My Banding Experience at the OCC on 4/3/2008

[gigirn]

On April 2nd two of my friends and I flew in to San Diego from Kansas to have surgery at the OCC with Dr. Ortiz and Martinez. Our flight arrived on time and our driver, Fransico, was there to greet us when we arrived. We were promptly transported to the clinic and when we pulled into the underground garage Dr. Ortiz was there to greet us and help us out of the van! WOW -- is he h-h-hot or what? We filled out our paperwork with the assistance of Claudia, had our EKG's with Dr. Jimenez, and our nutritional consult with Dr. Miranda, and our blood drawn by the nurse. Each of these people were kind and respectful. After we finished this part of our pre-op we were transported to our hotel by Mrs. Ortiz who was so wonderful. The Lucerna hotel staff were very attentive and we loved Alonso. Since we arrived early in the morning pacific time, we caught a cab down to Revolution Avenue and shopped after eating our last meal at La Difference, a mexican restaurant that has a very authentic menu (Beef Tongue Tacos, Duck, fried grasshoppers). Now you know we did not pick those off the menu!!! When I asked Dr. Martinez about this menu he explained how that is a favorite restaurant in TJ and they had specialty delicacies and told me a few more aside from the fried grasshoppers that I can not remember. YUK! But I had chicken (yes, it really looked and tasted like chicken breast) that was smothered in a cheese sauce and it was delicious. We only spent about an hour on Revolution Ave. on this day before we decided to go back to the hotel and rest up for our surgery the next day. On the day of our surgery, Mrs. Ortiz picked us up at 7:45 a.m. and took us to the clinic. We then had our dental check up by Dr. Orveido so we could be cleared for surgery...they didn't want us swallowing any false or loose teeth! After this we were escorted to our rooms where we were given our gown, sexy paper panties, and compression stockings. Since I am a nurse I put on my own stockings and when the nurse came in to my room to do it, she grinned, pointed and said, "You do yourself?" They nurses do not speak much English but they are very sweet. We then got our IV's started and were given our medications. Nexium (dries out stomach secretions), Zofran (helps with nausea), and I think there was another one IV, plus we got two pills to put under our tongues, Ativan (for relaxation), and a BP pill. Not long after that Dr. Martinez came into my room and visited with me. I sure enjoyed this visit as it was very informative. He took so much time just talking and answering all my questions regarding lap band. When Dr. Ortiz came into my room he grinned and I told him he wasn't allowed. He asked me why and I told him it was because he was so handsome that he needed to leave (I think the Ativan was already at work!). He grinned big, came around to the side of my bed, plopped down on the couch, and told me I made him blush! I am not sure that is possible as I am sure he hears this often! Dr. Martinez is just as handsome.....actually they are all attractive and have personalities to match. When Dr. Romero put me in my room and gave me those paper panties, I joked and told him I expected Dr. Ortiz to sign them....Well, lo and behold, I got my paper thong panties signed "All the Best, Dr. Ariel Ortiz L". I got a laugh out of that one. I was the second person in for surgery between my two friends. I remember when they came to my room to pick me up and roll me into surgery. I remember laying on the table looking up at the lights and I remember not being able to concentrate anymore and I was out. The next thing I remember was trying to breath and feeling like I was suffocating -- my throat felt numb. But then I said to myself, relax they will take care of you, and I remember moving onto a different cart (maybe my bed) and then I was awake and up walking trips around the clinic. My two friends had a harder time recovering. I was up and moving and visiting. Dr. Acostos (?) and I had a wonderful visit. I ate my pop ice and had some broth. I slept well that night. A doctor and our nurse slept outside the patient rooms. The next morning we were taken back to the clinic where we relaxed and then went back down to shop on Revolution Ave. You can find some great bargains. We never felt in danger. I had more gas pains that night while sleeping but it was bearable. I would explain it as a tightening in the chest. GasX helps some. The next morning we got up and was transported back to the airport. The commercial line at the border is not bad....we made it through in 15 minutes. We had a 3 hour wait at the airport before our flight left. Since my return I have had less discomfort in my chest each day and am doing well. I have lost a total of 21 pounds since the start of pre-op so I am happy right now. I would also like to add that my patient care coordinator, Carolyn was very nice, patient, and helpful. Thank you to her. Now it is all up to me to make this band work. I can not wait to get a new outside me! Good luck to all you past and future bandsters. If anyone ever has a question about this procedure and the OCC I would be more than willing to answer them.

