LoriBecky

Dave - my husband makes his lower fat blue cheese with fat free sour cream and then just adds what he wants to it - you could probably do the same with the roasted garlic - start with the fat free sour cream (or reduced fat) and add what you want - including a little milk or evaporated skim milk (thicker) to thin it out a bit?

By the way - the plication number is more like 500 performed at OCC! We keep quoting a number until we are officially updated, so if you called within 30 days, you would get the same # performed! Its probably more then the 500 now, but I haven't gotten my update yet

Lmom - the other thread was deleted because it was full of false accusations and was actually legally shut down, as were the other sites she had posted on, she was a scammer from another patient board, scaring other patients with her misinformation. When we were able to track her down, she pulled all the rest of her posts on all the other sites. We are able to track IP addresses for posters, so even though people change their names, we know who they are..... OCC has a different technique for doing the plication that prevents those complications you are talking about, in fact, Dr. Ortiz was a lead speaker at the IFSO (International Federation Surgery for Obesity) last week in Barcelona Spain - presenting in front of the leaders in Bariatric Surgeryfrom around the world on the plication and sleeve techniques that he has pioneered! He was the ONLY surgeon invited to speak/present from Mexico. If you want more information on how Dr. Ortiz does the Plication or Sleeve surgery differently - give us a call, speak to Dr. Ortiz directly. You are correct, there are potential complications from any surgery! Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez work hard to look for new and better ways to perform ANY surgery. Plication results have never been better, same with Sleeve results. They don't rest just because something is good enough, they are always working to improve techniques for better outcomes and safer surgeries! And more then anything else, get your facts straight!

Hello OCC Sleeve patients. I have a question. I'm 2 weeks out from my sleeve revision surgery and wondering - how long did it take before you could get the thicker liquids like protein shakes or liquid yogurts down a bit easier? I'm 2 weeks out today and still really having to baby those, it takes me quite awhile to get through one. I know this is normal, just wondering what your experience was. Thanks! If you haven't read my blog - you can find it here. I encourage all of you to start one, it can be very helpful to other patients! http://www.occforum.com/index.php?app=blog

Hi Dottie, if your band is out, we probably won't need the endoscopy - but if your band is still in, its likely you'll have at least the barium swallow, and possibly the endoscopy as well, they need to check for any signs of band erosion before they do the surgery so they know what they are getting in to. The endoscopy will be performed after you are already under anesthesia - the barium swallow will be done as part of your pre-op testing. If nothing shows up on the barium swallow, its possible you won't need the endoscopy, but you should plan for it.

Have you visited our blog section yet? Its a great place to get to know other patients on a more personal level and let them get to know you. Inspire someone today, share your journey, even if you are already on your way, or have reached goal. Get help with struggles and offer support to others in a more in depth way! here's the link - start one, read one, respond to one.. .just jump in! http://www.occforum.com/index.php?app=blog

Hey Paula, you know how to reach me if you have any questions! I'm so anxious to see what the PRP does for me. I've been reading a lot about what it has done for people like Tiger Woods & Kobe Bryant with their orthopedic issues, because it can help heal tissue, create new blood vessels, help collagen production... its really amazing stuff and its all from your own body - they are studying even more because they think it can help your body create new stem cells! Amazing! Those sports stars had to fly to Germay to get their treatment, I feel so lucky I can go to a doctor I know and trust! Dr. So is also great with the Botox! I haven't done any of the fillers yet, if the PRP works like I hope it does, I may not need that

Carol I am sooooo excited for you! You are doing such a great job on the pre-op diet. Keep us all posted on your journey

Paula - you'll do GREAT The recovery isn't too different with the band removal - revision at the same time - except for the drain! Not a fun part of the surgery, but a vitally important part to help detect a leak. OCC has NEVER had one, but we are always cautious with our patients! Enjoy some downtime while you are there, get plenty of rest and stay hydrated Let me know how you are doing!

If you had surgery with us, please call Dr. So or Dr. Martinez at 1-866-376-7849 ext. 5 and speak with one of them. It sounds like you may need a bit of a touch up to your plication to tighten it up a bit. This can happen sometimes, but unless you call and let us know, we can't evaluate the issue Call tomorrow morning and speak with one of our doctors so they can determine if this is what is needed!

I found this quote today in an interview with Carnie Wilson. She recently had the Band Over Bypass surgery. Dr. Ortiz actually pioneered this type of surgery and has been performing for years and has performed hundreds of these! I think for anyone that is hesitant about finding out more about a revision surgery, this will hit home! "My message to people is you have to help yourself and when you're ready to change something, then you're ready. Nobody can do it for you. Don't hide out by yourself and feel ashamed, like a failure. You have to reach out and get help to do something about it. " Carnie Wilson If you are struggling with a failed procedure, we can help!

