Doddie63

Congratulations. looks like you are all set. good luck and speedy recovery.

Hi disolvegirl: Good for you in doing your research. Research old links and ask questions. No matter how trivial or small they may seem. Don't skimp on aftercare either. Support is vital. That can turn out to be one of the most expensive parts of the journey particuarly if you live a long distance from the clinic. SWLC has a network of fill nurses/doctors across Canada and TLBC is working hard to do the same. You will find that many doctors/nurses will not do fills for anyone but their own patients. You will also find different charges for fills. So make sure you have a backup plan for fills. The personal example I can give you is for me to fly to Toronto to get my FREE fill, I have to pay airplane tickets, hotel, meals, taxi etc. I had my local GP lined up for fills, but he backed out. TLBC helped me find a doctor in Vancouver that took on my care. Now I only have to fly back for surgical intervention such as I did in June. I had my port corrected. So no matter which clinic or doctor you chose, bear in mind the unforseen. Hope this helps you on your journey.

mom2two: Hi, I think I posted to you on another website but just in case, be sure you research your aftercare carefully if you chose to go out of province or our of country. There are a few fill nurses in Washington who do fills if you have a vehicle and can get down there. The only doctor I know of in the Vancouver area that does fills for other doctors is a Dr. Woodhead but he will not do Mexican patients. Don't take my word for it though, contact him before going to Mexico and ask him. Also, remember there is more to aftercare than a few fills. For instance I had to fly back to Toronto to have my port position corrected because it had flipped. For me to get a free fill in Toronto,it costs me $1,000.00 to fly there, taxi and hotels and meals. My point is to go wherever you like with your eyes open as to the complete care and costs associated with the band. Assess whether or not you can afford to go back to Mexico, or down to Washington State, Calgary, etc. Sometime it is cheaper in the long run to use one of the two doctors in the Vancouver area who are both very competent. Doreen

Hi: We meet every third Wednesday of the month at the Lions Gate Hospital. The main entrance in on 15th street. There is pay parking unless you want to park on the street if you find a spot that is. After entering the hospital, there is a gift shop directly ahead, turn right and go thru double doors and go down the corridor. Turn right at the library and we are the first door on the right. Look forward to meeting you.

Gerdi: Dr. Leung only does fills for his patients. Thdre are not too many doctors that will do fills if you are not their patient. Dr. Woodhead will do fills for Canadians that are not his patient here in Canada, but he will not do people banded in Mexico. However, I think every individual interested in fills even if banded in Mexico could contact his office for a personal answer. Also, there are fill clinics just slightly south in Washington state or Calgary, Albert. Hope to see you at the meeting.

Thankyou, Thankyou. You have set my mind at ease. Wow! I love this website.

Hi everyone. Just posting to say on June 5 has my port readjusted as it had flipped to its side making fills difficult. I am now experiencing a bit of irritation as I have some surgical thread sticking out. I tried to pull it out but it won't budge so will see my doctor today. I thought all surgical sutures inside are supposed to disolve. I really have no idea how my doctor is going to get it out but I sure don't want infection setting in. Hope all is well with you all.

Mom, we would be only to happy to have you attend. We all have interesting histories, some good, some not so good. You can find out what awaits you as you start your journey. We meet at the Lion's Gate Hospital. If you send an e mail to 'canadagirl33@hotmail.com', she will put you on her reminder list. If you would like to, contact me at doddie63@hotmail.com and I would do my best to answer some of your start out questions. Peaches don't give up. Canadagirl and myself went months. Canadagirl contacted the Lions Gate Hospital and we were given access to a room for our support group free. I even attended one meeting all by myself incase someone showed up. At the very least, if you know of one or two, start an email support group. You all have the grounding interest of remoteness to get you started. Good luck

Yes D there will be a meeting in July. Every 3rd Wednesday. Contact Canadagirl33@hotmail.com and she will put you on her reminder list. She founded our group and we would love to meet you and answer any questions you may have.

I agree. If you don't want a new doctor, by-pass the staff and go directly to the surgeon. Staff can't stop you making an appointment. If you freeze up when confronted by a doctor (I certainly do), pre write your questions out. Ask them one at a time and try to get in your feelings and thoughts .

Thats Ok Argon. I love the fact she is looking for aftercare. You can't imagine how I have been jumped on for mentioning aftercare. Seems there are a few sensitive people out there that don't like me reminding potential bandsters to ensure they have good aftercare. The perception of after care on people starting their research is much different to the reality. Can't imagine why there is such pressure for me to be quiet, unless of course, they represent a particular clinic. Anyway, Argon I think or hope we have helper this person on the start of her queries.

