NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Report 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
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report Posted May 22, 2007 Step 2: Why Mexico? Since my friend was the deciding factor, it made sense to approach her doctor
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report 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
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report Posted May 22, 2007 Step 4: To Tijuana In spite of all my tendencies towards research, I
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report 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
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report 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
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report Posted May 22, 2007 Step 10: Discharge The next thing I know, it
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report 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
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report 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
NoWorry Posted May 22, 2007 Author Report 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
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