Annadette

Better than normal - a new normal, I'd say. At first, I guess it's kinda like going through a crisis, because your whole world gets turned upside down and of course we all gravitate towards what makes us feel comfortable and the way things have always been. But your body and your mind adapt over time, and you will start to feel so great and start to do so many things that you've always wished you could, but maybe couldn't because you were obese, or because you were afraid. Once those new victories start happening (and they will) you just won't regret the decision of surgery, no matter what. This is truly a second beginning. It's the best gift you wll ever give yourself.

Just a quick post to sing my praises to Dr. Ortiz and the OCC once more. As of yesterday, I reached the goal that Dr. Ortiz set for me of 100 lbs down - weight is 150 lbs and I feel amazing. Went from a size 24 to an 8 in jeans and I can honestly say that there were lots of times during this journey that I thought I wouldn't get this far. I'm running a 10 K this weekend, and signed up for my first half-marathon in the spring. This is a far cry from the old me, by a long shot! I have been working hard, but if my surgery hadn't been performed as expertly as it was my Dr. Ortiz, I doubt I'd have the success I've had thus far. I am planning on maybe losing another 10 lbs or so - just as a buffer, but I think the marathon training is going to take care of that on its own. My life is pretty much normal, except for the shopping for smaller clothes all the time thing - I really don't mind that change. For anyone on the fence, I encourage you to just take the plunge and go for it. I used to read before/afters before my surgery and I always thought "that's nice for them, but it's won't work for me"....and it did. And it will for you too. Just take the chance on yourself. You are so worth it.

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!

I went all alone and had a great experience. My mom had to stay home and watch my 3 girls, and my hubby could not get the time off work. Of course I would have preferred to have someone with me, but is was not in the cards. So I just went for it. The clinic staff are awesome - and when I met Dr. Ortiz, they had already given me the happy drugs, so he grabbed my phone and insisted on taking a couple of pictures of us for my husband to see. I would've been way too nervous to think about photos at that time, but I am so glad Dr. Ortiz though of it, because the was the last remaining photo of the old me. The hotel staff at the Marriott were great too. I was extremely freaked out on the night before my surgery - felt like I was waiting for surgery on mars and I really did feel all alone in the world that night - but that was just nerves. Once surgery was done, and I felt great, I loved being alone to just chill out in my hotel bed (which was super comfy) and watch tv, sleep whenever I wanted and head out for a walk on my own schedule. It was nice to just worry about myself. I kept in touch with my family on my tablet through Skype, so they could see me and know that I was fine. It will be over before you know it, and you will do great. I am so sorry to hear about your sister though - terrible news. Hope she gets well soon!

Oh - just thought of something else - do you have a crock pot? I make chili or spaghetti sauce in the crock pot on a weekend and it lasts for ages - I freeze out a few portions. The kids have chili and whole wheat rolls and spaghetti with noodles - I eat my chili on it's own with a little grated cheese and I have a little spaghetti sauce on the "noodles" I scrape out of half spaghetti squash that I do in the microwave (seriously, soooo good!) Cooking in the crock-pot really feels good, especially when you come in to a house that smells amazing after work. There are LOTS of good crock-pot recipes online and on Pinterest and as long as you remember to have the ingredients ready in the morning before work, it is really simple to set up (or like I said, set it up to cook on a weekend when you're off work, and you will have food in your fridge/freezer all week!)

Hi there - I have 3 kids between the ages of 1 and 10, my DH works out of town for 3 weeks at a time and I also work outside the home, so I feel your pain. I don't enjoy cooking (especially when rushed) and the kids are always starving when we get home so I needed some fast ideas. Sometimes they do get junky food - I'll throw a pizza in the oven for them while I eat my scrambled egg- but I try to make them something decent most nights of the week. My standby is stir-fries. I buy beef and chicken and turkey in little stir-fry strip packages and either frozen veggies or fresh ones (snow peas, carrots and a little onion, maybe a few mushrooms - whatever I can find) Then you just need a bottle of stir-fry sauce, or salad dressing - there's many out there, so you won't get bored - I make rice for them (which I don't eat) while I'm making the stir-fry. Then we have a meal that's ready in under 10 minutes, and we all have something healthy. You may find it hard to eat Protein this dense and tender-crisp veggies at only 5 weeks out, but down the road, I find this is a great option. I just eat about a 1/2 cup of the stir-fry and I'm good. The kids get theirs on rice or whole wheat Pasta, and sometimes I throw a few peanuts on top for them - they love it. Hope my advice helps!

I have to do a 15-day preop diet before my surgery - 3 protein shakes a day and leafy greens (my favorites! NOT!) Although I dont't need to start it until Nov 15th, I am planning on beginning on November 1st. I've had quite a few "food funerals" so far, and I've said my goodbyes to most of my indulgences and I am nearly ready to just let them go, so I am actually kinda excited for the 1st to come. Of course, I expect I'll feel differently on day 2 or 3, but every pound I lose in November is one less I have to get off in the long run. Plus, I want my liver nice and small so it stays out of the doctor's way! Someone asked earlier if anyone else is self-pay. I'm self pay, heading to obesity control center in TJ with Dr. Ortiz. I see there's a couple of MX ladies and I wonder if anyone else is going to be staying at the TJ Marriott?

This is the absolute best and most informative thread on Dr. Ortiz and the OCC that I've read so far! Thanks so much back2barb78 for posting your experience here so thoroughly. I am now so excited about my upcoming VSG with Dr. Ortiz on December 2nd. Best of wishes as you work towards your weight loss goal!

Hi Everyone! December 2nd, 2013 is my big day! Looks like there are a few Dec. 2nd people here already! I am 39 years old, 249 pounds right now, and 5'2" tall. Mom to 3 gorgous girls, 10 years, 3 years and 15 months. I'm doing this for all of us, and I am so excited. I am self-pay travelling to Mexico alone. So happy to have the support of this forum, and hope I can be of support for people too!