June 9 Dr. Ortiz in Mexico

Bando · 05-10-2008, 09:16 AM

I'm pretty dang excited about it all.

Are there any folks out there that were banded by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico?? I'd love to hear from you!!

Sellie · 05-10-2008, 03:06 PM

Hi! I'm getting banded on June 4 by Dr. Ortiz.

Here is a really detailed account of someone's experience with the OCC. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f11/journ...tiz-occ-35473/

I found it really helpful. I like to know everything that is going to happen. Any thing that was "bad" can be prevented ahead of time, especially since this person gave us as heads up. For example, when being picked up the driver didn't know where they were taking them (???). So, I asked Rene at the OCC exactly what to do and he helped me out. Any concerns you have, e-mail someone from the OCC staff and they will reply very quickly. They have been SO helpful.

I've been working on a checklist of everything I have to have done by each date (payments, when to start pre-op, etc.) and I'm working on a list of what to bring and another list of what to have in the house for post op diet phases. If you're interested, let me know, I'll be happy to post. :biggrin2:

And apparently we get to stay at a higher rating hotel now! Instead of the Lucerna, patients will be at the Caminoreal.

Let me know if you have any questions after reading that detailed account, or if you want some checklists.

Bando · 05-10-2008, 04:30 PM

Wow Sellie:
That was incredibly detailed and informative. That person seems to have had a pretty smooth go of it, save Mom Ortiz and the hotel problem. Since we are going to be at a different hotel, things may even be better especially if she lets us keep our stuff in the room like we are supposed to.... I'd LOVE for you to share your checklists with me. I'd like to keep in touch since our surgery dates are close to each other.

Sellie · 05-10-2008, 11:59 PM

Yes, I was glad that the only complaints were minor things, not something like the surgery itself. And as far as Mom goes, other people have said she was very nice and helpful, so maybe she was PMSing or just having a bad day.

So, some info I've found so far.

This was posted on the OCC forum, it's a scanned sheet of what we can eat for post-op diet. We'll get the same one, but it'd be nice to get all stocked up on food before surgery. http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showtopic=5220

Here are some recipes for the liquid stage:
http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f82/liquid-stage-recipes-17636/

(some good items to stock up on: Soup broth, Jello, Juice, protein water, Protein shakes, Popsicles, Milk, Tea, Crystal light)

After looking at our post-op diet, it looks like mushy stage is skipped. I think I'll be too scared to go from soup broth to a slab of chicken overnight, so here's some mushy recipes in case you're thinking the same.
http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f82/mushies-stage-recipes-17637/

(some good items to stock up on: Yogurt, Mashed potatoes, Cottage cheese, Oatmeal/cream of wheat, Pudding, Blended soups)

And here's my specific checklist. I tried to compile all the information I could find and came up with this. And my surgery date is June 4th, so you'd just add 5 days to each date and it should work.

Surgery Checklist:
___ Send $500 deposit and paperwork.
___ May 20th: Pay full balance of surgery by this date.
___ May 20th: No more alcohol until after surgery.

___ May 23rd: Make sure Rene has travel details by this date. rene@obesitycontrolcenter.com
___ May 27th: Start protein shake and salad diet. 1-2 diet drinks allowed per day. (There were 3 options, I just chose this one personally, e-mail Dr. Miranda if you have questions.)
___ May 28th: No more aspirin until after surgery.
Trip Itinerary:
June 3rd:
___ Start blood work fast by 6am.
___ Arrive at 7 am at SeaTac.
___ Plane leaves SEA at 9 am.
___ Plane arrives SAN at 11:49am.
___ No make up, lotion or nail polish allowed for pre-ops.
___ Last Supper at hotel restaurant after pre-ops.
___ Start surgery fast at 9pm.

June 4th:
___ No daily medications until after surgery.

June 6th:
___ Plane leaves SAN at 8:30 am.
___ Plane arrives SEA at 11:30 am.

