scottja

Hi Rachel. Ooh, it's scary to me that you're eating solids at only 11 days post op. I'm 5 weeks post op and am just starting to experiment with some solids. Frankly, I'm really glad that my doc takes the conversative approach with reintroducing foods... 2 weeks clear liquids, gradually moving through pureed, creamy, soft, mushy stages. I figure I can be patient to ensure good band health and success. As for a fill, I'm losing weight now and I'm not even going to think fill until I've been on solids a while and know how the band is working. Remember, this isn't a magic bullet, but a lifetime tool.

Check out Dr. Alberto Aceves at www.mexicolapband.com. He did my surgery a month ago and I was really pleased with the whole process -- his professionalism and care, his patient coordinator Nina, the hospital and staff. All was great and I have absolutely no regrets. He charges $8200 all inclusive, including transportation from San Diego airport. He is in Mexicali, a 2-hr drive from San Diego.

I dieted off and on from the time I was 16 (I'm 55), but sure haven't tried them ALL -- not according to what I'm reading here, anyway! But I do remember as a young single woman in my 20s fighting the 200-lb mark (which looks good to me now BTW), I enrolled in something that I think was called the Medical Diet. I went to a house-turned-clinic where they doled out my allotment of shrink-wrapped food for the week -- as I recall it was just one grocery bag. I took it home and proceeded to eat the whole week's worth of entrees in one sitting. So much for that attempt!

Hey, Penni. Speaking of pictures - I'm wondering why the picture that I successfully posted on my profile doesn't appear when I post a message? I can't seem to locate any place to do this in the User CP. Can you enlighten me?

My BMI was high at 51.6 and surgeon had me start on a high protein/low fat diet 10 days prior (not an all liquid diet). And, yes, I was told it was to shrink the liver making it easier to place the band on the stomach. I think it was a good start for me as well in learning to make some different eating choices. According to my surgeon's instructions, the all liquid phase came after the diet for 2 weeks -- which was long enough! You should follow your own doctor's orders, of course.

Maybe this reply is too late (?) but I wanted to chime in... I am scheduled for lapband surgery on Jan. 19 with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali (BTW $8200) and I've been instructed to do a high protein/low fat diet for 10 days prior so the liver will shrink. My BMI is over 50, so that may be the key factor. I have started the 'diet' early, however, just because I'm paranoid that the doctor might deny surgery (or have to do it open instead of laparascopic) if my liver isn't what it should be. So I'm being a good girl now - and I think it will be to my benefit to get a head start on new eating pattern anyway. Jackie S Oregon 5'6" - 320 / /160

For what it's worth regarding payment to Mexican surgeons, each one has their own requirements. I'm having surgery on Jan. 19 with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. He does NOT accept cashier's checks but suggests wiring the funds ahead or bringing cash or traveler's checks. I'm opting to take traveler's checks rather than wiring the funds -- just in case there is any problem that precludes surgery, to save any potential hassle with getting the money back. Dr. Aceves doesn't require an advance deposit, which I think is great. Regarding bringing back meds, I agree with Zoe - for the meds that are given as part of the surgery regimen, you haven't actually purchased them in Mexico, therefore shouldn't need to declare them. Jackie S Banding on 1/19/05

Kaiser here in Oregon only offers the gastric bypass; they do not do the adjustable lap band at all - which is really a shame since it's so much safer and saner. I'd think the whole Kaiser system was the same, but maybe you'll find something different in the Bay Area. Because I didn't want to go through the LONG Kaiser process and I decided lap band surgery was the better choice anyway, I have chosen to have my banding in Mexico where I will self pay. I'll be banded on Jan 19 by Dr. Alberto Aceves in Mexicali. Yippee! Jackie S Oregon

I'd like to hear from anyone who has had lap band surgery with Dr. Aceves - or who knows of his work. I am about to shedule surgery with him for January. Thanks for any info. Jackie

I just had a doctor visit with my PCP at Kaiser. They only do gastric bypass at this time. Jackie Portland, OR