LoriBecky

I just send you a private message with information about surgery cost. Feel free to contact me anytime!

Hi, I'm sorry, I checked my mail for the last 2 weeks and don't have anything from you. Please feel free to try again anytime! I really do answer any email I receive.

Hi CSULB Feel free to contact me for information about Lap Band surgery with Dr. Ortiz!

ok... my mantra is "chew to goo", and eat very slowly! It makes a huge difference!

Rose, your pain sounds just like the pain I had, give it another week or two. If the pain persists or is really uncomfortable, use the phone # provided at your release from the clinic and call Dr. Ortiz, he really does expect you to use his cell number if you are experiencing pain. Discomfort is to be expected, but if you are in pain, please give him a call!

Ok Deb.... we are anxiously awaiting an update on your surgery

Hi Lapoli7 If you do get nervous or have questions, the people on the forum are great and you can call us at OCC anytime for reassurance or questions. Congratulations on your upcoming surgery!!

ok.... imagine me saying this in a Joan Crawford voice from Mommie Dearest "no carbonated beverages.... everrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr" Please take Dr. Miranda's advice... no more carbonated beverages. Is a small price to pay for your health. For some people it might not be a problem, but I don't think its a risk worth taking!

HI Earnest, Just keep my number handy, I'm happy to help in any way I can. We get so many email requests in a day, yours could have easily been lost in a spam folder. We do try our best to get back to anyone who asks a question, but sometimes things get lost or overlooked. We aren't perfect, but we do strive for satisified patients. If there is anything I can do for you, or anyone else on the board, please feel free to call me!

I had problems with the lettuce and raw veggies on an empty stomach because of my IBS. I did mainly the protein shakes and I supplemented with Fiber, ok ok I did have some weight watchers fudgesicles too shhhh! Just do the best you can. This is about more than losing some pounds before surgery. it is about shrinking the liver to make surgery go more smoothly. Please contact me if you have any other questions.

Hi again, I hope that anyone that had a question would feel free to ask! I don't think I'd call listing your accomplishments or continuing education "resume padding", but that's up to you. Please feel free to post questions, comments or suggestions, and you are right, Dr. Ortiz has a very loyal following because of his success rate and his concern for his patients. Feel free to contact me or any of the OCC staff anytime!

Hi Earnest, I spoke with Rene in our office today and he told me that he has provided you with information for follow-up care in Mexico City. If there is anything else i can do for you, please feel free to email or call.

HI Earnest, I did find your questions while answering contact emails from our website. I am still trying to find you a list of doctors in Mexico City that you can use for follow-up care. I did reply to your email. As you know, we never recommend doctors other than Dr. Ortiz, but we try to provide you with a list of doctors to choose from. We would like all our patients to be able to return to us for follow-up care, but we know this isn't always possible. As with all our patients, we want you to be happy with your experience. We provide each patient with a list of contact numbers when they are discharged from our clinic, including Dr. Ortiz' cell phone number. He wants you to call if you have any problems after surgery, if you experience symptoms you don't understand, or if you have any concerns. Just a note to all patients, if you have any questions, please call or email us directly. When you fill out a contact sheet from our website, it might be a few days until we can get back to you and when we get backed up, it may take even longer. If you are experiencing pain or problems, please call immediately, if it is an emergency, please call 911 or go to your local emergency room. Again, Earnest, I am sorry that you are dissatisfied and I will get back to you with a list once I have compiled one. You might want to check out http://groups.yahoo.com I know the mexican bandsters groups has an extensive list of doctors that will work on mexican banded patients. Feel free to email me directly lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com, I'll be happy to do what I can to help you.

Did you try adding anything to the soy protein shake? its amazing what a little sugar free instant chocolate milk powder will do to a shake, or even just some vanilla and a little sweetener. I admit I add a wee bit of peanut butter to my shakes when i make them, its barely a teaspoonful, but between that, the vanilla and a little stevia sweetener, they are very manageable. good luck!

Hi Patty, I was banded 6/15 and I think the best recommendation I can give you for Dr. Ortiz is that I was so impressed, that I asked for a job. I've been working with Obesity Control Center for a few weeks now and I am more and more impressed with Dr. Ortiz and his staff everyday. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to know more about my experience

OK... I think if you start here Dr. Ortiz you won't have ANY doubts about Dr. Ortiz' credentials or the fact that he is a highly trained surgeon, please note the YALE & HARVARD training and the other specialized training in laproscopy. Please also note that he is a Fellow of the AMERICAN College of Surgeons, and while not an American MD, he meets the tough criteria of these American organizations (see bottom of page at the above mentioned website) And he does teach and certify other surgeons and is highly regarded by Inamed, the manufacturer of the ONLY FDA approved lap band. Inamed considers him an "expert among experts" and uses him to proctor (train) other surgeons. I'd be happy to answer any other questions about Dr. Ortiz' credentials. Please feel free to contact me.

Hi Karen, email me at the address below and I'll get you in touch with Dr. Miranda!

Ok... here is the list (so far!) of things to take with you Gas X Strips Liquid Tylenol Sports Bra Elastic Waist Pants/Shorts Jacket Robe Slippers Toiletries Book Leave jewelry at home There are 2 computers available for you to use at the clinic with internet There is also wireless networking available for those that want to bring their laptops. I'm still compiling the list... so feel free to email me and let me know of anything else you'd like to add.

Hi Deb I've been trying to email you since I met you at the clinic to find out what happened. I'm so glad you finally going back for your surgery!!! I'm now working for Dr. Oritz scheduling surgeries and answering questions, so if there is anything I can do just give me a call! Good Luck on your surgery, I'm very excited for you!

Hey Chelly, Can I ask, how much was your fill? Glad it seems to be going well for you

Hey Eve, You'll meet people!!! In the lobby in the morning before pickup, on the way to the clinic with Mrs. O and at the clnic in the waiting area. Lots of moral support! Good Luck and call or email me if you have ANY questions!

Hi all, I just wanted to let everybody know that I called Laura today and she sounds like she is doing great! I think it may have been just her body getting used to the restriction, but you are all right, if she has any other signs or symptoms of chest pain she should call Dr. O immediately! He gives out his cell number for a reason and he really does expect you to use it - it upsets him when you don't!

You can sip water before the pre-op labs - just make sure not to sip anything - even water before surgery! Just to make sure your labs are absolutely accurate, I wouldn't have anything but sips of water.

Hi Linda, Everyone is different, everyone heals differently, so its hard to determine what your level of discomfort might be. I really didn't have any until 2 days after my surgery when I tried to do way too much - because I felt good - then my body reminded me that I'd just undergone a surgical procedure and I took it easy for a few days and I was fine. I truly believe that if you follow the doctors advice, all the doctors, including Dr. Miranda, you will experience little discomfort. The gas I think is the biggest issue so keep the GasX strips nearby. I'm nearly 3 weeks out from surgery today and I had some gas pains today, probably because I started eating and my body is adjusting. I find that taking Probiotic capsules really helps, and I didn't do that before my dinner. If you do experience discomfort after the first few days, you can contact any of us here at OCC or use the phone numbers to contact one of the doctors at the clinic, you will be given Dr. Ortiz' cell # and he expects you to use it if you have any concerns.

Oh my gosh, Chelley, you are too funny! She's right though, a spots bra would be much more comfortable, especially if you have a long journey home.! I think I'll start compiling a list, so if anyone has any suggestions, please email me at Lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com and i'll make a "best of" list to post for people and I can use it in my contact emails as well. Thanks!