Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the OCC

[sprocket 104]

I would stick with what you like and know. If you look at the Vitaleph shakes online and compare them to Premier Protein, they are similar. From what I understand, the NUTs recommendation to purchase VItaleph, is just that - a recommendation. They probably get some sort of financial kickback, so it makes sense for them. I don't think Vitaleph is a bad product, but it wasn't one I was willing to invest in at this point.

From a previous post in this topic, someone said that OCC doesn't check to see if you purchased Vitaleph, so it shouldn't be an issue. The NUT hasn't ever asked me either.

[sprocket 104]

You might want to check out this topic. Lots of good information regarding going to OCC, what to expect, packing list, etc.

 

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/261806-dr-ariel-ortiz-and-obesity-control-center/

[tangoswithsquirrels 21]

I emailed the NUT today and asked why most people I've talked to had to lose 5-10% and my goal is 12%.

 

I also asked what happens if I don't lose it all.

 

She responded by putting me on three shakes + green vegetables and an hour of brisk walking a day until surgery day. And didn't answer the questions.

 

Hopefully someone has some experience here?

[sprocket 104]

In some of the OCC docs, I know they said they may have different requirements for people with higher BMIs. I don't know what your BMI is, but it may be because of something like that.

 

I'm supposed to do the three shakes and greens for three weeks prior to my surgery date also.

Edited October 22, 2014 by sprocket

[Mike_fl 0]

The reson you have to lose the weight pre-op is so that the fat in the liver shrinks as well as your stomach so they can work on you when you are having the procedure. You may as well get used to a new way of eating you will be eating a lot less after the procedure.

[jjinWA 511]

No problem with losing the weight. Just thought we had to order the Protein Powder and supplements "suggested" by the OCC NUT. It sounds like, based on the feedback, that it is exactly that, only a suggestion. So question answered. We want the surgery to go as smoothly as possible and weight loss pre-op to prepare the liver, etc is very well understood.

[Mike_fl 0]

I never get sed the Protein Shakes, there was not enough time for me to get the ones the suggest and sell, I bought mine from whole ford it called jay Robb it in individuals packets and comes in three favors, I am still using the as a Meal Replacement and actually enjoy them. I tried a few differnt brand and found these to be the best, 8oz of cold Water and shake it up.

[jjinWA 511]

I love jay Robb piña colada Protein powder. Mix it in smoothie with frozen tropical fruits and pineapple juice. So good!

[RenewFL 4]

Dr Otiz and his facilities are very nice. His nutritional staff wasnt great. I would never have surgery in Mx again because of distance....but if you are going to. you will be happy with Dr. Ortiz

[Kindle 8,667]

Check outs the thread "Dr. Ariel Ortiz and Obesity Control Center" in the self pay and Mexico sub forum. Everything you ever need to know from dozens of OCC patients.

[raven123 97]

Have any of the OCC veterans had issues with gaining weight back? It seems to me the success rate is pretty high. I wonder if the size of the sleeve that is done there.

[JamieLogical 8,727]

I wanted to give everyone a quick update. I had a visit with my PCP today and she gave me the results of all the blood tests I'd had blood drawn for last week. I am normal on everything across the board, except LDL (bad) Cholesterol, which was actually below the low end of the normal range! So yay! I had been a little concerned about my blood pressure and cholesterol since basically all I eat is meat and dairy, but my blood pressure was normal and my total cholesterol was 123!

My Vitamin B & D were good. My potassium was good. My liver levels were all good (was a little worried about this too with all the Protein I've been eating). So everything is great and she just wants to do blood work again in 2 months to make sure it all stays that way!

I will say that I am religious about getting my Vitamins in. I take my Vitaleph Multivitamin three times a day (with each main meal), calcium citrate + D3 twice a day (with snacks), 500 mcg of sub-lingual B12 once a day, probiotic once a day, and then all of my normal supplements (garlic, coq10, Vitamin C, Omega 3, and beef gelatin).

Moral of the story: I'm a little under 2 months post-op and feeling good and all my tests show that I am quite healthy!

[jjinWA 511]

Amazing you found a doctor that would do your follow up work and accept you as a patient after you returned from surgery in Mexico. My daughters live in the Seattle/Tacoma Washington state area and have received one refusal after another, with all the doctors saying they will not accept them as patients if they have surgery in Mexico. Even my own surgeon , who performed the sleeve surgery on me, turned me down today when I asked him to take them as patients! I need help finding a doctor in this area. I am at a loss how to find one!

[Kindle 8,667]

Amazing you found a doctor that would do your follow up work and accept you as a patient after you returned from surgery in Mexico. My daughters live in the Seattle/Tacoma Washington state area and have received one refusal after another, with all the doctors saying they will not accept them as patients if they have surgery in Mexico. Even my own surgeon , who performed the sleeve surgery on me, turned me down today when I asked him to take them as patients! I need help finding a doctor in this area. I am at a loss how to find one!

That really sucks. Are they looking for bariatric surgeons or just a regular doctor? My PCP has done my postop blood work...I basically just told him what OCC recommended and he wrote the orders. My OB/Gyn also volunteered to order whatever labs I needed. As long as they aren't having any complications, getting blood work at 3,6,12 months and then annually is all your daughters should need a doctor for. And I guess If they are having issues, the ER has to see them. Sorry you are having such a hard time with the doctors in your area. My PCP, OB/Gyn and even gastroenterologist have all been very supportive.

[Am1e 48]

The following is my opinion only and not medical advice, as i am not a doctor: I choose foreign doctors. I don't know why, but I feel they treat me better. They also are more open to the fact that there could be a really awesome surgeon doing surgery in Mexico. Google top 5 countries for healthcare. Mexico is on the list. I don't know why stuck up white doctors who have most likely never traveled to Mexico or abroad think it's some dirty basement procedure. Or maybe they dont, they just don't want the word to get out that Mexico treats you like a person, knows your name, is cleaner and more efficient than the US and is a quarter of the cost. I'm white, almost 40, same as hubby, and we chose Dr Ortiz. I did not find a bariatric surgeon for follow up, just my primary care doctor. There is a list of what tests need to be done at 3-6 months post op on the OCC website. If you can't find it, email one of the doctors and ask, then just tell your doctor what you would like tested in your lab work. I personally choose doctors from India whenever possible. Also, don't tell the doctor upfront hey, I did a surgery in mexico, will you take me? Just go, if they refuse treatment, call your insurance company and complain. An in network doctor should not be refusing to see you as a patient. Mine and my husband's personal plan is this, if an issue arises, call a Dr at OCC, if they believe there is time to get to Tijuana, then go there to have treatment (I trust dr Ortiz with my life and my husband's life - can't say the same for our local bariatric guy with 1 year experience under his belt), if there is no time, we will go to ER at the hospital where bariatric surgeries are performed. The ER cannot refuse treatment. At 6 months to 1 year they want you to do a barium swallow test, depending on those results, possibly an upper GI. I went back to OCC for mine. If they have to do upper GI, they told me it would be $375. But my barium swallow looked good, so i didn't need it. My husband's 6 months is not up yet, but we will most likely just go back to Tijuana for his also. San Diego is a great get away spot anyway, so we will just take a long weekend.