Argon: Sheelk's posting asks for information on the Vancouver doctor. That is what i gave her. Sorry if I misunderstood.

sheelk. Hi - Dr. R. Woodhed does fills for other doctors in Canada. He charges $400.00 consult fee and $80.00 a fill. Cheaper for me than going to Toronto, although I do try to go there if I can. Dr. W. used to do fills for Mexican patients, but I understand he no longer will take on out of country patients. The only way you will find out is by telephone his office in Ladner/Delta. I don't like posting telephone numbers, but I am sure he is in the telephone book.

Mine was in the usual place but since I have had the port straightened, it is directly right of the long scar. I suspect the port is placed by the surgeon in an area he thinks is best for your body configuration. Just a guess.

If you search the TLBC website in Toronto, there is a link to a medical financial loan company. I don't know if they cover Mexican surgical clinics but can't see why not. I understand rates are high and if possible to stick with banks. I personally cashed in an RRSP.

Thanks Tres Chic. My weight has been slow and steady coming off. A magical amount of 1/2 lb per week on average. You are right, I am at my sweet spot of 5.5 ccs. I can't eat over 1 cup of food. What shocks me is I am more restricted at dinner time and after than I am in the morning. Where I read people are tight in the morning. Guess being left handed I am "a.. backward". LOL Doddie

On canadianlapbanders.com there are a number of posts from Manitobans. This site is Canadian lapbanders mostly from the SWL or the TLBC, but Manitobans are now using it. You may also want to check that out. They are now starting up a support group which will be very helpful to you.

try asking the company first then check with the mexican hospital if they accept this insurance? There are some links on having surgery in Mexico, you may want to scroll down the home page and pick a few to review. Whatever you decide, make aftercare part of your decision making process. It can be a minefield of difficulty depending of where you live and the availability of willing fill nurses/doctors.

After suffering severe panic when my GP pulled out of the arrangements for fills I had to go back to Toronto for two of the fills at a cost of just under $1,000 each trip. Dr. Yau then referred me to a Dr. Woodhead in Delta, approx. 1 hr drive away from my home. He charges $400.00 as a consult then $80.00 per fill. I really like him. He prefers I come in every few months to see how I am managing. My weight pattern is so funny. I start the month off low then gain throughout the month (water I assume) then at the end of the month or the start of next, I show a weight lower. I continually lose 1/2 pound per week consistantly. No record breaker but I am happy.

TresChic: Seems we were neighbors on Feb. 01/07. Been reading thru the comments and agree the two clinics with their surgeons are great. The only comment I can make is to ensure you have aftercare and a possible backup to the arranged aftercare that you could be comfortable with.

I really enjoyed the large turnout. Who would of thunk so many would come out. It was so much fun listening to the comments of evryone about their journeys and we had some great laughs to. For months, the attendance was 3 sometimes just one so it was a great feeling to know there are others. Hope you all continue to come.

Hang in there sunshine. The end result is way beyond what you would imagine. Good health, energy, able to do things others do. Your are doing great.

Hi Anita. Thanks for posting the information, but you don't have to sign off if you still want support. Drop in once in awhile to the Lion's Gate, we are not exclusive to bands. Just a support group with similar issues. The gastric by pass include all as well. Hope to see you at the odd meeting.

Buffie. I am so happy that you were able to solve your pain problem with removal of scar tissue as opposed to the band. May your recovery be speedy and healthy.

Zenaromy. I am a "graduate bandster" of the TLBC. Dr. Yau is a terrific doctor. In fact as you probably know, one of the doctors that introduced the band to Canada. I have a few personal observations I could make if you wish to e mail me or send a private message. Good luck on your journey. The Lion's Gate meetings are every 3rd Wednesday of the month and posted on 3 sites. BC WLS.com, Canadianlapbanders.com and Lapbandtalk.com. We start at 7:00 pm officially, but one member who drives down from Pemberton arrives at 6:30 pm. Hope you can make it as we are now 13 members and we had a number of laughs but also discussed the good and the downside to the band. Also, to get a fill in BC you must apply to Dr. R. Woodhead in Delta. He charged me $400.00 for the consult and $80.00 per fill. Much cheaper than flying back to Toronto for a "free fill"