Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the OCC

[Cat33 1]

 

That is interesting that we will be there around the same time. 

 

Craziness! I am flying to San Diego on July 9th and having surgery on the 11th. Two of my companions are having surgery on the 10! Today is day three of three shakes a day. I can barley choke the third one down, I would kill for a piece of fruit. Or some strawberries!

I am also starting the shakes (Premier Protein) and diet.  I will start three shakes a day tomorrow. Three weeks on Protein Shakes will be a challenge.  I am flying down to San Diego on July 9 and having the surgery on July 10. 

I am a little nervous about having surgery in TJ but from what I have read Dr. Ortiz and the OCC sound like it will be a positive experience.  I also hope the plication is a good choice instead of the sleeve.

 

I hope this gets easier as the days go on.

I know what you mean about the shakes.  I have trouble getting all three down too.  Thank goodness there is less than two weeks until surgery.   What Protein Shake are you drinking?  (Vitaleph?)

The nutritionist at OCC said it would be ok for me to use the Premier Protein drinks for now but that I should use their expensive product after the surgery.  I would love to know the nutritional info on the Vitaleph. 

Do you know what the post-op diet plan is and how long we will be on a liquid diet after the plication surgery?

I am using several different Protein powders. I took the alternative diet sheet to the store and bought some that fit in their nutritional guidelines. A lot of them don't meet the requirements for Fiber, but you can add bene fiber or something like that.

 

I didn't buy their shakes because when I got to the online checkout there was a problem with their verification or something that stopped me and asked me if I was sure I wanted to proceed. I did not. I am not sure what the post op diet is, but from what I gather from online forums and the such, it looks like a week of clear fluids, a week of full fluids and then a week of softer foods. That may not be right, but I will be stocking my pantry with apple juice, broth, Soups, SF Popsicle and SF Jello before I go.I am also trying to find a Protein Powder that I can sprinkle in clear fluids to ensure I get enough protein for optimal healing.

Thanks for the info.  It’s nice to hear what others are doing to prepare for surgery. 

 

What is the alternative diet sheet and guidelines that you mentioned?

 

Each 11 oz Premier Protein shake has: 30 g protein, 160 calories, 1g sugar, and 24 Vitamins and minerals that are 25% DV (50% of Calcium and phosphorus). 

I hope this will meet the post-op requirements as well as the pre-op. The OCC Post-Op plan is $225 and is protein shakes, vitamins, Probiotics and calcium w/D3.  I hope I can use the shakes, vitamins, probiotics and calcium/D3 that I already have.

[Sweetums 13]

That is interesting that we will be there around the same time.

Craziness! I am flying to San Diego on July 9th and having surgery on the 11th. Two of my companions are having surgery on the 10! Today is day three of three shakes a day. I can barley choke the third one down, I would kill for a piece of fruit. Or some strawberries!

I am also starting the shakes (Premier Protein) and diet. I will start three shakes a day tomorrow. Three weeks on Protein Shakes will be a challenge. I am flying down to San Diego on July 9 and having the surgery on July 10.

I am a little nervous about having surgery in TJ but from what I have read Dr. Ortiz and the OCC sound like it will be a positive experience. I also hope the plication is a good choice instead of the sleeve.

I hope this gets easier as the days go on.

I know what you mean about the shakes. I have trouble getting all three down too. Thank goodness there is less than two weeks until surgery. What Protein Shake are you drinking? (Vitaleph?)

The nutritionist at OCC said it would be ok for me to use the Premier Protein drinks for now but that I should use their expensive product after the surgery. I would love to know the nutritional info on the Vitaleph.

Do you know what the post-op diet plan is and how long we will be on a liquid diet after the plication surgery?

I am using several different Protein powders. I took the alternative diet sheet to the store and bought some that fit in their nutritional guidelines. A lot of them don't meet the requirements for fiber, but you can add bene fiber or something like that.

I didn't buy their shakes because when I got to the online checkout there was a problem with their verification or something that stopped me and asked me if I was sure I wanted to proceed. I did not. I am not sure what the post op diet is, but from what I gather from online forums and the such, it looks like a week of clear fluids, a week of full fluids and then a week of softer foods. That may not be right, but I will be stocking my pantry with apple juice, broth, Soups, SF Popsicle and SF Jello before I go.I am also trying to find a protein powder that I can sprinkle in clear fluids to ensure I get enough protein for optimal healing.

Thanks for the info. It’s nice to hear what others are doing to prepare for surgery.

What is the alternative diet sheet and guidelines that you mentioned?

Each 11 oz Premier Protein shake has: 30 g protein, 160 calories, 1g sugar, and 24 Vitamins and minerals that are 25% DV (50% of Calcium and phosphorus).

I hope this will meet the post-op requirements as well as the pre-op. The OCC Post-Op plan is $225 and is protein shakes, vitamins, probiotics and calcium w/D3. I hope I can use the shakes, vitamins, probiotics and calcium/D3 that I already have.

