For those already banded - what is your response to this???

[Littleroo27]

I have a Live Journal account and have been posting updates on my journey through the lap-band red tape fairly often.

One of my friends goes to college in Chula Vista (southern San Diego County), CA and her family lives in TJ.

She has two family members that are in the medical community and offered to ask them about Dr. Ortiz. Of course I said YES!

This is her response, and it just seems backwards from everything I've read about him. But then I went and looked through his credentials and I DON'T see any listings for surgical training in Mexico, so I don't know what to think...

"This is what I found out. My uncle knows a doctor who works in the same building, so this comes from him. They moved in about three months ago from Mexico DF, the capital. They are real doctors, but they are trained as general physicians and not specialized in the field you are looking at. actually, they are not specialized in surgery at all. They are the type you are supposed to go to when you have a cold or a general evaluation of your health. They came here and figured that because weight loss surgery is the latest fad in Tijuana, a border city, and they were doctors already, how hard would it be to become surgeons. They advertised in the internet to draw in US clients to get back all the money spent on the rent for the towers and the equipment, which belongs to the doctor that used the space before them, so it isn't exactly new or state of the art. My godmother recommends a Dr. Kuri, and my uncle recommends this one guy that he is planning to have the surgery done with."

[Eve P.]

Just go to the search engine Killerinfo.com and put in Dr. Ortiz Mexico and his website will come up. He has preformed over 3000 of these procedures. I met a women in Tijuana that was banded by Dr. Fisher in Vegas, one of the very first surgeries done in the USA and he was TRAINED by Dr. Ortiz.There was a doctor from Oregon there getting the procedure done and was referred by another MD. I doubt they would allow someone without training to do their prodedures. Maybe you have another Dr. Ortiz. Take care, Eve

[CutieCathy]

LittleRoo;

I honestly dont think those people you are talking to know anything in regards to Dr. Ortiz....I beleive alot of what some people write on here is "HERESAY".....I would suggest to you that you go back to those same individuals and have them do a little more research on Dr. Ortiz....AND HIS CREDENTIALS....I researched Dr. Ortiz for a year and a half...and he came HIGHLY recomended by not ONE, not TWO, but THREE doctors..and that is in my state of Florida alone....I also wonder why sooooo many AMERICAN doctors are going to Dr. Ortiz for the surgery THEMSELVES....The day I had my surgery an American Doctor from California was there....two doctors here in the state of Florida where I live who are doing seminars on Lap-Band Surgery are ALSO past patients of Dr. Ortiz....I dont mean to sound harsh in my words, HOWEVER....I beleive that before people are posting negative words or even thoughts in regards to an individual they SHOULD do extensive research such as a number of us have on this forum....I can honesty tell you I WOULD NOT WANT ANY AND I MEAN ANY other "SURGEON", other than Dr. Ortiz taking care of me...and just to note also....when I had my surgery Dr. Ortiz found that I had a Hernia....which he repaired at the same time as my surgery....I highly doubt that if Dr. Ortiz is not a "SURGEON", per your friends....he would not be an EXPERT also in this field....i suggest you do the research yourself....you will find he is a VERY VERY CARING, COMPASSIONATE , HIGHLY TRAINED Doctor, who is very very passionate in his work. Please check out his partial list of credentials from his Website....Best of Luck on your Journey!!!

Cathy ))

[PAMMIE]

FIRST START WITH CHECKING OUT HIS CREDENTIALS AND RESEACH FROM THERE

ORTIZ

[Littleroo27]

LittleRoo;

I honestly dont think those people you are talking to know anything in regards to Dr. Ortiz....I beleive alot of what some people write on here is "HERESAY".....I would suggest to you that you go back to those same individuals and have them do a little more research on Dr. Ortiz....AND HIS CREDENTIALS....I researched Dr. Ortiz for a year and a half...and he came HIGHLY recomended by not ONE, not TWO, but THREE doctors..and that is in my state of Florida alone....I also wonder why sooooo many AMERICAN doctors are going to Dr. Ortiz for the surgery THEMSELVES....The day I had my surgery an American Doctor from California was there....two doctors here in the state of Florida where I live who are doing seminars on Lap-Band Surgery are ALSO past patients of Dr. Ortiz....I dont mean to sound harsh in my words, HOWEVER....I beleive that before people are posting negative words or even thoughts in regards to an individual they SHOULD do extensive research such as a number of us have on this forum....I can honesty tell you I WOULD NOT WANT ANY AND I MEAN ANY other "SURGEON", other than Dr. Ortiz taking care of me...and just to note also....when I had my surgery Dr. Ortiz found that I had a Hernia....which he repaired at the same time as my surgery....I highly doubt that if Dr. Ortiz is not a "SURGEON", per your friends....he would not be an EXPERT also in this field....i suggest you do the research yourself....you will find he is a VERY VERY CARING, COMPASSIONATE , HIGHLY TRAINED Doctor, who is very very passionate in his work. Please check out his partial list of credentials from his Website....Best of Luck on your Journey!!!

