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Changed my LIFE
Nicole
Fort McMurray, AB
-69lbs
I had done my research and lots of it and I always came back to OCC and Dr. Ortiz. With the testimonials I had read, and being apart of the support group, I made the right decision for me. And then seeing Dr. Ortiz on the doctors sealed the deal for me.
I have so much to share and want all future sleevers to know anything is possible as long as you believe and trust in Dr Ariel Ortiz-Lagardere and his team!! Here is some of my story and journey!! I started this journey 5 years ago, I began working with a local team of health professional in my community by enrolling in a weight loss program and it worked wonders for me. It gave the the courage to work hard and learn as much as I possibly could about healthy eating, cooking and exercise. After I had lost a lot of weight on my own with the help of the program I knew it was just the beginning. But in this process I suffered tremendous loss in my life, I lost a baby at almost 5 months gestation one that was wanted, prayed for and tried for, for many many years with several failed attempts at fertility treatments. Finally with some weight gone we had gotten pregnant and were over the moon with joy, but another devastating blow came when just a few short weeks after I had lost our little baby, my husband at the time decided he no longer wanted me or our marriage and left to start a new life with a new partner and her family… I was completely and utterly deviated.. With the help of some amazing friends like Angela Mullins Davis.. I managed to pull myself out of the deep depression I was in and decided I needed to finally get my life back on track and finish what I had started. That’s when by the grace of God I found Dr. Ortiz. This man spent several hours talking to me on the phone encouraging me, supporting me and listening to me about my fears, my life and history, him and his team were like my little angels sent from heaven. People who did not know me, only knew my name and my story… and knew I needed some loving guidance and hand holding to make it thru this process on my own and at a point in my life when I thought I couldn’t guide myself… I was so scared, so afraid and a broken woman in so many ways and now here I was heading to Mexico with broken leg all on my own and without any family or friends available to come with me. (And to be honest I was afraid to tell many people especially my family that I was going to do this surgery, afraid to be judged and didn’t want the negativity) I was so focused on my goal, and thanks to Dr Ortiz and my coordinator they understood that and knew I just wanted to get to OCC and begin this new journey. I was sleeved in August 2013 and it was by far the best decision I had ever made for me. It was something I done for me and I have never once regretted my decision. So I hope for those of you who are not sleeved, wondering or worrying about this process and taking the time to read my long ass post, the one thing I want you to get from this is don’t be scared, trust OCC and Dr Ortiz and you can PM me at anytime with questions or for someone to chat with and I will be your biggest cheerleader!!! My starting weight 5 years ago was 345lbs Pre Surgery Weight was 235lbs Current Weight 140lbs So anything is possible. You just have to believe in yourself and know this group is an amazing support system and a loving bunch of sleevers! I was in the group in the past and had to sign off for a while due to personal reasons. But thanks to Lori Wrights I am back and I will be here to help anyone who needs some help and guidance. I also want to share that I have given myself the best Christmas Gift ever… And again it is all In thanks to Dr Ortiz!I was at his clinic this summer with a friend had a check up and asked to see Dr Ortiz so I could thank him and his team for giving the the gift of a healthier, happier and thinner me!! And to my surprise he actually remembered me because of me showing up with a broken leg to be sleeved. He again began to encourage me and support me and show how proud he was of me. He then asked if I was ready for skin removal and I said YES! But I said “Doc.. I can’t afford that.” Again the positivity and support started coming and he set up a consult with Dr. Medina for me the following day. And, well, here I am 9 days post op after letting the amazing Dr. Medina work his magic and sculpt a new me! I owe it all to the loving and kind support from my friends, family (Lori, Ora, Claudia De Borger, Dr. Medina and Dr. Ortiz! As nervous and anxious as I was I know yes again I have made the best decision for me by trusting Dr Medina and the OCC team. On Jan 2 I had a beltlimpectomy, muscle wall repair, extended arm lift and breast lift with implants! Yes it was very uncomfortable and I was cranky cause I could do things for myself.. But I am Healing and doing really well. The pain is minimal but just know it’s very uncomfortable and you will be soar. But it is worth IT! I would strongly encourage you when the time is right for you to test Dr Medina as you have trusted Dr. Ortiz you will not be disappointed. These 2 men have changed my life. I will be forever grateful and will never ever forget them as long as I live and will always be promoting their services! So please know anything is possible, every goal is obtainable!! I will be happy to share anything with any of you, if you would like to know about either Dr and about my sleeve or skin removal do not hesitate to ask!
Your Sleever friend,
Nicole
