December 20, 2008
Merry Christmas Dr. Ortiz & OCC staff
As 2008 comes to an end, I have many feelings about this year and what I have to look forward to in the coming years……
I grew up thinking food was supposed to make me feel good, I don’t know where I got that. I don’t hold any one person responsible except for myself. Food was not to fuel my body, it was not for my health, it was for ‘my enjoyment’. When I would have a bad day or when I would celebrate occasions, I would run to the nearest fast food joint or try to decide which restaurant to book a reservation. My life was centered around food, and it was always full of empty promises, one leaving me full of guilt after indulging & 1lb heavier. As I have gotten older, I have gotten better with my eating, but like I said, I AM OLDER. It caught up with me. After losing my Aunt 7 years ago to gastric bypass surgery, I never thought a weight loss procedure would be an option for me. After all, my family was scared to death at the mention of surgery and of course one of weight loss. I knew I had to make a change, a drastic one. So, I did. To top it off, I went to Mexico! People thought I was nuts! lol Some people don’t understand, may think of this as the easy way out, or me just being plain lazy. I really don’t care about those opinions or views. ( I probably think they are just as dumb for being so closed minded ) I am so happy and confident about this choice.
I never thought in a million years that I would feel the way I do this Holiday Season. I feel a sense of pride that I have never known and it all began with hearing a young girls story on Oprah. My family can see a difference in me (already) and I still have a long way to go.
As I write this and reflect on the 35 lbs that are gone forever, I have to give thanks to my Doctor, my friend, Dr. Ariel Ortiz. This man is changing lives at an enormous rate. I don’t see how he has the energy to do all he does, but, he does! All the while having his Mom there with him at his clinic making us all so comfortable and it truly making it an “at home experience.” There are so many special people at the OCC that there are too many to mention, besides, I wouldn’t want to leave anyone out. :o)
From my heart to yours, I wish you all a Merry Christmas. Thank you Dr. Ortiz! I know you operate on many of us, and the tens per day turn in to thousands and it is impossible for you remember all of us. We remember you, and your wonderful staff for changing our lives, 1 pound at a time. You are all so special.
I hope you have a blessed and memorable time with your famililes.
Dana~
November 10, 2008
Watch “The Doctors” Nov. 12
Dr. Ariel Ortiz will be on “The Doctors” it will feature a girl named Stephanie aged 13 who has had the lapband procedure at the OCC. The FDA has not approved this in the USA. Therefore, parents are making drastic decisions to take their children across the border to Dr. Ortiz. This is a controversial topic, but I am sure you know my stance. I would not want any child to have to face the life of obesity as I have. People are cruel, and they judge you because of FAT! They do not see the beauty on the inside of a person. Basically, inner beauty doesn’t amount to a hill of beans in this cruel, secular, REAL world! Call me crazy, but I am realistic. I dealt with it for 35 years, and I am not in denial! As Bible believers, and nice people in general, we treat people with love and kindness, but let’s be real! Kids in public schools are hateful. If my child was 200 llbs and 13 years old, I too would seriously look at the consequences of his health and his daily being made fun of and I would stand up and I would put MY butt on the line for my child. These parents are said to be men and women who don’t care about their children, sorry I don’t buy it. My parents were awesome, and I was still a fat kid. So, say what you say, but my opinion is because this surgery is reversible and there are such low risks, kids could have a totally different life after the lapband!!!
So check it out!! This Wednesday-check your local listings!
http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/show_page/59
Also, here is another related article of a young man named Joey who Dr. Ortiz operated on and it has truly changed his life. *Make sure you watch the video!
http://www.momlogic.com/2008/10/surgery_for_teens_the_new_over.php?page=6
September 13, 2008
Dr. Ariel Ortiz
So, I wanted everyone to know how I decided on Dr. Ariel Ortiz and Why ? Mexico. I originally learned about him on the Oprah show. She featured a show on teenage obesity and how U.S. lapband surgeons will not operate on teenagers. She had a panel of very happy “thin” young people and they were sharing their stories. My first thought was, Oprah would not endorse a Dr. if she did not know they were legit. I know everyone has seen people go to Mexico for “cheaper” surgeries and medications but please know this this is not the case. I am not only going to Mexico to simply get a “good deal”. While it is a fact, that it is cheaper and money will be saved, I am convinced I have the best surgeon! In fact, I challenge each of you to do your own research on him yourself. You will learn that he started all of his lapband training back in 1994 with the Doctor who orginally invented the lapband, a year after it was invented in Europe. It was actually introduced into Mexico BEFORE the United States and he is one of the Doctors who came to America to train our Doctors. So, while I understand people judge Mexico and their Doctors, Dr. Ortiz has credentials that some Amerian Doctors haven’t acheived and he is to be well respected. He has preformed well over 6000 lapband procedures averaging 6-7 per day. To learn more about him and the OCC you can go to www.obesitycontrolcenter.com Or go to you tube and watch his videos that he has made interviewing his patients, etc. at www.youtube.com/lapbandvideos You can also purchase his book on Amazon, it is called Lap Band for Life! This book has given me such good insight on what is to come with my surgery, and future life with my band.
Dana's "BAND" New Life! 