Joelle

I am so sorry! I wanted to get back to you but I lost my password to sign on and then it wasn't working? But, I'm back....you are going to have an amazing experience.....The staff are the most caring professionals and they all have the gentle touch. I didn't meet Dr. Ortiz, my goodness as much as I read and hear how handsome he his, maybe it was better. (I told Lori before that it was surprised when I saw him because he is the identical twin to my X husband). I remember speaking with Dr. Martinez, I have to say I was very pleased by his bedside manner and his knowledge. I'm sure by now you've met Dr. Jiminez and Dr. Miranda, they were both wonderful! How are you feeling now? If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be more than happy to help you with your new journey and I'm sure you'll be able to help me too! Please let me know if I can help you in any way. Now is the time we do need the support of other people that might have started the journey a little bit before us! Take care and I'll talk with you soon Joelle =D>

Hi there! I'm back online. After surgery I caught the flu, probably from flying so much. Well I went in treating like a Queen, everyone talks about Dr. Ortiz and how wonderful he is and I guess he is, they say I was talking with him after surgery, I don't remember. But I want to say how wonderful Dr. Martinez is, he came in my room and explained the the entire procedure and asked me if I had any questions and just really spent alot of time with me to help me not be so nervous. Dr. Martinez is wonderful! I became sick and Dr. Martinez stayed in daily contact with me for a few days to see how I was doing and he recommended I do a few things, that really helped my recovery from the flu and surgery. It wasn't a pleasant recovery because the flu was with a horrible cough, but Dr. Martinez in a sense held my hand and walked me through it. When I went in for surgery I weighed 250 and now 29 days later I weigh 236. I wish the weight would come off faster, but I so much for wishful thinking. I'm questioning now when I should go in for a fill. did you go back to OCC for your fill. What about the fill, did it hurt much? I'm so nervous about needles. Well keep me posted how you are and hopefully I'll hear from you soon! Take care.....

Hi, I read your response and I noticed today you will be banded! I have to say now that I've had the band placed and experienced the surgery and actually placed names to faces I am so thrilled I had the surgery and my husband is telling me "keep up the good work" I'm so happy. I was 250 went I had surgery and now I'm 236 and it's only been 29 days. I am eating, but I am so careful as to what I put in my body now. I feel the time that I was on the clear liquids it was cleansing my body and now I don't want to put anything too fatty in my body anymore. I pray you had as wonderful experience as I did and actually my husband also at the dentist. Please keep me posted and let me know how you are doing. God Bless You! =D>

Hi, I have to to say Rosarito Beach is a beautiful place. You could probably make it there in about 20 mins. Just depends on how you drive and it's a straight shot from downtown. We have stayed a few places in Rosarito and I think the best place we have stayed with the most spectacular view is Rosarito Beach Hotel. It' s not real fancy, but it's clean and the view makes all the difference. How are you feeling about your surgery? I probably was the most nervous person getting surgery, but it was a piece of cake! I should've done this alot sooner to start enjoying life!!! Let me know if I can help you in anyway Best to You Joelle =D>

Hi, I read your experience and I do have to say this must have been a very busy day for them. Let me tell you about my experience and keep in mind I'm a very picky person! First off I had my surgery 2/1/08. My Husband and I arrived in San Diego, we rented our own vehicle George gave us turn by turn directions to the clinic. Parking is an issue there, but the neighboring parking lot allowed us to park there for $5.00 flat fee (which I thought was perfect). We went into the clinic and it was nicely decorated, but more important it was spotless! There were attendants caring for the facility and I have to say I wish this would be done in the states. I waited for awhile to see Dr. Jimenez, he was quick professional and I have to say even though he was quick he was very thorough! I waited another 15 mins. to see Dr. Miranda, she also quick but please understand she probably does this more than 100+ times a month so she knows what she's talking about. I do have to say Dr. Miranda was very very thorough with all of the information she told me and I did appreciate the quickness of it all. Who wants to stay in a clinic all day and dwell on surgery that we're already nervous about. After Dr. Miranda, I visited with the dentista for a short while and she was quick and thorough just as the rest of the Dr.'s and staff. The next day surgery day! I was so nervous, but Dr. Ortiz's beautiful Mother came to pick us up promptly and away we went to get our surgery. I was called in immediately and was prep'd for surgery Dr. Martinez came in and told me everything they were going to do from A- Z and I was so thankful for the information he gave me. After surgery I had so many nurses around me. I can say I had at least 3 nurses and 2 Dr.'s at my call if I had any questions! I was impressed!!!! How many times does a Dr. come in and just ask how you are? NEVER! Well here they did! After surgery I woke up and they helped me get dressed and they were actually counting the laps I was doing. Afterward I got really sick and Dr. Martinez was in contact with me daily finding out how I'm doing and guiding through the horrible flu I caught. I am so thankful that I went to OCC. It has been the best decision I have made in my entire life, besides first my Son Brandon he is the joy of my life! I have to say that I was a little bothered about not getting calls back from my coordinator, but come to find out it wasn't her it was my phone not allowing me to leave messages so that was my fault not hers. I guess all I want to say is that we are all humans trying to live our life and some days we do ok and some days were as close to perfect as perfect can be. Let's thank God for all the staff and Dr.'s that are affiliated with OCC and their dedication to help people like us that do need the help to live happy productive lives and more importantly healthy lives. I know now I have a future that I am going to be able to watch my Son graduate from High School and College get married and have my grandchildren and it is because God put this wonderful team at OCC together to help me and the many other people like me. So please just relax and know that next time when you go for a fill you're going to be more comfortable and go for a massage it will help you relax. God Bless You and continued success to you!

I was banded on 2/1/08 and the experience with Dr. Martinez and his staff was wonderful I unfortunately was not able to meet Dr. Ortiz, but that's okay Dr. Martinez was great! After surgery I became very ill and needless to say weak. I have been on the clear liquids and now I've started my protein and creamy soups as per Dr. Miranda's direction, but I do feel hungry and I want to drink Sunny Delight to help me with my cold but I don't know if I should. For the last 7 days I have coughed all night and have been in pain all day I've been miserable, but I'm getting concerned because I need 60g of protein and I can't drink the shakes or maybe right now everything is just making me sick. Any advice? Thank You!

Hi Stacy, I'll be getting the band on Feb. 1st. I'm nervous of course but there is this driving force that is pushing me to not back out. How are you feeling about it? The best to you!!! Let me know how you are doing.... Joelle

Hello everyone! I'm extremely new to this and I'm having my surgery this Friday 2/1/08. I have to say I'm very nervous and I don't know what to expect when I arrive. My husband tells me I'm fine the way I am but I'm 5'5" and weigh 256, sure I'm fine....He has just begun to put doubt in my head like what if it doesn't work for you like everyone else? What if something happens and Kaiser refuses to take care of you? So as you can see I am nervous because I maybe have researched and over researched the whole lap band and now since my surgery date is this Friday I'm freaking out! Any comments or advise? Any and all is appreciated