NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Step 1: The decision I was banded by Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, Mexico on May 16, 2007. As far as I can tell, the procedure was a total success and my first five days of recovery have been excellent. During my research, prior to my banding, I looked extensively for a complete picture of the entire banding experience. While I found mounds of useful information in forums, magazines, books and internet articles, I was unable to find a complete picture. This, then, is mine. I hope it helps you. I have been obese for around 9 years. I spent almost all of those years trying to lose the weight. If you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Step 2: Why Mexico? Since my friend was the deciding factor, it made sense to approach her doctor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Step 3: Which Doctor? I made a spread sheet and started listing all the pros and cons for each doctor. I factored in cost, level of care, distance to travel, cost of travel, number of procedures performed by each surgeon, quality of my contact with them and a bunch of other less tangible elements. I ruled out Cancun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Step 4: To Tijuana In spite of all my tendencies towards research, I Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Step 5: The OCC It Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Step 6: To Hotel Lucerna Now I just have to wait for Mrs. Ortiz to drive me to the hotel. And wait. And wait. A little over an hour later, Mrs. Ortiz arrives. Not so much as a hello, a nod, or an acknowledgement. She Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Step 7: Surgery morning I set the room alarm for 7 a.m. I have my own travel alarm. I set it for 7:05 just in case. I woke up when the first alarm went off. I was making a pot of coffee when a buddy calls from the east coast. I happen to mention that the coffee is brewing. He asks if I Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Step 8: Prep for surgery There Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Step 9: The OR Inside the OR, it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Step 10: Discharge The next thing I know, it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Step 11: The day after surgery I have a hot, hot shower and examine my surgical incisions. The four small cuts are actually rather tiny. I Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Step 12: Heading home The next morning, I bathe and pack my stuff. I check out and settle up the 50 cents I owe for the call to the Clinic. I Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Conclusions: Promises kept and Promises broken I feel that, in the process of information gathering, a number of promises were implicitly made by OCC. Some were kept, others were broken. Prompt, accurate and detailed information of all aspects KEPT A comfortable ride from San Diego to Tijuana BROKEN A complete pre-op workover KEPT A valuable personalized consultation with a nutritionist BROKEN A patient facilitator to simplify all interactions BROKEN A comfortable room at a 5-star hotel KEPT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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