Laron

I live in Texas and I was very concerned about going to Tijuana for lap band surgery. My insurance wouldn't pay for it...they would only pay for it if my BMI was above 40 for 5 consecutive years....it was at 39, so they said "No".

I read all the testimonials about OCC and found nothing but good things. I found that a little worrisome. How can Dr. Ortiz see soooo many people and not anyone had anything bad to say? I found that VERY hard to believe.

But, if I was going to get this done, I knew I couldn't afford the $14,000+ they were charging here in Dallas.

So, I went to OCC and to Dr. Ortiz just 21 days ago (yea for solid food tomorrow!!!).

And now I know why there isn't any bad publicity about Dr. Ortiz.....the experience is as good (or better) than everyone says it is. Yea, I know, this goes against my "worrisome" comment....but it's true - the whole experience was fantastic and I have already recommended Dr. Ortiz to a few of my friends...and will continue to recommend him to everyone who is interested in the Lap Band.

So - don't worry that it's Mexico...feel good in the fact that you will have an excellent experience that you would never get here in the U.S.

Name and Location: Laron from Dallas

Age: 39

Gender: Male

Band Date: Feb 28th 2008

Height: 6'2"

Highest weight: 325

Current Weight: 279

Goal Weight: Dr. Ortiz says 190, but I'll be very happy with 210!!

1. Name: Laron

2. Location:Dallas, TX

3. Age: 39

4. Band Date: January 16, 2009

5. Married: Happily for 17 years

6. Children of the human or furry kind: Michael (10) and Rachel (6) are my two human children...Dogs - Dallas, Buster, Ozzie....Cats - London, Sabrina

7. Hobby(ies): Reading, Riding my Motorcycle,

8. Work: www.TheColonyMassage.com

9. What was the deciding factor(s) on getting banded: I exercise and lose weight, but I eat and put it back on (and then some). So, I needed help controlling the food intake.

10. Interesting factoid: My wife and I were penpals during the Persian Gulf War before we ever met face to face.

I have run many 5K's over the past couple of years...I even ran a half marathon last year.

I've been walking when the weather allows, but I've really been jonesing to start running again...but I was told to wait until after the 21 days....

I'm currently on day 12.

I canceled my gym membership because it was $85 a month. There's another gym closer to home that's $20 a month, so I guess I need to join that one.

I own a treadmill, but it's currently at my Mom's house about 300 miles away (She had a heart attack 2 years ago and the doctor wanted her to walk more)

Hey Everyone!

I've been lurking for a while and decided to go ahead and join in the conversation.

I was Banded by Dr. Ortiz on 1-16-08.

I've lost about 9 pounds since then...for a total of 18 pounds this year (and this year is only 26 day old).

My average pre-banded weight ranged from 300 to 315.

The day of my banding, I was 291.

Today, I am 282.

MY goal weight is 220, but Dr. Ortiz said I should be closer to 190....we'll see.

Anyway, just wanted to jump in and say "Hi".