Doddie63

Yes. I believe it innuot. Will you be at the next meeting.

Hi: I have lost 73 lbs and have 45 to go for goal of 180. My weight has always settled on the arms and stomach. My arms have batwings you would never believe. I have to remain in a 26/28 size t shirt because no blouses or smaller ts will fit over these flabby arms. I definately am considering PS and I don't give a hang about scars. There are remedies for scar tissue to be removed. I am told by my PS I must wait until within 10 lbs of goal weight more preferrably to reach goal and hold the weight for 1 year. I can't wait and the PS is one of the strongest motivators I have to lose weight.

Thinking of you Karin

Hi: The band surgery was very simple for me. I flew to Toronto had the surgery, rested one day and flew back to British Columbia. There were no complications. You have to take it easy with the exercise for awile (your doctor will tell you how long) then you can do anything. From what you describe, I wonder why you aren't taking a water exercise plan. I go to aquasize (even when I was 303 lbs) and I thoroughly enjoy it. People with joint issues usually are referred to this type of program. Perhaps you should look into it. As for worrying about what you look like in a bathing suit, LOL, don't. Everyone else is too busy worrying about how they look. I hae met wonderful people in these classes all pain free when exercising due to the buoyance of the water.

cujo: what is in the past is in the past. now is your opportunity to start a brand new journey by getting off on the right foot. You will not be dieting just eating less and making better choices on the small amount you can have. Born and raised in saskatchewan now in BC but still a roughie fan. Doddie

Cujo: Are you asking permission to break your doctor's pre op diet. Because if you are, certainly don't have mine. The reason for the diet is I am sure you already know is to shrink your liver. I think if you knew you could eat at the BBQ, you would not have asked us. What do I think --- NO. Do as your doctor told you. Doddie

Thank you. I give most credit to my victories to the band. Once it got my appetite under control my journey is a bit easier. Having said all the "I's" the support that has been given to me by this website by members that have their own cross to bare has been emotionally stimulating. Unselfish support from others that are also struggling is very gratifying.

Some lose no hair others a bit initially. The diet you will be on is high in protein which is associated with healthy hair. Gastric by-pass patients do lose hair but it grow back in time. I personally did not lose hair, all I have lost is weight Woooooo Woooooo! Good luck on your research.

I think if you went to your pharmacist you would get an answer. They know all the drugs and what may be available to replace the drug you are now on. Or they will be able to tell you if the drug can be crushed and what you could take with it to cover the taste. Of course there is the old trick my mother taught me. If the drug allows you to, disolve the pill in a bit of juice then hold you nose when swallowing Believe me it works. I had TB and was required to drink the most foulest of liquids. By holding my nose, I couldn't taste the foul stuff. Good luck

NSV. I may be losing slowly - 1/2 lb per week on average but today I got the best news ever. The doctor has taken me off my last diabetic pill - Metformin. Now I control the diabetes strickly by exercise and diet. Anyone thinking of the band or getting discouraged, hang in there. Slow weight loss adds up and the rewards are exhilerating.

Kj. I assume you are talking to Joanne but just in case. I have 5.75 in a 10 cc band.

Ikgrub Well done. You sound like you have the sweet spot for you. One pound a week is substantial. I am only 1/2 lb per week and it is amazing how it adds up. As you know, the secret is not to get down on yourself and accept the small changes rather than wish for the large drop. Again congratulations.

Well, you are a mystery and I hope your doctor can figure it out. No I am not losing more than 2 lbs per month. My weight chart prints out for me my average loss plus projected loss. My idea for less fill obviously is not a solution to you. I guess there comes a time when the professionals are going to have to earn their dollars. The factoring in of junk food is the only way I can control my grazing which once out of control results in vomiting. Knowing I can have something seems to help me. Not for everyone I know but I hoped my suggestions may help. Good luck with the doctors.

I have been losing a steady 2 lbs per month now since banding. I was advised to keep a loose band. Someone I know, was told by her bariatric doctor to take fill out whe she wasn't losing. She is now losing weight. Maybe you are too tight. If you had a defill and then slowly went back up that might work. Is it expensive for you to have defills/fills?

Thanks for the comprehensive information. I will pass it on as I get a number of enquiries for a fill nurse/doctor in BC. Doddie

Correction: No TLBC Fill Nurse for BC TLBC fill nurse visiting BC next month will NOT DO FILLS FOR ANYONE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE TLBC. There was a misunderstanding on the post that indicated for a fee she would do fills. However, the intent was for the Lions Gate Support Group no one else. __________________

Correction: No TLBC Fill Nurse for BC TLBC fill nurse visiting BC next month will NOT DO FILLS FOR ANYONE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE TLBC. There was a misunderstanding on the post that indicated for a fee she would do fills. However, the intent was for the Lions Gate Support Group no one else. __________________

Anyone looking for a fill doctor/nurse could contact the TLBC in Toronto and make enquiries. As I understand it, next month they will be in BC doing fills not only for their patients, but for anyone requiring a fill. There are also 3 doctors interested in doing fills. Hopefully that will come to pass. There is of course a fee for this service, but the key word is ANYONE. Email me privately if you wish the telephone contact but it is also easily obtained from their website tlbc.ca

Correction: No TLBC Fill Nurse for BC TLBC fill nurse visiting BC next month will NOT DO FILLS FOR ANYONE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE TLBC. There was a misunderstanding on the post that indicated for a fee she would do fills. However, the intent was for the Lions Gate Support Group no one else thinking we were all TLBC patients. __________________

TLBC fill nurse visiting BC next month will NOT DO FILLS FOR ANYONE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE TLBC. There was a misunderstanding on the post that indicated for a fee she would do fills. However, the intent was for the Lions Gate Support Group no one else.

CORRECTION: The TLBC fill nurse will not be doing fills in BC for any patient that is not from the TLBC. There was a misunderstanding about fills in BC being offered to anyone, but in fact, it was only being offered to Lions Gate Support Group. It was thought the group was all TLBC patients. She had no intention of filling Mexico or others. Sorry for any misunderstanding.

HI I have been informed by Nancy the TLBC nurse, there was a misunderstanding when she was talking with me. She will NOT BE DOING FILLS FOR ANYONE OTHER THAN TLBC PATIENTS. Apparently she was thinking of our support group not generall. Sorry for any problems/hope I gave anyone.

mom2 -no one can advise you. The decision you make must be on a number of factors we are not aware of. First off finances. Can you afford to fly to Mexico for any aftercare involving band erosion, flipped band, etc. Aftercare is vital (in my mind, more vital than the actual surgeon). The warrantee for instance TLBC gives free fills. They of course are not free to me because it costs so much for me to fly to Toronto. Also, Dr. Woodhead is in our area. The CRA sometimes will not approve travel costs if there is a doctor in your area that could have done the surgery. You probably will be allowed credits for the surgery but the advice I have recieved you will have to justify to them why they should pay you the travel costs. Just a few factors to think of. Please check out your aftercare then make your decision.

Lynn I made a typo in the telephone number. Could you edit your post to show the area code as 409 The correct TLbC number is 1-800-409-8151 Ex. 337 The TLBC fill nurse Nancy advised she would be in Victoria next month and would accept bandsters from other clinics for a fee of course.