Feb 26 Surgery

[shampoo]

Hello People,

I just wanted to share my lap band experience with Dr Ortiz. I just got banded today. My surgery date was suppose to be today, Feb. 27, 2008, but the clinic was able to change me to Feb 26. I met McKenzie and her hubby, Kyle, at the airport. It turned out that we were on the same flight coming here. She and her hubby are nuts and great company to be with.

We were picked up by Jonathan who brought us to OCC. He spoke english and explained the US-Mexico journy times with us. Very courteous young man.

Then we go to the main lobby of the OCC, the receptionist asked us to sign more paperwork and took our picture for an ID. Both Mckenzie and I didnt have make up.

We then got our blood drawn. I had a horrible time as the nurse had to poke on me 2x to get blood taken. I always had a problem with nurses and even some doctors locating my veins. So this was very normal for me. The pinch did not hurt.

I had to wait for my turn to see Dr. Miranda (Mackenzie was talking to her). Dr Miranda thoroughly explained all post diet, excerise.. the DO-DONT things to do. Quite interesteing that we do not have "mussy" stage like many US doctors recommened. The same with not eating too much protein but concentrate more eating veggies and fruits and of course, chew, chew, chew. She was super nice and a great deal of fun. She was glad that I lost the 10lbs she asked me to loose for pre-op. She then suggested that I can do m surgery this evening since I have been fasting anyway and pretty much ready to go. Oh, she does measure your height, weight, body fat percentage, BMI and where yoou should be.

We did wait for a little while to see Dr Jimenez, who is a complete nut job, too. He took this apparatus to measure your breathing capacity. Since I don't smoke or anything, I passed with flying colors. Then he took me to measure my heart. My stress level seemed to ok, too. Then he and I spoke about having surgery today especially since I have not eaten in Monday at 9pm. I thought to myself. I have to do it anyway. I should do it. Dr Jimenez, although quite good looking is married with 2 childen. The wife is looker, too!!!

While at the lobby, I met fatgirl (I did slap her thighs and said, thats not nice, sexy). She had her band back in October 2007 and had two fills since then. This is her second fill and she had some fanastic dental work done. She was so supportive and I was just ingrosses in the conversation that I had to ask them to hold on until I get her email address.

When in side, I was told that "the grey line" is the line of no return. So I put those blue dispolsable shoes and walked ahead. And who did I get to see? Dr Ortiz!!! Believe me on this, as I have no reason to lie... HE LOOKS SO MUCH MORE HANDSOME THAN IN ANY OF THIS PICTURES on the next. A tall, smart, experienced doctor and EYE CANDY in one package!!! I got suited up with my disposable planties, a robe and I get those surgical stocking. I was in mu private room with my nurse.

Now for the most painful thing that happened to me on the whole lap band experience. It was time to get my IV, they could not find my vienss on my left and right arm. So 5 holes later, they finally got it in on the 6th try. I'll be lying if I said it didnt hurt. But I am the exception, but nurses were nice about it and kept saying sorry.

I met Dr Acosta, ANOTHER HOTTIE!!! More on the tall, darker skinned, boyish-cute doctor. He was very informative on what medications I am being given. I felt very confortable.

Dr Ortiz came in. We had an extremely pleasant conversation about ourselves and our families. Then how he got into baratic surgery and explained in full about it. Being trained by the inventor of the lap-band and training doctors worldwide, I knew instantly that I would be in good hands. He was very funny, warm and sincere. And I could same the same thing for Dr. Martinez. He was reassuring me that everything will be fine. What is in this clinic and Good Looking Doctors? I knew Dr Martinez handles the majority of the surgery but the way he spoke and the way he answered my questions, I felt really confortable about the whole thing.

The next thing I know - I was getting drousy and I knew I was still kidding around with the nurses and doctors especially with Dr Martinez and the anaestologist (spelling incorrect) but I do not remember what I said.

Next thing I remember was they were waking me to take a walk. Now a few hours later - here I am typing.

I love this clinic!!! From service to the cleaniless of the facilties and just the whole enviroment!!!! I would really recommend this to anyone considering.

If you need to ask me questions.. here is my email address: albairan@gmail.com. I will return your email as fast as I can.

Sore but feeling good,

Shampoo

PS Sorry for any typo and spelling errors, I did just get up and kinda still dizzy.

[Dontondan]

Congratulations! Glad to see your post. I had similar experiences back in December. I had trouble with the IV and the Anesthesiologist came in and held my hand and comforted me the entire time the nurses poked at me! I am a big baby and I was taken good care of there. I remember Dr.'s singing....did you hear them sing? I am not sure which one it was but it was a lovely voice!

