Sleeve Dr Ariel Ortiz - Mexico New Member

Hello everyone,

I apologize for not posting anything sooner;however, I was trying my best to focus towards my recovery.

I was sleeved on January 11, 2016 at the OCC Center in Tijuana Mexico. The procedure itself went well, however, the recovery after the procedure was challenging for me. I experienced a lot of pain and dry heaving. I couldn't hold any water down and the pain was about a 9 1/2.

I started to panic thinking what have I done. Will I forever feel like this? I immediately notified the nurse, whom notified the Doctor. Dr. Martinez made it a point to evaluate me in person in between surgeries.

He said I had a lot of gas build up, which had to be relieved by walking. The doctor was great. He immediately ordered more medication for me to assist with the pain, as well as the gases. I had purchaserd Gasx, which I had been taking but forever reason nothing was kicking in.

A while after the second and third dose of medication in my IV. I started to feel much better. The hospital itself is very clean and comfortable. I was there alone and was allowed to close my door for extra privacy and sleep time. The nurse would come in every hour or so to check in with me, as well as add anything needed to my IV.

The following day I was released back to the hotel. This day was a bit challenging. I still had a lot of gasiness, however, it finally started to relieve.

I tried my best to sip water, but had so much pain with every swallow. Once again, I found myself thinking -- why the heck did I do this and will I forever experience this??? I couldn't get much water in and probably only drank a couple of ounces.

So, decided to order the broth from room service. For whatever reason, this went down much better and I was able to sip the entire bowl, however, I still felt gas bubbles every time I would sip. This was very annoying and painful.

In the evening time, I took my medication and felt slightly better. I also slept upwards, which assisted me with my sleeping.

The next day, I woke up and still had some pain while swallowing water, however, once again -- I ordered the warm broth and didn't have too many issues sipping the broth. I finished the whole bowl again.

After my breakfast, I went to the bar and ordered coconut water with half water. I needed to remain hydrated. This too went down well

Shortly after, I headed back to the OCC center for the fluid leak test. I was told everything was fine and no leaks.

From then, until now -- I had been having issues with sipping. It seems as if with every sip I get air and it is slightly pain full in my chest area. My stomach starts gurgling and making all these strange sounds and noises along with some slightly sharp pain

Thanks to this board and others, I have found this is very common and will soon improve.

I do have to say, today has been the best day thus far. The pain associated with my swallowing isn't so bad now, however, I still get a lot of air in my belly. I'm told this will improve with time as well.

I have to keep reminiding myself I just had a portion of my stomach removed and not to panic with every little corky experience. My body needs time to heal and adjust

I still have slight soreness in my abdomen area but nothing I can't handle.

It has only been 5 days post op, so I haven't weighed myself. However, plan on doing this on a weekly basis starting on Monday.

For all of those considering the OCC center. I highly recommend this facility, the team of doctors, as well as the well trained staff.

Thus far, everything seems to be improving on a daily basis. Would I do it all over again? Well, only time will tell with the amount of weight loss I accomplish by the end of the year.

Thanks for checking in.

This is the morning of my surgery. I was able to get some good rest. The hotel is very comfortable and I highly recommend the stay here.

I met a lady here in the lobby, which is quite comforting. She is here alone as well. I found myself a patient buddy (yeeeeah).

We will be heading to the OCC center very soon. I will continue to post my experience for this interested in the OCC center with Dr Ariel Ortiz.

I live in CA and drove here to the Marriott in TJ Mexico alone, which was quite an adventure. Thanks to GPS the directions got me here safe and sound.
My son was suppose to come with me, but couldn't get the time off -- so, I was a bit nervous coming alone

The check in went seamlessly and everything seems very well organized. The hotel is very nice and clean as well.

I have officially ended my liquid diet, which wasn't too difficult. I fought the urge every time my hubby decided to eat a burger and well --- I had my great protein shake.

My nerves seem to come and go. Probably more so because I am alone. My hubby couldn't come because he needs to care for our 3 year old.

I have now started my fast. I cannot have anymore liquids.

Well, here's to the night before my changed life and new beginning.

Praying for a speedy recovery.