The alternative diet was in one of the many information emails I received just after I booked, it is as follows:

Here is your alternative preop diet instructions to start a minimum of 15 days prior

to surgery. - open attachment for further instructions

Alternative protein shakes should meet the following criteria per serving:

Minimum of 20 grams of protein per serving

Minimum of 3 grams of fiber

No more than 2 grams of sugar

No more than 8 grams of carbs

No more than 3 grams of fat

Not over 200 calories per serving

Add a probiotic

Whey protein is preferable

If using a powdered protein shake mix (whey protein preferred), add only to Water, non fat skim milk or any milk substitute such as unsweetened almond, hemp, soy or rice milk (no sugar added)

Alternative vitamins prior to surgery . We recommend VITALEPH. If you choose to use an alternative, any good bariatric vitamins or Women's/Men's One a Day, Centrum Silver, etc. with double the dosage (2 a day!) will work + (if possible) 18 mg of iron

Total per day of 1500 mg calcium citrate with at least 400 IU of Vitamin D, take 4 caplets in a day.

This is what I have been following with my shakes. Its hard to get the amount of fiber, so I had to tinker with that one.

[mrsbshe 21]

Well I'm sleeved wow what a difference a few days can make!

I just got back fom a little TJ shopping had som awesome broth and now it's time for a nap.

I will post more after my rest.

So half I'm on the other side.

[Cat33 1]

 

The alternative diet was in one of the many information emails I received just after I booked, it is as follows:

 

Thanks for the info.  It’s nice to hear what others are doing to prepare for surgery. 

 

I am using several different Protein powders. I took the alternative diet sheet to the store and bought some that fit in their nutritional guidelines. A lot of them don't meet the requirements for fiber, but you can add bene fiber or something like that.

That is interesting that we will be there around the same time. 

 

Craziness! I am flying to San Diego on July 9th and having surgery on the 11th. Two of my companions are having surgery on the 10! Today is day three of three shakes a day. I can barley choke the third one down, I would kill for a piece of fruit. Or some strawberries!

I am also starting the shakes (Premier Protein) and diet.  I will start three shakes a day tomorrow. Three weeks on Protein Shakes will be a challenge.  I am flying down to San Diego on July 9 and having the surgery on July 10. 

I am a little nervous about having surgery in TJ but from what I have read Dr. Ortiz and the OCC sound like it will be a positive experience.  I also hope the plication is a good choice instead of the sleeve.

 

I hope this gets easier as the days go on.

I know what you mean about the shakes.  I have trouble getting all three down too.  Thank goodness there is less than two weeks until surgery.   What Protein Shake are you drinking?  (Vitaleph?)

The nutritionist at OCC said it would be ok for me to use the Premier Protein drinks for now but that I should use their expensive product after the surgery.  I would love to know the nutritional info on the Vitaleph. 

Do you know what the post-op diet plan is and how long we will be on a liquid diet after the plication surgery?

 

I didn't buy their shakes because when I got to the online checkout there was a problem with their verification or something that stopped me and asked me if I was sure I wanted to proceed. I did not. I am not sure what the post op diet is, but from what I gather from online forums and the such, it looks like a week of clear fluids, a week of full fluids and then a week of softer foods. That may not be right, but I will be stocking my pantry with apple juice, broth, Soups, SF Popsicle and SF Jello before I go.I am also trying to find a protein powder that I can sprinkle in clear fluids to ensure I get enough protein for optimal healing.

 

What is the alternative diet sheet and guidelines that you mentioned?

 

Each 11 oz Premier Protein shake has: 30 g protein, 160 calories, 1g sugar, and 24 Vitamins and minerals that are 25% DV (50% of Calcium and phosphorus). 

I hope this will meet the post-op requirements as well as the pre-op. The OCC Post-Op plan is $225 and is protein shakes, vitamins, probiotics and calcium w/D3.  I hope I can use the shakes, vitamins, probiotics and calcium/D3 that I already have.

 

Here is your alternative preop diet instructions to start a minimum of 15 days prior

to surgery. - open attachment for further instructions

 

Alternative protein shakes should meet the following criteria per serving:

Minimum of 20 grams of protein per serving

Minimum of 3 grams of fiber

No more than 2 grams of sugar

No more than 8 grams of carbs

No more than 3 grams of fat

Not over 200 calories per serving

Add a probiotic

Whey protein is preferable

 

If using a powdered protein shake mix (whey protein preferred), add only to water, non fat skim milk or any milk substitute such  as unsweetened almond, hemp, soy or rice milk (no sugar added)

 

Alternative vitamins prior to surgery .  We recommend VITALEPH.  If you choose to use an alternative,  any good bariatric vitamins or Women's/Men's One a Day, Centrum Silver, etc. with double the dosage (2 a day!) will work + (if possible) 18 mg of iron

 

Total per day of 1500 mg calcium citrate with at least 400 IU of Vitamin D, take 4 caplets in a day.

 

 

This is what I have been following with my shakes. Its hard to get the amount of fiber, so I had to tinker with that one.

Thanks for the info, it's good to know.  When I talked with nutritionist at OCC she didn't offer this info.