Cathy ))

Thanks for your reply. I tend to agree with you. I've read his credentials, I own his book - with about 500 million sticky tabs in it, lol.

The girl who replied just asked her family because she thought they might know something and her response really made me go "WTF!" so I thought I would just see what you all had to say.

My Live Journal is primarily about my life and has just added banding stuff in lately as it's become a part of my life. So it's not like she is a bander or posting on lap-band panels or anything.

[ROSE]

I was banded on July 14, and have not been on line for several days. I must say that, when I went on line last night, I found your postings very disturbing, destructive and not of the nature of those of us who are truly trying to turn our lives around. To state untruths regarding Dr. Ortiz is malicious and, in fact slander; an action for which Dr. Ortiz could sue you if it affected his business one bit. It also shows that you did NOTdo your homework. I based my decision for Dr. Ortiz, not upon heresay, but rather checking with actual/REAL resoursces. For instance, check with INAMED; check with the Mexican medical licensing board; check with the International Bariatric Association. Shame on you, if you caused even one person to be anxious; especially those of us who are newly post-op and have just vested all our faith in Drs. Ortiz and Martinez. I have been a nurse for more than 30 years; have my Master's degree and am a Director of Nursing. One of my dearest friends accompanied me and was in the Operating Room with me. She is an ICU nurse in a large, teaching medical center. When we were younger, she was an OR nurse. She said that she was so impressed with both doctors skill.

While I wish you luck in your own journey, I hope that you cease entering on this website, unless it can be positive and factual.

Sheila

[Littleroo27]

I was banded on July 14, and have not been on line for several days. I must say that, when I went on line last night, I found your postings very disturbing, destructive and not of the nature of those of us who are truly trying to turn our lives around. To state untruths regarding Dr. Ortiz is malicious and, in fact slander; an action for which Dr. Ortiz could sue you if it affected his business one bit. It also shows that you did NOTdo your homework. I based my decision for Dr. Ortiz, not upon heresay, but rather checking with actual/REAL resoursces. For instance, check with INAMED; check with the Mexican medical licensing board; check with the International Bariatric Association. Shame on you, if you caused even one person to be anxious; especially those of us who are newly post-op and have just vested all our faith in Drs. Ortiz and Martinez. I have been a nurse for more than 30 years; have my Master's degree and am a Director of Nursing. One of my dearest friends accompanied me and was in the Operating Room with me. She is an ICU nurse in a large, teaching medical center. When we were younger, she was an OR nurse. She said that she was so impressed with both doctors skill.

While I wish you luck in your own journey, I hope that you cease entering on this website, unless it can be positive and factual.

Sheila

Rose, first of all - CALM DOWN!!! if you read my post again, you will notice that I DID NOT WRITE THAT. A friend of mine told me that and it made ME nervous. I wanted to get feedback from others on this site, which is what it is FOR. I was not trying to say that he is a bad person or a bad doctor. I did not state anything as fact and, in fact, said "This is her response, and it just seems backwards from everything I've read about him."

I have read Dr. Ortiz's book, I have researched a thousand websites and am on 5 different posting boards, where I mostly read other people's experiences. I am NOT uneducated about the process or the doctor. I have copies of his credentials from the website. I do not appreciate you basically SCREAMING at me, when I'm just as nervous about this as every other pre-op person on this board and am just trying to find out the truth. While Dr. Ortiz does appear to have surgical credentials from the US, I did not see any listed from Mexico. Obviously this does not mean he isn't qualified, far from it, but it did make me a little curious as to why that was. I would appreciate it if you would re-read my post and understand what I was asking before bitching me out.

Also, if I have posted any other post that you have found offensive, please tell me what I said that was incorrect, as I do not feel that I have posted anything inflammatory or treated any falsity as a fact.

