hopefulchurch2000 Posted December 31, 2006 Report Share Posted December 31, 2006 I am scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Ortiz in June 07. I'm a school nurse so I have to wait until school is out. I'm wondering if there is anyone out there from Arkansas who has had or is scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Ortiz. I would love to visit. I seem to be getting more flack lately from my family about even having the surgery and on top of that in MEXICO! I would just like to visit with someone close to home. It seems my husband and this forum are my only support for now. I have learned a tremendous amount here and feel better everytime I read your posts. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kecia Posted January 1, 2007 Report Share Posted January 1, 2007 I know what you mean, my mom has her RN,BSN and has given me some flack and wanting me to have the proceedure in the US. Even if I could afford to have it done in the United States (as I am self pay), I would still choose to have Dr. Ortiz do the proceedure. Carolyn from the office sent me a letter from the manufacturer of the lap band explaining just how qualified they believe Dr. Ortiz is and they only choose the highest in the field to be a proctor. She also had a testimonial from a gal whose job it is to rate medical facilities here in the US and she felt they had top notch facilities (this was from her own experience). I agree, I have done research myself the past year and a half... I have heard nothing but the highest praises for him. I can not tell you about my own personal experience with him as I will not be banded until the 11th of January, but I can hardly wait! The Mexico thing seems to be everyone's major concern in my family too, with the exception of my husband. Good luck with your banding, I feel I have made the right choice for myself. My mom wants me to ask them the infection rate, but I have not heard one thing negative on this forum or the Obesityhelp.com forum either about him. I believe Inamed would not have someone on their teaching/proctoring staff if they did not believe him to be the best. God Bless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbuck Posted January 1, 2007 Report Share Posted January 1, 2007 I know what you mean, my mom has her RN,BSN and has given me some flack and wanting me to have the proceedure in the US. Even if I could afford to have it done in the United States (as I am self pay), I would still choose to have Dr. Ortiz do the proceedure.Carolyn from the office sent me a letter from the manufacturer of the lap band explaining just how qualified they believe Dr. Ortiz is and they only choose the highest in the field to be a proctor. She also had a testimonial from a gal whose job it is to rate medical facilities here in the US and she felt they had top notch facilities (this was from her own experience). I agree, I have done research myself the past year and a half... I have heard nothing but the highest praises for him. I can not tell you about my own personal experience with him as I will not be banded until the 11th of January, but I can hardly wait! The Mexico thing seems to be everyone's major concern in my family too, with the exception of my husband. Good luck with your banding, I feel I have made the right choice for myself. My mom wants me to ask them the infection rate, but I have not heard one thing negative on this forum or the Obesityhelp.com forum either about him. I believe Inamed would not have someone on their teaching/proctoring staff if they did not believe him to be the best. God Bless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopefulchurch2000 Posted January 1, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2007 Keica, It sure seems they wouldn't allow anyone but the best to proctor. I need to get a copy of those to two letters to show my Mother and best friend. I wonder if I could contact Dr. Ortiz's office to get them. :-? I am strong enough to do this even if my close family or friends don't support my decision, but it would be nice to have their support. Will your husband be going with you for your surgery? What are your plans for post op care/fills? Man, you only have 10 days to wait! I bet you are excited. May everything go perfectly! Let us know how it goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kecia Posted January 1, 2007 Report Share Posted January 1, 2007 Keica, It sure seems they wouldn't allow anyone but the best to proctor. I need to get a copy of those to two letters to show my Mother and best friend. I wonder if I could contact Dr. Ortiz's office to get them. :-? I am strong enough to do this even if my close family or friends don't support my decision, but it would be nice to have their support. Will your husband be going with you for your surgery? What are your plans for post op care/fills? Man, you only have 10 days to wait! I bet you are excited. May everything go perfectly! Let us know how it goes. hopefulchurch2000, I would contact Carolyn at the office and ask her to send them to you or whomever your patient care coordinator is. If you do not get the info, send me your email and I will send them to you. My husband is going to go with me for the surgery, we have not discussed the fills yet. My mom would have liked to go with for her peace of mind, but maybe on the first fill. I wanted to have someone there who was going to support me 100% and felt that was the most important thing. She has a habit of saying the wrong things even though she means well, all of her ill comments come from her being concerned about me I know. I don't want to be stressed about it is just when I speak to her I feel like I have to be on the defensive at times, so I know where you are comming from. I do plan to go for at least the first fill or two to the OCC, but I was told there were places around the US called "Fill Centers USA." There is one close to me in Albuquerque, but we may be moving (again) soon because of my husbands work. They charge I believe $300 for the first fill and $155 for those there after, they also do the barrium with the fill. Taking into consideration