[Kim2BSlim]

WOW! I am getting more and more excited about my Mexico trip! I am glad you had such a wonderful time! =D>

[EnchantedPiano70]

I'm going in for surgery on Friday, March 7th and you put me more at ease.

Thank you.

[cindyterry]

Shampoo,

I am so glad that you had such a great experience. I was banded on 2/20/08- by Dr. Ortiz and felt the same way!!! I work for an anesthesiologist in Georgia and I mentioned to him that I have never gotten that kind of service and respect from any hospital/clinic in the states. (even though I know there are great clinics/hospitals here- don't want to offend anyone in the medical field ) Good luck and keep us posted on the up coming days of recovery.

Cindy

[EnchantedPiano70]

Did you have a private room? I chose a non private room and I'm not sure I made the best choice.

[cindyterry]

Enchanted;

I was told that I would be in the "ICU- open area" because I was number 7 scheduled for the day and they only had 6 private rooms, but when I got there Ricardo- (very nice guy) put me in a private room. I asked him about it and he said that usually everyone gets a private room, BUT a guy came in late and had surgery the same day and while up walking that night I saw him in the open area and it really wasn't that bad.. the curtain was pulled and he was sleeping. It is very quite in the clinic at night and the only people there are the patient's and a couple of staff members to watch over you. So even if I had of been in the open area, I would have been ok with it. Good luck!!

[sparetire]

Hello People,

I just wanted to share my lap band experience with Dr Ortiz. I just got banded today. My surgery date was suppose to be today, Feb. 27, 2008, but the clinic was able to change me to Feb 26. I met McKenzie and her hubby at the airport. It turned out that we were on the same flight coming here. She and her hubby are nuts and great company to be with.

We were picked up by Jonathan who brought us to OCC. He spoke english and explained the US-Mexico journy times with us. Very courteous young man.

When we go to the main lobby, the receptionist asked us to sign more paperwork and took our picture for an ID. Both Mckenzie and I didnt have make up.

We then got our bllood drawn. I had a horrible time as the nurse had to poke on me 2x to get blood taken. I always had a problem with nurses and even some doctors locationg my veins. So this was very normal for me. The pinch did not hurt.

I had to wait for my turn to see Dr. Miranda (Mackenzie) was talking to her. Dr Mackenzie thoroughly explained all post diet, excerise.. the DO-DONT things to do. Quite interesteing that we do not have "mussy" stage like many US doctors recommened. The same with not eating too much protein but concentrate more eating veggies and fruits and of course, chew, chew, chew. She was super nice and a great deal of fun. She was glad that I lost the 10lbs she asked me to loose for pre-op. She then suggested that I can do m surgery this evening since I haven been fasting anyway and pretty much ready to go. Oh, she does measure your height, weight, body fat percentage, BMI and where yoou should be.

We did wait for a little while to see Dr Jimenez, who is a complete nut job, too. He took this apparatus to measure your breathing capacity. Since I dont smoke or anything, I flew in flying colors. Then he took me to measure my heart. My stress level seemed to ok, too. Then he and I spoke about having surgery today especially since I have not eaten in Monday at 9pm. I thought to myself. I have to do it anyway. I should do it. Dr Jimenez, although quite good looking is married with 2 childen. The wife is looker, too!!!

While at the lobby, I met fatgirl (I did slap her thighs and said, thats not nice, sexy). She had her band back in October 2007 and had two fills since then. This is her second fill and she had some fanastic dental work done. She was so supportive and I was just ingrosses in the conversation that I had to ask them to hold on until I get her email address.

When in side, i was told that "the grey line" is the line of no return. So I put those blue dispolsable shoes and walked a head. And who did I get to see? Dr Ortiz!!! Believe me on this, as I have no reason to lie... HE LOOKS SO MUCH MORE HANDSOME THAN IN ANY OF THIS PICTURES on the next. A tall, smart, experienced doctor and EYE CANDY in one package!!! I giot suited up with my disposable planties, a robe and I get those surgical stocking.

How for the most painful thing that happened to me for the whole experience. It was time to get my IV, they could not find my views on my left and right arm. So 5 holes later, they finally got it in on the 6th try. I'll be lying if I said it didnt hurt. But I am the exception, but nurses were nice about it and kept saying sorry.

I met Dr Acosta, ANOTHER HOTTIE!!! More on the tall, darker skinned, boyish-cute doctor. He was very informative on what medications I am being given.

