I've read mostly positive posts about Dr. Ortiz and OCC on this and other forums. A few people don't seem to like his "celebrity" status and I did find some older complaints about their bands. Anyone out there with bad experiences or complications with their sleeves from him?

Thank you ! It was and has so far been a great experience

How exciting! My surgery is scheduled for the 19th too. I'm coming from NV, so thinking about driving there (only 5 hours from here). So excited and nervous.

I'm struggling with pre op diet. I'm focused on trying to supplement with a shake (1 meal) starting tomorrow (got supplies today) and then focusing on Atkins after I get the hang out that. How are you doing?

Getting REALLY nervous!!!!!! 7 days left!!! ???? Man time has FLOWN by!! Lots of crazy thoughts and sleepless nights!

Congrats!! I hope my surgery goes the same. I am lookimg forward to my new journey.

So glad to hear! I'm headed there in February.

Monday jan 5 i had my sleeve at OCC i woke ip w no pain at all no nausea and feel great . The entire clinic was wonderful ! I cant recommend this enough

Yayyyyy!!! This news is downright thrilling! Headed there in Thursday! So glad you are on the other side and doing well! Best to you,for a healthy recovery and safe travels home! Xx

Yes, I am currently doing the same I have a premier protein for breakfast and a lean cuisine or weight watchers meal for lunch and then a very light dinner. Slowly trying to get myself in the mindset to drop those pounds required. I got some premier protein shakes they are so yummy. Saving the stuff they recommended until the "true" 15 days prior, but have started taking my supplements - it is a lot of dang pills...and I find when I only had a shake for lunch too they made me nauseous so not sure how that is going to work out when we are on total liquids. I think I get some raw or steamed veggies too. UUGGHH..

We can do it - I think as the time gets closer we will kick it in - we will have to support one another. Because I know I am going to struggle the first couple of days!

Only 5 hours - that is awesome, wish that were the case for me! I am in VA so flying is the option I have picked. You think you will be good to drive back after? Or are you going to bring someone with you? I have heard that most have been okay with flying and driving so you should be okay and you could always stop if needed!

Okay - off to work - continue to enjoy your day!

Hi just wondering if anyone got sleeved by Dr Ortiz, and how would they say their experience was, I'm considering choosing Dr Ortiz for sleeve surgery in the near future.

There are several topics specifically about him. You just need to search his name. I will be getting my sleeve on Friday with him. I've only heard positive things. Several people on this forum are down there this week and their reports are only praise! I will update as soon an I can. Post op this weekend.

Anyone know for sure if Dr. Elias Ortiz sews over the staples during gastric sleeve surgery?

I've been kind of "out of touch" with the forums for a couple of months now. I had my surgery with Ariel Ortiz on Sept.1 and it went great. I know it's almost impossible to believe with where you are right now, but life gets back to normal or, at least, a new normal. That's why I haven't been around so much. Prior to my surgery and while I was recovering, all I could think and talk about 24/7 was my surgery. I LIVED on these forums. Now that I'm over 4 months out, I just live life.. no more constant obsession. My eating is definitely VERY different from what it was before and it was a little frustrating over the Holidays to not be able to eat what everyone else was eating. But I was able to eat some goodies (just not in very large quantities!). I had cookies (usually just part of one, which I would share with my husband). I had ice cream, but only about a tablespoon. I shared some pumpkin cheesecake with my husband. On New Year's I had my little smokies w/ BBQ sauce, but they were turkey and I could only eat six of them.

But I would say that 95% of the time I feel "normal" and I've just gotten used to eating protein first and very small quantities of everything.

I guess my point is, I remember being where you are now and worrying that I would never feel normal again. I want to reassure you that you will find your new normal and be perfectly content with it in a few months!

Question...what can you bring on the plane to eat during a long plane ride?? Can you bring protein shakes onboard??? Can you buy protein shakes after the security check point??? I have a long flight there and back! Just preparing ahead of time! Thanks!!!

If you are arriving the night before your surgery, you are allowed clear fluids and protein shake. FYI The shakes they sell at the airport is very high in sugar! On the way back I bought a Greek yogurt with fruit, but didn't eat the fruit. I couldn't find plain ones. You will be surprised you won't be able to finish 2 spoons so you will end up throwing out the rest. Also ask for water and or half apple juice half water on the plain. I also got electrolyte drink from Walmart and took it through security. I just explained that I had surgery and they took it tested it and brought it back to me.

Make sure you get up and walk during your flight I got up and looked funny because my back was not straight. Hope that helps. Oh and a very small pillow to support your tummy that helps a lot

I had Dr. Ortiz and everything healed perfectly, so what ever it is he does worked! He was an awesome surgeon!

I had Dr. Elias Ortiz in September and it was easy, could not have gone better! There were four of us that day, and we all had the same outcome, we were walking immediately and shopping the day we got out of the hospital.