. They took it much better than I expected. After the initial shock, they were quite supportive. My mom totally understands where I'm coming from and even the Mexico thing wasn't too outrageous. She's suffered through completely inept US doctors for her various ailments, and trusts my research and decision that Dr. Ortiz and OCC is a good choice. Dad even offered to drive their motor home to San Diego so I could spend some time recovering post op in the sunshine. Unfortunately I can't leave my dogs and cats and horses for that long so it's back to the cold, snowy Idaho mountains for me

Congrats on your surgery date! I too, am scheduled at OCC for December 16. My husband and I are leaving MX on 12/19, we may cross each other's paths at some point. I feel like I've made the best decision possible in choosing OCC. I feel no doubt about not having surgery in the US. Maybe I'll see you next month!

My surgery is booked for the 16th as well! Doing the count down

Started my preop diet today.... Yeehaw! I'm really excited to get this journey started. Already discovered my first new protein shake flavor. I got a bunch of Syntax Matrix Vanilla protein powder but knew the vanilla taste would get old soon enough so I added a squirt of orange tangarine Mio and WAHLAH - liquid dreamsicle!

Congrats on your upcoming surgeries everyone.. I'm traveling down with my daughter for her surgery on Friday with Dr Ponce De Leon.

Such an exciting new beginning for everyone.

Good luck to y'all and keep us posted