Ruthi

Hello, glad you could join us

you can order the premier online

I remember you, so glad to hear that you are doing well, and WELCOME

I think that after my last emergency surgery for a complication with the lap band and with what I know now about Dr. Aceves, I would have chosen Dr Aceves and his self pay over any of the US surgeons and insurance paying for it. No complications is just that important to me. I couldnt go through that again

I think you definitely made the right decision also, Keep us posted and welcome

Discharged on a Monday and was back to work the next day. Wasnt a problem with a desk job.

The armrest between the seats comes up and that will allow you more room. Just ask for a seat belt extender when you enter the plane.

Get an aisle seat, you will probably need that on your return trip if the gas gets bad and you develope peacock poops from the dye they give when checking for leaks.

Yes, very concerned! Find one with experience and no complications.

Everyone is making me hungry for soft foods.

take a package of silken tofu at room temperature, put it in a blender with cocoa powder, unsweetened chocolate and sweetener to taste. Make sure you rinse the tofu adequately per package directions. I add the unsweetened chocolate first then the cocoa powder one spoonful at a time with the sweetener to suit my taste. The first time I made it, it was just too chocolately so I use one square instead of two to 4 as the original recipe calls for. I substituted cocoa powder instead due to the fat in the chocolate squares. It is about 100 cal or less per dessert cup.

I am originally from the St Louis area and when I fly home, I usually go Southwest as they usually have the best rates. Also internet fairs. Good luck

one lady on here had a band while pregnant, had complications and delivered a preterm baby. That is one risk I dont think I would want to take

I weigh every day too. Someone would have to remove it from my house to keep me from it. I have no self control on some things.

Laughing cow is really good, thats my favorite

You can buy low carb yogart its about 3 to 4 carbs. I get mine from Ralphs but I am sure they are carried by other markets.

lol fried what? That is stinky cheese right? you are teasing, right?

Its really your choice and no one else's, I went to Aceves for his experience. He cost a few thousand more but you get what you pay for. He has never had a leak, thats tremendously important. Dr's dont routinely bash each other its very unprofessional and would make her look bad. I dont know her stats on complications but I want the one with none rather than one with a few. Still your decision to make and best of luck with it. I know it is a difficult one to make especially when you have to do it alone. There is a ton of experience within this forum group and they will provide you with honest direct information not just opinions so do yourself a favor and take the advise to heart. We arent here to bash anyone, we all hope the best for you. We hope you find the doctor that is best suited for you and you are comfortable with.

You wont regret it, I couldnt be more satisfied and if you get it done in July it costs 8750.00 That includes all tests, surgery and 3 hospital nights. Also one night in a very nice hotel the night before. The hospital is small but spotless. The staff is English speaking. Very nice also. Dr Aceves is the best and from what I can tell from others on this board, he is the most experienced with the best post op record. Insurance usually requires alot to get approved but then I dont know what your insurance requirements are. My lap band surgeon was Dr Liu, the one that is on the lap band commercials during the Biggest Loser show. All he does is lap bands. I only had mine 6 months. Give me a call if you want to chat, you have my number

Woo Hoo Tiffy that is wonderful news, you have been such a trooper through your whole ordeal. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Big hug to you

Finally we hear from you. I know how you feel, the clear liquids are hell for us. I fought head hunger from day 2. I went to thin liquids, ie adkins shakes on day 6 and that helped tremendously. I really needed the protein to make me feel more like myself. I think it got worse by the day but today is my first day of full liquids and the world is a better place. The first 5 days are the worst and it very slowly gets better. You both just hang in there.

For answers to your original question, it costs about 18 to 20 K for banding in this part of the state. I am sure it is at least that for the VSG if not more. Less than 1/2 that in Mexico and there are good surgeons there and the care is actually better. If the insurance covers it, what would be your deductable?

OMG, I am from Santa Clarita too

that was hard to type wasnt it? Actually harder to type than read I assure you.

I was told the more you lose before surgery the safer and easier it is on you. Good luck. Are you excited yet?