Mommydog14

Thanks, that makes a lot more sense to me. I'm only 4 weeks post-op, so I've got a bit of time to press my case.

I was told that for the first few months after surgery, we really don't get a full signal until it's too late. Something to do with nerves in the stomach. I've taken to weighing my food, so I know that I'm not eating too much. I've figured out that I can eat 2 and half to 3 ounces of solid protein, and then I'm "full".

Once a month, Dr. Aceves has Saturday follow-up appointments with transportation from the SD airport. The cost is $150 for the lab tests, nothing for Dr. Aceves or for the transportation. I've already scheduled for August.

I was sleeved on May 11th by Dr. Aceves. Everything went well and I really feel pretty good. Yesterday was my first full day back at home, and I kept records of my fluid and protein intake. The Dr. wants me to aim for 70 grams of protein a day and 64 ounces of fluids. However, I am not supposed to sip more than 2 ounces of fluid in any 15 minute period. I am on clear fluids for 10 days, and then can go to full fliuds if I tolerate phase 1. Here's my question: I am having diffulty adhereing to the 2 ounces in 15 minute requirement. I have trouble drinking that slowly, and my stomach doen't seem to protest if I drink more quickly. although I was able to consume the required quantity of liquids, my best efforts only netted 45 grams of protein. Quite frankly, the things I've tried taste terrible to me. i have Unjury unflavored and strawberry sorbet which gives me the most bang for my buck protein wise, but I don't like the taste. Kellogg's protein water is ok, but with only 5 grams of protein, it's nearly not worth it. Any suggestions would be appreciated Deborah

Angie, How are you doing? Did you start full liquids today? Deborah from Across the Hall

I am going to be sleeved by Dr. Aceves on May 11th. Currently I do Cross-fit 3 times a week. Cross fit is a very high intesity workout that involves the use of weights. How long after surgury can i go back to weight lifting??? I really enjoy it, and I'm still fat...!!!

sorry, I tried to cut and paste the link. It's a Yahoo-Health group entitled Dr. Aceves-Bandsters. Hope this helps.

Dr-Aceves-bandsters : Dr-Aceves-bandsters

I'm being sleeved by Dr. Aceves on May 11th. I am very excited. I was going to go alone at first, but now my husband will be with me. At first, I really wanted to go alone since I will worry too much about his boredom , etc. A question: is the hospital room sufficient for my husband to camp out or should he just stay at the hotel? Thanks. Deborah

I am approved and scheduled and I am sooo excited. Dr. Aceves on May 11th. No pre op diet because I am just this side of obese. It is my greatest hope that I will find weight stability and not have to have this burden any longer. Dr. Aceves' patients also have a Yahoo group site which has a lot of information. I can't believe how universally loved he seems to be. I wish it were happening tomorrow.

Opps. I'm being sleeved by Dr. Aceves on May 11th. Since I am a lower BMI patient (31), no pre-op diet was required. He actually told me not to lose any weight. I guess I'm a thin obese person.

I'm being sleeved by Dr. Aceves on May

I'm between 30 and 31, but if I wait it will surely increase. Heck, I could get to 32 or 33 by the surgery without much effort at all! I'm just a vistor at any particular weight--never stable. I was 40 pounds lighter in September after completing a medical fast. I'm so sick of this insanity in my life! I hope to hear by tonight or tomorrow. Other than being a chronic yoyo dieter, I'm very healthy. I'd love to have a sleeve buddy in Mexicali. I hope I hear soon--I feel very comfortable with Dr. Aceves. When I find out, I'll send you a private email and let you know the particulars.

