tquinoa

Hi had the VBG in 1989 and Dr. Ortiz put a lapband on in June 2004. I've lost over 120 lbs. down to 170. I feel great and would recommend having the lapband over previous failed weight loss surgery to everyone. Teresa in Tampa FL

I GUESS ASK DR. ORTIZ. DR. GROSSBARD RECOMMENDED ME TO DR. ORTIZ AND MAYBE THAT IS WHY HE WILL DO MY FILLS.

If you'd like email me at tquinoa@aol.com

If you'd like email me at tquinoa@aol.com

Hi, I also live in Tampa. Dr. Grossbard in Zephyrhills will see Dr. Ortiz's patients. Here is his office number, call and make sure 813-788-5569. There is also a "floridabandsters" on yahoogroups. They are wonderful and have a great support group. We are meeting this Sun. at the Spaghetti Warehouse 12-3. You would be more than welcome to come. Dr. Grossbard usually attends but he is going to the Candian Bandster Bash this weekend! Well hope you can make it Sun. at the Spaghetti Warehouse in Ybor. Teresa

Thanks Michelle, you are always full of good answers and information!

HAS ANYONE USED YOUR EXPENSES ON YOUR INCOME TAX AS MEDICAL EXPENSES?

I email Dr. Ortiz and his staff all the time. Try any of the following rene@obesitycontrolcenter.com cynthia@obesitycontrolcenter.com support@obesitycontrolcenter.com drortiz@obesitycontrolcenter.com You should not have a problem, I just emailed Rene yesterday and he responded quickly. Teresa 6/24/04 282/256/160

Very well said Gail. I had surgery on 6/24/04 and mine was a revision (previous wls) my operation took 2 1/2 hours and I had no complication and my whole experience was just like you described. Teresa

Tina, today would be the day for your surgery. How are you doing, hope to hear from you soon. My daughter will be having surgery on 9/2/04, she is 20 yrs. old. Teresa 6/24/04 282/260/160

Have you heard anymore about the book? I'd like to buy a copy.

Is anyone going to the Bash at Rosita Beach? I hear it is really great fun!

DGE were you banded on 6/24/04 by Dr. Ortiz?

Heather you keep on track and God will help give you what you need! I had weight loss surgery 15 yrs ago and gained all the weight back, in June I had the lap band and am doing great. My 20 yr old daughter is having the lap band on 9/2/04. You just have to know that this is a tool to help you be successful to lose weight! God bless and good luck.

My name is Teresa and I had the VBG back in 1989. I lost about 126 lbs. but in 1991 I got pregnant, had my baby and gained about 30 lbs, I was never able to lose those 30 lbs. and little by little I gained most of the weight back. After about 7-8 yrs I had no restriction and easily gained back up to about 260 lbs. My original weight before the VBG was 286. Within the last two yrs. I have tried to find some sort of surgery for me to have, but each time it was that because of the VBG there was nothing to help me. Back in Feb. 2004 a friend at work told me about some of her neighbors that had the Lap Band and were doing great. I went to one of the meeting given by Dr. Grossbard her in Florida and spoke with Dr. Grossbard about by situation. He said he would have to see by X-rays from a barrium swallow but he might be able to help me. Dr. Grossbard had had the Lap Band done by Dr. Ortiz. I had the barrium swallow and went back to Dr. Grossbard, he said no problem that I would be his first revision. I failed the psych. test so Dr. Grossbard could not operate on me (I think because of a liability issue). He told me I recommend you to go to Tijuana and the best doctor is Ariel Ortiz, he has done more Lap Bands and has done revision already. Well I went to Tijuana and had the lap band on 6/24/04, and my surgery went great and thank God I've had no complications. The whole experience in Tijuana was great, I had the surgery on Thurs. and on Sat. and Sun. went shopping and site seeing. It was like a vacation. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez have given me, a 43 yr old mom of two, hope to live a healthy, normal and productive life. I have a 20 yr old and 12 yr old daughters. My 20 yr old is scheduled for surgery with Dr. Ortiz on 9/2/04 and she is so excited. I know that this will give her a chance for a healthy life. I started out weighing 282 and am down to 260, I am schedule to have my first fill on 9/4/04 when we go for my daughter's surgery. I will probably have Dr. Grossbard do any other fills needed. My family and I want to thank Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Martinez and the whole staff at Obesity Control Center.