My Story with ALighterMe and Dr. Elias Ortiz at MI Doctor in TJ (long post)

[jokerier 18]

It all began when we found out that my wife's close friend was getting the sleeve done. She had it done in Decatur Texas and had part of her insurance help due to a hiatal hernia. We quickly saw her results and had probed her for questions. 9 months later we were on a cruise with her, her husband, and another friend couple. She looked fantastic and was a completely new person. I could put my arms around her when I hugged her and it really got my wife and I talking about it. We pried her for all of the questions and our intrigue got very serious.

My wife signed us up for a seminar with the local hospital group in Wichita, KS. 10 minutes into the conversations they passed out a price sheet for self pay and I was about ready to leave then ($22,000+). You see my insurance only covers four visits to a dietitian, nothing more. During the presentation though we learn of the many comorbidities that are cured in the surgeries or rather percentages that are resolved. What hit home the most for me was the three I have, diabetes (on metformin daily), high blood pressure (lisinopril daily), and sleep apnea (prescribed cpap nightly). This became really important for me to find out more. Not just for me, but because I too would love to see my wife happy and being thinner would do that for her.

My wife talked about using her 401k and other options for financing to go to Decatur and pay just over $10k. I happened to stumble across the idea of mexico Medical Tourism. She was scared about it until reading more on this site about the successes and that's why I wanted to write this to help others in the decision that it's not near what you think. You see while she may get financed, there was no option for me other than tax return this February-ish to get me close to the cost just to go to Mexico. Well when financing fell through, we both decided Mexico was our option. Many website searches and forums read led us to Dr. Ortiz with ALighterMe.com.

So to jump to it for me... I was scheduled for December 30th to take advantage of a slight discount on their regular price for the holidays and travel increases. My flight was in on the 29th and early so I was asked if it was ok to move my surgery up to the 29th. I flew in and when I was walking out to ground transportation I tried to call Abraham. Well Orlando called me right then and told me he was looking for me. I found a sign outside, called him and told him the sign "P Zone" and he was there within a few minutes. Traffic was hell though. Two ladies were in the van when I hopped in. The van was a little rough, yes, but I wasn't expecting a limo either. We stopped by another parking lot place to pick up some more folks and off to mexico we went. We went straight to the hospital and up to the fourth floor. Orlando checked me in with the nurses and had me wait in a small waiting room as they were cleaning the rooms and releasing people back to the Marriott. Once my room was ready a male nurse came to get me and took me to the room. The room was fine with a hospital bed, the little stand/eating tray that comes over the bed, tv, place for my things, and full bathroom. It was clean and the bed had clean sheets. It felt like a regular hospital room.

Eduardo came in to introduce himself to me and tell me anything I need to let him, Abraham (when he would come in) or Orlando know. They all promised to take care of any needs. I feel I am very humble anyways and didn't need anything at all. The nurse came in and she was CUTE, but spoke no English. She gave me a gown and asked me to change. I did and then she proceeded to put on the compression socks on my legs. From there I was given an IV and a pro-tip here -- ask for it in the forearm, not the hand. My wife's hand hurt a week out due to the antibiotics and such they push through the IV. I had to take it in the bend of my arm where you normally would give blood, just because it was easier for her to get the vein. While getting the IV, another technician came in and drew blood from my right side for the lab work. The nurse then hooked me up to the EKG, which I have never had. The machine looked old and archaic, but what do I know, I've never had one. She hooked up many points on my chest, both ankles, and wrists. Once done I then was there sitting around and waiting. I waited and waited and waited. I met Abraham, Dr. Ortiz, and his assistant Dr. They gave me plenty of opportunity to ask questions and they all made sure I knew what I was getting into. I did ask about the drain and IV as to when they would come out and what the best things I could do. Dr. Ortiz told me to make sure I walk alot and that I eat the ice chips and drink as much as I could stand to practice for while I am at the hotel. Don't let two hours go by without drinking as I would get dehydrated. Many nurses were in and out as well. Later in the evening Jessica came in to check on my vitals and introduced herself. She spoke great English and was very pleasant. She was my favorite. Very pretty, very sweet person, and I could tell had a caring heart. She asked me to be forgiving of her counterpart as she didn't speak very good English and that her English was only ok. I can tell you, her English was great, absolutely fantastic compared to my Spanish! I knew what I was getting into though, I was in Mexico. This was no surprise. I found out that the room I was in was going to be my room, so I setup my stuff while waiting, cpap setup and filled with Water, phone on the charger, and suitcase locked. I screwed up on the safe, but really didn't need it. I just put a padlock on my suitcase. The wifi was great, I put my iphone on airplane mode and turned wifi on to message the hell out of my wife and play hay day all day long.