To carry-on:
___ Magazines, ipod, wallet, tickets, cell phone, list of contact info for OCC, original paperwork, $20 cash.
___ leave all jewelry at home

To check bags: (small suitcase with wheels)
___ slippers/sandals for hospital walks
___ sweats and t-shirts
___ foundation and mascara (for June 5/6 only)
___ socks, underwear, soft front close sports bra
___ deodorant, toothbrush/paste, face wash
___ shampoo, conditioner, detangler, hair brush, body wash, washcloth
___ daily medications
___ care package (gas-x strips, cough strips, kleenex, liquid advil/tyenol, chapstick)

I apologize if this was too detailed, just letting you know every detail.

.... and of course, the disclaimer, this is just my checklist I made after reading all documents I could have made a mistake so it's of course best to verify all information and read the information you were sent.

Let me know if you come up with any other information, recipes or things to pack and I'll do the same.

maggielexi · 05-11-2008, 12:09 AM

Hi -- I'm getting banded on May 15th by Dr. Ortiz . . I would love to get your checklist of foods to buy, etc. I haven't had a chance to get on that so anything you could give me would be so helpful.

Thanks much!

Sellie · 05-11-2008, 12:22 AM

Hi maggielexi! You'll have to let us know how everything goes since you are sooner than Bando and I.

This link will take you to Dr. Ortiz's forum where someone scanned in Dr. Miranda's post op diet instructions.

A Copy of Dr. Miranda's Post Op Guidelines - Lap Band Forum - Lap Band Surgery, Dr. Ariel Ortiz, Lap Band in Mexico

Hope it helps!!!

Operagal · 05-11-2008, 12:40 AM

Almost there! I was banded on April 30, 08 by Dr Ortiz. Drove over from LA with my husband. While I was excited, I tried not to think about it too much because I tend to obsess. So, I packed in the morning - not much just the basics and we headed out. The whole process was quick and easy. I was actually scheduled for May 1st but there was an open spot on the 30th so I just took it rather than have to continue the fast for a longer period! Definitely easier than going to the dentist. Good luck and don't worry. I had 4-5 days of discomfort - mainly gas, painful shoulder, and sore tummy. But now only 10 days in, I only have an itchy tummy and feel as if I had nothing done. Now I'm waiting for my first fill on June 20 so I can get over this HUNGER. Best wishes

tarrn13 · 05-11-2008, 04:39 AM

hi all, i was banded by dr. o on march 25th and the whole exp was smooth sailing, from being picked up at the airport to the hotel to the clinic and procedure to going home, i have no complaints and i am a nurse here in the US and we can always find something to complain about. A great recipe that I use alot since I too did not wish to jump from liquids to a slab of chicken, I just use some refried bean with cheese melted on it and some salsa, so my favourite pre work meal, I eat it even now and it is totally satisfying.

good luck all and any questions feel free to message me,

Operagal · 05-11-2008, 11:01 PM

Good one thank you.

nellie rae · 05-13-2008, 10:25 PM

Where in Washington are from I'm in Vancouver?

tarrn13 · 05-13-2008, 11:06 PM

nellie rae, are you asking me where I'm from? if you are, then I live in downtown Seattle.

nellie rae · 05-13-2008, 11:29 PM

Tarrn,
I am looking for some to chat with in my area. I want to get a lap band and am looking for someone who is in the same spot in there life maybe we can chat as we go.

P.S. Where were you banded and how did it go for you and what were your cost$ like?
Thank Janell

o2bthin · 05-14-2008, 02:00 AM

Yes, I was banded 6/18/07 by Ortiz. Great experience!

nellie rae · 05-14-2008, 01:46 PM

Hi,
O2bthin, Where Wa are you from? And how are you doing now?
Janell

anewkim · 05-17-2008, 09:48 PM

Sellie
I'll see you there! I have a June 4th date with Dr. O also.