Am1e

I am partial to dr Ortiz. See how much experience this other surgeon has. For me, that's what it came down to. I was sleeved by Ortiz, no complications. My husband has sleeve scheduled in a month. That's how much I believe in Ortiz. Also look at Newsweek July 27, 2011 top 15 bariatric surgeons. If you need a copy, I can email you a copy.

I had my sleeve 11-7-13. Lost 60 lbs so far (even though thyroid removed 2-5-14 and my thyroid levels have been off). My husband told me yesterday that he wants to get sleeved now. I emailed Carolyn and we are set to go back to TJ May 6 for my hubby's sleeve. He says his only worry is losing muscle. He is muscular and works in the oilfield. Any men have insight on being muscular and losing weight? Any couples have things to share? I love occ and am very happy to be going back.

I also did very little research on plication. The reason I chose not to is because I live in a fairly small town in Texas. I was afraid it was too new a procedure for my local surgeons to know about. They don't offer it and if I had an emergency post op and couldn't get back to Dr Ortiz, I was worried they would not know what to do. Also my regular dr does all my health needs and I didn't know if he would know enough about it either. But on the plus side of the coin, a girl I was picked up with at the airport had plication the same day I had sleeve revision, and she was released to go home a few days before me and she said she had no pain. But my pain was also minimal. I just took liquid Tylenol and it was enough.

My 4 month post op pic. I love Dr Ortiz and staff!

I am almost 4 months out. Can not tolerate protein shakes. Tried all brands, flavors, vegan, whey, rice. So I got this organic sliced turkey and string cheese. If I eat 2 slices and 1 string cheese, that's 22g of protein. Plus super easy to prepare or take with me. I also have no problem with Greek yogurt. So I eat a lot of that. I mix tuna with Greek yogurt rather than mayo. Hope you get to feeling better.

2 months post op. HW 245, SW 232, DOS 221, CW 194. 5'7".

When I went I arrived before 3 and the driver that picked me up at the airport took me to OCC for pre op tests and then a Mariott driver picked me up when I was done and took me to the hotel. That driver will tell you what time to be downstairs to go to OCC in the morning. If not, ask him what time. There will likely be 2-3 others plus their companion that leave at the same time as you to head to OCC in the morning. You will have to go back to OCC to get your dressing changed, and then again to have drain removed (with sleeve surgery, not sure about plication). They will tell you when to be in the lobby to take the Mariott shuttle for these things. If not, just ask! Very laid back and accommodating.

Nope. Your own room. Nice room. Nice blankets. I enjoyed the room. Was there 11-7-2013.

Anybody know how long it will be until I can eat most normal foods without feeling nausea? I am 6 weeks post op and cannot get a protein shake down. I have tried 4 different brands, tried them cold and also warm, tried shakes mixed with only water. No luck. Also I am afraid to try raw vegetables yet. I did eat tomatoes and that was ok. I haven't tried too many new things because I am scared, but not being able to drink protein shakes worries me. I was drinking them fine in the liquid stage.

I had a band done in March of 2010. I lost 25 lbs initially over 9 months. The following year I gained it all back. My weight before was 233. November 7, 2013 I upgraded from the band to the sleeve. My starting weight this time was 232. I have lost 32 lbs in 6 weeks. I wish I would have gotten the sleeve to begin with and I would be at goal by now! I didn't because I was afraid of having part of the stomach removed and the band surgery is reversible. Insurance will only cover revision if it is "medically necessary", like slip or erosion, or if you have a doctors office willing to work to get you approved and who will say it is medically necessary. I personally went to Dr. Ariel Ortiz in Tijuana Mexico and paid out of pocket both times. I like him and was comfortable trusting his experience. There is an article in Newsweek from July 2011 that lists the top 15 bariatric surgeons. Maybe there is one in your area. I like the sleeve much better and feel great because I don't feel hunger all the time like I used to. Some people think the band is great, and I'm glad it works for them. But there are plenty of people who have done the revision because of slippage, erosion, or just not losing weight. My band hadn't slipped or eroded, I just wasn't losing any weight. Luckily I wasn't gaining either, but mine was super tight in the morning til about 1 and then by evening I had no restriction at all. So I couldn't get more fill because I could barely drink water in the morning. I am super happy with the sleeve, I am seeing results now that I would have liked to see 3 1/2 years ago!

