Ariel Ortiz Lagardere Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I went with Dr. Ortiz in TJ because of his reputation, the number of bands he has placed and his history of low complications. However, I was not satisfied with my overall experience mainly because I felt like I was just a number and little was done to make me feel comfortable. I never got to meet Dr. Ortiz the whole time I was there. The nurses kept saying he would come see me but before I knew it I had been given and Adavan and was sleeping and then taken to the OR and when I woke up the band was already placed. I never met him after the procedure either. In addition, there is no aftercare or at least they do not call to check up on you. Once you have stayed your one night in the clinic and are released back to the hotel you are on your own. Also, on my way out of the clinic while I was still on my pain meds they had me make a patient testimonial on their page before I left which I think was strange and I would have like to have done it when I was clear headed. My final complaint is that the van driver does drives crazy and made the ride back to the airport almost unbearable especially after he had me get out of the van to walk across the border through customs and pull my luggage uphill to meet him on the other side. I am not sure if I would go with Dr. Ortiz again because of my experience but I know many of the others I had surgery with that day seemed satisfied. Maybe I just expect a higher level of care. I just hope that band was placed properly and the post op pain I am having in the port area is normal. rn

Dr. Ortiz was wonderful. I had met him 3 years ago when I went with a friend while she had her surgery. He took the time, then and this week to answer questions, and give me all of the information I needed. I would recommend him to anyone.

When I met Dr. Ortiz I really liked him. I told him I was nervous and he tried to put my mind at ease.

I was banded by Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana on Aug. 29th 2007. I could not have been more impressed, what a fantastic physician, facility and staff! I am a registered nurse, so I do have high standards and my expectations were certainly exceeded!!

FABULOUS!!!!!!!!! LEGIT!!!!!!!! FRIENDLY!!!!! PROFESSIONAL!!!!!! LOVE THEM!!!

First inpression was great. The clinic was beautiful and so clean. They staff was all great. The nurse was top notch and gave me the best of care. The doctors all came to visit me before surgery. I talked one on one with the nutrionist.They taked to me about my prost-op diet. I would tell anyone that is going out of the country for surgery to go to the Obesity Control Center. They put the american Dr. to shame.

My band eroded. I was in pain for 2 years..told me it was my imagination. Would not reccomend.

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Ortiz! I bought his book before I had surgery, and I could NOT put it down. It was very informative, and I keep it close-by at all times. When I arrived in TJ, I was so impressed with the facility, and also the accomodations they had for us. It was truly one of the best experiences of my life. It was more like a vacation than a surgery, and after reading all his credentials, I felt like a celebrity was performing my surgery! He was SO nice, and how many surgeons here in the USA will give you their cell phone number? He gives it out, and ENCOURAGES you to call him about ANY little thing. I had surgery last Tuesday, and have already talked to him via e-mail. He responded VERY quickly. The staff is wonderful. The nurses are amazing! You will truly be treated like a guest of honor.rnThere is no way to rate him, he is simply the best! His facility was STATE OF THE ART, and so much nicer than hospitals in the US. If you are considering Lap Band surgery, you should REALLY consider Dr. Ortiz! You will not be dissappointed!

I really liked Dr. Ortiz.rnHe and his were very nice, professional, and caring.rnHe and his staff were accommadating in the preopp rnstage and after surgery . I would go back there againrnfor more surgery if I needed to.rnIf I were to rate him.....I would give him a 10.rnHis bedside manner and surgical competence werernboth out standing.rnEven his own mother picked me up at the hotel and took me to DR. Ortiz office on the day of surgery ; and the next day she took me back to the hotel.

Dr. Ortiz is wonderful and his staff is terrific! I would highly recommend him and his facility to anyone. I use the Fill Center for my aftercare which Dr. Oritz is one of the founders. I always receive a quick and great response for any questions that I have. To say it simply - I'd do it again in a minute and wouldn't change a thing.