DevilMayKare

I was banded by Dr Ortiz in TJ on 6/2/05 and have had no problems. I thought the doctors were very professional and really seemed to know what they're doing. The overnight stay... well... that left a little to be desired. The nurses are sweet but speak hardly ANY English. After drinking a glass of apple juice I pb'd on myself and could not get through to her what "wet towel" meant. I finally hobbled to the bathroom, carrying my IV (I had to take it off the rack because there are STAIRS in the bathroom) to clean myself up. Then my IV got glogged with about 6 inches of blood in the bottom of the tube. When she saw this, the nurse tried to PUSH IT BACK into my hand. When I said "OUCH!" she said, "That's okay..." to which I said, "No, it isn't--STOP that!" After my insistence she disconnected the tube and this long snake of obviously coagulated blood came out. My hand was bruised for almost 2 weeks. But my BIGGEST problem with the after care was that they kept putting drugs in my IV (for pain, and then for sleep) and when I asked WHAT the drugs were they just say, "something for pain" or "something for sleep." The next day during follow-up I did tell Dr. Ortiz that I think people should be told what drugs they are being given. He dissagreed with this saying one should trust their doctor and the people who work for him. He was pretty vehement about this & was obviously not wanting to hear such a complaint so I didn't go into the IV thing and how I didn't feel all that comfortable with the aftercare nurses. But even if I didn't, I absolutely think people should be informed about what is being put into their bodies and I will let him know this when I go in for a fill. On the plus side... both Dr Otiz & Dr Martinez are quite handsome. Hey, a fat old lady's got to enjoy what she can! Oh... one more thing for anyone who goes to Dr Ortiz, whatever they mean by "5 Star Hotel" on his site certainly isn't my idea of a 5 Star Hotel. Perhaps TJ standards are different. Don't get me wrong, it was a perfectly nice hotel, but FIVE STAR??? No way. (Be sure to ask for a room facing the pool as TJ is not the prettiest city to overlook.)

Losing weight in the future I see! Yeah, I've lost 5 pounds in a future week in many a fantasy too. Hee Hee

Hi Everyone! I haven't introduced myself yet (been lurking for a month) but this looks really fun and I'd really like to join the summer weight loss challenge! Put me down at 206 starting Monday 7/4. Goal is 186 by Labor Day (20#). Kare (rhymes with bear) Banded by Dr Ortiz 6/2 Starting weight: 228.... 206 on 7/4 Now, let's see... where do I get one of those ticker things???