HoosierGirl

So far my only "issue" is constipation. Hoping that improves with time and strategic use of veggies! Seems like the only time I don't feel well is if I eat too fast or eat a higher fat food.

This is really interesting. Especially since this is your only post and very different than my experience with his staff. Do you have more information? When I was at the OCC there he was doing three band to sleeve revisions. One gentleman had flown from New Zealand specificly so Dr. Ortiz could do his revision.

I had some of the same from my Mom. Ultimately, we had a very direct discussion and it ended with 'I love you' and agreeing to disagree. I was also a Mexico Sleever and for her, that was added insult to the injury. Now, she tells me how nice I look and just wants to be sure I am feeling good. Hopefully, she will come around. Sometimes people who love you give well intentioned advice they don't know isn't very good. You have done your research. Maybe it's something you don't to talk with her further about? I know..it's your Mom, but maybe you could avoid the topic?

Very cool! Can't wait to hear all about your wife's experience and your perspective as a supportive spouse! Your support makes this whole process easier for your wife. (And congrats on your new baby!)

Hope all is well this morning! So glad you are receiving top notch care...even with the language barrier. Hope you are able to travel home today.

Everyone at the OCC was fantastic. Any of the post-op questions I have had were quickly answered. Good luck and enjoy your time there....great things await you post-surgery!

Welcome to the SLEEVED SIDE! All the best for a smooth recovery.

I was allergic to the steri-strip adhesives and my Water blisters pressed the strips right off my body. Who knew? Hope yours come off soon!

Your post was fantastic with good detail and examples. This is exactly the kind of information I was searching for before I had surgery in Mexcio. I think knowing what to expect is half the battle. I'm kind of with Laura-ven, you might share your experience with the doctor and coordinators. Then maybe they can address the issues so they aren't issues in the future? Glad you are home and feeling better now! Welcome to the sleeved side! LOL

Welcome to the SLEEVED side! Hope you are feeling better today.

GOOD FOR YOU! If you have any questions, you let me know. Truly, the worst part is waiting. The surgery and recovery are no big deal. If you are interested, my blog has info (and might even be one of the surgeons you are going to?). Hugs and congratulations for taking charge! Shelley www.hoosierfatty.wordpress.com

AmandaRae - cannot WAIT to hear all about your surgery, Dr. Aceves - EVERYTHING! You have certainly done the research and am very excited to watch your weight loss. Only a few days until you join us on the sleeved side!

RECYCLED - damn glad you are here. And anyway I can help, let me know. This surgery has been nothing short of a miracle. Two weeks post-op, I was off all blood pressure medications. I'm not starving all day every day. A small amount of healthy food makes me feel full. I'm finding what I put into the diet/exercise of this surgery is exactly what I am getting as far as results. You are in the right place for lots of information and support. Kudos to you for taking charge.

Glad you had a good experience there too! Hope you have a great recovery.

Hey! Welcome and congrats! Looking forward to seeing you around in the forums vs. lurking in the shadows! Ha ha!

Tami - on weeks 2-3 I was stalled for 9 days. Especially frustrating as I have been following the post-op diet to the letter. One day the scale went UP 2 lbs and I completely freaked out/panicked. Got in touch with Dr. Miranda. Her words were "Relax. Weight fluctuation is very normal after surgery. Keep following the diet, stay off the scale. You do have restriction." The weight loss has resumed and now I feel more prepared for the next stall. Good luck!!!

Hugs to you....looking forward to hearing from you after the surgery!

Well, I was an insurance denial. Since I met all the insurance company's criteria and was denied anyway, I decided I probably knew as much about my health as an insurance company. So instead of paying $32,000 of my own money for a surgeon with not much experience, I paid less and headed to Tijuana for a very experienced surgeon at an International Center of Excellence. So, mine was just getting ticked at the insurance company! Lol...

Great info! Would have loved to read that before having my VSG there in February! Thanks for posting!

Sleeved 2/4....exactly 5 weeks ago. Was in a stall week 2-3 and actually GAINED weight (major freak out happened). Total lost post-surgery 15.9 in 5 weeks (3.18 lbs per week). I'll take that! With the pre-op diet, I've lost almost 1/3 of my weight already! Feeling good enough now to begin exercise. Hoping that helps it keep coming off.

Great pics and so glad you had a smooth surgery! And your advise about not working for the surgeon was awesome...you just never know.

Oh my gosh!! WOO HOO! Fantastic news and I am so happy for you - all your hard work has paid off! Cannot wait to hear about your surgery experience. All the best!

Hey fellow Hoosiers! Vincennes in the mix here too! I self paid in Mexico due to insurance denial. Pretty pleased with the whole experience and the weight loss has been fantastic. Heard great things about the IU Bariatric group. Good luck to you!

HI Sherri - yup, I had surgery with Dr. Ortiz at the OCC on February 4, 2013. I did a lot of research and did exactly what you are doing - my own research with others who had surgery. Good for you! To help others, I tried to put a lot of detail on a blog - the whole experience - in hopes it would help others with their decision. Gaute_mama05 lists my blog above. As you lead up to your surgery date, please feel free to send me questions. The bottom line is that I could communicate with all the doctors and staff, I was never concerned about what they were doing medically, felt safe in Tijuana and was never nausous or vomiting. And hope you have the exact same experience. Hugs and good luck!

Good luck to you April Sleevers! I was there February 4 and feel really good. I would highly recommend Dr . Ortiz. The staff at the OCC have been very quick to respond to any post op questions. Good luck on the pre op diet too. All the best!