I was just at OCC and Mariott Nov 7, 2013. My husband paid for my meds and Enspira shake with a credit card. The mariott did not charge us for my husband's night alone there. I believe additional nights are $65, if you chose to stay longer. Everywhere we went, they took US dollars, but occasionally we were given our change in pesos. We took $500 cash and had plenty left. I got lots of $5s and $1s to tip the drivers, room service and for taxis. The mariott will require a credit card upon checkin if I remember correctly and they charge the room when you eat in the restaurant or get room service.

Does anyone know when the nausea will stop? I am 6 weeks post op and protein shakes are making me sick. I have tried 4 different brands one being vegan and one being Enspira bariatric shakes. Mixed just with water, still sick. I feel like I need at least 1 shake a day to get enough protein. I love how I am looking and feeling most of the time, but I am also scared about feeling sick to my stomach so much.

When you get to Tijuana, and the Mariott, walk up to the hill to walmart. They have a really beautiful koi pond and a Starbucks and lots of stores. Like an open mall. And maybe they will be having tequila samples at Walmart still and your companion can try out some true Mexican tequila in Mexico. If you want to get out try to make it to Avenida Revolución Street. Big tourist area with shops where your companion will get a tequila shot at EVERY store. Also the tortilla soup is awesome and the Mariott and watch for Fredricko in the red coat at the front door. He speaks wonderful English and knows the answer to everything we asked! Alberto and Manuel are great hotel staff also. Have Fun!

Who uses the OCC forum? I like it too because you can add friends. I am briangie on there also if you want to look for me. My records came by email in 2 weeks. Carolyn, Lori, or Gloria will take care of it. I also asked for a doctors note and they emailed me that as well.

There is an article in Newsweek, July 25, 2011 issue called 15 Leaders in Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Ortiz appeared to me to have the most experience of all of them! Because I did consider staying in the states and getting my revision from band to sleeve and use my health insurance. In the end I chose to go back to dr Ortiz because I like him, the center was familiar, he ONLY does bariatric surgery and he has a lot of experience plus the ICE rating. The surgeon in my city just started doing bariatric work in March 2013, and still does general surgeries as well. I included a pic of the article but if you can't find it on the internet I could scan it for you. Good luck making a choice!

Are you still taking pain medications? After surgeries, I normally itch like crazy. I don't know if it's from the anesthesia, pain meds or antibiotics but mine goes away once I am finished with all the meds.

I had a TT in 2008. My husband died in Feb 2008 and due to the stress I lost 60lbs in 2 months. Then continued to lose more. I had had 3 c-sections prior to that so my tummy was yuck! It was just a regular TT, not all the way around. It was comparable to c-section recovery. Hurt more and was more uncomfortable than sleeve recovery. I met up with my first love in 2009 and started to become happy again and put all the weight back on!!! But my tummy remained flat, just got thicker. But no rolls developed again because of having had the TT. I hope when I lose this weight again with my sleeve that my tummy will still look ok, because I don't want to do another TT. Don't get me wrong though- I am glad I did my TT and wouldn't change that decision.

I had mine done in Tijuana, Mexico with Dr Ortiz, who I adore! Both surgeries were there. Lap band then revision to sleeve. Where did you do yours?

Down 31 lbs if you count the pre-op diet phase. Started at 232, day of surgery 221, today 201. I can see Onederland, just got to get there.

I had revision from band to sleeve on November 7, 2013. I am down 20 lbs! Excited!

I'm in Midland too!

The left is day after surgery, right is 1 month post op and -18 lbs! I had surgery November 7, 2013 so I'm just 5 weeks out.

I like Curves because the plan is laid out. But I don't know if that is really good strength training or not. But I guess any is better than none. I'm lost at the gym too with all the machines.

I had lap band surgery March 2010, lost 25 lbs in the first year, gained it all back the second year. I got the sleeve surgery on Nov 7, 2013 and have lost 20 lbs so far. Both surgeries I was 221 on day of surgery. Prior to band pre-op diet I was 233, prior to sleeve pre-op diet I was 232. I am liking the sleeve LOTS better than the band. Nothing getting stuck and no PBing. With the sleeve I measure out what I think I might eat but it's very clear to me when I am full and I don't have a desire to keep eating. I don't feel hungry all the time. I wish I would have just started with the sleeve. Good luck.