any one had a fill by dr ortiz ??

oh2bthin · 01-13-2006, 10:23 AM

can anyone tell me about dr.ortiz , i have a long Lap Band story but i will try to make it short , i have a Lap Band that has not yet been approved by the f.d.a. and so its been basically impossible to get a fill in the u.s . the only doctor that has said he will fill me is dr.ortiz and am really curious to know anything about him. i had my Lap Band op in belguim and they have been doing this op for over ten years there and so i quess i got a newer state of the art band . its called a bioring made by cousin it holds 10 cc i am at 6cc and little to none restriction as this is a low pressure band but i know i just need hit my point so am trying like crazy to get this fill done but nervous about seeing a new doctor especially in mexico are they as good as the ones in the states?? my surgeon in belguim was one of the founders of the band and so i felt very confident i just wish he had put an f.d.a. approved band in and it would have been so much easier .

dvv711 · 01-13-2006, 10:58 AM

Hi there...
I just wanted to reassure you about getting a fill with Dr. Ortiz...If he has offered to do it, I would definitely go to him. Dr. Ortiz placed my Lap Band back in 2/03, and, although I get my fills here in upstate NY (just because I can't afford to travel back to Mexico every time!), I would not HESTITATE to have him do my fills.
He was one of the premiere surgeons for Inamed, and knows alot about lapbands. I just would make sure he is familiar with your particular one. However, most ports are the same - and that's what he has to aim for.
Hope this advice helps you a little.
Debra:)

Dianechef · 01-13-2006, 02:08 PM

You will love fills by Dr. Ortiz!! Great doctor & man. I was banded by him 6 months ago & loved him & his staff. He has a lot of experiance & is one of the best in my opinion.

fun4matt · 01-14-2006, 02:52 AM

Im going down to mex on Sat in the afternoon to get my first fill. I will let you know. I here that ortiz's office does a great job. ask me tomarrow at about 5pm. and I will let you know.

Matt

oh2bthin · 01-14-2006, 09:48 AM

hey matt, well how did it go ?? did you have a talk to him before he stabbed ya ?? I have alot to tell him about my band before he does it and i don't won't to feel like i cattle (one in one out) i have a different band so i won't him to be well aware of this . how much of a fill did you have ? do you feel it ? how much did it cost? IS HE COOL ? do you see him first then go into the hospital part for the fill as what i understand he does all his fills by fluro ? how long all told were you in there ? wow thats alot of questions sorry just really curious. well i hope you have had a good fill and you are now on your way ! i have had some people say that is rough around there and to be careful , i am in north carolina and will be taking my hubby so i am sure i will be fine was it hard to find ? anyway waiting to here sorry for all the questions ,....... sherry

fun4matt · 01-14-2006, 07:19 PM

ok here it is. I drove to the border and parked on the u.s side. Paid the cab driver 5 bucks and 3 dollar tip.
Meet some nice people in the office. The one lady that i sat next to was 120lb and looked awsome. :clap2: she was very kind and was getting a slight unfill due to her husband wanting a little more to hold. I would of never guessed that she was ever heavy. ( nice problem ) I have meet dr. ortiz and he looks better in person. So, My wife stays at home while I go to his office. I might be leaving fat behind but i want to keep my wife. Dr ortiz was not there but, the great Dr Martinez was, Dr martinez does all the fills ( to my knowledge ) Dr Martinez took time with me I never felt rushed and he really wanted to know how I have been doing since My nov 15 surgery. He explained everything and it was a breeze. No pain at all, when he feels your port it is a weird feeling, but that is it, just a weird feeling. I told him a little about your weird band and he said e-mail him. the office will assist as a service if a person is having problems finding a fill dr. ( Good People )
The fill was done by fluro, I was given 1cc.

I do not feel comfortable going to mex. i DID IT FOR THE SURGERY ALONE AND WENT FOR A FILL ALONE. i AM A BIG BABY. and all was fine. Rene ortiz office manager faxed me directions from the border. I could of drivin but Me drive in mex? did it once many years ago and not really into doing it again. Renes directions were awsome. I spoke to a few cab drivers until one was able to have a conversation with me and pulled out the directions and it was a breeze. I did lots of research prior to getting the band. After the band i did lots of research about the fill. Ortiz and martinez are a great team. I sure am glad I live 25min from the border. If you have any more questions please ask. I asked alot of questions from others and they all responded and I must do the same. You may pm me if you like. You and your husband will be fine.
Rene the office manager called me a cab when i was ready to leave he confirmed it would be about 5 bucks. I paid 100 for my floro fill and paid the cab 5bucks with a three dollar tip to get me to the border. I appointment was at 1pm and I was on time. When leaving I was walking on the u.s. side of the border almost at my car and my watch was at 2:35pm .
It went well

Matt

La_madam · 01-14-2006, 07:27 PM

Dr. Ortiz is trained to do fill on alll bands..I know several who are in your situation and they all go to Ortiz. He is my Dr. as well

fun4matt · 01-14-2006, 07:43 PM

Good to see you continue to post La Madam
Thank You

oh2bthin · 01-14-2006, 08:34 PM

i am glad your fill went well matt , i jumped on here to see how you got on.. i phoned the office today and the receptionist said she would tell a doctor and they would call me before i made the appointment i didn't get a call... i just don't won't to go all that way and be told no, but if they say yes i am booking the flight right away as it sounds really easy, and also they said they would send a taxi for me and even arrange hotel and everything. i am just praying they will do my band and put my mind at ease. do you feel any restriction ?? i have a 10cc band and i am at 6cc but i know i need more as i can still eat alot ,but anyway keep in touch and i will let you know my progress!! thanks for getting back to me i know there was alot of questions thanks again sherry x

gordonfamily3 · 01-14-2006, 09:09 PM

Sherry I am so happy that you are going to get your fill... i know this has been bothering you. Good Luck and keep us posted on when you go and when you get back and how it goes....

princess_n_thep · 01-14-2006, 09:14 PM

I am a Dr. Ortiz/Dr. Martinez patient and have received my two fills at his office by Dr. Martinez (his partner). Dr. Martinez is the FILL KING I think. I think he is the only one that does the fills unless Dr. Martinez is not available.

fun4matt · 01-14-2006, 09:48 PM

Hi Sherry,

Dont forget to e-mail Dr Martinez, rene@obesitycontrolcenter.com this is rene's e-mail you could e mail him to get Dr martinez e-mail. be sure to let him know all the trouble you have had to get a fill. And give them all the info about your band. Yes,I feel restriction. water fills me up right now.
blessings

Matt

oh2bthin · 01-16-2006, 09:23 AM

i emailed that person you said matt just waiting for a reply ... i have a low patients level i hope they email me back soon !!

fun4matt · 01-16-2006, 01:39 PM

Patience is a firtue. I hope they reply soon also. Have a great Martin Luther king day. Did you get the day off?

oh2bthin · 01-16-2006, 07:12 PM

yeah i know i am at home with the kids alone as hubby is in alabama training (air force) so i have been trying to keep away from the fridge and stay possitive, i am trying a low carb thing right now as i definatley don't won't to put on any more weight. i will let you know if i here anything thanks matt