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Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the OCC



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Best news we discovered during this week's surgery is that Dr. Ortiz no longer requires the drain for sleeve patients, UNLESS it is a revision. Neither of my daughters required a drain. Yeah!

 

Their surgery was Monday; they were released to the hotel on Tuesday, and we returned to the OCC at noon on Weds for the barium swallow test. We asked if we could return to the states that afternoon and he said sure! So Omar, the OCC driver picked us up at 4:30 and we were back in San Diego by 6:00pm Weds night. We fly out today at 5:00pm.

 

Can't believe how fast it went.

Yay!! It's been so great to keep up with your experience down there. My surgery is coming up so fast! Really giving me peace of mind to read your posts. Excited about the drain news. I was dreading that part.

Wishing your daughters, great recovery and awesome results!

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Question for the awesome post-ops that had to travel long distance. I live in Atlanta and due to some work issues I'll have to fly home the day I'm released. I'm concerned about flying so soon after surgery especially such a long distance. I'm looking at flights with a stop/layover just so I can walk around if i need to. Has anyone flown home so soon after surgery and how did you feel?

 

The flight time including layover is around 6-7hours.

 

Thanks everyone!!! I don't know what I'd do without this group!!

My surgery is the 19th and I am returning to Atlanta on the 24th.  I have a non-stop flight from San Diego to Atlanta. Like you, I was worried about time/distance so I went ahead and upgraded to first class. The price difference was about $280. I get more leg room and plus I have a wider aisle to get up and walk.

 

 

Edited by gtmikki

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My surgery is on the 29th! So excited!

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I have finally gotten flight reservations, passport, and a date. The 23rd of Jan. Anyone else?

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We did 1st class on our return trip. We also requested wheelchair assistance! I recommend that to EVERYONE who will be traveling by plane. Requesting a wheelchair is just smart cuz you for sure get to load the plane first and you don't have to fight the line walking down the skyway. 1st class was heaven! You are at the front of the plane and your bathroom access is just steps away. No fighting the cart in coach. The stewardess comes to you and waits on you personally. Yup, the only way to go! Our flight from San Diego to Sea-Tac (Seattle) was just over 2 1/2 hrs. The girls were taken by wheel chair from the checkin counter to their gate. They waited in their wheelchairs until we boarded. They took them down the skyway to the door of the plane. Only a few steps to their seats. The wheelchairs were waiting for them when we deplaned. They were taken to the front door where our ride was waiting for us. Sooooo nice.

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OK EVERYONE SO I HAVE MOVED MY SURGERY DATE TO 2/6/15 DOES ANY ONE ELSE HAVE THIS DATE.???

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Anyone here NOT use the vitaleph suppliments? They are SO costly!

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OK EVERYONE SO I HAVE MOVED MY SURGERY DATE TO 2/6/15 DOES ANY ONE ELSE HAVE THIS DATE.???

a

 

Oh no!! You had to reschedule again?

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Anyone here NOT use the vitaleph suppliments? They are SO costly!

I never used OCC's products (they were called Enspira when I had surgery). I prefer whole food based Vitamins. I was taking Source of Life Gold chewables before surgery, but postop everything tasted way too sweet so I switched to Garden of Life Vitamin Code for Women because it came in capsules. They contain Probiotics, digestive enzymes and no chemically synthesized vitamins. They are so good, I only take 1/2 the recommended daily dose and my bloodwork is great. I do also take a B12 sublingual and Vitamin D 3 days a week. I was able to discontinue my Iron and Calcium supplements.< /p>

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I never used OCC's products (they were called Enspira when I had surgery). I prefer whole food based Vitamins. I was taking Source of Life Gold chewables before surgery, but postop everything tasted way too sweet so I switched to Garden of Life Vitamin Code for Women because it came in capsules. They contain probiotics, digestive enzymes and no chemically synthesized vitamins. They are so good, I only take 1/2 the recommended daily dose and my bloodwork is great. I do also take a B12 sublingual and vitamin D 3 days a week. I was able to discontinue my Iron and Calcium supplements.< /p>

So you did ok with a capsule post op? It absorbs ok? What brand of b12 and vit d do you use? Do you get yours off Amazon or locally?

They have "lypo solve" pre op that was green coffee bean extract, etc. Basically a fat burning pill. Did you do anything like that?

Sorry for all the questions!! Just have a few days before pre op commences

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Natures Bounty D3 5000iu gel capsules 3 days/week

Source Naturals B12 1mg sublingual 3 days/week ( I was taking Twin Labs B12 until I read we should be taking methyl cobalamin, not cyanocobalamin)

 

I still had some source of life gold chewable vitamins leftover which I gagged down until they were gone. Started the Vitamin Code capsules probably 2 weeks postop, but was taking the Vitamin D gel caps starting day 4.

 

I had also been taking Solaray Calcium capsules (opened and mixed in my yogurt) and Garden of Life Healthy Blood Iron capsules too. But my calcium and iron were both high on my 6 month labs so I discontinued them.

 

And I wouldn't bother with the "fat burning" pills. You will lose plenty of fat without a fad diet pill. Kinda surprises me they have such a thing...makes it look like they don't have faith in their own surgeries.

 

Oh yeah, and I live in the boonies, so I get everything online (except the vitamin d the local grocery store carries).

Edited by Kindle

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Natures Bounty D3 5000iu gel capsules 3 days/week

Source Naturals B12 1mg sublingual 3 days/week ( I was taking Twin Labs B12 until I read we should be taking methyl cobalamin, not cyanocobalamin)

I still had some source of life gold chewable vitamins leftover which I gagged down until they were gone. Started the Vitamin Code capsules probably 2 weeks postop, but was taking the Vitamin D gel caps starting day 4.

I had also been taking Solaray Calcium capsules (opened and mixed in my yogurt) and Garden of Life Healthy Blood Iron capsules too. But my calcium and iron were both high on my 6 month labs so I discontinued them.

And I wouldn't bother with the "fat burning" pills. You will lose plenty of fat without a fad diet pill. Kinda surprises me they have such a thing...makes it look like they don't have faith in their own surgeries.

Oh yeah, and I live in the boonies, so I get everything online (except the vitamin d the local grocery store carries).

Thanks so much for the info! I too hate anything unnatural in my body so trying to avoid stuff I have no idea about, when I read the label!

Last question - why do you only take half dose?? Would you recommend full dose, early post op?

That's so great your panels were on target. I'm young and healthy ( too healthy fat wise! Haha) and don't have any medical issues, so I'm praying for a smooth experience!

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Yeah I moved it back to fit my schedule and not be stressed about anything but my flight is booked so no changing it again!!!

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Kindle, what type clothing did you take to TJ in December? Not sure what the weather is like My surgery is Friday and I am trying to pack.

Again, thanks for the post.

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    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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