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?

Really... colostrum?! I'm an OB nurse! Most of the hospitals I've worked at are small so I do everything- bad babies... The whole shebang. I guess they heard it was liquid gold and wanted to put some in! BTW one of the places I work is Baby Friendly' date=' and our LC is OBSESSED with liquid gold. That's so crazy <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> I've asked others already but since you're a nurse and you understand those days when you just don't get breaks, how long are you staying off work? Youre NICU, so you obviously dont work at a really small hosp, so just wondering. I'm not interested in going back to work too fast. I KNOW I will not have time to go off and SIP with patients laboring and walking in the door (small hospitals you literally have to do everything). I wonder if they are flexible with allowing you to take more than 3 weeks off because I know if I don't, I'm going to end up in the ED. I want to be as stable as possible before I go back to work. When Dr M said that I should've asked if they would let me take more while I had him on Skype- darn it. {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}[/quote']

Wow! What a small world. You're OB. I'm in the Memphis area, we are affiliated with LeBonheur Children's Hospital. In NICU, I work 12 hour shifts, and so when I have to be off work (I also have 4 children of my own) I have to have my shifts covered by another RN. That said, I am taking off for 2 weeks after my surgery. But... I'm kinda worried that may not be enough time. I'm like you, I know once I'm back at work I'll have to hit the ground running and I'm not sure how I'm going to feel. Don't want to do too much too fast. My docs are all super supportive, but our work is pretty intense at times and they expect me to be there. I get it, but I gotta take care of me. I still haven't decided how I'm going to eat frequently and get my liquids in once I'm back at work. What are you planning to do? Also, I'm so jealous you got to Skype with Dr. M. They're both a couple of little hotties! Lol. I was nervous about having surgery done in MX before but now I'm really ok. I'm ready. You mentioned that you work in a smaller hospital. Where are you located?

Wow! What a small world. You're OB. I'm in the Memphis area' date=' we are affiliated with LeBonheur Children's Hospital. In NICU, I work 12 hour shifts, and so when I have to be off work (I also have 4 children of my own) I have to have my shifts covered by another RN. That said, I am taking off for 2 weeks after my surgery. But... I'm kinda worried that may not be enough time. I'm like you, I know once I'm back at work I'll have to hit the ground running and I'm not sure how I'm going to feel. Don't want to do too much too fast. My docs are all super supportive, but our work is pretty intense at times and they expect me to be there. I get it, but I gotta take care of me. I still haven't decided how I'm going to eat frequently and get my liquids in once I'm back at work. What are you planning to do? Also, I'm so jealous you got to Skype with Dr. M. They're both a couple of little hotties! Lol. I was nervous about having surgery done in MX before but now I'm really ok. I'm ready. You mentioned that you work in a smaller hospital. Where are you located?[/quote'] I'm in the high desert in California but I do travel nursing as well. We work 12s too and right now I have my regular FT job and I'm doing a full time assignment as well! Yes I'm crazy but I am hoping to take 4 weeks. Dr M said 3 is what they recommend but I would rather take 8! I don't want to go knowing full well I'm not going to be able to do what I need to do to make sure I heal properly. AND I definitely can't go back to work if I smell!! I've heard lots of people talking about ketosis and I REFUSE to go back if I stink! My co workers are aware that I'm having surgery, but I'm known for being a workhorse, and I obviously can't do that and won't be doing that anymore. I have my assignment money, so I can take 2 months off if they let me because that's really what I want to do. Do you have the option of FMLA? That's crazy that you have to cover your shifts! I called FMLA today to start my claim. I'm doing disability too for the time I'm away (I'm so silly and didn't add short term disability to my benefits- I knew late last year I wanted WLS). Between work and your children, do you realistically think you can take care of yourself and heal properly so you won't have complications? I have no responsibilities except myself and I feel like 4 weeks isn't even enough?! If they will give me 2 months off, I would be ecstatic, but I know I'm dreaming. {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

I'm in the high desert in California but I do travel nursing as well. We work 12s too and right now I have my regular FT job and I'm doing a full time assignment as well! Yes I'm crazy but I am hoping to take 4 weeks. Dr M said 3 is what they recommend but I would rather take 8! I don't want to go knowing full well I'm not going to be able to do what I need to do to make sure I heal properly. AND I definitely can't go back to work if I smell!! I've heard lots of people talking about ketosis and I REFUSE to go back if I stink! My co workers are aware that I'm having surgery' date=' but I'm known for being a workhorse, and I obviously can't do that and won't be doing that anymore. I have my assignment money, so I can take 2 months off if they let me because that's really what I want to do. Do you have the option of FMLA? That's crazy that you have to cover you're shifts! I called FMLA today to start my claim. I'm doing disability too for the time I'm away (I'm so silly and didn't add short term disability to my benefits- I knew late last year I wanted WLS). Between work and your children, do you realistically think you can take care of yourself and heal properly so you won't have complications? I have no responsibilities except myself and I feel like 4 weeks isn't even enough?! If they will give me 2 months off, I would be ecstatic, but I know I'm dreaming. {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}[/quote']

Barb, you're probably right about the recovery time. Most of what I have seen here is 3-6 weeks. I'm speaking with my DON tomorrow to request more time. Could probably take FMLA but I have tons of PTO and if I don't burn thru some of it by years end, I will lose it. The kids keep me hopping but I'm getting extra help from their dad and grandma during that time so I can focus on healing. Hey go for the 8 weeks off! Why not??

