OCC is Amazing. You Won't Regret Your Decision! - Mexico

After my children, I immediately started putting on weight. After a difficult divorce and single parenting, the weight stayed and multiplied. After awhile, it started to affect how I looked at myself, my goals, and relationships with others. After my kids had graduated from college, I decided it was time to work on myself. After menopause, the weight doesn't come off easily, and I needed help. I learned about Dr. Ortiz and the Obesity Control Center from this site. I was skeptical about fake profiles, so went to the Facebook page and messaged several people who had posted on the OCC page. I corresponded with two women from my area of the country, who responded so positively about OCC and their experiences.

My daughter unfortunately had the family genes and was gaining weight quickly. I offered to let her have the sleeve surgery. She had it in 6/17, accompanied by her dad. (I figured it she was going to be left in some back alley in Tijuana, after a botch surgery, she'd survive better than me...yes, I'm a mean mom). Her dad called that night, saying how clean the facility is, professional staff, wonderful hotel for their stay. 7 months later, she has now lost a total of 90 lbs.

After she came home alive, I scheduled my sleeve surgery. I was contacted by Lucia, the nutritionist, who set me up on a pre-op diet. It basically is a keto diet. 2 weeks prior, you eliminate all meat and it is a protein shake and veggies diet only. 2 days prior to surgery it is protein shakes only.

I flew into San Diego, and was met by the driver from OCC. He dropped me off at the border. I walked through security (easy), and picked me up at the other side. There was no chance of getting separated as it was quite a small facility. He immediately took us to the clinic, where we had all our pre-op tests. I met with Lucia, who took my weight and set my post op goals. I met with one of the doctors to discuss medications and any current/past health concerns. Blood samples were taken. After that, we were taken to the Marriott Hotel. The rooms were beautiful. The Marriott driver will take you to some local stores if you want to get drinks for after the surgery (You can get at the hotel but its much cheaper at Walmart, down the street).

Early the next morning, I was picked up by the OCC driver, who took me to the OCC facility. All of your sleeve sisters/brothers will be there waiting with you. I was first. They brought me in to a hospital room, fully equipped with USB plug for my phone and wall mounted tv with netflix/amazon or regular tv if you speak Spanish. They gave me some Xanax for relaxation, and set up my iv of fluids. After a few minutes, I walked (yes walked) into the surgical suite. You have to step over a cement barrier, which is a little weird, before going into the double doors to the surgical room. After that, it is just like on the videos (if you watch the OCC videos on youtube). They talked with me, but I was already sleepy, and I was out. The next thing I remember is asking for ice chips and having a big cup of ice. If I got to meet Dr. Ortiz, I will never know or remember.

You each will have your own room, but the 2 bathrooms are down the hall - which encourages you to walk. I ate a lot of ice, so visited quite a bit. There is minimal pain, but most is controlled by the meds. Make sure to tell them if you have nausea. They can add more antinausea meds.

You are released the next morning, to the hotel. I honestly slept all day. You can get broth and popsicles from the Marriott as part of your OCC package. The day after we went for our barium swallow test. Very easy! We took a tour of Tijuana after, with the Marriott driver.

The next day we were driven back to the airport. I was worried about lifting my carry-on up but all was fine. I feel guilty, because not everyone has it so easy, but my recovery has been so smooth. I've lost 30 lbs from my highest weight, 10 lbs since my surgery