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?

Anybody know what they will do with my money, phone, passport while I'm in surgery? I'm arriving the day off surgery, so I'll go straight to OCC and I'll be doing it alone... it's really my only concern.

I took a lock with me and locked those things in my suitcase while I was in surgery. You are given a private room. I went alone also & was a band to sleeve revision. I had no worries & felt completely safe.

Anybody know what they will do with my money, phone, passport while I'm in surgery? I'm arriving the day off surgery, so I'll go straight to OCC and I'll be doing it alone... it's really my only concern.

I had the same concern when I went last month. I didn't even lock it up I just left my purse and suitcase in my room during surgery I had no problems.

SoCalMom, I didn't go it alone but wanted to say I'm sorry to hear about your sister and wish you both nothing but the best in your respective journeys

Hi B3B, kindle and other veteran OCC Sleevers,

How are you all doing with your sleeves?

Any great last minute advise, prep ideas, mental gymnastics, things you might have done different knowing what you know now ?

I'm two weeks out and trying to prepare myself as much as possible .

The followup and after care is not much with Mexico surgeries so I know I have to think of all the outcomes and try to be prepared .

Thanks

Rhonda

Most everything is covered here in this thread. I live alone in a rural area, so I made sure I had all my supplements, vitamins, protein choices, drink options, etc. before I left. But really, after reading these boards I didn't have any surprises.

 

I'm doing great with my sleeve. Dr. Ortiz/Martinez make a pretty tight sleeve, so be prepared to transition through stages very slowly. At 3 months out I'm just starting to feel normal. I can eat anything, just very slowly and very small amounts. Liquids were hard for a couple months...had to sip ALL DAY. Now I can take pretty big gulps but still have to think about having something to drink on hand at all times.

 

As for followup, of course we can't just run to OCC for a checkup, but they have been pretty good with postop email and phone calls. Dr. So and Dr. Martinez have both been available when I've had questions. Good luck! You will do great. I was actually bummed to leave after surgery because I was having such a good time.

Thanks so much Kindle for your great reply.

I am a little nervous about this "tight" sleeve comment ..... I have heard it before and wonder if this is better in the long run as I guess things stretch, but ..... This is permanent and I will hate to be dissappointed in not being able to eat everything eventually, as I quite like things like steak and veggies... Which I hope to be able to eat even in little small size meals and not feel like I can't or need to vomit ..... I hope that makes sense! Thanks:)

Well I am only 3 months out, so not a good judge of long term restriction. You may want to check with other OCC veterans for more accurate feedback.

SoCalMom, I didn't go it alone but wanted to say I'm sorry to hear about your sister and wish you both nothing but the best in your respective journeys

Thank you so very much.

Good Afternoon, Fellow OCCer's! Just thought I'd share a couple of progress pics, since it's my 4-month surgerversary today! First pic was taken right before leaving for Mexico, December 1st, 2013, and the second was taken today. I am down exactly 70 pounds since that day, and I owe a huge portion of that to the expertise of Dr. Ortiz. I remember really enjoying people's pics when I was trying to decide if VSG surgery was for me - so I decided that I would take shots in my bathing suit every month. I am not going to win any bathing beauty competitions anytime soon, but it gives you an idea of the difference. I was wearing a 22/24 in the first pic, and today, I am in a 14. The biggest difference I see is how unhappy I looked. I just registered for my first 5K run, and I'm doing a 10K at the end of the summer, with a big goal of entering Disneyland's half-marathon next May. That'll be my big celebration. I hope others are inspired to post some more pics soon! Have a great day!

Annadette you look fabulous already! I haven't had my surgery yet but I've looked at so many pics and I think everyone is trading in fat for a beautiful smile. I can't wait til next month!!!

You look amazing keep up the good work!

Congrats, Annadette!! You look great!! Isn't it amazing how fast it happens??

^{Hey Everyone!}

^{I have been using the Enspira Bariatric Multivitamin but just went to re-order and they are all sold out.  It looks like they have created a new line of products but they aren't available yet.  I just called and left a message asking when the new line will be available but in the meantime, I need to find a new bariatric multi vitamin.  Any suggestions?}

^{Thank you!!}

Hey Everyone!

I have been using the Enspira Bariatric Multivitamin but just went to re-order and they are all sold out.  It looks like they have created a new line of products but they aren't available yet.  I just called and left a message asking when the new line will be available but in the meantime, I need to find a new bariatric multi vitamin.  Any suggestions?

Thank you!!

 

Unjury makes me happy

Hey Everyone! I have been using the Enspira Bariatric Multivitamin but just went to re-order and they are all sold out. It looks like they have created a new line of products but they aren't available yet. I just called and left a message asking when the new line will be available but in the meantime, I need to find a new bariatric multi vitamin. Any suggestions? Thank you!!

I use Opurity vitamins.