Barb' date=' you're probably right about the recovery time. Most of what I have seen here is 3-6 weeks. I'm speaking with my DON tomorrow to request more time. Could probably take FMLA but I have tons of PTO and if I don't burn thru some of it by years end, I will lose it. The kids keep me hopping but I'm getting extra help from their dad and grandma during that time so I can focus on healing. Hey go for the 8 weeks off! Why not??[/quote']

 

If you're going to lose it, use it! You've earned it! That's great you have help.

 

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I went to the OCC and as you can see by my profile picture, I loved it and loved Dr. ORtiz also. Surgery was on a Wednesday and I was back at work on Monday. No complications or real down time. I wouldn't change a thing. My starting weight was 229 and I am now 185. It's been 9 weeks. I am following the routine and have been sure to stay connected to my nutritionist. My clothing has gone from size 16/18 to size 10. I feel absolutely great. I'm here is you happen to have any questions. Inbox me anytime!

I went to the OCC and as you can see by my profile picture' date=' I loved it and loved Dr. ORtiz also. Surgery was on a Wednesday and I was back at work on Monday. No complications or real down time. I wouldn't change a thing. My starting weight was 229 and I am now 185. It's been 9 weeks. I am following the routine and have been sure to stay connected to my nutritionist. My clothing has gone from size 16/18 to size 10. I feel absolutely great. I'm here is you happen to have any questions. Inbox me anytime![/quote']Awesome!!! Thank you!!

I went to the OCC and as you can see by my profile picture' date=' I loved it and loved Dr. ORtiz also. Surgery was on a Wednesday and I was back at work on Monday. No complications or real down time. I wouldn't change a thing. My starting weight was 229 and I am now 185. It's been 9 weeks. I am following the routine and have been sure to stay connected to my nutritionist. My clothing has gone from size 16/18 to size 10. I feel absolutely great. I'm here is you happen to have any questions. Inbox me anytime![/quote']

 

Thank you for sharing your progress with us. Great job!

 

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I had surgery with Dr. Ortiz @ OCC July 1st. Happy to answer any questions you may have. Best thing I have ever done! Definitely plan on going back for plastics.

I am also going with him!! Super nervous I have already talked to Janese which seems like an awesome person great personality! How was the stay and hospital?

I am also going with him!! Super nervous I have already talked to Janese which seems like an awesome person great personality! How was the stay and hospital?

Dr. Ortiz Nov. 29 here! Nervous, but ready to begin my journey to a healthier me. What date are you scheduled?

Dr. Ortiz Nov. 29 here! Nervous' date=' but ready to begin my journey to a healthier me. What date are you scheduled?[/quote']

November22 so excited where are u staying at?

November22 so excited where are u staying at?

I've been working with Carolyn, one of the coordinators there. I'll be at the Marriott. Im looking forward to it.

I've been working with Carolyn' date=' one of the coordinators there. I'll be at the Marriott. Im looking forward to it.[/quote'] Indigo, be sure to check in here Monday. Raven and I will be there and I plan on telling everything that happens as it happens if I'm not too drugged up! {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

Hello ladies and gentlemen of OCC, I've been following this thread for a while as its where I plan to have my surgery. Just curious if any of the postop posters could answer this question for me:

In Dr Ortiz's aftercare recommendations, how long did OCC say not to lift anything over ten pounds? Two weeks? Four? Six? I'd love to know the answer specifically for this program!

 

Also good luck to all of you who have your date set! I hope to get in November as well, but may have to wait until April though I must say all he information on this thread has been very helpful in general.

Hello ladies and gentlemen of OCC' date=' I've been following this thread for a while as its where I plan to have my surgery. Just curious if any of the postop posters could answer this question for me:

In Dr Ortiz's aftercare recommendations, how long did OCC say not to lift anything over ten pounds? Two weeks? Four? Six? I'd love to know the answer specifically for this program!

 

Also good luck to all of you who have your date set! I hope to get in November as well, but may have to wait until April though I must say all he information on this thread has been very helpful in general.[/quote']

 

Never mind, Carolyn got back to me

Indigo' date=' be sure to check in here Monday. Raven and I will be there and I plan on telling everything that happens as it happens if I'm not too drugged up! {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}[/quote']

Way to go, girl! I'll be tuned in and waiting for updates! Best of luck to you and to Raven! Y'all are going to do great!! BTW, love your new profile pic! Very pretty.