Thank you for making me feel absolutely horrible about posting about my own feelings and nervousness.

[CutieCathy]

LittleRoo;

I hope that you dont worry too too much about the surgery.....its actually isnt as bad as you think....I know myself...I was just like u worried....anxious,....i guess the fear of the unknown....I can HOWEVER, promise you...you WILL HAVE A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE WITH DR. ORTIZ....from my OWN perspective...I beleive that ALOT of American Doctors could learn alot from Dr. Ortiz and the way he runs his clinic....The cleanliness was also...UNBELEIVABLE....I leave tomorrow for my first fill..which by the way I was going to have done here in Florida..but...I loved them so much I decided to go back for my fills also with them....rest assured...you will have a positive experience...I beleive you will be posting on here soon...telling of how wonderful IT WAS.....call and talk to Carolyn or Sandy...I know Carolyn answered ALOT of questions that I had...and she never got sick of me either....I again wish u the best on your journey and keep us posted as to what u have decided to do....Cathy )

[Littleroo27]

LittleRoo;

I hope that you dont worry too too much about the surgery.....its actually isnt as bad as you think....I know myself...I was just like u worried....anxious,....i guess the fear of the unknown....I can HOWEVER, promise you...you WILL HAVE A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE WITH DR. ORTIZ....from my OWN perspective...I beleive that ALOT of American Doctors could learn alot from Dr. Ortiz and the way he runs his clinic....The cleanliness was also...UNBELEIVABLE....I leave tomorrow for my first fill..which by the way I was going to have done here in Florida..but...I loved them so much I decided to go back for my fills also with them....rest assured...you will have a positive experience...I beleive you will be posting on here soon...telling of how wonderful IT WAS.....call and talk to Carolyn or Sandy...I know Carolyn answered ALOT of questions that I had...and she never got sick of me either....I again wish u the best on your journey and keep us posted as to what u have decided to do....Cathy )

I really appreciate that, Cathy. Thank you so much. I'm 99.9% sure I will be going to Dr. Ortiz for the procedure, I just need to get my financing nailed down or rob a bank or something, lol.

[LoriBecky]

OK... I think if you start here

Dr. Ortiz

you won't have ANY doubts about Dr. Ortiz' credentials or the fact that he is a highly trained surgeon, please note the YALE & HARVARD training and the other specialized training in laproscopy. Please also note that he is a Fellow of the AMERICAN College of Surgeons, and while not an American MD, he meets the tough criteria of these American organizations (see bottom of page at the above mentioned website) And he does teach and certify other surgeons and is highly regarded by Inamed, the manufacturer of the ONLY FDA approved lap band. Inamed considers him an "expert among experts" and uses him to proctor (train) other surgeons.

I'd be happy to answer any other questions about Dr. Ortiz' credentials. Please feel free to contact me.

[PatU]

As a future bander (08/21/06), I have been following this thread and have been anxious to hear from those who have first-hand experience with Dr. Ortiz. I'm not really hung up on the "paper", but the experience of the doctor. I am also very interested in what the nurses have to say. I feel they have great insight to care of the patient and state of the facility. Unfortunately, Mexico has a "dirty" reputation and Americans (at least the people I have mentioned this to) automatically think that this surgery will be performed by candlelight with a rusty razor blade. Even my husband and friends are still a bit suspicious and would rather I do it in Arkansas -- where the doctor may or may not be wearing shoes (just kidding).

On the other hand, I am nervous as hell. Not about the surgery, or the limited diet (been doing that for years) but telling my elderly parents and thin, twin sister. Knowing how they will react, I have decided to wait until after the procedure to tell them. They would be worried even if I was doing it in Arkansas. So, as far as they are concerned, I will be attending a conference in San Diego that week.

My husband was rather shocked that I booked the surgery without thinking about it more. Little did he know that I have been thinking about for a year! I just get tired of talking about my weight. Unfortunately, it's the only thing on my mind and I am more than ready to move on to another topic.

Exchanges like this do really help, even if some of the comments are misunderstood by the reader. I know it helps me to know that people will stick up for Dr. Ortiz if his reputation is being questioned. None of this has shaken my confidence, quite to the contrary. I look forward to meeting him and OCC staff in August.

PatU

[LoriBecky]

Hi Patty,

I was banded 6/15 and I think the best recommendation I can give you for Dr. Ortiz is that I was so impressed, that I asked for a job. I've been working with Obesity Control Center for a few weeks now and I am more and more impressed with Dr. Ortiz and his staff everyday.

Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to know more about my experience

[Littleroo27]

As a future bander (08/21/06), I have been following this thread and have been anxious to hear from those who have first-hand experience with Dr. Ortiz. I'm not really hung up on the "paper", but the experience of the doctor. I am also very interested in what the nurses have to say. I feel they have great insight to care of the patient and state of the facility. Unfortunately, Mexico has a "dirty" reputation and Americans (at least the people I have mentioned this to) automatically think that this surgery will be performed by candlelight with a rusty razor blade. Even my husband and friends are still a bit suspicious and would rather I do it in Arkansas -- where the doctor may or may not be wearing shoes (just kidding).

On the other hand, I am nervous as hell. Not about the surgery, or the limited diet (been doing that for years) but telling my elderly parents and thin, twin sister. Knowing how they will react, I have decided to wait until after the procedure to tell them. They would be worried even if I was doing it in Arkansas. So, as far as they are concerned, I will be attending a conference in San Diego that week.

My husband was rather shocked that I booked the surgery without thinking about it more. Little did he know that I have been thinking about for a year! I just get tired of talking about my weight. Unfortunately, it's the only thing on my mind and I am more than ready to move on to another topic.

Exchanges like this do really help, even if some of the comments are misunderstood by the reader. I know it helps me to know that people will stick up for Dr. Ortiz if his reputation is being questioned. None of this has shaken my confidence, quite to the contrary. I look forward to meeting him and OCC staff in August.

PatU

Ditto!!!

Part of me is happy that none of my family lives near me now. Even though they know about the surgery and that I plan on having it done, I don't have to worry about them watching my every bite post-op and feeling like they are waiting for me to fail.

[Chelley]

I was very skeptical about having surgery in Mexico, but I did my homework. I would encourage any of you who are skeptical, to please check Dr. Ortiz's credentials to your satisfaction. Once upon a time before I became a nurse, I did medical staff credentialing so I know how to investigate a physicians background. You can go to www.obesitycontrolcenter.com and use the quick link to the left of the screen to pull up the topic "Who is Dr. Ortiz?" In this screen you will find a link to review his credentials which contains his surgical certificate from Harvard Medical School, A cirriculum vitae, a certificate of membership with the American College of Surgeons which means he is a borad certified surgeon, as well as a certifiate proclaiming his membership with the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. In addition to all of these credentials is a letter from INAMED, the maker of the LapBand proclaiming Dr. Ortiz's expertise in this field. Verify these credentials for yourself, I did. I am most impressed by Dr. Ortiz and his colleagues. I assure you, not many American doctors would be so willing to lay open their professional history the way Dr. Ortiz has. He understands that we Americans are skeptical about surgery in Mexico and he has made all this information available to help us make an informed decision about trusting our lives in his care. Chelley

[Littleroo27]

I'm seriously freaking out right now, and I don't want to be... if anyone can provide me with links that are NOT related to Dr. Ortiz's website or practice (ie: independent), can you provide them for me? I'm sure it's completely unfounded, but my friend is starting to spazz my poor brain!!!

Also, if you have AIM or Yahoo IM, I could use a friend to talk to about this, lol. Click on my user name for my info.

almanataliadecastro: hey

littleroo27: hi

almanataliadecastro: Dr. Ortiz is a general physician, he attended a seminar on surgery and has so far been successful on his operations because until a while back Dr. Kuri the surgeon that assisted Dr. Ortiz's surgeries was the one performing the operations but he left Ortiz and his partner because he wasnt happy with the unorthodox transactions they were taking part in

littleroo27: where did you hear this? I have heard nothing but excellent things from his patients and he is trained in the US.

almanataliadecastro: health care workers

almanataliadecastro: how did you get intouch with his patients?

littleroo27: through several different lap-band forums

littleroo27: they say he is wonderful and his facility is clean and awesome

littleroo27: http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showtopic=626

almanataliadecastro: internet is the headquarter to majorr frauds

littleroo27: how about the guy who wants to take me with him when he gets filled in a couple of weeks?

almanataliadecastro: and this is your health you are barganing with

littleroo27: and he does have training at Harvard and Yale

[ROSE]

I went for a post op follow up surgery visit today. The local surgeon is the Directoe of Minimally invasive surgey at a local teaching medical center. He was very impressed by my surgery. as well as the copy of the surgical report I brought with me. Oh, and by the way, the surgeon who proctored this surgeon in the lapband surgery? Dr. Ariel Ortiz! Althought his surgeon does the procedure himself, he understood that the cost of the surgery is exorbitant in the NYC area. He was willing to do my follow up, out of respect for Dr. Ortiz.