Later that night (close to 10pm), Jessica came in and asked me if I was ready "as ready as I'm going to be". So she put on some little booties and a hair net for me. I threw my phone on the charger and hopped in a wheel chair. They took me down to the 3rd floor. From there I walked around into another room outside of the operating room. From there I hopped on another bed and then the anesthesiologist introduced himself. They took my vitals and of course high heart rate (nerves). So they asked me if I was nervous and I say "of course". I was offered some meds and I accepted. He put a little in my IV and walked off. He came back to check on me and I felt much more relaxed. They took vitals again and asked me if I was ready to go into surgery. With a "yes" they escorted me off the bed and into the operating room. I crawled onto another bed that was flat and I laid there looking a two very large operation lights (that were not on yet). The anesthesiologist was doing some work above my head and mentioned something if I was ready again. I don't remember anything else from there. I woke up at midnight with a pain in my abdomen and struggling with the oxygen mask. Jessica was right at my side telling me "Joe, don't move, don't move". I asked when I could go to my room and when I could get up and walk. She said to lay down and rest right now, we will take you soon. Another 30 minutes or hour passed or so and they asked if I could move my feet and legs. They had given me more pain meds and I was able to raise my legs up and move them ok. They wheeled the bed into the little elevator and up I went back to my room. They bunked the beds next to each other and I crawled over. Jessica handed me my CPAP and turned it on. I asked when I could start walking because I wanted the drain out and no gas pains. She said as soon as I felt ready I could start walking and have ice chips. About 2am I got up and was walking the halls. I had pain in my abdomen, above my belly, like in my diaphram. I walked the hall a few times and Orlando came up. He had some drinks with him and we gave each other grief as "what are those for" and he said "for you my friend, for you." I knew he was joking and we laughed it off as he put them in the fridge. I talked to Jessica about the pain and asked if it was probably drain or gas pain. My shoulders didn't hurt which is where most people feel the gas pain. She indicated to me where the drain was and how I was not having pain from that. I walked more, grabbed some ice chips, and went back to bed. At 4am they came in for more meds and after I got up walking around and ice chips. This continued for a while. I never had nausea only pain in the upper part of my stomach and mostly was controlled fine with pain meds. Dr Ortiz came in and checked me indicated that I was a good patient and there was no problems. No leaks when they tested the surgery and that I would do another test just to be sure. He checked my drain and said if it continues to look good, no dark red, we will remove it tomorrow morning. I was stoked and kept on walking! I had the swallow test and all was clear there. It was until the labs came back though from the swallow test around 2-3pm that allowed me to have my first sip of apple juice and gatorade. I did have to ask for more pain meds later that afternoon. All seemed to clear up and I continued to walk on commercial breaks on TV or whenever my back would get tired of the bed.

Monday night late, my IV was running out when they gave me a round of meds. I noticed this after the nurse left and decided to go walking and ask her about it. She took the IV off and put a cap on the port in my arm. I was a little shocked, but elated cause I didn't have to drag the pole around. I walked and walked.

Yesterday morning, they came in, checked the drain, and said we will remove it. I had it removed and while it was very awkward, it was not too painful, but more just awkward feeling. It was pretty quick and I really felt like a new person. I continued to walk around and they finally took out the IV port. I was then released to Abraham and Eduardo to go to the Marriott.

I must say the Marriott is a great hotel. It's beautiful and very clean/welcoming. I will say bring a computer/ipad/books or something. There are not many channels in English. I walked to Wal-Mart on my first day out. It is a half mile each way and uphill / downhill both ways. The trip today was much better than yesterday. There is a GNC by the Walmart and it has some RTD 51 shakes. They are by MET-Rx "Protein Plus" shakes. I have had the chocolate so far and it is very good. It has 51g of Protein per can. The hotel broth is to die for. I had it for lunch when I got here and heated up another couple of ounces of it for dinner last night in the coffee pot (lol, yes I am innovative too). It is the best chicken broth I have ever had! Abraham will give you a gatorade. It's small and I would suggest keeping it for the flight out. I got one from the hospital too, so I have two for the flight. I picked up a bigger one at Wal-Mart for just over a $1 that lasted me yesterday.

