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?

I will, I've been a bit worried about tipping and stuff too. I'm going to by myself so I dont want to take too much cash but wanna have enough. It helps that I've spent a bit of time in Mexico so I'm really not worried about that part of it, but in the paperwork it said we will want to tip our advisors and basically everyone. How are you supposed to know how much?

I saw plenty of people that were there alone, you will be fine. Bring som cash you can trade for pesos at the hotel, you are pretty much expected to tip everywhere. Also, everyone knows about the gasx strips- but the best thing I ever had post surgery was coconut water. I wouldn't of gotten fluids in without it.

Thanks, Chubby Toes!

I am not really sure about how much to tip.. But I guess I will know when the time comes.

I took $150 in small bills, and came home with $75.  I also stuck pretty close to the hotel, except from my walks to Walmart, so I didn't do any touristy shopping like I thought I might.  Plus, Walmart took my debit card, which I reached for automatically instead of my cash.

Does anyone know what the maximum # of daily surgeries Dr. Ortiz performs?

I believe no more than 5. There are only 6 patient rooms, and I was told they like to keep one available if anyone needs to stay extra nights. I was the last of 5 surgeries and was back in my room by 5pm.

If anyone had a post op problem while home, how helpful was OCC in communicating with you or your doctors?

Even though I haven't had any complications directly related to surgery, i have had outstanding communication with both Dr. So and Dr. Martinez. Two weeks postop I developed a tooth root abscess and my dentist Rx'd Clindamycin. I spoke with Dr. So to make sure this would be OK to take with my new sleeve. 4 weeks later I developed severe diarrhea and again, Dr. So was available for consult, even over the weekend. Turned out the diarrhea was caused by a C. diff infection brought on from the Clindamycin. Both Dr. So and Dr. Martinez consulted with my PCP over the treatment plan. (Unfortunately the traditional treatments didn't work and I ended up getting a fecal transplant 2 months later).

Most recently (well over a year postop) i contacted them with questions about the anesthesia, pain and antinausea protocol they used on me because it worked so well. Dr. Martinez reviewed my file with the anesthesiologist responded via email within 2 days.

If anyone had a post op problem while home, how helpful was OCC in communicating with you or your doctors?

 

I had a situation where I thought my drain site might be infected, as it wasn't healing shut right away and was oozing puss. I took photos and emailed them to Dr. So and he called me back immediately. He said it didn't look infected, to keep it clean, and if it got worse or I was still concerned, I should go to urgent care. It turned out he was right, it wasn't infected and it healed up fine. As for communication with my PCP, direct communication was never necessary, but I'm sure it could have easily been arranged if needed. I was provided with the full surgical report, a copy of my EKG, and a copy of my lab results. I gave copies of all of those things to my PCP the first time I saw her post-op.

The only issue I've had post-op was with acid reflux once I was out of my antacid meds from OCC. Dr. So responded to my email asking what would be my best OTC option within an hour. No other issues.

Hey, just wanted to check in with you and let you know a bit about how it is down here. I just checked back into the hotel after being released from the hospital. Everyone there was great. The IV was really no big deal, its the drain thats really annoying. Really though, I feel really good. My stomach feels kinda hard and weird like its swollen which makes it a bit difficult to move in certain ways but other than that its nothing. Gotta go, we're being picked up in 30 min to go out shopping. Let me know if you have any questions and I'll check this afternoon. Oh, also, you should join the A Lighter Me facebook. Its a private group, nobody will be able to see that you belong to it or anything you post to it.

Hey, just wanted to check in with you and let you know a bit about how it is down here. I just checked back into the hotel after being released from the hospital. Everyone there was great. The IV was really no big deal, its the drain thats really annoying. Really though, I feel really good. My stomach feels kinda hard and weird like its swollen which makes it a bit difficult to move in certain ways but other than that its nothing. Gotta go, we're being picked up in 30 min to go out shopping. Let me know if you have any questions and I'll check this afternoon. Oh, also, you should join the A Lighter Me facebook. Its a private group, nobody will be able to see that

you belong to it or anything you post to it.

So glad you are doing well... I joined alighterme Facebook page and I am so excited to be two days away.. Praying for your quick recovery..

EDIT: I am no longer using Dr. Ortiz!! I'm using Dr. Maytorena and Long Term VSG. We are how having surgery on Monday June 1!!!!

Hi! I'm Shana I'm having VGS surgery on June 6th by Dr. Ortiz through A Lighter Me (ALM) Part of me thinks I'm insane for doing this...I'm not doing it alone though, My younger sister is also have surgery the same day as me

Edited May 4, 201511 yr by DreamingAzure

My sister and I both had surgery the same day- 12/11/14.  with Dr. Ariel Ortiz in Mexico.   You will do great.  We are both so happy we did this. I say "go for it". 

@ we are surgery pals! My date is 6/4 also, and I will be in TJ with OCC (the "other" Dr. Ortiz). I am pretty anxious and getting started with pre-op diet, exercise, and getting into the right mindset.

Well...things change!! LOL I am now using Dr. Maytorena with Long Term VSG and my new surgery date is June 1!!

I'm packing!!

Slip on shoes, loose clothes, toiletries, ipad, cash and blistex

Anything to add?

Hope you guys are all well!

Heather