I knew I needed to go back to Dr. Ortiz for my revision from lap band to sleeve. He placed my band in 2006. The band did not fail, I failed the band. I needed a new start. He is the only one I trust to do anything bariatric. I could have had it done in the States, but I decided that with my deductible, even though I was paying $2,000 more, I would rather have the expertise and awesomeness of Dr. Ortiz. I am comforted by the center of excellence and the accreditations that OCC has.
In 2006, I was depressed and upset about my weight. I weighed 235 pounds and was 5 feet 9 inches tall. To me, I felt huge. I joined the support groups researched OCC and decided to get my lap band. At first, I lost a lot of weight and went down 160 pounds. I realized I could eat around the band. I could fill and unfill the band at will. It gave me way too much control to make bad decisions and have bad eating habits. I gained back my weight and then some. My highest weight was 259 pounds. I knew where I was heading and I needed to get my life back on track. I committed myself to getting the sleeve done and living a healthier lifestyle with diet and exercise. I had the opportunity to get the revision done in the United States. With my deductible, I would be paying $2,000 less than if I went back to Tijuana and Dr. Ortiz. That money was well worth it. I wanted the excellence of Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez. I made my appointment, paid my money, and went to get the sleeve revision done on July 5th of 2016. I immediately began to see results. I did have struggles. The emotional portion of head hunger was enormous. I made a conscious effort to eat right and to do light exercises. I changed my eating habits, I started to exercise and I live a healthier lifestyle. I am now a 110 pounds less in 10 months. I went from a size 22 to a size 5/6. I feel great. I look great. I have surpassed the OCC goal by 11 pounds. I am happy at the goal weight that I am at now and plan to maintain.
I have a new happiness for life. Thank you Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez and all the OCC staff for bringing me happy tears again.