I have been drinking alot of fluids, more so than I thought I would be able to handle. Two 600mL waters with propel zero powder mixed in and a 600mL gatorade yesterday. Two 600mL waters with powder and on Protein Shake so far today. ALighterMe gives you a care package when you leave the hospital with all of your meds and they explain what you need to take when. You have a Maalox type of med to coat your stomach 5 minutes before you take your antibiotics, but it is also good for gas and churning stomach I have found out. The pain meds are good in they are almost instant and sub lingual. I haven't had to take many, but on my walks I take one and did last night too to help me sleep.

Two other folks with me in the hospital were having issues. Both hurt very much from gas pains and one had a hand that was numb. It wasn't from the IV either, but he said they had to restrain him in surgery... Anyways, I noticed them complaining on the ride to the hotel and I felt bad for them because I felt so good. They were supposed to get their drains out today where I was a day early. I think the key though is walking. They were feeling nausea or pain or something that kept them from walking as much as I did. I think this is slowing their recovery.

Overall, I'm very happy I chose ALighterMe for the surgery and I so thankful to them and the courteous staff at MI Doctor for helping me turn my life around. I know I'm not far in, but having survived without feeling hungry or any cravings since Saturday is a wonderful thing. I drink only cause I know I need to and I know things are going to be great from here on out. Anyone who has any thoughts of going to Mexico for the surgery, I hope you find some solace in my story and make an educated decision. I had a wonderful experience and I will never "recommend" anyone to do this because of the complications, if you are going to do it anyways, I will recommend ALighterMe and Dr. Elias Ortiz. My wife had a very good experience just two weeks prior to me and my experience drives it home for me. I can't be thankful enough.

Edited January 1, 2014 by jokerier

[Kindle 8,667]

Thanks for your post. Glad everything is going so well and that you had as good of an experience down there as I did. I Had my surgery at OCC (with similarly friendly and accommodating staff) on 12/20 but stayed at the Marriott, too. Loved the broth and great to have Walmart and GNC to walk to. My sister came with me so she especially appreciated the Starbucks. Good Luck with your recovery. Happy 2014.

[Susysleever 265]

I am confused. Did your wife have VS too?

[jokerier 18]

I am confused. Did your wife have VS too?

Yes, she did with Dr. Ortiz of A Lighter Me on December 16th.

[Susysleever 265]

ok. I get it now.

[Water Nazi 61]

Hi Joe,

Very well written. I appreciate all your details. I will be there in 3 weeks and I feel like I have a good idea of what to expect.

 Not the first time I've read comments of Dr Elias Ortiz patients feeling like they were having an easier recovery than other patients.

 

 

"Two other folks with me in the hospital were having issues.  Both hurt very much from gas pains and one had a hand that was numb.  It wasn't from the IV either, but he said they had to restrain him in surgery...  Anyways, I noticed them complaining on the ride to the hotel and I felt bad for them because I felt so good.  They were supposed to get their drains out today where I was a day early.  I think the key though is walking.  They were feeling nausea or pain or something that kept them from walking as much as I did.  I think this is slowing their recovery. "

[chonda 10]

tHANK YOU for sharing your story... As most all stories I've read about A Lighter Me and Dr. Ortiz have been good... your story helps ease some of the nervousness of going!! Thank you again for sharing.

[katie75009 34]

Your story almost mirrors mine exactly. I was with Dr. Ortiz last August. It was one of the best decisions I have made. And I remember feeling bad for others I met, and a little guilty, that I didn't even have any nausea. Im happy for both you and your wife!

[shungsleeve 62]