Dr Ortiz came in. We had an extremely pleasant conversation about oourselves and our families. Thne explained in full about the surgery. I knew instantly that I would be in good hands. He was very funny, warm and sincere. And I could same the same thing for Dr. Martinez. What is in this clinic with Good Looking Doctors. I knew Dr Martinez handles the majority of the surgery but the way he spoke and the way he answered my questions, I felt really confortable with the whole thing.

The next thing I know - I was getting drousy and I knew I was still kidding around with the nurses and doctors especially with Dr Martinez and the anaestologist (spelling incorrect) but I do not remember what I said.

Next thing I remember was they were waking me to take a walk. Now a few hours later - here I am typing.

I love this clinic!!! From service to the cleaniless of the facilties and just the whole enviroment!!!! I would really recommend this to anyone considering.

IF you need to ask me questions.. here is my email address: albairan@gmail.com. I will return your email as fast as I can.

Sore but feeling good,

Shampoo

PS Sorry for any typo and spelling errors, I did just get up and kinda still dizzy.

Thanks for sharing your experience, I and my sister are looking forward to it yet also aprehensive. for her, it is the first time having any kind of surgery.

Quick Question... what time did you arrive on the 26th that they were able to have you in the day before? Is this a normal occurance? Was your surgery in the evening? If so, i want that... the day I arrive LOL might as well get it over with...

[Alana]

Shampoo!!! I'm so glad to hear from you! I hope you're doing well. Thanks so much for writing your experience. I'm so relieved it went well. Can't wait to talk to you in the chat room soon!

<3 ya girl,

Alana

[lgonzalez]

I'M SO GLAD U POSTED YOUR EXPERIENCE, I AM AT EASE AND NOW VERY EXCITED AND COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS.

I HOPE THAT ALL GOES WELL.

LYDIA

[MamaMichelle]

Thanks for sharing your experience, I and my sister are looking forward to it yet also aprehensive. for her, it is the first time having any kind of surgery.

Quick Question... what time did you arrive on the 26th that they were able to have you in the day before? Is this a normal occurance? Was your surgery in the evening? If so, i want that... the day I arrive LOL might as well get it over with...

I am actually scheduled for Feb 29th and will be arriving tomorrow (the 28th) when I emailed Rene asking if it would be possible to have my bloodwork and surgery on the same day she said it shouldn't be a problem, just like you I am ready to get it done!

My flight lands in San Diego at 11:15am and she said it work out, so hopefully that helps give you an idea about the arrival time issue.

[shampoo]

Did you have a private room? I chose a non private room and I'm not sure I made the best choice.

Hi Enchanted,

Yes, I had a private room but I preferred my door to be open anyway. It's just the way I am - so it wouldnt have mattered. Also, I was able to see who walked past me and who I can say HI to - and people go to say HI to me.

[shampoo]

Thanks for sharing your experience, I and my sister are looking forward to it yet also aprehensive. for her, it is the first time having any kind of surgery.

Quick Question... what time did you arrive on the 26th that they were able to have you in the day before? Is this a normal occurance? Was your surgery in the evening? If so, i want that... the day I arrive LOL might as well get it over with...

HI Sparetire (which you will no longer have - you need a newer nickname very soon)

Being nervous and apprehensive is a normal thing. I definately was before I did this... but think of it this way.. You are in the best care possible. Dor Ortiz trained a lot of these US doctors and this is all he does. He specializes in lap band, meaning he has done this thousands of times. He will even give you his personal cellphone number if you have problems. If you don't catch him the first time, he calls back!

I arrived in San Diego at 10:50am. They did my bloodwork, heart and lung stuff.. all the pre-op things, etc. I was suppose to have my surgery the next day but I guess its not a normal occurance unless you SPECIFICALLY asked for it. They got me in around 1:30pm.. surgery was about 2:30pm. I cannot remember.. I just remember talking to those nice nurses and the handsome and highly qualified doctors. Time flies quickly there.

Coordinate with Lori or Carolyn, they will work wth you. I guess as long as you arrive before 12noon (without delays), you will be accomodated.

[shampoo]

Hello People,

I just wanted to share my lap band experience with Dr Ortiz. I just got banded today. My surgery date was suppose to be today, Feb. 27, 2008, but the clinic was able to change me to Feb 26. I met McKenzie and her hubby, Kyle, at the airport. It turned out that we were on the same flight coming here. She and her hubby are nuts and great company to be with.

We were picked up by Jonathan who brought us to OCC. He spoke english and explained the US-Mexico journy times with us. Very courteous young man.