Hi Paula, the pre-op diet getting ready for a revision surgery is tough! The protein shakes are doing a number on my gut (I have IBS and the protein shakes seem to give me trouble). Its tough to go through stress AND a pre-op diet at the same time - my husband was let go from his job almost 2 weeks ago, so this is a very stressful time right now, and the head hunger - or rather for me, chocolate hunger, is sometimes so loud I think others can hear me crying out for it. I'm trying to look at it like this, there are so many things going on in my life that I have zero control over, staying on my pre-op diet is one of the only things I CAN control. I keep telling myself Just Do It... I think I'll blog on this a bit later.... if you need some support, just call me

Hi Bree, Dr. Ortiz actually pioneered the band over bypass procedure that was recently performed on Carnie Wilson. I had actually emailed Carnie about the surgery over 3 years ago! The way the bypass surgery is done makes it very easy for the stomach to stretch out. Dr. Ortiz has been putting bands over bypasses for years to give that restriction back. Our band over's are very successful! If you want more info - you can email me at lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com or call me at 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81 and I can try to get you in touch with other band over patients. Weight loss is hard, and your "tool" isn't performing like it used to, don't let your weight get really out of control before you reach out for help!

You are doing GREAT! As for the extra skin - if you do have a problem with that, which not all patients do, we can help you with that later... for now just focus on getting healthier and getting to your surgery date! I'm excited for you! I'm excited for me, too

Paula - its tough when we make a decision that we know is in our best interest, and we are going to a well known and trusted facility, and someone hears "mexico" and makes an assumption! You know your body better then anybody does, and you have done your research. Rest assured in your knowledge and not the misinformation of others. We will take great care of you

If you want more information on the different surgeries we offer or pricing call or email me 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81 or lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com.

Its not too late to get in on some of our March specials, if you book now, I'll hold the pricing through April procedure dates! You can schedule these while you are down for a surgery, a fill, or just want a day of pampering! Email cosmetic@thearielcenter.com for a full menu of services available! PRP Facial Regeneration (with growth factors and stem cells present in your own blood plasma). PRP special for $350! OR choose either PRP/Botox or PRP/Juvaderm special for $575 ($850 value!) or our non-surgical facelift which includes up to 30 units of Botox and 1 syringe of Juvaderm for $549 ($649 value). Ask for a consultation and schedule an appointment today! (Prices are cash price, credit card incurs additional fee) 1-866-376-7849 ext. 85 or cosmetic@thearielcenter.com www.thearielcenter.com www.thearielcenter.com

We are so excited that Gloria from Obesity Conrol Center and The Ariel Center is in labor with her first child, a little boy. Please send up your prayers for a safe and healthy (and quick) delivery! I will update when he arrives! So excited about the newest member of our OCC/TAC Family!

I wanted to remind everyone that we offer Cosmetic Surgery & other enhancement procedures, performed at our US accredited, International Center of Excellence Hospital with The Ariel Center (www.thearielcenter.com), a division of Obesity Control Center. We only work with surgeons that meet our high standards and have the same committment to patients that we do! We are not affiliated with any other centers! We no longer recommend or refer patients to Dr. Quiroz or Cosmed Clinic, and haven't for quite some time! If you have any questions about Cosmetic Surgery (tummy tuck, breast lift/augmentation, arm/thigh lift, face lift, eye lift) or other procedures (including Botox, Fillers, PRP, facials, etc) please contact us directly at 1-866-376-7849 ext. 85 or email cosmetic@thearielcenter.com

I'm so sorry about your experience, but remember, that is the opinion of one doctor after you had already had problems with your band. There are many fill providers that will do band adjustments for other doctors patients. It is true that some areas are harder to find those providers, but we do keep a list of providers in the US and Canada and beyond that will do adjustments for patients that were banded by other doctors. Many of our patients are choosing the plication surgery if they are concerned about trying to find a fill provider, or just don't want to have to worry about adjustments with the band. I tried to look you up Christina, so I could do some followup, but I find nobody by that name that had surgery at OCC on September 4, 2007. No matter what surgery you have at OCC our doctors are available 24/7 for questions or concerns. You should always call them first when you are experiencing a problem or question about your band!

if you haven't been to our website www.obesitycontrolcenter.com recently, make sure to check out our videos and blogs! A great way to get more information and find out what is happening at OCC! http://obesitycontrolcenter.com/blog/ http://obesitycontrolcenter.com/about/video-library/?page=1

Did you know you can have a band over bypass to give you back the restriction you had or should have had after your previous surgery? If you have any questions you can reach me at 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81 or email lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com

I had my tummy tuck/muscle repair & breast lift with Dr. Castillo at The Ariel Center, a service of Obesity Control Center 3 weeks ago and couldn't be happier with Dr. Castillo! His attention to detail is amazing! I'm still recovering but can already see my new shape and I had ZERO bruising!!!

Pick up your copy (or copies!) now... and share with a friend! The word is out! We are excited to announce that Dr. Ortiz has been featured in this week’s issue of Newsweek magazine as one of the top 15 leading bariatric surgeons. He was very excited to receive the call and be notified that among the many surgeons working in the weight loss field, he was chosen to be among the very elite. On Newstands now! Dr. Ortiz is the ONLY surgeon from Mexico featured in this special issue!

Its here! Enspira the supplement designed by Dr. Ortiz and his team for pre-op and post-op surgical patients! Formulated with six fruits and six vegetables as well as green tea extract. It’s the best on the market. Made in the USA according to GMP guidelines as set by the FDA. To get more information or to order click here: Enspira