[Littleroo27]

I went for a post op follow up surgery visit today. The local surgeon is the Directoe of Minimally invasive surgey at a local teaching medical center. He was very impressed by my surgery. as well as the copy of the surgical report I brought with me. Oh, and by the way, the surgeon who proctored this surgeon in the lapband surgery? Dr. Ariel Ortiz! Althought his surgeon does the procedure himself, he understood that the cost of the surgery is exorbitant in the NYC area. He was willing to do my follow up, out of respect for Dr. Ortiz.

That is really good to hear.

I'm trying to find some secondary sources to verify his qualifications. Not that I don't believe all of you or his website, but it would make me feel a lot better.

[Chelley]

This will be my last post on this particular topic because I find it distressing and destructive and will not lend this topic another nanosecond of my time. Before anyone comes into a forum and begins making allegations, you should confirm the source otherwise you are just spreading rumor and this rumor gained in chat is a slap in the face of those who have been banded that did their homework and verified Dr. Ortiz's credentials. Don't believe the scores of accounts posted by happy lapband patients, but believe the gossip of a supposed insider? Shame on you! As for websites where you can quickly verify Dr. Ortiz's credentials other than his own, www.facs.org and www.asbs.org to start with??? Littleroo ... I'm very disappointed in your commentary and as an educated woman, you should well know how to conduct internet research. I have to wonder, are you a ringer in this forum trying to destroy Dr. Ortiz's credibility???

[Littleroo27]

This will be my last post on this particular topic because I find it distressing and destructive and will not lend this topic another nanosecond of my time. Before anyone comes into a forum and begins making allegations, you should confirm the source otherwise you are just spreading rumor and this rumor gained in chat is a slap in the face of those who have been banded that did their homework and verified Dr. Ortiz's credentials. Don't believe the scores of accounts posted by happy lapband patients, but believe the gossip of a supposed insider? Shame on you! As for websites where you can quickly verify Dr. Ortiz's credentials other than his own, www.facs.org and www.asbs.org to start with??? Littleroo ... I'm very disappointed in your commentary and as an educated woman, you should well know how to conduct internet research. I have to wonder, are you a ringer in this forum trying to destroy Dr. Ortiz's credibility???

Gee, it's so nice to know I'm not allowed to post my own concerns.

I was just about to make a post stating that I had e-mailed Yale and Harvard last night to confirm Dr. Ortiz' credentials for my own piece of mind and DID get a response back from Yale confirming that "Dr. Ortiz is generally regarded as one of the MOST experienced Lap Band surgeons in the world."

Obviously this puts my mind at considerable ease about everything.

And, do I believe someone I know in person over people I've never met? Yeah, probably. Just as you say "am I a ringer trying to destroy Dr. Ortiz's credibility" why couldn't you be someone working for him trying to drum up his practice with false experiences?

I don't think that you are, but I also know that I'm just a nervous potential patient who is sharing MY concerns with a group of people in a similar position.

If I was an uneducated woman I would have taken my friend's comments at face value and done no further research instead of asking questions and e-mailing 3rd party physicians who have nothing to gain off of recomending Dr. Ortiz.

[twinchell]

I was banded on July 14, and have not been on line for several days. I must say that, when I went on line last night, I found your postings very disturbing, destructive and not of the nature of those of us who are truly trying to turn our lives around. To state untruths regarding Dr. Ortiz is malicious and, in fact slander; an action for which Dr. Ortiz could sue you if it affected his business one bit. It also shows that you did NOTdo your homework. I based my decision for Dr. Ortiz, not upon heresay, but rather checking with actual/REAL resoursces. For instance, check with INAMED; check with the Mexican medical licensing board; check with the International Bariatric Association. Shame on you, if you caused even one person to be anxious; especially those of us who are newly post-op and have just vested all our faith in Drs. Ortiz and Martinez. I have been a nurse for more than 30 years; have my Master's degree and am a Director of Nursing. One of my dearest friends accompanied me and was in the Operating Room with me. She is an ICU nurse in a large, teaching medical center. When we were younger, she was an OR nurse. She said that she was so impressed with both doctors skill.

