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 choose Dr. Ortiz for many of the reasons you have stated. While plication is still an investigational procedure, I like the preliminary studies I have read. I noticed that some people take about the gerhilin? sp. receptors remaining in the stomach with the plication, but not with the VSG. My only thought on that is, I honestly can not remember the last time I was hungry. That is why I am fat... LOL. I am going down in July. I cant wait!

I have enjoyed reading all the information on this site. I am also going down to see Dr. Ortiz in July for a gastric plication. Maybe I will see you there. Would like to compare notes with you.

I am starting the three shakes a day phase on Monday. For the past two weeks I have been having two shakes and one 300 calorie meal. When are you headed down?

I leave in 7 days OMG 8 days to the sleeves life...

I leave in 7 days OMG 8 days to the sleeves life...

I will see you there!!

When do you arrive?

When do you arrive?

I sent you a message a few days ago...LOL You have to know where to look for it? I found the spot be accident! Go to MY SURGERY look at the top right for an envelope . If I sent it ... Ha .... ( who knows) it will have a message ? Any way I am a day ahead of you. I fly out of Florida the 27th to San Diego where they pick me up at the Airport that evening. My procedure will be the next morning , the 28th. I am struggling with this pre opp diet!! Lost 10 lbs already but I stay hungry and it's hard because I have NO will power! I am doing it! I just keep thinking this is going to help me heal faster!! I wish Saturday would just get here! I hope I can stick to the broth!! Can't wait to see how you are doing?

Just sent you a message as well...let me know if you get it.

I am also starting the shakes (Premier Protein) and diet.  I will start three shakes a day tomorrow. Three weeks on protein shakes will be a challenge.  I am flying down to San Diego on July 9 and having the surgery on July 10. 

I am a little nervous about having surgery in TJ but from what I have read Dr. Ortiz and the OCC sound like it will be a positive experience.  I also hope the plication is a good choice instead of the sleeve.

Cat33 please let us know how your doing. We will be thinking about you!

Well, I only have 4 more days until I'm on the other side...I will join the sleeved life! Can't wait ????

Keep us posted!

I will...

I am also starting the shakes (Premier Protein) and diet. I will start three shakes a day tomorrow. Three weeks on protein shakes will be a challenge. I am flying down to San Diego on July 9 and having the surgery on July 10.

I am a little nervous about having surgery in TJ but from what I have read Dr. Ortiz and the OCC sound like it will be a positive experience. I also hope the plication is a good choice instead of the sleeve.

Craziness! I am flying to San Diego on July 9th and having surgery on the 11th. Two of my companions are having surgery on the 10! Today is day three of three shakes a day. I can barley choke the third one down, I would kill for a piece of fruit. Or some strawberries!

I hope this gets easier as the days go on.

Hi!  I'm wanting to schedule a sleeve with A Lighter Me in July.  How long do you stay in Mexico? Is all hotel time covered?

Thanks!!!

Hi y'all. So I had VSG surgery with Dr. Elias Ortiz on 11/08/2013. My experience in Mexico, both at the hospital and the Marriott, were positive. I flew in from CA for same day surgery and I couldn't have asked for better care. I'm so happy to have my sleeve. I'm down 67 lbs today with 25 to go to goal. Dr. Ortiz is a quiet man, but he cares. I think y'all are making the right decision by choosing him, and A Lighter Me. They are an excellent company. Good luck and I hope to hear from y'all on the loser side.

<p>Hi! I'm wanting to schedule a sleeve with A Lighter Me in July. How long do you stay in Mexico? Is all hotel time covered?</p> <p>Thanks!!!</p>

The price includes everything but your flight. Two days in the hospital three in the hotel. DO IT!!