the airfare and transportation to the center I believe it will equal out in the long run. If I do not feel comfortable with the fill center in Albuquerque I will go back to the OCC, I won't want to mess up a good thing! I was also told that Dr. Ortiz was associated with the Fill Centers USA, if I'm wrong someone please let me know. I am excited and a bit stressed, only because my monthly seems to make me gain each month, I eventually loose it but that has held up my weight loss. I have 7 more pounds to go before the surgery and hope I can get that off in 11 days! I guess I just need to do the total liquid thing and omit the one Lean cuisine a day. The Cappuccino Delight Optima Slim Fasts are not half bad, like them better than the chocolate and feel like I'm not missing my morning coffee (as much). I guess I also need to be worried about the weather here and hopes it clears up, the airport has been shut down. I'm sure it will clear, I just hope we do not have another storm move through. I guess I'm more nervous than I thought, mostly because tomorrow I have to leave to go back to Kansas for a Dr. appt for my son. I'll just have to pack my slimfast in an ice chest and take it with us, it's just a 12 hour drive one way (in good weather) and we will be gone for 4-5 days with three children in the vehicle...Yea! I wish I had the option of putting his appointment off until after the surgery but packing clear liquids would be even harder than Slim Fast & we have already moved his appointment back once because of the weather. Hope all goes well for you and let me know if you get that documentation. Sorry, I'm just rambeling now. Take care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clynn Posted January 1, 2007 Report Share Posted January 1, 2007 HopefulChurch I'm sure they will be happy to send you letters of recommendation they have on file. They also have copies on their website for download under Dr Ortiz bio page which is here: http://www.obesitycontrolcenter.com/about_dr_ortiz.html Click on the link for additional certifications and it will download a pdf file which includes a letter from Inamed Health and certificates from The American Society for Bariatric Surgery, and Harvard Medical School. You can also go here: http://obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/baria...ardere+glh.html It is an excellent summary of Dr Ortiz' experience in this area. If your family and friends are still unconvinced about Dr Ortiz and his qualifications, ask them to find you a better doctor for this in the states. If, after looking at his qualifications our comments about how incredibly positive the whole experience has been, they are still upset with it being in Mexico then you may have to accept the fact that they have an preconceived image in their mind and there's nothing you can do to change it. Hope you found this information helpful and remember, we will always be here to support you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopefulchurch2000 Posted January 2, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 2, 2007 Kecia, I understand, my mother is the same way. I've posted some questions about those fill centers under the topic of fills. I hope to find out some information from some folks who may have tried those. I will check with Carolyn or Lori about those letters and see what I can find out. Good luck loosing those last few pounds. Just keep thinking about what you are working toward. Take it one day at a time. Be sure to let us know how it all goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopefulchurch2000 Posted January 2, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 2, 2007 Clynn, I looked up on the OCC website and found one of the letters. I will follow up with Lori or Carolyn for the other. The website does provide an excellent summary of Dr. Ortiz' experience. I also agree with you 100% about preconceived ideas. I think the letters and documentation on the website will be a big help. Thanks for your input! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatU Posted January 3, 2007 Report Share Posted January 3, 2007 I am scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Ortiz in June 07. I'm a school nurse so I have to wait until school is out. I'm wondering if there is anyone out there from Arkansas who has had or is scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Ortiz. I would love to visit. I seem to be getting more flack lately from my family about even having the surgery and on top of that in MEXICO! I would just like to visit with someone close to home. It seems my husband and this forum are my only support for now. I have learned a tremendous amount here and feel better everytime I read your posts. Thank you! Hi, hopeful! I live in Arkansas (Little Rock) and Dr. Ortiz performed my surgery in August 2006. I completely understand the lack of support. I still have not told my parents or kids about the band. I just didn't need the hassle. My experience at OCC was great! There is nothing to worry about from start to finish ... they treat you like royalty and I am very tough customer. I do get my fills locally from Dr. Rex Luttrell. He is happy to see Mexican-banded patients. If you like, I can send you my blog link privately (I really don't share with many people). I explain my experiences to this point. Email me at pat@patulrich.com Good luck. PatU Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bandid Posted January 3, 2007 Report Share Posted January 3, 2007 I kinda know what you are going through. I have a consultation in Memphis in 2 weeks and a lot of people think I shouldn't have the surgery. Until I found this site, I would never have thought of having any surgery in Mexico, and if my appt. doesn't go well-you know how you can get a vibe-I'll have it done at OCC. I feel that the lap band is the right thing for me to do and you have to go with what you feel is right for you. Your family means well, my mother is behind me 100% and my dtr has come around. I am really excited to find this site because, like I said this is something I would consider doing now after reading all of the posts. And it might turn out that I would be better off financially to have it done in Mexico, but I would have to tell people after the fact instead of before because I know what I would hear. Anyway, good luck and keep posting, maybe your family and friends will come around. I maybe have a 50/50 split. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopefulchurch2000 Posted January 3, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2007 Bandid, This is a great place to find support and information. This is actually the first time I have ever posted anything. I do a lot of reading here. I know when my actual surgery date draws closer, I will be more anxious and draw from the support system we have here. Dr. Ortiz has a great reputation. I wish all the information I have found in my research I could transfer into the minds of those close family members and friends who have doubts. If they knew what I knew they would be more comfortable with my decision. I'm sure there are plenty who don't tell family until after the fact or some that never tell. The bottom line is we are grown people responsible for our own lives. To me, this is a great step in taking charge of it! Best wishes to you on your journey! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura O. Posted January 3, 2007 Report Share Posted January 3, 2007 I live in Arkansas. I'm also a nurse. I'm seriously considering going to Mexico for a lap band. At first I thought it was crazy, too, but the more I talk to others and after investigating the website here I'm becoming very encouraged. My insurance doesn't cover the lap band and at St. Vincent's in Little Rock it's $16,500 out of pocket. I thought seriously about taking a different job and getting insurance that would cover the procedure but I don't know how to make sure it would cover it before I actually take the job. Not sure how that'd work. And I'd hate to take a different job and then find out the insurance rejected me. I'm thinking I'd rather go to Mexico. I saw in Dr. Ortiz's list of qualifications that he actually proctored in Little Rock. I think it's interesting that people stick their noses up in the air because a person thinks about going to Mexico when the Mexican surgeon could quite possibly be the one who initially instructed the one in the US. Where do you live in Arkansas? I'm in Mena. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura O. Posted January 3, 2007 Report Share Posted January 3, 2007 Hey Pat, Another Arkie, here (Mena). But I used to work at the VA in LR and may be going back soon. I'm so glad to hear Dr. Luttrell does fills. That's a big determining factor. My husband and I were a little concerned about having to drive to Missouri or Kansas for fills. Also, did anybody go with you to Mexico? I'm wondering how much the second person costs in addition to the $8500 or $9500 for the patient. Thanks, Laura O. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nita57 Posted January 3, 2007 Report Share Posted January 3, 2007 The cost of the 2nd person is included in the fee. They only need to provide money for their meals etc. Nita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopefulchurch2000 Posted January 3, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2007 I live in Warren, AR. I just moved from Benton about 2 years ago. We were transferred here with my husbands work. I had worked at the hospital there until we moved down here. I needed to work a regular schedule since my husband works crazy shifts with the state police. I've heard getting insurance to cover weight loss surgery can be very frustrating. I've heard the term "jumping through hoops" in regards to getting surgery covered. It seems these companies would get a clue. Should I pay for even a $16,500 weight loss surgery or a ??????? thousand dollar acute heart attack? How about a knee replacement? How about both while we're at it? Doesn't make sense to me. I am glad to see we have a few from Arkansas on this forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bandid Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 hopeful I went to work this morning ( I am a PTA with Home health) and told one of the nurses who is thinking about getting a band about Dr. Ortiz and everybody was like MEXICO.... you know the rest. My appt is in two weeks with a MD in Memphis, but looking at credentials, I see nothing wrong with Dr. Ortiz. I know that you can run into problems, but I worked in a hospital for awhile and there were surgeries that the people just didn't do good at all. The ONLY difficulty I see with having it done in Mexico would be if you had a complication and ended up at your local ER. This is just from the RXN's I got today. If something goes wrong with my insurance and I become a self-pay I would feel confident about going to him. My big problem would be the fills, the nearest center is about 4 hours away. I would do it though. Where do you find out about infection rates? I am going to check into BMH and Methodist before deciding where (if approved) to have my surgery. The best thing I can think of is to research some of the closer weight loss centers, print up some things and have Dr. Ortiz's info to compare with. Of course some people would never get over MEXICO, but that is their problem! Good luck. I know things will work out well for you. This is a fantastic site. I have learned more here than any other site that I have been to. It is so nice to know what other people are thinking/going through, both before and after surgery. Thanks, Susan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiaRN Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 I live in Batesville Arkansas and I am getting banded on January 17 here in Batesville by Dr. John Lambert. I chose this route because of the fills and the need to travel to get fills and follow ups when needed. It is hard to get off work with the nursing shortage and all. I have heard nothing but good things about Dr. Ortiz. I am a Registered Nurse in Surgery here and have watched Dr. Lambert operate for 9 years, so even though he is relatively new to the band, (he has been doing the gastric bypass for 3 years) he is highly, highly skilled and I trust him. I am starting to get a little nervous as the time gets closer because I have never had any surgery at all, I think anesthesia scares me more than anything. Even though I tell people every day that things will be fine, it is different when it is you getting the operation. I started the pre-diet Tuesday, December 26th and have lost 9.8 pounds, eating high protein and low carb to shrink my liver. I caught myself yesterday thinking this diet isn't so bad, maybe I don't need surgery, but then I remind myself of how many times I have dieted and failed. Have you went through this stage? Good luck with yours! