I was diagnosed with Hypothyroid and knew I had do something before it was too late.
Windy Hazell
Portland, Or
-66lbs
I was not approved for weight loss surgery in the U.S. because I did not have a high enough body fat percentage. I would have had to gain 15 more lbs to qualify. So, after extensive research, I found Dr. Ortiz and it was the best decision I ever made.
After having my daughter my weight continued to get higher no matter what I did. I was always tired and lacked joy, which is not like me at all. My doctor wanted to put me on antidepressants, but I knew that wasn’t the problem. I was just sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. I was finally diagnosed with hypothyroid and though the medication worked on my mood, but it did nothing for my weight. I knew I had to do something or I would continue to get heavier. I didn’t qualify for surgery in the U.S. because I was not “fat” enough. Well, I was not going to take “no” for an answer. After months of research, I found Dr. Ortiz and it was the best thing that ever happened. I scheduled my LapBand surgery with OCC the summer of 2005. This is where the story gets good. All my friends thought I was crazy for having surgery in Mexico but my experience was nothing but 5 star from the moment I stepped off the plane in San Diego where I was greeted by Dr. Ortiz’s mother. What???? Now, this is service! She was dressed in all blue, elegant and beautiful. We got into her Mercedes Benz and she whisked me across the boarder and straight to OCC. The clinic was beautiful, clean and nicer than any facility I have seen in the states. I first met with a nutritionist who went over all my expectations and restrictions after the surgery. She then gave me a whole bag of goodies like Jell-O, ensure, soup broth and more. Next I went and met with Dr. Ortiz himself. Oh my goodness, when he walked in the room, I about died. He was so handsome and had a smile that would light up a room. I was starting to get nervous but Dr. Ortiz was so sweet and funny that my nerves quickly went away. After my one on one with my surgeon, his mom took me to a 5 star hotel where I laid around the pool and enjoyed a few libations. I kept thinking about what I’d be doing right now if I was having surgery in the US? Not this. The next morning I was picked up and taken back to the clinic where Dr. Ortiz greeted me in the lobby. He told me that I’d be getting prepped and he would be in to see me soon. By the time he got there, I think the sleepy meds were starting to kick in because I told him that he was very handsome and that I liked his brightly colored surgery hat. He flashed that smile and said “Here I’ll let you wear it for good luck” OMG, so sweet. The next thing I remember was waking up and guess what…Yep, there was Dr. Ortiz right by my bed making sure I was ok. Surgery was a success and within 45 minutes, I was up and walking the halls of the clinic. Just a few hours later, I was back at the hotel and laying by the pool but this time I was enjoying my Jell-O. I had one more follow up visit the next day and then was back on the plane. It was absolutely one of the best experiences ever. I have had other surgeries in the US and never have I gotten to know my Dr. or even meet them for that matter. I felt like a movie star from beginning to end. All of that service and attention for 1/2 the cost of a surgery in the states. It makes you wonder what is wrong with our medical systems. Long story short, I love my LapBand. I still have to be careful and watch what I eat but I can’t imagine how big I would be if I didn’t get the surgery. The one thing it has taught me is to slow down and chew well. I am amazed when I watch other people eat. Still chewing food with a fork full of food waiting outside their mouth, ready to shovel it in before they haven’t even swallowed the first bite. I put my fork down between every bite and I actually enjoy my food and the conversations at the table. I was single and fat for 40 years and now I am happily married to my tall, dark and incredibly handsome husband for 7 years. Get this, he is also a chef. Let’s just say I feel pretty and lucky. Finding Dr. Ortiz changed my life and I highly recommend him and his team at OCC. Thank you Dr. Ortiz…oh and thanks for the hat 🙂 I still have it.
