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?

Flaxfilly,

 

Don't let this freak you out.

 

I talked to Janese yesterday in detail about this.

 

She explained everything to me she did not minimize what happened but did explain it.

 

If you have concerns I advise you to call her.

 

I am more excited than ever to go, I trust a lighter me, Janese, Dr. Ortez and the staff.

I have complete peace about the whole situation and my surgery.

Edited June 11, 201412 yr by mrsbshe

I didn't want to freak anyone out.  I just wanted to give you a heads up of what could happen if it is overcrowded.  I'm glad Janese was able to ease your concerns.  I guess I would have a different view of ALM if Janese was able to fix the situation, but she did not nor has she tried to make it right since.

 

I 100% believe it was bad timing that all doctors were scheduled for surgeries on the same day and if the coordinators would have done their homework they should have known and remedied the situation.

 

On a good note:  I'm am over six weeks out and I feel great.  The surgery went flawlessly and my incisions are all healed.   Getting ready for my first trip to the lake.

 

Good Luck with your surgery.   

I'm not worried any more after talking to Janese.

I am so glad to hear you are doing well. At least your surgery was a success and you are healing nicely.

I'm hoping for the same in two weeks.

Please keep us updated on your recovery.

Hey guys,

So I am doing fantastic.... I am down 78lbs. I do a 5k at least 2-3 times a month, I'm working on improving my speed right now! Since I bought my fitbit in January about a month before surgery, I've walked 500 miles! Crazy how active I am now, and I love it. I used to hate exercising outside because I didn't want people to see me...now I hate being in the gym! I love being outdoors. I have been experiencing the crazy hair loss. I knew it was gonna happen, so I've accepted it....but I don't like it! lol

Anyway, so my real reason for posting today. i was never a big soda drinker before surgery, once it a while when I went out I would have a soda. I've been drinking tea, water, crystal light and protein shakes since surgery. I haven't had any alcohol since July 2013, and I don't plan on starting that up again. But I have to say...I am DYING for a diet coke lately!

So I'm not really clear on why they said no soda - is it because it can open up the cravings and addictions? Or is it because it can actually harm your stomach? Has anyone had a soda or a few sips here or there?

Also one more question, how is your follow-up and with the OCC? Are used to get emails every week asking me about my weight loss and any health problems and they stopped a couple weeks ago… I'm about 3-4 months out.

The no soda is because of the carbonation. The bubbles are not good for our sleeves....can even cause stretching from what I've read. I tried sipping some sprite once and tasted a new hard cider once (which I used to love) but the fizz was definitely a no go for me.

As for the OCC surveys, mine stopped after awhile, too. I think it's part of their Center of Excellence requirements, and if there's no documented problems, they only have to followup for a certain period of time. Maybe the veterans can add more info as to whether or not there is contact further out. But if you do have issues and indicate it on your survey, which I did when I developed bad diarrhea 6 weeks out, they followed up with an email and phone call.

Just got home from shopping. I got all of my post op foods and drinks for the next 3 weeks.

 

My surgeries in less than two weeks in Tijuana Mexico with Dr. Elias Ortiz... It seems quite real now that my cupboards are stocked was after surgery essentials and everything I'm packing for my journey is ready to go.

Just got home from shopping. I got all of my post op foods and drinks for the next 3 weeks.<br><br> My surgeries in less than two weeks in Tijuana Mexico with Dr. Elias Ortiz... It seems quite real now that my cupboards are stocked was after surgery essentials and everything I'm packing for my journey is ready to go.

When is your surgery? I am scheduled for June 28th! Getting really real!! Started my Pre opp diet! Grrrrrrrr! I hope we can follow each other?

1. You won't go wrong with Dr. Illan. I was sleeved 8/31/13 and down 136lbs. After you leave the hospital it turns into a mini vacation. Easiest surgery I've ever had. Gas first day is rough but after that you would never know I had surgery He is such a talented surgeon.

Sherry, glad I'm not the only one that considered going to Mexico for surgery a vacation. . My sister met me down there and we had a lot of fun! And what's not to like about getting out of cold, snowy Idaho in December?

I fly in on June 28...my surgery is on Sunday the 29...leaving on the July 3.

I had my surgery Dec 4 2013 With Dr E Ortiz with A lighter me. I did alot of reserch and they where the right team for me!!! I am down 70 pounds and feel great no problems at all. 15 pounds to go till I reach my goal. This  as been the best change of life stye I could have made. I went by myself and felt safe at all times. Marriott was nice and hospital was small, with very good care. I wished I had done this years ago.

 

I'm glad I ran across this thread....I had lapband 3 years ago, been dealing with a slipped band for about a year, have gained 25 lbs back.  I am devestated.  My doc wants me to revise to a sleeve, but I am self pay.  We are not rich people and it was a HUGE sacrafice for me to come up with the money for LapBand, no way I can come up with another 14K and be able to look myself in the eye, not when my husband works so hard, we have 2 little boys to take care/plan for.  I am beginning to think a conversion to a sleeve in Mexico might be a real alternative for me.....  but a little scary and still expsenive.  Thanks for all the info and comments. 

First let me say that I have only heard wonderful things about Dr Elias Ortiz and alighterme. I belong to bariatric surgery in Mexico on fb as well, again, only positive things.

 

I just found some YouTube videos with a US Dr that are very informative; you might like to take a look a them...then come to Mexico for your surgery...

 

Dr Matthew Weiner on YouTube. I have learned so much about ALL Bariatric surgery from his videos.

 

Good luck in your decision.

Edited June 17, 201412 yr by mrsbshe

I am going to the OCC on July 23rd. Both my sisters had LapBand with Dr Ortiz and had great care. I just don't want to have to mess with fills and unfills. One of my sisters got really sick with the flu and coughed so much her band started slipping. It's still ok but she can't get a fill till she she has it fixed. I just don't want the hassle of all that. The slipped band sister has had hers for 5 years and looks amazing, the other sister just got hers last year and has lost weight but is still trying to get her sweet spot on her fills.

I just hope I am picking the right procedure for me.