Gina (gigirn)

[MamaMichelle]

Great post Gina,

It's especially nice that you're a nurse and can help explain the meds you're given before surgery, since most of us just watched them being added to the IV, lol.

Best of luck with your recovery!

[gigirn]

Great post Gina,

It's especially nice that you're a nurse and can help explain the meds you're given before surgery, since most of us just watched them being added to the IV, lol.

Best of luck with your recovery!

MamaMichelle,

Thank you so much. You have done awesome. I hope I continue to lose like you are! =D>

Gina

[Paula Bee]

I want your signed panties! Or, you could sell them on E-bay! I wish I had thought of that. I didn't even think to get a picture of him!

Congratulations! you are on your way!

[MamaMichelle]

I brought a copy of his book (and a sharpie marker) to have him sign and I forgot, honestly Dr. O only spoke to us for maybe 3 min... I never even met/spoke with Dr. Martinez at all but it was a full house (8 surgeries) and I was the last one so maybe that was it. Maybe I will have him sign it on the 18th when I'm back at OCC for my fill.

[gigirn]

Hey Paula Bee! I will cherish those panties forever! I spent great time with most all the doctors! My two friends said I monolpolized them....but I am a chatter bug and very inquisitive.

MamaMichelle....yes, take your book with you and try to get it signed. I left my book at home and never even thought of that. By the way, I was reading the post on "sipping water" and noticed that you said you are a "chugger" as well....I haven't had too many problems at all with liquids (I should say water/Powerade) and I am only one week out from surgery....can they stretch your pouch or do they flow on through without causing problems if your drink too fast?

Gina

[gigirn]

Hey Paula Bee! I will cherish those panties forever! I spent great time with most all the doctors! My two friends said I monolpolized them....but I am a chatter bug and very inquisitive.

MamaMichelle....yes, take your book with you and try to get it signed. I left my book at home and never even thought of that. By the way, I was reading the post on "sipping water" and noticed that you said you are a "chugger" as well....I haven't had too many problems at all with liquids (I should say water/Powerade) and I am only one week out from surgery....can they stretch your pouch or do they flow on through without causing problems if your drink too fast?

Gina

[Blazn]

Hey Gina, I too am a nurse and was almost ashamed at how I treat my patients after being cared for at OCC. Did you feel that way? Not that I am mean to my patients or anything....I am a pediatric nurse....how can you be mean to kids....but those nurses and staff at OCC just took such good care of me. I was also the same way with all of the docs. I had so many questions and honestly spent at least 10-15 minutes with Dr. Martinez asking questions. Now I just love the panty idea. I so wish I had thought of that. That is absolutely the coolest. Yes, Dr. Ortiz was h-h-hot!! And I completely agree about the smile....he should be forbidden. Well great post of your experience. Keep us posted on your progress. Take care!

[BeBe]

It's so funny that you all are talking about Dr. Ortiz being hot. When he walked into my room, I was talking to the other doctor who was sitting on the couch. Dr. Ortiz walked in and said "hi" so I turned around and my jaw dropped. I just stared at him for probably 10-15 seconds before I could say anything. It was very awkward... the man was just beautiful! (Not at all my type though... but I couldn't help but stare)

[mona-camille]

Geesh, am I the only one who thought Dr. Martinez was drop dead GORGEOUS??? Sure, Dr. Ortiz is pretty and all, but I could have jumped Dr. Martinez in a minute if I wasn't afraid of crushing him!

[Kim2BSlim]

I totally agree!! LMAO!

It sounds like you experience was wonderful gigirn! I am cracking up at the signed panties! That is hilarious!

[WAgal]

Ladies, ladies, ladies... ditto, ditto, and ditto!!! These awfully handsome doctors make you loose your concentration.. I had a lot of nervousness and questions to ask when i spoke to both of them just before surgery but you know those devilishly handsome doctors just looking so HOTTTT put me at ease and made me forget all my question. I actually had a wonderful conversation on the phone with Dr. O before I arrived at OCC and he had already answered my questions in advance. Just talking with him in person was another reassurance that he was going to take good care of me!!! Do they get online and see these comments we make??? I love that they are so friendly and competent at OCC and the good looks are just icing on the cake! Thanks for sharing Gina!!

Hanna

[gigirn]

Hey Ladies,

I agree, Dr. Martinez was very handsome and was very easy to talk to. I so enjoyed my experience. It will be a week ago tomorrow already -- amazing how time does fly! Did any of you have a bad burning in your back, kinda between your shoulder blades (it feels like my back muscles are on fire). I didn't have any pain to speak of until Monday night when this started. I also have to ask....does thin liquids go right through to the lower stomach because I have a hard time sipping and I can not say I have any trouble drinking 8 ounces fairly quickly. They do not "stretch" the pouch do they?

