WASaBubbleButt

How long do you have to be on Optifast? Is this an MD requirement or insurance? Many of us have a large liver, it's because we are fat. :cry Above and beyond everything, cut out carbs! That will make your body burn the glycogen in your muscles and liver and that will make your liver MUCH less slippery. If you find that you can't do the liquid diet, call your nut or your MD and see if they will accept low carb, low fat, adequate Protein. Many do. But try the liquid stuff first, you might just surprise yourself. You are not a mega high BMI so they might be inclined to let you do that.

Currently, esophageal spasms. Unrelated to that, usually I barf a lot if I don't take meds. If I want to keep my band I'll probably have to take it the rest of my life. My brain seems to think I have more restriction than I do.

Oh no!!!!! I have his phone number, maybe his girlfriend will answer. I'll try calling in the AM and see if I can talk to her. He's so sweet, I hope he's doing well!

Dr. Aceves is in Mexicali, about 3 hours from Goodyear, AZ. We go there as a group for fills. You are welcome to join us next time we go so that you can check out the doc, the staff, and the facility if you wish. It's nice having your surgeon driving distance. We can go there in the AM and return that afternoon if we wish.

Already responded on another thread.

It is my understanding he is transitioning from a clinic to a hospital. He is a safe surgeon.

Just whatever you do, don't cave. The post op diet sets the tone for the life of the band. It's NOT swelling that is at issue for the post op diet. It's much different. Think "atkins" and cut out ALL carbs. No juice either. You won't die from not having fruit juice for a few weeks. If you are on clears drink Isopure Protein drinks if you can gag them down. The protein will kill hunger, carbs/sugar will make you want to gnaw on your left thigh. You can do this, just look for the light at the end of the tunnel. We have ALL been there, if we can do it you can too!!

Much of this depends on surgical skill. My doc has done 1600+ bands, does not have a BMI limit (his highest was between 90 and 100) and he's never converted to an open procedure. Never had a band patient die either. So if you can't lose weight and your doc won't do the procedure, find someone who can. As my doc says, you can't get only the easy procedures.

Yeah, I kinda sorta regret it. I don't regret getting WLS but if I had it to do over again I would get a sleeve. But I've had unique band problems that not everyone has. I would never ever get DS or MGB, but I would get a sleeve. If a sleeve wasn't available I'd get another band in a nanosecond.

You can go to Orris and De Barros in Tempe, Berger in Flagstaff but I wouldn't suggest Heber. Not great sterile technique and she does not use a Huber needle. Or, you can go with us to Mexicali, Mexico. About 3 hours away from Goodyear, AZ. We go as a group. I know of two people that need fills and I believe they are going in a couple of weeks. PM me if you want more info. I'll put you in touch with them.

That theory has kinda been proven wrong. Other issues are being demonstrated on a daily basis. We have an eating disorder. If what you are saying is true, the band wouldn't work either. Some of the newer ideas are regarding the nerve in your stomach, it might just be faulty. There are electrical brain differences in us vs. normal size people. There is a difference in the gut bacteria in a fat person vs. a naturally thin person. There are tons of differences. The issue that needs to be better understood is why those differences are as they are. As to the OP, the best thing IMHO if your doc is okay with it is a modified Atkins diet. Don't really worry much about calories, focus on low fat, low carb, adequate Protein. That will kill stomach hunger but you are going to deal with head hunger. You are going to have to stop and consider each time you open the frig, is your stomach hungry or is that food calling your name? Avoid ALL sugar, keep carbs below 35 daily and that will kill 99% of your stomach hunger. Head hunger, there really isn't anythiing for that. Just hang in there, keep your eye on the prize, and call your doc if you simply can't do it. If he won't band you and you honestly can't lose the 30 pounds then find another doctor. Plenty of docs are able to band someone with a BMI of 50+. Good luck to you!

I suspect that is the case for most of us as well. That's why we got a band. In my case, I'm a recovering fast food junkie.

Ohhh! I agree 100%!!! They are both odd and annoying in their own unique ways.

I paid $7800 in Dec/06. I thought it was $8200 now but I was in error, my friend is getting banded this month and it is $7800.

I just saw something else. Lizards and reptiles and things are back. However, it's very good to see YOU back!!!

Lauren!!!!!!!!! I see you lurking, post damnit! How have you been? We've missed you!

True, there is only one of her. Thank goodness. She is pretty easy to spot. That is a good point. Nonono... that wouldn't be supportive. The sky is made of CHOCOLATE!

Dr. A rocks, he's my surgeon. He's safe, skilled, and a sweetheart.

There is a group in CA and they are Dr. A patients. I don't know exactly where in CA but they post on Dr. A's message board. Are you posting there? If not, you should. It's a great place to meet others in your area. Ahhh, my ID. I used to be BubbleButt then I lost my butt so I changed it to WasABB.

Nope, I wouldn't leave without mentioning it to you, Denise. I haven't been around much for two reasons. I got slammed with esophageal problems on Christmas morning and have not been feeling great and also, all the BS on the boards. I'm SICK TO DEATH of the psychos that get banned from here and come back with new IDs and personas. I swear, if I write on OH that the sky is blue some idiot troll will come here whining that I wrote the sky is purple, green, and amber with lollipop bubbles around each hue. Now, I realize there are mentally ill folks and they are going to post. I'm just sick of them directing all their nutty behaviors my way. I'm a person that needs to be around other WLS people. I need the atmosphere, the common ground, kicking my butt when I need it. So I've been finding people in real time to get to know who are banded or have a sleeve. Just went to Mexico with someone last weekend. She's GREAT! I absolutely adore her. This board makes it easy to meet others in real time who are banded or getting banded.

I went to Dr. Aceves. I like him a great deal. You said you don't live far, are you in AZ or CA? If you are in AZ we meet monthly for lunch and such, many of his Phx patients. You are welcome to join us. We are due for a bandster lunch anyway. I was correcting some misinformation recently and I'll direct you to that post, it gives some info you might be interested in regarding Dr. A: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f18/phx-looking-4-recommendations-mexico-47926/index2.html#post668133

I wish you lived here too! The more banded folks the better! I enjoy the company of other banded people, there are just things we understand that others don't.

Last year at this time I was really really fat, just had surgery about three weeks prior and was realizing that this is it, do it or don't. I did it, I'm not fat anymore. Not sure I thought this day would ever come.

Mona... I'm just so glad you are out of the hospital and feeling better. You know to call if you need anything!

Good to have you back! Sounds as though things went well?