How much did you pay?

[kreeny80 0]

OCC = Orange County Choppers??? :whatchutalkingabout

Yes. Dr. Oritz did my surgery

2big4U: how did you find Dr. Ortiz? I'm in Calgary, and I've heard the wait list for the sponsored surgery can be 2 years. If I can pay less than $16k ... that would be great.

How was the whole experience? Good? Bad? Would you recommend it to others?

-- Kreeny

[peaches9 3]

$16,000 in Toronto, TLBC

best money I have ever spent in my life

Alex, just a question, are your weight numbers on the bottom correct? Was your starting weight 247?

[Alex R. 0]

Hi Peaches - yup. Starting weight was 247

Might even have been a bit over 250 a few months prior to that.

I've been trying to lose another 15-20 pounds for the past few months. But I find that its not crucial now. I'm so happy that I look relatively normal - still large, but normal. I can eat almost anything I want and don't feel deprived. I can buy clothes in regular stores. I have increased energy and mobility. If I can lose some more, it will be a bonus.

[peaches9 3]

Hey Alex, that is great... you look awesome too. I've seen your pic on TLBC website. I met you at the beginning of your journey. But perhaps you don't remember... it was at a nutrician session at the clinic I think.

Still doing the chef bus?

I am stuck in the 170's but after th holidays I will make a more concerted effort to lose the remaining 30

Have a great holiday season!

[Vangirl 0]

2big4U: how did you find Dr. Ortiz? I'm in Calgary, and I've heard the wait list for the sponsored surgery can be 2 years. If I can pay less than $16k ... that would be great.

How was the whole experience? Good? Bad? Would you recommend it to others?

-- Kreeny

Kreeny,

I was banded by Dr. Ortiz just over two weeks ago, and was able to get a surgery date within weeks of my first calling.

I personally had a great experience there and would definitely recommend it to others.

If you decide to have your surgery outside of your area, make sure to plan ahead for your fills, and budget this into your anticipated costs. You can look up Northwest Fills Management to find fill doctors in your area. I personally will be going back to Dr. Ortiz's clinic for my first fill, because they do it under fluoroscopy. I may go to a local dr. for future fills.

[DannyLu 0]

$7950.00 USD. in Mexico. included 3 night in Hotel and transportation from San Diego.

Follow up care...

Flight from Calgary to San Diego +/-$500.00.

Fills are $100.00.

Hotel in San Diego with my wife and no Kids +/-$200.00

Not having to go to Toronto in Febuary = PRICELESS:tongue2:

Seriously, With the money I "saved" by going to Mexico I can make 5-6 trips to get fills in Mexico. I had to decide that I could do the work myself without the support groups and other seminars that some Canadian clinics and doctors provide. I do not regret my decision at all but it is not for everyone. With more people getting the band, there will certainly be a need for aftermarket follow up care in the future.

Do you go to Mexico for fills or did you manage to find someone in Calgary? Also, who did you go to in Mexico? I am considering Dr Ortiz.

Thanks!

[susieq321 31]

I paid 10K in Toronto... but I was also banded over 7 years ago and when I was banded there was nothing no clinics etc... Knowing what I know now I would have no qualms paying 20K for a new band

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