Gina

[MamaMichelle]

MamaMichelle....yes, take your book with you and try to get it signed. I left my book at home and never even thought of that. By the way, I was reading the post on "sipping water" and noticed that you said you are a "chugger" as well....I haven't had too many problems at all with liquids (I should say water/Powerade) and I am only one week out from surgery....can they stretch your pouch or do they flow on through without causing problems if your drink too fast?

Gina

No water and other liquids won't stretch you pouch but if you think of the band being like the middle of an hour glass where it will just flow through more slowly... by taking small sips you allow the liquid that's above to band to flow through the band so it's ready to accept more liquids!

[gigirn]

Thanks for making me feel better about this, MamaMichelle. I just can't figure out what that burning is in my back. Any ideas? I also still feel so bloated....I thought that maybe this is why my back hurts because I am trying to hold my stomach in so my muscles are tired!!!

Gina

[MamaMichelle]

That makes sense you may be over-correcting your posture because your port area is sore, and that new posture is making your back muscles hurt.

[sunnee01]

Thanks for making me feel better about this, MamaMichelle. I just can't figure out what that burning is in my back. Any ideas? I also still feel so bloated....I thought that maybe this is why my back hurts because I am trying to hold my stomach in so my muscles are tired!!!

Gina

Gina,

They use carbon dioxide to inflate the abdomen. Although most of it is released at the end of the surgery, there is still some that remains. Did you try some warm compresses for your shoulder blades? It is pretty normal to feel bloated for a few days.

Loved the panties! What a great idea!

Audrey

[Paula Bee]

I think both doctors are VERY handsome, but Dr. Ortiz is... well, stunning. He truely made all my questions a big jumble in my head, because He was so very handsome. Fortunately, my husband was there to ask the questions, which freed me up to just stare.

lol

[vero]

Hi, I'm scheduled to be banded on May 6 and I'm so scared. I'm not sure what to expect. Is there any advice you could offer me?

On April 2nd two of my friends and I flew in to San Diego from Kansas to have surgery at the OCC with Dr. Ortiz and Martinez. Our flight arrived on time and our driver, Fransico, was there to greet us when we arrived. We were promptly transported to the clinic and when we pulled into the underground garage Dr. Ortiz was there to greet us and help us out of the van! WOW -- is he h-h-hot or what? We filled out our paperwork with the assistance of Claudia, had our EKG's with Dr. Jimenez, and our nutritional consult with Dr. Miranda, and our blood drawn by the nurse. Each of these people were kind and respectful. After we finished this part of our pre-op we were transported to our hotel by Mrs. Ortiz who was so wonderful. The Lucerna hotel staff were very attentive and we loved Alonso. Since we arrived early in the morning pacific time, we caught a cab down to Revolution Avenue and shopped after eating our last meal at La Difference, a mexican restaurant that has a very authentic menu (Beef Tongue Tacos, Duck, fried grasshoppers). Now you know we did not pick those off the menu!!! When I asked Dr. Martinez about this menu he explained how that is a favorite restaurant in TJ and they had specialty delicacies and told me a few more aside from the fried grasshoppers that I can not remember. YUK! But I had chicken (yes, it really looked and tasted like chicken breast) that was smothered in a cheese sauce and it was delicious. We only spent about an hour on Revolution Ave. on this day before we decided to go back to the hotel and rest up for our surgery the next day. On the day of our surgery, Mrs. Ortiz picked us up at 7:45 a.m. and took us to the clinic. We then had our dental check up by Dr. Orveido so we could be cleared for surgery...they didn't want us swallowing any false or loose teeth! After this we were escorted to our rooms where we were given our gown, sexy paper panties, and compression stockings. Since I am a nurse I put on my own stockings and when the nurse came in to my room to do it, she grinned, pointed and said, "You do yourself?" They nurses do not speak much English but they are very sweet. We then got our IV's started and were given our medications. Nexium (dries out stomach secretions), Zofran (helps with nausea), and I think there was another one IV, plus we got two pills to put under our tongues, Ativan (for relaxation), and a BP pill. Not long after that Dr. Martinez came into my room and visited with me. I sure enjoyed this visit as it was very informative. He took so much time just talking and answering all my questions regarding lap band. When Dr. Ortiz came into my room he grinned and I told him he wasn't allowed. He asked me why and I told him it was because he was so handsome that he needed to leave (I think the Ativan was already at work!). He grinned big, came around to the side of my bed, plopped down on the couch, and told me I made him blush! I am not sure that is possible as I am sure he hears this often! Dr. Martinez is just as handsome.....actually they are all attractive and have personalities to match. When Dr. Romero put me in my room and gave me those paper panties, I joked and told him I expected Dr. Ortiz to sign them....Well, lo and behold, I got my paper thong panties signed "All the Best, Dr. Ariel Ortiz L". I got a laugh out of that one. I was the second person in for surgery between my two friends. I remember when they came to my room to pick me up and roll me into surgery. I remember laying on the table looking up at the lights and I remember not being able to concentrate anymore and I was out. The next thing I remember was trying to breath and feeling like I was suffocating -- my throat felt numb. But then I said to myself, relax they will take care of you, and I remember moving onto a different cart (maybe my bed) and then I was awake and up walking trips around the clinic. My two friends had a harder time recovering. I was up and moving and visiting. Dr. Acostos (?) and I had a wonderful visit. I ate my pop ice and had some broth. I slept well that night. A doctor and our nurse slept outside the patient rooms. The next morning we were taken back to the clinic where we relaxed and then went back down to shop on Revolution Ave. You can find some great bargains. We never felt in danger. I had more gas pains that night while sleeping but it was bearable. I would explain it as a tightening in the chest. GasX helps some. The next morning we got up and was transported back to the airport. The commercial line at the border is not bad....we made it through in 15 minutes. We had a 3 hour wait at the airport before our flight left. Since my return I have had less discomfort in my chest each day and am doing well. I have lost a total of 21 pounds since the start of pre-op so I am happy right now. I would also like to add that my patient care coordinator, Carolyn was very nice, patient, and helpful. Thank you to her. Now it is all up to me to make this band work. I can not wait to get a new outside me! Good luck to all you past and future bandsters. If anyone ever has a question about this procedure and the OCC I would be more than willing to answer them.

