sweetally

Hi there, I am from the lower mainland here in BC. I just turned 40 in November and I am 5'4" tall and my weight currently fluctuates between 195 and 198. This is the highest I have ever been and I am scared too death that I will get bigger if I don't do something. Getting this surgery is my last resort. I am considering getting the Lap Band Surgery and was excited to see that there are options in Vancouver with the SWLC group and had my consultation with Dr Coburn over the phone today. He was very nice and patient with my questions. He did say that due to the regulations of the College of Physicans in BC, they will not consider someone with less then a BMI of 35 in their Vancouver clinic. I am at 33 BMI currently. I laughed because I thought it was funny that they wanted me to be 'more fat'. He agreed and said that it doesn't make sense but did say that I can always go to their clinic in Ontario and the Vancouver clinic can do my after care. Has anyone had any experiences with the SWLC Ontario clinic or any problems with doing their surgery elsewhere and their after-care in another province? Also has anyone used the financing option by the clinics? Is it easy? I have tried WW, Jenny Craig, numerous of other fad diets and the last one I tried was Dr Bernstein. Although I lost weight on Dr B very fast, I gained it right back even faster. I can kick myself for all the money I spent on Dr B and wished I just used the money towards the Lap Band Surgery. Thank you in advance for any comments, advice and input that can help me with my decision and journey.

It only took you 1 month to reach your goal or did you mean Jan 2012? Good for you! Do we get to see pictures? Congrats!

Thank you! I will talk to Dr Coburn and see if I can talk to someone closer to me in person.

Do you mind if I ask what your BMI was? Did Dr MItchell do your surgery? I've been missing Dr. Coburn's phone calls so waiting for him to call back. I would really like to meet with the doctor here in Vancouver at SWLC and talk to someone in person. Please keep us updated on your recovery and weight loss progress. I just got some of my results back and looks like my glucose level is still higher than normal and so is my cholesterol.

I spoke to Dr Coburn about the balloon and he said that if portion control is my problem the balloon will work for short term but I will gain it all back because the same problem will come back in that I will feel hungry. I know that I need something that will help me permanently. He did say that BC College of Physicians might look at lowering the BMI rate.

Oops sorry, I got you mixed up with Lorena. That's great that you have a surgery booked. Please post your experience, I would love to know how it goes for you.

I can understand what you are saying. I am also fighting for my life and lately I've had symptoms that scare me and I wonder if I'm having a heart attack. I've been overweight for a long time and every year, it gets worse. I think everyone's struggle is the same but different. Whether you are 75+ lbs overweight or 100+, I believe we all have the same pain, lack of self confidence and fear of ill health. My husband, who has the metabolism of a rabbit thinks its as easy as going for a walk and putting less food in my mouth. Always sounds simple from someone that has not had to struggle with weight. It's depressing, isn't it? I am happy that your surgery has worked out well for you. I hope you reach your goal and stay the course.

Really? Why do you think that? I'm genuinely curious because if I'm looking to spend $17K, I want to make sure that it will work. Do you think for someone like me who is considered obese (according to the chart) but a bit under 35 BMI will not work effectively? My problem is not being able to control my eating and portions. I can't seem to stop gaining weight back after I lose some. I just don't know what to do any more and what other alternatives there are. I am trying to do more cardio but is not consistent.

Thank you for your replies. I was wondering you can pass along the phone number to the office in Vancouver? Maybe if I call them directly they might consider letting me come in. My husband and I would rather do it in Vancouver so he can be there for you afterwards.