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeriB Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 I was banded in Oct. on a Thursday and returned to work on Wednesday with NO complications. I could have gone back before, but I was already approved for the extra days. My husband was very skeptical at first. When we got to Mexico he saw that Dr. Ortiz ran a top rate facility. The surgery itself was a breeze.. I was up shopping at the mall the next afternoon. I can not say enough about the people at the OCC I have still had no complications. THEY ARE GREAT!!!!!! Dr. Ortiz is the absolute BEST! I am scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Ortiz in June 07. I'm a school nurse so I have to wait until school is out. I'm wondering if there is anyone out there from Arkansas who has had or is scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Ortiz. I would love to visit. I seem to be getting more flack lately from my family about even having the surgery and on top of that in MEXICO! I would just like to visit with someone close to home. It seems my husband and this forum are my only support for now. I have learned a tremendous amount here and feel better everytime I read your posts. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeriB Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 oops I don't live near you but here is my e mail Hardy458@bellsouth.net. I just posted a repsonse but I didn't give it to you before. > I live in Batesville Arkansas and I am getting banded on January 17 here in Batesville by Dr. John Lambert. I chose this route because of the fills and the need to travel to get fills and follow ups when needed. It is hard to get off work with the nursing shortage and all. I have heard nothing but good things about Dr. Ortiz. I am a Registered Nurse in Surgery here and have watched Dr. Lambert operate for 9 years, so even though he is relatively new to the band, (he has been doing the gastric bypass for 3 years) he is highly, highly skilled and I trust him. I am starting to get a little nervous as the time gets closer because I have never had any surgery at all, I think anesthesia scares me more than anything. Even though I tell people every day that things will be fine, it is different when it is you getting the operation. I started the pre-diet Tuesday, December 26th and have lost 9.8 pounds, eating high protein and low carb to shrink my liver. I caught myself yesterday thinking this diet isn't so bad, maybe I don't need surgery, but then I remind myself of how many times I have dieted and failed. Have you went through this stage? Good luck with yours! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeriB Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 I was banded by Dr. Ortiz October 25, 2006. He is the best!!!! hopefulI went to work this morning ( I am a PTA with Home health) and told one of the nurses who is thinking about getting a band about Dr. Ortiz and everybody was like MEXICO.... you know the rest. My appt is in two weeks with a MD in Memphis, but looking at credentials, I see nothing wrong with Dr. Ortiz. I know that you can run into problems, but I worked in a hospital for awhile and there were surgeries that the people just didn't do good at all. The ONLY difficulty I see with having it done in Mexico would be if you had a complication and ended up at your local ER. This is just from the RXN's I got today. If something goes wrong with my insurance and I become a self-pay I would feel confident about going to him. My big problem would be the fills, the nearest center is about 4 hours away. I would do it though. Where do you find out about infection rates? I am going to check into BMH and Methodist before deciding where (if approved) to have my surgery. The best thing I can think of is to research some of the closer weight loss centers, print up some things and have Dr. Ortiz's info to compare with. Of course some people would never get over MEXICO, but that is their problem! Good luck. I know things will work out well for you. This is a fantastic site. I have learned more here than any other site that I have been to. It is so nice to know what other people are thinking/going through, both before and after surgery. Thanks, Susan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopefulchurch2000 Posted January 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 Bandid, I have thought about the complication thing as well. I would hope that if there were going to be any major complications they would occur before I left Mexico. This makes another point that I believe is worth looking at. The two places I looked into at Little Rock do the procedure outpatient. You go in early and leave by the afternoon. You stay for two nights following the surgery in Mexico. That seems wise to me. As far as the fills go, I'm finding more and more options. It seems the more searching I do the more options I find. They have the Fill Centers USA here where you can recieve fills and aftercare but I don't think they use fluro. I am looking more into that as an option for aftercare. Dr. Ortiz is actually on the board of directors for those facilities. If you want to find out specific infection rates contact someone through Dr. Ortiz's website. Lori have been very helpful to me answering numerous questions. Let us know how your consult goes. Paula Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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