Wow! That would be great! I'm trying to confirm for May 11th. Did you have any difficulties having Dr. Aceves approve you? Send me a private email and I'll let you know what happens.. Deborah

I am waiting for Dr. Aceves to approve me for surgery. I was originally thinking of getting a lap band, but after reading and reading and reading ( and talking to people) I think the sleeve is the way to go for me. I have a lower BMI,(about 30 or 31) but am a chronic yoyo dieter, so I just at this weight for a moment anyway. I had originally planned on using another surgeon, but became concerned when I could find very little about him on these forums. I talked to Dr. Aceves' coordinator and felt very comfortable. Now, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that he approves me. Just a question----because I have an elderly mother at home who needs supervision, I may need to come without my husband or other family member. Have any of you gone alone? How was it? Thanks.

Ok. I did it. I have scheduled band surgery with Dr. Kelly in TJ on May 10th. I had a long talk with him on the phone last week and feel comfortable. My main concern is the after care and getting fills. In his opinion, he thinks US doctors are not agressive enough on fills, requiring their patients to come in more frequently. He thinks three times in the first year. since I live in CA, I'm thinkng that it wouldn't be that big of a deal to have him take care of my fills. I am sooooo tired of my insane yoyo dieting life. I know this is just a tool and commitment and compliance are important, but I think this is a tool I really need.

Ok. I've done it. I'm schduled for May 10th with Dr. Kelly in TJ. I must be crazy.....

Yesterday I was convinced that I would take the first plane to Mexico and have myself banded immediately. Then, I became concerned with the aftercare, which seems pretty critical, to say the least. I live in Northern Ca, and found that Dr. Waltrep is doing a study lower BMI bandsters and will perform the surgery on people with a 30 BMI. Of, course it's self-pay since insurance won't cover it. I was quoted $12,100, which doesn't seem too bad, and then I would be certain of aftercare, support groups, etc. I asked about providing aftercare if surgery was performed by a Mexican dr., and they said it is difficult since there are a variety of different bands, etc. I actually spoke to a doctor who answered the phone (shock). They have an introductory seminar this month, so I'm going to check it out. Do any of you have any comments on Mexico (less $$$) vs local (assured aftercare)?

Thanks for sharing, Slice. Where did you get banded?

Branmante45, I send you a private email last evening. What scares me about this is the possibility that it won't work. Then what? There are a lot of people on this board, it seems, who haven't met their goals. Why doesn't it work for some people?

I just spoke to a coordinator from Dr. Kuri's practice and he will not band anyone under about a 33 BMI. I also spoke with coordinators for Dr. Ramos Kelly and Dr. ORtiz and they don't seem to have an issue with low BMI folks. Dr. Kuri's rep. said that there is a greated problem of slippage with low BMI banders, while the other two reps said that they take a stitch and it isn't a problem. I am so confused now. My yoyo dieting is driving me crazy, and has for most of my life. I could probably be 300 pounds if I let myself get there. I just don't know if I'm a proper candidate for banding. Can anyone help me bet some clarity? Part of me thinks nothing will work for me, and it's totally crazy-making. Thanks.

Hi. I am new to this forum but have been exploring both lap bands as gasrtric sleeve options. I am 57 years old, have a "low" BMI (30 to 31) but have been a life long yoyo dieter. I have done everything that's legal, but I lose very very slowly (2 lbs a week on 600 cal diet), and always gain it back. In the last 10 years, I have gained and lost 50 pounds at least five times. In short, it is making me crazy. Durng my last "very low calorie diet", the Dr. suggested that i consider a lap band, and that a dr. in my area was conductng a study on people like me--lower BMI's and yoyo dieters. I was shocked since I thought it was an extreme suggestion for me. Now that I've regained that 40 pounds, I'm rethinking it. My insurance won't cover this procedure since I am not big enough and have no comorbiditites. I am in good health and exercise vigorously 3 times a week. So, I started to research the Mexico possibilty. A friend of mine had a lap band done in Tijuana by Dr. Ramos Kelly and she spoke highly of him. when I talked to his coordinator to get information, she also recommended that I consider the gastric sleeve procedure. I don't know what to think: the band is a foreign object in my body that needs adjustment, but the sleeve changes my anatomy. Can anyone give me some help trying to think this thing through? Thanks.