It all began when we found out that my wife's close friend was getting the sleeve done. She had it done in Decatur Texas and had part of her insurance help due to a hiatal hernia. We quickly saw her results and had probed her for questions. 9 months later we were on a cruise with her, her husband, and another friend couple. She looked fantastic and was a completely new person. I could put my arms around her when I hugged her and it really got my wife and I talking about it. We pried her for all of the questions and our intrigue got very serious. My wife signed us up for a seminar with the local hospital group in Wichita, KS. 10 minutes into the conversations they passed out a price sheet for self pay and I was about ready to leave then ($22,000+). You see my insurance only covers four visits to a dietitian, nothing more. During the presentation though we learn of the many comorbidities that are cured in the surgeries or rather percentages that are resolved. What hit home the most for me was the three I have, diabetes (on metformin daily), high blood pressure (lisinopril daily), and sleep apnea (prescribed cpap nightly). This became really important for me to find out more. Not just for me, but because I too would love to see my wife happy and being thinner would do that for her. My wife talked about using her 401k and other options for financing to go to Decatur and pay just over $10k. I happened to stumble across the idea of mexico medical tourism. She was scared about it until reading more on this site about the successes and that's why I wanted to write this to help others in the decision that it's not near what you think. You see while she may get financed, there was no option for me other than tax return this February-ish to get me close to the cost just to go to Mexico. Well when financing fell through, we both decided Mexico was our option. Many website searches and forums read led us to Dr. Ortiz with ALighterMe.com. So to jump to it for me... I was scheduled for December 30th to take advantage of a slight discount on their regular price for the holidays and travel increases. My flight was in on the 29th and early so I was asked if it was ok to move my surgery up to the 29th. I flew in and when I was walking out to ground transportation I tried to call Abraham. Well Orlando called me right then and told me he was looking for me. I found a sign outside, called him and told him the sign "P Zone" and he was there within a few minutes. Traffic was hell though. Two ladies were in the van when I hopped in. The van was a little rough, yes, but I wasn't expecting a limo either. We stopped by another parking lot place to pick up some more folks and off to mexico we went. We went straight to the hospital and up to the fourth floor. Orlando checked me in with the nurses and had me wait in a small waiting room as they were cleaning the rooms and releasing people back to the Marriott. Once my room was ready a male nurse came to get me and took me to the room. The room was fine with a hospital bed, the little stand/eating tray that comes over the bed, tv, place for my things, and full bathroom. It was clean and the bed had clean sheets. It felt like a regular hospital room. Eduardo came in to introduce himself to me and tell me anything I need to let him, Abraham (when he would come in) or Orlando know. They all promised to take care of any needs. I feel I am very humble anyways and didn't need anything at all. The nurse came in and she was CUTE, but spoke no English. She gave me a gown and asked me to change. I did and then she proceeded to put on the compression socks on my legs. From there I was given an IV and a pro-tip here -- ask for it in the forearm, not the hand. My wife's hand hurt a week out due to the antibiotics and such they push through the IV. I had to take it in the bend of my arm where you normally would give blood, just because it was easier for her to get the vein. While getting the IV, another technician came in and drew blood from my right side for the lab work. The nurse then hooked me up to the EKG, which I have never had. The machine looked old and archaic, but what do I know, I've never had one. She hooked up many points on my chest, both ankles, and wrists. Once done I then was there sitting around and waiting. I waited and waited and waited. I met Abraham, Dr. Ortiz, and his assistant Dr. They gave me plenty of opportunity to ask questions and they all made sure I knew what I was getting into. I did ask about the drain and IV as to when they would come out and what the best things I could do. Dr. Ortiz told me to make sure I walk alot and that I eat the ice chips and drink as much as I could stand to practice for while I am at the hotel. Don't let two hours go by without drinking as I would get dehydrated. Many nurses were in and out as well. Later in the evening Jessica came in to check on my vitals and introduced herself. She spoke great English and was very pleasant. She was my favorite. Very pretty, very sweet person, and I could tell had a caring heart. She asked me to be forgiving of her counterpart as she didn't speak very good English and that her English was only ok. I can tell you, her English was great, absolutely fantastic compared to my Spanish! I knew what I was getting into though, I was in Mexico. This was no surprise. I found out that the room I was in was going to be my room, so I setup my stuff while waiting, cpap setup and filled with Water, phone on the charger, and suitcase locked. I screwed up on the safe, but really didn't need it. I just put a padlock on my suitcase. The wifi was great, I put my iphone on airplane mode and turned wifi on to message the hell out of my wife and play hay day all day long. Later that night (close to 10pm), Jessica came in and asked me if I was ready "as ready as I'm going to be". So she put on some little booties and a hair net for me. I threw my phone on the charger and hopped in a wheel chair. They took me down to the 3rd floor. From there I walked around into another room outside of the operating room. From there I hopped on another bed and then the anesthesiologist introduced himself. They took my vitals and of course high heart rate (nerves). So they asked me if I was nervous and I say "of course". I was offered some meds and I accepted. He put a little in my IV and walked off. He came back to check on me and I felt much more relaxed. They took vitals again and asked me if I was ready to go into