Then we go to the main lobby of the OCC, the receptionist asked us to sign more paperwork and took our picture for an ID. Both Mckenzie and I didnt have make up.

We then got our blood drawn. I had a horrible time as the nurse had to poke on me 2x to get blood taken. I always had a problem with nurses and even some doctors locating my veins. So this was very normal for me. The pinch did not hurt.

I had to wait for my turn to see Dr. Miranda (Mackenzie was talking to her). Dr Miranda thoroughly explained all post diet, excerise.. the DO-DONT things to do. Quite interesteing that we do not have "mussy" stage like many US doctors recommened. The same with not eating too much protein but concentrate more eating veggies and fruits and of course, chew, chew, chew. She was super nice and a great deal of fun. She was glad that I lost the 10lbs she asked me to loose for pre-op. She then suggested that I can do m surgery this evening since I have been fasting anyway and pretty much ready to go. Oh, she does measure your height, weight, body fat percentage, BMI and where yoou should be.

We did wait for a little while to see Dr Jimenez, who is a complete nut job, too. He took this apparatus to measure your breathing capacity. Since I don't smoke or anything, I passed with flying colors. Then he took me to measure my heart. My stress level seemed to ok, too. Then he and I spoke about having surgery today especially since I have not eaten in Monday at 9pm. I thought to myself. I have to do it anyway. I should do it. Dr Jimenez, although quite good looking is married with 2 childen. The wife is looker, too!!!

While at the lobby, I met fatgirl (I did slap her thighs and said, thats not nice, sexy). She had her band back in October 2007 and had two fills since then. This is her second fill and she had some fanastic dental work done. She was so supportive and I was just ingrosses in the conversation that I had to ask them to hold on until I get her email address.

When in side, I was told that "the grey line" is the line of no return. So I put those blue dispolsable shoes and walked ahead. And who did I get to see? Dr Ortiz!!! Believe me on this, as I have no reason to lie... HE LOOKS SO MUCH MORE HANDSOME THAN IN ANY OF THIS PICTURES on the next. A tall, smart, experienced doctor and EYE CANDY in one package!!! I got suited up with my disposable planties, a robe and I get those surgical stocking. I was in mu private room with my nurse.

Now for the most painful thing that happened to me on the whole lap band experience. It was time to get my IV, they could not find my vienss on my left and right arm. So 5 holes later, they finally got it in on the 6th try. I'll be lying if I said it didnt hurt. But I am the exception, but nurses were nice about it and kept saying sorry.

I met Dr Acosta, ANOTHER HOTTIE!!! More on the tall, darker skinned, boyish-cute doctor. He was very informative on what medications I am being given. I felt very confortable.

Dr Ortiz came in. We had an extremely pleasant conversation about ourselves and our families. Then how he got into baratic surgery and explained in full about it. Being trained by the inventor of the lap-band and training doctors worldwide, I knew instantly that I would be in good hands. He was very funny, warm and sincere. And I could same the same thing for Dr. Martinez. He was reassuring me that everything will be fine. What is in this clinic and Good Looking Doctors? I knew Dr Martinez handles the majority of the surgery but the way he spoke and the way he answered my questions, I felt really confortable about the whole thing.

The next thing I know - I was getting drousy and I knew I was still kidding around with the nurses and doctors especially with Dr Martinez and the anaestologist (spelling incorrect) but I do not remember what I said.

Next thing I remember was they were waking me to take a walk. Now a few hours later - here I am typing.

I love this clinic!!! From service to the cleaniless of the facilties and just the whole enviroment!!!! I would really recommend this to anyone considering.

If you need to ask me questions.. here is my email address: albairan@gmail.com. I will return your email as fast as I can.

Sore but feeling good,

Shampoo

PS Sorry for any typo and spelling errors, I did just get up and kinda still dizzy.

Hello Peeps again,

I thought I would post my post-operation experience. My second day was great. Mrs Ortiz drove us to the hotel. She even dropped by the convenience strore near the hotel in case we needed anything and showed us how to get there in case we need any clear liquids, drinks and medications. What a lovely lady. She speaks fluent English. When I arrive at Hotel Lucerna, the front desk and bellstaff were extremely helpful. I walked around the pool a few times. I felt sore but not much pain, we were encourage to WALK, WALK and WALK - so I did. I did not want to feel any gas pains later. When I was taken to my room, the cleaniless of the room was good. I unpacked since I know I will be here for two nights. I did ask for a microwave to be brought up for me and within 5 to 8 minutes, here comes housekeeping with a microwave. I received service from the front desk, bell staff and housekeeping - next was room service, I asked for something that they wouldn't charge me. So I asked for salt and pepper and a bucket of ice. Within' 5 minutes, here comes room serive with all three. Fast, courteous service from the staff. I do not speak Spanish, all this was communicated in English.

