I have also heard that and that it should be removed.  My weight loss surgeon has retired and his former associate has stopped doing wls. I haven't had any sumptoms that I know of.  I just don't want any more surgery if it isn't necessary.  I am also in AZ.

Shoppers and other drug stores say they have never heard of Opti Fast - and have no idea where to order it from.   Has anyone else found a place to buy Optifast in Niagara Region Ontario 

Hey! I just saw you on youtube! I came to this board to learn about what your surgery was; I don't really know alot about it.  But, you look fantastic!

 I have had similar problems...with a different surgery.  Have you gotten  this resolved yet.??/
       I developed a gastritis, and  with that and lactose intoleance have  had two episodes of  twisting...but since I have modified my diet and use prevacid, 30 mg during acute episodes, I have not had any  twisting.  .I also take prevacid..available .across the counter, but I use Rx amount... if I must take anything for my arthritis...to protect my pouch and gut.  Prevacid works much quicker than it' generic counterpart of Prilosec...
     ...I avoid/ limit any high acid foods...tomatoes are my favorite offender.
       I have reduced my vitamin c...I use for sinus problems.
        If you tolerate milk products try  yougart, it has the beneficial bacterial.
       If you don't tolerate there is a soy based one by O'Soy. that is good.
      Try  using mostly cold foods/ fluids when  your  intestines flare up.
        There is also a lactose free ice cream by breyers...it is available in Vanilla only, as long as you keep the portion size to 1/4 cup, it should not cause adverse effects.
       I like to take a little/ 2 oz/ flat cola and make a float with mine, you could also make it a shake with lactose free milk , high pro powder.. to boost your protein on a bad day..or a sorbet with a well tolerated fruit of your choosing.
       LISTEN TO YOUR GUT...It is yours alone.  Hope this helps ! Look at my other posts for more tips. I have not been a member on this site but a week or so, but my surgery was 16+yrs ago.feel free to contact me.Denise

  GNC has a soy based  high protein called protein 95..I like the chocolate, and also buy the vanilla...I use unsweetened  koolaid and splenda to change the flavor when I get tired of vanilla.  You can make it with water or Milk . When you make up a serving with 8 oz milk, it boosts your liquid and protein up a bit...no small feat when you are fresh post-op.
       Many stress  using Whey protein but I don't tolerate it.... so this is just another option. My advise... find several  you like and  rotate them so you don't get tired of them so fast....These are your food, eat well! YOU ARE WORTH IT!
      .. I already had some lactose intolerance when I had my surgery...it multiplied it...as a result I don't tolerate any lactose...not even the non-dairy creamers...they say   lactose free until you get to the fine print, then say "may contain an insignificant amount of lactose." ... wake up  labelers..If you don't tolerate any lactose, there is no  insignificant amount!..   Watch the carbs in those pre- prepared ones, all are not bad, but some are no good for  protein.suppliment...slim fast was one that worked as an appetite stimulant with me.