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?

OCC is a Center of Surgical Excellence. that means that they equal or surpass anything you would find in the states. Dr Ariel Ortiz has made many refinements to the surgery that make it safer and more comfortable for the patient.

I'm very happy that I had my surgery from him. i have had no problems at all from the surgery.

I had surgery in Mexico with Dr Quinones. Best decision I have EVER made! He has his own private hospital and recovery house. If you take someone with you they are included in the price (except for food). Staff was soooo helpful. I had one of my doctors here do research on a list of Doctors I had considered and even she recommended Dr Quinones from his reputation (My local insurance wouldn't cover my sleeve). It has been almost a year and I am down 108 pounds! I had zero problems and love my sleeve life. http://santafemedicalgroup.com/page/santa-fe-medical-center

 

If you have questions feel free to message me!

Michelle

Be aware these doctors are making these posts above. My best friend is at the hospital now. Had surgery yesterday with a lighter me. She is very comfortable. Only issue was a bit of nausea & pain right after surgery which they resolved right away. She went by herself as well which of course we have all been concerned. They have wifi at the hospital so iMessage & FaceTime is great if you're on the iPhone. She is in healthcare & has said it's been better care there than she has ever seen here. I want to go next!!! Saving my money (:

Be aware these doctors are making these posts above. My best friend is at the hospital now. Had surgery yesterday with a lighter me. She is very comfortable. Only issue was a bit of nausea & pain right after surgery which they resolved right away. She went by herself as well which of course we have all been concerned. They have wifi at the hospital so iMessage & FaceTime is great if you're on the iPhone. She is in healthcare & has said it's been better care there than she has ever seen here. I want to go next!!! Saving my money (:

Im definately not a Doctor, I am a single Mom with a disabled child and I work as a teacher. Like many others I was scared to have surgery cuz of the "what if's" as a single Mom to a severely disabled daughter. This is why I did so much research and why I highly recommend the Doctor I went to  (Dr Quinones)

I just had surgery on April 25th with E. Ortiz. I had a great experience. He was wonderful to me.

I had surgery one month ago today with Dr. E. Ortiz through A Lighter Me. Surgery was at Mi Hospital. I had a good experience and would recommend ALM and Dr. E. Ortiz.

Any post surgical complications from A lighter me?? Also, I apologize, but to me it's obvious which posts are from sales/marketing reps. I didn't mean all posts. Sorry for that.

Edited May 1, 201412 yr by sologlow

I had surgery in Mexico with Dr Quinones. Best decision I have EVER made! He has his own private hospital and recovery house. If you take someone with you they are included in the price (except for food). Staff was soooo helpful. I had one of my doctors here do research on a list of Doctors I had considered and even she recommended Dr Quinones from his reputation (My local insurance wouldn't cover my sleeve). It has been almost a year and I am down 108 pounds! I had zero problems and love my sleeve life. http://santafemedicalgroup.com/page/santa-fe-medical-center If you have questions feel free to message me! Michelle

How much was the surgery through him? If you don't mind me asking

I did not have any significant complications post-surgery. I had a few minor issues- not really complications, but I don't want to give the impression that it was all rainbows and unicorns.

- my pain the first night was worse than I anticipated. I felt much better by the next morning and after the first night, the pain was very manageable.

- I developed oral thrush, most likely due to the antibiotics. Once I started treating it, it cleared up quickly.

- some of my sutures "spit" rather than dissolving.

- I didn't tolerate protein shakes for about 10 days post-op, so it took me longer to transition to full liquids. It also could have been the antibiotic that was messing with my gut.

But, no leaks or infection or any other serious/significant complications. And my recovery had been smooth overall. My only complaint at this point is that I am still really tired. I've read that improves at about 6 weeks out, so hopefully I'll feel better in another week or two.

Thank you for responding, I appreciate it. Hopefully you'll start getting energy soon. Are you taking all the vitamins recommended? Your sutures "spit" but no infection?

I am taking vitamins. I went to the gym and had a session with my trainer for the first time since surgery and I think that helped with my energy.

No infections-- one incision looked like it was getting infected, then the suture started to push through. Once I trimmed the tails a bit, the incision finished healing.

On another, it healed nicely once I cut the suture out completely.

I am not a doctor but my sister and my brother in law are. they did the research on Ariel Ortiz and they both had their surgeries there. My sister went with me when I had mine.

Hello-

Calling all who had their vsg done by Dr. Elias Ortiz. Please share your experience...

Hey everyone. Hope all is well with you all. I've been working like crazy and am now taking a few weeks off for vacation (yay!!). Doing well and loving my sleeve. I've developed a new horrible horrible habit- going to Ross! OMG- I'm so bad with the clothes shopping. I can't help myself if I see a cute dress- gotta have it. Hi- my name is Tamara and I'm a shopaholic

Edited May 4, 201412 yr by back2barb78

Hey everyone. Hope all is well with you all. I've been working like crazy and am now taking a few weeks off for vacation (yay!!). Doing well and loving my sleeve. I've developed a new horrible horrible habit- going to Ross! OMG- I'm so bad with the clothes shopping. I can't help myself if I see a cute dress- gotta have it. Hi- my name is Tamara and I'm a shopaholic

Good for you! Ross is a great place to shop while we are changing sizes so often. Pat