Gina (gigirn)

[Fatcat]

BeBe,

I just saw your post about Dr. Ortiz and had to laugh out loud. I was banded on the 2nd and I was talking to Dr. Martinez (another great looker) when Dr. Ortiz walked in, sat down, threw his leg up over the chair and started chatting away - I was Agog and I'm 64. The son-of-a-gun is so much better looking than he his pictures. He has a presence that just makes you say WOW - that is once you catch your breath.

I also noticed Paula Bees said she was fortunate to be able to stare at him, as her husband was there to ask the questions. Do you think Dr. Ortiz knows what he does to women?

Helen >

[bandgroupie]

Oh, he knows

BeBe,

I just saw your post about Dr. Ortiz and had to laugh out loud. I was banded on the 2nd and I was talking to Dr. Martinez (another great looker) when Dr. Ortiz walked in, sat down, threw his leg up over the chair and started chatting away - I was Agog and I'm 64. The son-of-a-gun is so much better looking than he his pictures. He has a presence that just makes you say WOW - that is once you catch your breath.

I also noticed Paula Bees said she was fortunate to be able to stare at him, as her husband was there to ask the questions. Do you think Dr. Ortiz knows what he does to women?

Helen >

[Guest cedartown]

I'm not in Kansas or a nurse but i promise the OCC is as clean or cleaner than any hospital you have ever been in.

Very professional operation.Mine took about 20 minutes.I chose to go back to the hotel 30 minutes after my surgery but the other 7 people were banded that day stayed at the hospital.

It's just a little mini hospital sorta like a big doctors office. $8000 with hotel is a pretty good deal.

I was banded on 5-26-08.

[dawns]