Hope your doing well with your pre-op diet.  Thank goodness it's getting closer to surgery.....then we'll have to deal with the post-op diet.     (OCC sent me a copy of the post-op)

[Sweetums 13]

Uh oh. I haven't spoken with the nutritionist in depth. Just a couple of emails back and forth with a few questions I had. Do I want to know what the post op diet is? I was thinking its the 21 days of liquids that Dr. Ortiz talks about on you tube. I keep thinking short term pain for long term gain, but Ive never been a fan of pain. Or being hungry.

[mrsbshe 21]

At the airport for my flight home

[JawaGal42 17]

After you rest up, we want to hear ALL about it, please!

[Water Nazi 61]

I had Dr E Ortiz in Feb. No complications, no pain, no gas, no kidding.

I bounced back immediately AND I'm 54!

ALM did a good job. I travelled alone and I think it's a better way to go. It's pretty boring for the other person and you'll hook up with lots of people in the lobby all going to different Drs and hospitals. There's a real comradery.

HTH W

ps down 50 in 5 mths! Amazing!

[Texas Jess 29]

I'm on my 2 week pre op diet.... I'm soooo hungry!

[Sweetums 13]

I'm on my 2 week pre op diet.... I'm soooo hungry!

I hear you! it will be worth it in the end. Just keep moving forward!

[BrittanyG 8]

I'm scheduled for July 15th with Dr. Elias Ortiz in Mexico. I'm getting so excited, with a little bit of nervousness!  Did anyone have their gall bladder removed?  I had a gall stone attack once when I was 7 months pregnant, and that is one of life's little surprises I'd rather not experience again. lol

[PBOOP3137 1]

Has anyone experienced sharp pains in their stomachs? Feels kind of

like gas. Feels good to put pressure on it and heat. I have not had ANY

problems AT ALL for the first 4 1/2 months. Sometimes it hurts when I

eat and sometimes it doesn't??? Can't figure out what's wrong. First I

thought it was gas, then Constipation, then eating too much or the wrong

things. Any ideas???? Thought I would give the OCC a call today. I

don't have a Doctor here that knows anything. (small town,USA) This is

the 4th day of it.

[slvrsax 301]

No pains in my stomach.  Is it for sure in your stomach, or is it to the right closer to your ribcage?  I've heard that kind of pain is gallbladder. 

 

As an update to fellow OCC'rs past or future - at Dr. So's suggestion (because I still have acid), I had an upper GI done here in Seattle including biopsies.  The GI doc I saw was very thorough.  He also ordered ultrasound imaging of every organ in my mid-section.  His findings are:

 

Mild gastritis - (said the ppi should take care of it)

GERD - on the mild side of the scale (doesn't feel mild to me!)

No Barretts Esophagus (OCC said that prolonged acid left untreated like mine was before surgery can cause Barretts)

No Celiacs (have a history of wheat allergy as a child so he tested me)

Ultrasound revealed gallstones.  I'm not surprised but to date I haven't had any pain or symptoms.  He bumped me back up to 40mg of omeprazole per day (I had cut it down to 20 but he said to bump it back up because it would help the gastritis).  He also wants me to have my gall bladder out.  I know I have to eventually but I want to hit my 100 lbs lost first. 

 

My doc here was skeptical when I told him I had my surgery in MX.  He didn't come right out and say it but I could see it in his expression.  He was extremely thorough in his testing and I came through pretty well.  He hadn't seen a sleeve before (but had seen bypass and lap band) so I was a learning experience for him and other docs in his clinic.  I had my Vitamin levels checked back in April and besides Vitamin D being low (always is), everything looks fine.  I must admit, I wasn't so great about taking Vitamins until a few weeks ago.  Now I'm in compliance (I know - bad).  My insurance has an exclusion on WLS or complications but they covered all my testing and will cover me to have my gallbladder removed.

 

Down 92 lbs and feelin' sassy!  My exercise is 2X week Zumba, 2X week functional strength class and just started C25K 3 days a week/30 mins each time. 

 

I have pics on my phone, must figure out how to download

[2qtpies 6]

Pboop3137, what kind of foods are you eating when you encounter the pain? I think  Slvrsax may be on the right track, if the pain you are having is on the right hand side, sort of up under your ribs. I had my gallbladder removed a few years back, and it does vary from person to person, but the pain is often mostly in the front area, but can radiate all the way around. Different foods, especially anything fatty, can trigger an episode. For me, one of the triggers was coffee, or any type of pork, "lean" or otherwise.

 

I would definitely follow up with a doctor, If you are having pain similar to what I did, I wouldn't wish that on anyone!

 

Slvrsax, if you have the opportunity to get that sucker removed before it causes you problems, I highly recommend it.

 

While I'm on here, have any of you experienced anything with your incisions? I woke up this morning (I am now exactly one week out from surgery) and there is the big marble sized lump under the large incision. I emailed, and Dr.So thinks it may be a hematoma and has instructed to take ibuprofen every 8hrs for 3days, . I thought we couldn't take ibuprofen? Obviously I think Dr So knows more than I do, so I took one this morning, but has anyone else encountered this?

 

 

 

[foutchd 14]

I had my sleeve with Dr Ortiz June 28th great experience! It's not a walk in the park? You are having surgery! I couldn't be happier!