surgery. With a "yes" they escorted me off the bed and into the operating room. I crawled onto another bed that was flat and I laid there looking a two very large operation lights (that were not on yet). The anesthesiologist was doing some work above my head and mentioned something if I was ready again. I don't remember anything else from there. I woke up at midnight with a pain in my abdomen and struggling with the oxygen mask. Jessica was right at my side telling me "Joe, don't move, don't move". I asked when I could go to my room and when I could get up and walk. She said to lay down and rest right now, we will take you soon. Another 30 minutes or hour passed or so and they asked if I could move my feet and legs. They had given me more pain meds and I was able to raise my legs up and move them ok. They wheeled the bed into the little elevator and up I went back to my room. They bunked the beds next to each other and I crawled over. Jessica handed me my CPAP and turned it on. I asked when I could start walking because I wanted the drain out and no gas pains. She said as soon as I felt ready I could start walking and have ice chips. About 2am I got up and was walking the halls. I had pain in my abdomen, above my belly, like in my diaphram. I walked the hall a few times and Orlando came up. He had some drinks with him and we gave each other grief as "what are those for" and he said "for you my friend, for you." I knew he was joking and we laughed it off as he put them in the fridge. I talked to Jessica about the pain and asked if it was probably drain or gas pain. My shoulders didn't hurt which is where most people feel the gas pain. She indicated to me where the drain was and how I was not having pain from that. I walked more, grabbed some ice chips, and went back to bed. At 4am they came in for more meds and after I got up walking around and ice chips. This continued for a while. I never had nausea only pain in the upper part of my stomach and mostly was controlled fine with pain meds. Dr Ortiz came in and checked me indicated that I was a good patient and there was no problems. No leaks when they tested the surgery and that I would do another test just to be sure. He checked my drain and said if it continues to look good, no dark red, we will remove it tomorrow morning. I was stoked and kept on walking! I had the swallow test and all was clear there. It was until the labs came back though from the swallow test around 2-3pm that allowed me to have my first sip of apple juice and gatorade. I did have to ask for more pain meds later that afternoon. All seemed to clear up and I continued to walk on commercial breaks on TV or whenever my back would get tired of the bed. Monday night late, my IV was running out when they gave me a round of meds. I noticed this after the nurse left and decided to go walking and ask her about it. She took the IV off and put a cap on the port in my arm. I was a little shocked, but elated cause I didn't have to drag the pole around. I walked and walked. Yesterday morning, they came in, checked the drain, and said we will remove it. I had it removed and while it was very awkward, it was not too painful, but more just awkward feeling. It was pretty quick and I really felt like a new person. I continued to walk around and they finally took out the IV port. I was then released to Abraham and Eduardo to go to the Marriott. I must say the Marriott is a great hotel. It's beautiful and very clean/welcoming. I will say bring a computer/ipad/books or something. There are not many channels in English. I walked to Wal-Mart on my first day out. It is a half mile each way and uphill / downhill both ways. The trip today was much better than yesterday. There is a GNC by the Walmart and it has some RTD 51 shakes. They are by MET-Rx "Protein Plus" shakes. I have had the chocolate so far and it is very good. It has 51g of Protein per can. The hotel broth is to die for. I had it for lunch when I got here and heated up another couple of ounces of it for dinner last night in the coffee pot (lol, yes I am innovative too). It is the best chicken broth I have ever had! Abraham will give you a gatorade. It's small and I would suggest keeping it for the flight out. I got one from the hospital too, so I have two for the flight. I picked up a bigger one at Wal-Mart for just over a $1 that lasted me yesterday. I have been drinking alot of fluids, more so than I thought I would be able to handle. Two 600mL waters with propel zero powder mixed in and a 600mL gatorade yesterday. Two 600mL waters with powder and on Protein Shake so far today. ALighterMe gives you a care package when you leave the hospital with all of your meds and they explain what you need to take when. You have a Maalox type of med to coat your stomach 5 minutes before you take your antibiotics, but it is also good for gas and churning stomach I have found out. The pain meds are good in they are almost instant and sub lingual. I haven't had to take many, but on my walks I take one and did last night too to help me sleep. Two other folks with me in the hospital were having issues. Both hurt very much from gas pains and one had a hand that was numb. It wasn't from the IV either, but he said they had to restrain him in surgery... Anyways, I noticed them complaining on the ride to the hotel and I felt bad for them because I felt so good. They were supposed to get their drains out today where I was a day early. I think the key though is walking. They were feeling nausea or pain or something that kept them from walking as much as I did. I think this is slowing their recovery. Overall, I'm very happy I chose ALighterMe for the surgery and I so thankful to them and the courteous staff at MI Doctor for helping me turn my life around. I know I'm not far in, but having survived without feeling hungry or any cravings since Saturday is a wonderful thing. I drink only cause I know I need to and I know things are going to be great from here on out. Anyone who has any thoughts of going to Mexico for the surgery, I hope you find some solace in my story and make an educated decision. I had a wonderful experience and I will never "recommend" anyone to do this because of the complications, if you are going to do it anyways, I will recommend ALighterMe and Dr. Elias Ortiz. My wife had a very good experience just two weeks prior to me and my experience drives it home for me. I can't be thankful enough.

I had a great experience with then as well.