On April 2nd two of my friends and I flew in to San Diego from Kansas to have surgery at the OCC with Dr. Ortiz and Martinez. Our flight arrived on time and our driver, Fransico, was there to greet us when we arrived. We were promptly transported to the clinic and when we pulled into the underground garage Dr. Ortiz was there to greet us and help us out of the van! WOW -- is he h-h-hot or what? We filled out our paperwork with the assistance of Claudia, had our EKG's with Dr. Jimenez, and our nutritional consult with Dr. Miranda, and our blood drawn by the nurse. Each of these people were kind and respectful. After we finished this part of our pre-op we were transported to our hotel by Mrs. Ortiz who was so wonderful. The Lucerna hotel staff were very attentive and we loved Alonso. Since we arrived early in the morning pacific time, we caught a cab down to Revolution Avenue and shopped after eating our last meal at La Difference, a mexican restaurant that has a very authentic menu (Beef Tongue Tacos, Duck, fried grasshoppers). Now you know we did not pick those off the menu!!! When I asked Dr. Martinez about this menu he explained how that is a favorite restaurant in TJ and they had specialty delicacies and told me a few more aside from the fried grasshoppers that I can not remember. YUK! But I had chicken (yes, it really looked and tasted like chicken breast) that was smothered in a cheese sauce and it was delicious. We only spent about an hour on Revolution Ave. on this day before we decided to go back to the hotel and rest up for our surgery the next day. On the day of our surgery, Mrs. Ortiz picked us up at 7:45 a.m. and took us to the clinic. We then had our dental check up by Dr. Orveido so we could be cleared for surgery...they didn't want us swallowing any false or loose teeth! After this we were escorted to our rooms where we were given our gown, sexy paper panties, and compression stockings. Since I am a nurse I put on my own stockings and when the nurse came in to my room to do it, she grinned, pointed and said, "You do yourself?" They nurses do not speak much English but they are very sweet. We then got our IV's started and were given our medications. Nexium (dries out stomach secretions), Zofran (helps with nausea), and I think there was another one IV, plus we got two pills to put under our tongues, Ativan (for relaxation), and a BP pill. Not long after that Dr. Martinez came into my room and visited with me. I sure enjoyed this visit as it was very informative. He took so much time just talking and answering all my questions regarding lap band. When Dr. Ortiz came into my room he grinned and I told him he wasn't allowed. He asked me why and I told him it was because he was so handsome that he needed to leave (I think the Ativan was already at work!). He grinned big, came around to the side of my bed, plopped down on the couch, and told me I made him blush! I am not sure that is possible as I am sure he hears this often! Dr. Martinez is just as handsome.....actually they are all attractive and have personalities to match. When Dr. Romero put me in my room and gave me those paper panties, I joked and told him I expected Dr. Ortiz to sign them....Well, lo and behold, I got my paper thong panties signed "All the Best, Dr. Ariel Ortiz L". I got a laugh out of that one. I was the second person in for surgery between my two friends. I remember when they came to my room to pick me up and roll me into surgery. I remember laying on the table looking up at the lights and I remember not being able to concentrate anymore and I was out. The next thing I remember was trying to breath and feeling like I was suffocating -- my throat felt numb. But then I said to myself, relax they will take care of you, and I remember moving onto a different cart (maybe my bed) and then I was awake and up walking trips around the clinic. My two friends had a harder time recovering. I was up and moving and visiting. Dr. Acostos (?) and I had a wonderful visit. I ate my pop ice and had some broth. I slept well that night. A doctor and our nurse slept outside the patient rooms. The next morning we were taken back to the clinic where we relaxed and then went back down to shop on Revolution Ave. You can find some great bargains. We never felt in danger. I had more gas pains that night while sleeping but it was bearable. I would explain it as a tightening in the chest. GasX helps some. The next morning we got up and was transported back to the airport. The commercial line at the border is not bad....we made it through in 15 minutes. We had a 3 hour wait at the airport before our flight left. Since my return I have had less discomfort in my chest each day and am doing well. I have lost a total of 21 pounds since the start of pre-op so I am happy right now. I would also like to add that my patient care coordinator, Carolyn was very nice, patient, and helpful. Thank you to her. Now it is all up to me to make this band work. I can not wait to get a new outside me! Good luck to all you past and future bandsters. If anyone ever has a question about this procedure and the OCC I would be more than willing to answer them.

Gina (gigirn)

Hi Gina,

Just wanted to let you know that I am scheduled at the OCC on Sept. 1. Now that it is official that I am having the surgery I might really take you up on that offer of lunch. Thanks for the email and the support.

sorry it took me all week to respond -- busy busy

[Guest CaraMBA09]

Thank you SOO SOO much for the wonderful info!! very informative and a bit of a relief.

you are kicking butt in the weight loss department - keep up the good work. I wish I could get my ticker to work...

[stormy]

That is so funny that someone had panties signed after surgery. What a great idea, I will wait and see if they ever end up on ebay. HA! I think I will have my husband read the post, he has no idea what he is walking into, he is just going along with what I say. The poor guy. I think the drs will explain to him but I dont want him to tell them I have told him nothing. He needs to be clear. Thanks for all the information.