While I wish you luck in your own journey, I hope that you cease entering on this website, unless it can be positive and factual.

Sheila

I have my surgery scheduled for August 3rd and was absolutely terrifed when I read this back and forth. I researched Dr. Ortiz as well as many others starting in April and found 2 doctors that were much cheaper, but as well referrenced as Dr. Ortiz. I am hoping that I have a wonderful experience, I am traveling alone, and can report back that he was as professional as his recommendators were.

[WannaBeABrickHouse]

To: PatU, Littleroo, & anyone else who is a little nervous.

It's been almost a year since my surgery and I've been nothing but pleased w/ everything. I grew up in Chula Vista, CA & a lot of my friends & family have always gone to Tijuana for medical care (anything from medication & the dentist to open heart surgery) so I didn't really have that fear of medical care in Mexico, just as long as I did my research. And I did tons!!!

I am so happy that I had this surgery & at OCC. I had a little problem w/ my band in May so I called Dr. Martinez on his cell phone, he answered right away & was able to help. OCC has moved to a new facility since I had my surgery & the new place is very nice, but the old place was nice too. Very clean, and everyone was very attentive to my needs.

As far as telling people about my band (PatU especially) I've told practically everyone I know EXCEPT my parents. If you think your parents & sister will kind of freak out (as my mother would) or have any kind of negative reaction, don't tell them. What a lot of people don't realize is that this is a slow(er) method of weight loss than a gastric bypass, and they could end up discouraging you unintentionally. Once you get to a certain point in your weight loss the band can only do so much & the rest depends on your diet & exercise so to hear negative remarks could possibly hinder you.

I hope all of your surgeries go well & if you have any questions about my experience I will try my best to answer them. (I am going to Eastern Europe from 7/25 - 8/10 & won't be on-line. So if you ask me something during that time I'll respond when I return.)

[Littleroo27]

To: PatU, Littleroo, & anyone else who is a little nervous.

It's been almost a year since my surgery and I've been nothing but pleased w/ everything. I grew up in Chula Vista, CA & a lot of my friends & family have always gone to Tijuana for medical care (anything from medication & the dentist to open heart surgery) so I didn't really have that fear of medical care in Mexico, just as long as I did my research. And I did tons!!!

I am so happy that I had this surgery & at OCC. I had a little problem w/ my band in May so I called Dr. Martinez on his cell phone, he answered right away & was able to help. OCC has moved to a new facility since I had my surgery & the new place is very nice, but the old place was nice too. Very clean, and everyone was very attentive to my needs.

As far as telling people about my band (PatU especially) I've told practically everyone I know EXCEPT my parents. If you think your parents & sister will kind of freak out (as my mother would) or have any kind of negative reaction, don't tell them. What a lot of people don't realize is that this is a slow(er) method of weight loss than a gastric bypass, and they could end up discouraging you unintentionally. Once you get to a certain point in your weight loss the band can only do so much & the rest depends on your diet & exercise so to hear negative remarks could possibly hinder you.

I hope all of your surgeries go well & if you have any questions about my experience I will try my best to answer them. (I am going to Eastern Europe from 7/25 - 8/10 & won't be on-line. So if you ask me something during that time I'll respond when I return.)

I was just in CV last night! I'm down there almost every weekend, but live in the Hillcrest area. Perhaps some time after your trip we could meet up and talk about your experiences.

I'm lucky that I live here and my parents are all still back in KS, so they can't constantly see and judge my results.

[NWMarc]

Hi,

Let me add my two cents in here. It's been awhile since I've logged in. I had my surgery done at the end of April. Up until that point I had to take a Prilosec OTC everyday for consistent heartburn. I flew down on a Thursday. The entire staff and Mrs. Ortiz were simply excellent. If/when you pass through the doors into the clinical area it's almost like a clean room environment. Booties on your shoes, etc. The nursing staff was also excellent.

Dr. Ortiz believed I probably had a hurnia that was causing my heartburn. Well, during surgery he fixed it. (No extra cost.) I haven't had a Prilosec or heartburn since my surgery.

About a week after surgery I was doing a bunch of bending down and picking up a new puppy. I believe this was too similar to crunches, you're not supporsed to do abdominal crunches at least for a while, and when I stood up I felt ill and then dry heaved. I called Dr. Ortiz's cell phone. (How many Dr.s do you know and have their cell phone number?) Well, someone answered but it wasn't Dr. Ortiz because he was in surgery. A short time later I received a call from Dr. Ortiz. I told him what happened and told me what probably happened (might have pulled a stich). He told me what to watch out for and told me to take it easy and call him later. Even without asking him, he told me that it probably was not a slip. When I called him later and still wasn't feeling great he said to the pain continued for much longer I should see my local doctor. As it was I was able to go to sleep and the next morning I woke up and felt fine.