Now for their gym, it is located on the 2nd floor of the hotel. The staff does check in once in a while to check to make sure its clean and well stocked. There is a flat panel TV, two treadmills, a stationery bike, an eliptical and a multi-use weight machine with free weights. Not your Gold's Gym but enough for your 30 min to 1 hour workout. I rode the treadmills and bike for 15 minutes each. They were in good working order. I do worry about the scale in there. It said I was 13 lbs heavier than OCC's and my scale at home.

OCC does have wi-fi internet access. Ricardo was very helpful to help me with it since they do have a password. Hotel Lucerna does has free Wi-fi without password. I was able to check email, surf the web and anything you need to do online.

I do feel a lot better. Since I kept sucking on ice cubes the whole day. The microwave that I borrowed is a heaven. Since you drink your broth so slowly, it's easier to re-heat than the coffee machine they have in standard hotels. I had herbal tea this morning and I have been feeling womderful.

I feel good, I am going to find someone to go shopping or walk around the city with me today. I have been warned about TJ and all my jewelry is back in Atlanta. I always travel in groups if I am in a foreign city even in the US. I rather be safe than sorry anywhere I go. I feel great, I am walking, I took a shower yesterday and I have a full day today.

My email address is as above. If you want to chat with me, I am in and out of the chat room in lapbandtalk.com. You do have to sign up to chat. You can find me as Shampoo, but there are a lot more experienced bandsters in that chat room who will be more than happy to share their experiences with you.

I hope this helps. I wish you all the luck.

Many thanks,

Shampoo

[mona-camille]

Didn't OCC give you a basket of supplies, like drinks and soups and things? Their web-site states that they do give you that so that you shouldn't have to worry about ordering anything.

[jetdeck]

Shampoo,

Great post...you are doing amazing and glad to hear you are having such a wonderful experience.

Quick question...if I brought my laptop would I be able to get internet access at OCC and Hotel Lucerna in my room?

Thanks again for your wonderful up to date info.

SJ

[shampoo]

Shampoo!!! I'm so glad to hear from you! I hope you're doing well. Thanks so much for writing your experience. I'm so relieved it went well. Can't wait to talk to you in the chat room soon!

<3 ya girl,

Alana

Alana!!!!!

Thanks for the reply! I hope to see you in the chat room, too. For those who are unaware, there is a online chat support group (www.lapbandtalk.com). There are great support from experienced bandsters and newbie bandsters.Whether you are new at lapband or have been banded, it is a great support system.

Alana, you will love Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez! The staff members are great! On top of the that, I met the other patients during my stay in TJ. It was truly a great experience despite being in surgery!

Take care.

Shampoo

[shampoo]

Shampoo,

Great post...you are doing amazing and glad to hear you are having such a wonderful experience.

Quick question...if I brought my laptop would I be able to get internet access at OCC and Hotel Lucerna in my room?

Thanks again for your wonderful up to date info.

SJ

Hi Jetdeck,

I brought my laptop with me. OCC does have wi-fi access, just ask George, Rene or Ricardo to assist you with the wi-fi access as they have a password. As for Hotel Lucerna, they have free wi-fi access also - no passwords. If you do not want to bring you laptop, Hotel Lucerna has a desktop in the main lobby where guests can check their emails.

I hope this helps.

Shampoo

[shampoo]

Didn't OCC give you a basket of supplies, like drinks and soups and things? Their web-site states that they do give you that so that you shouldn't have to worry about ordering anything.

Mona,

They gave me plenty of Kirkland (Costco brand) bottled water and CapriSun but none to take home. They probably would have if I asked for them, but I did not ask. I do not remember them giving me any broths.

[jena]

Mona,

They gave me plenty of Kirkland (Costco brand) bottled water and CapriSun but none to take home. They probably would have if I asked for them, but I did not ask. I do not remember them giving me any broths.

Thanks shampoo for sharing. vucarre pointed me here from the Lapbandtalk forum. I've just started the process with Lori at Dr. Ortiz office. Dr. Maranda will be calling me on Friday to discuss how much weight I need to lose before coming down there.

I'm excited and nervous!

Please continue to update us.

Jena

Oh! I live in the Atlanta area too!