The points here are 1.) He is VERY professional, friendly, and caring. 2.) His staff is VERY professional , friendly, and caring. 3.) You have access to him and his staff after surgery.

I, nor probably anyone else who has responded, get anything for saying nice things about Dr. Ortiz. If there was any, even little, negative about my experience worth mentioning I would do so.

Finally, the thing to remember with the band is that it's a tool and that you have to make a committment to use the tool. I've had limited success since being banded but it's very obvious to me it's my own fault. I know if I stop doing a couple of bad things and start moving my body more the weight will simply fall off.

Hope this helps.

[Littleroo27]

Thanks very much for your well worded post. I was rather afraid I was going to get yelled at again, lol. Having continued to do research, as well as seeing all of the responses here, I am 99% sure that Dr. Ortiz will be doing my procedure. At this point, I just need to visit the clinic and set the date

Hi,

Let me add my two cents in here. It's been awhile since I've logged in. I had my surgery done at the end of April. Up until that point I had to take a Prilosec OTC everyday for consistent heartburn. I flew down on a Thursday. The entire staff and Mrs. Ortiz were simply excellent. If/when you pass through the doors into the clinical area it's almost like a clean room environment. Booties on your shoes, etc. The nursing staff was also excellent.

Dr. Ortiz believed I probably had a hurnia that was causing my heartburn. Well, during surgery he fixed it. (No extra cost.) I haven't had a Prilosec or heartburn since my surgery.

About a week after surgery I was doing a bunch of bending down and picking up a new puppy. I believe this was too similar to crunches, you're not supporsed to do abdominal crunches at least for a while, and when I stood up I felt ill and then dry heaved. I called Dr. Ortiz's cell phone. (How many Dr.s do you know and have their cell phone number?) Well, someone answered but it wasn't Dr. Ortiz because he was in surgery. A short time later I received a call from Dr. Ortiz. I told him what happened and told me what probably happened (might have pulled a stich). He told me what to watch out for and told me to take it easy and call him later. Even without asking him, he told me that it probably was not a slip. When I called him later and still wasn't feeling great he said to the pain continued for much longer I should see my local doctor. As it was I was able to go to sleep and the next morning I woke up and felt fine.

The points here are 1.) He is VERY professional, friendly, and caring. 2.) His staff is VERY professional , friendly, and caring. 3.) You have access to him and his staff after surgery.

I, nor probably anyone else who has responded, get anything for saying nice things about Dr. Ortiz. If there was any, even little, negative about my experience worth mentioning I would do so.

Finally, the thing to remember with the band is that it's a tool and that you have to make a committment to use the tool. I've had limited success since being banded but it's very obvious to me it's my own fault. I know if I stop doing a couple of bad things and start moving my body more the weight will simply fall off.

Hope this helps.

[Rid]

Hello all. I haven't posted in a while, because I have had some major concerns about going to Mexico, even with Dr. Ortiz's qualifications, and even with his excellent staff, and even with him giving out his cell phone number. I'm very disappointed in the responses to this woman's concerns. When we do research, we look at everything. If this forum is only going to support the glowing views of Ortiz, then it is not a true forum, but a PR site. You all should be thankful that someone is asking questions.

There is nothing wrong with someone discussing something that they heard. There is nothing wrong with her talking about the good along with the bad. Frankly that's exactly what thorough research should involve. AND, I wouldn't be surprised if when newbies read your flames of Roo that it drives them away from this site.

I know that you all want to feel like you made the right choice, but you should never make a newbie feel like this. All of you who attacked her need to ask yourself why you came on so strong. If Ortiz is a great doctor, you shouldn't worry about someone asking those questions. It is not slander, it is not "deplorable", and she should be applauded for asking questions.

As for me, well.... After reading all this crap, I think I'll head over to lapbandtalk where you can get some objective feedback. I've found a doctor in Thousand Oaks, CA who doesn't have the same experience, but has enough experience, and is in the US. I don't expect to get objectivity over here.

Roo, if you want info on my stuff, respond back and I'll email you direct.

Rid