Doddie63

Wecome to the other side Hope. Sure glad you had no complications. I was the same. Now the work begins to learn how to change your eating habits. Please continue obeying the rules by sticking to the fluids, full fluids, mushies and don't rush the time table. If you give your band lots of time to heal, your success shouldl be assured. Doddie.

Good advice from all but I find a bit of humour in my nauseau. When I think about eating, I feel sick. I am a speed eater and for a long time, I would have the severe pain from chunky food trying to pass thru the band and then PB. Now, whenever I think about eating, I feel sick. Food no long is a #1 in my life. I have a lot of battle to go yet, but I think of the feeling of sick as a good thing. Doddie

1. Let them think what they want. You are a nice muslim girl or your hubby beat you up, does it really matter to anyone other than your family. I had eye surgery and had two black eyes and looked like a racoon. A police officer offered me victims counselling. I burst out laughing and told him I had surgery and we both had a great laugh. Seriously it is nobodies business let them be curious if you don't want to say anything. But when they see the finished product and how beautifully young you are, they will know anyway. Doddie

I think all diets accomplish the same goal and that is to shrink the liver so the docs can move it aside to put the band on the stomach. Each clinic has a diet that they think is the most successful. I was on yogurt and cottage cheese and really didn't mind it at all for the two weeks. Once I was told I could eat all I wanted then I was OK with it. Just kept one thing in mind all the time and that was "shrink the liver to prevent complications". Didn't care what I ate as I was so keen to have the band and I haven't regretted my decision in the least. Doddie.

I never experienced migrain, but a withdrawal from caffeine if not the cause, would certainly increase the intensity of migraine. You should be able to take pain medication as I was allowed to take all mine. After the surgery, I had my medication just had to crush it. Now that is an experience. Blah...Good luck Doddie

coffee has caffeine and that is addictive. Try weaning yourself off it. Too much coffee makes me nauseus also, especially on an empty stomach. Try drinking chicken broth or some sort of protein shake that your diet allows, but cut back on the coffee. Doddie

I would suggest you take the pickle and such on it. Then throw out the pickle. The pickle taste should settle your craving. But I would not break the diet, it is too important and your doctors would not have prescribed the diet if it wasn't important. Do give in you can do it. Think of the benefits to come. Doddie

Thanks Irishmist. I am only loosing 3 lbs a month averages about .75 lbs per week since the band but the side benefits are unbelievable. Now I have BPing fairly undercontrol, I am thinking of getting another 1 cc fill. Little bit scared because I am so close to being at the sweet spot. I feel comfortable eating 1 cup a meal, not hungry after and only BP if I don't chew properly. Still I think I should be loosing 1 - 2 lbs per week. Maybe a 1 cc fill?????

My worst ..When I got on the airplane a jerk looked up at me and said "everyone off, plane overload". I looked at him and said "yes please get off so I can have your aisle seat". My best, the next time I flew after the band, did not need the seat belt extender.

Know what you mean Argon. Until the BC WLS group and the TLBC helped me find Dr. W. Dr. W. is doing it as a favor to Dr. Yau. I was at a loss wondering how doctors can refuse aid because a fill is a medical proceedure NOT a visit to the doctor. I know that doctors can limit their patient list to as many as they like but that is for general care not for a procedure. So why are they getting away with it. Probably becuase no one has complained to their Medical Association. I don't know but so help me, even if I had to go back to Toronto for every fill and defill, I would gladly do it as I am feeling so well. Now off my third BP pill and 4th diabetic pill.

extremely lucky I would say. I have been criticized in the past by some bandsters. They had the audacity to suggest I should have thought about the fills before I had surgery. The fact of the matter is, priority is placed on selecting the best doctors in our own opinions. You can research until the cows come home and feel assured you will have a fill doctor/nurse when you have the surgery but what happens when they leave, etc. . The band is for life and in my case, my fill person reneged. Thanks to TLBC and a WLS support group, I found a bariatric surgeon to do my fills and look after me. But my fear is what if he leaves. Then what. Probably it will mean travelling to Toronto for fills and hoping the ER staff know about defills. Still harship aside, I still am thrilled I have the band. My weight is going down and my health is getting better. Doddie

lizze. Congratulations on finding a fill doctor. I correspond with Marilyn all the time and she is one fantastic friend and supporter if you make the effort to get to know her. Good luck on your journey to a fantastic body and health. Doddie

Check with your doctor, but I would just stay away from any lifting until you heal and are back on solids. Some people have a bit of a problem with gas, if you walk and cough and follow the doctors advice, you will come to the "other side" in good health. Doddie

Ang1982. I believe, that the medical system in Canada covers you for any emergency not matter what the problem is. You just have the ER contact Dr. Yau for instructions by telephone. They cannot turn anyone away according to the health act. That is why many people who can't afford the BC Med. payment each month attend the ER. They will be looked after no matter what. And don't forget, your GP gets involved as well in your care. So whatever you decide outside the country or within the biggest problem for me was fills. I personally would stay in Canada because of the future care. Doddie

<p>Argon: If you do come to Vancouver, we have a support group that meets monthly at the Lions Gate Hospital. We have a HUGE total of 4 and you would be very welcome. Doddie</p>

Yes, Marilyn is the one. She is trying to set up a support group for Halifax. I wish you luck in getting a fill doctor. It took awhile for me to find a fill doctor here in Vancouver, but thanks to the net and TLBC, a bariatric surgeon has agreed to take me on. Now I don't have to travel to TO. doddie

well done Bandiva. You should be proud. Doddie

As the port is just under the skin, yes everyone can feel it. Not all the time, for instance when sitting. Unless you are a 'skinny' when it comes to needles, a fill needle feels like a small prick and over in seconds. My port is on its side so it take sometimes a few pricks but really the pain is nothing to worry about. Think about your flue shot, similar. Doddie

Yes, he does. He has a list posted on the internet of all the fill doctors, nurses, etc. There is one listed for Vancouver I believe she has an office in the Medical Dental Building. Either type his name in for a search on the web or contact Dr. Cs clinic and they will tell you. Doddie

To band or not to band. That is your question to answer, BUT, I have the band and I too went thru the doubts and fears after the decision. Then I started to think. I have dieted many times and when I reached or almost reached my goal, slowly it would start coming back on. Very few can control their desire to eat 24/7 small portions or to abstain from favorite foods. With the band, when you reach the sweet spot, you will feel satisfied after 3 oz of food and 1/2 cup of veggies and you will feel satisfied for hours after. To reach that level, you must first learn how to control your eating which could be PBing and to learn to incorporate exercise in your daily routine. But at the end of the day, the band to me is the only thing keeping me feeling so good about myself. No one can make this decision, but if I could I would say "caste the doubts aside and go for it". If it doesn't work, you can have the band removed but if you don't try, you will never know what thousands of banders already know. The band is their life savior. Doddie.

100: I tell anyone that will listen I am so proud of my decision but, when I told my sister who is very overweight like me, she cut off all contact. She was very jealous. What I am saying, even if you tell you overweight friend for support, be aware as you loose weight and there is no question you will, your friend may resent your success and turn against you. By telling everyone, there are no secrets and so surprises. Tell one person and there is no secrety. I am rambling, I guess, but the point I am trying to make is. The decision is yours and only yours. there are pros and cons to both sides. Doddie

Hi: another thought to travelling outside the country for your surgery. Travel insurance is not there to pay out. the wonderful world of "other related" gives the insurance company the perfect out. You may be in great health now, but what about tomorrow. The band is for life. Also, the insurance companies may well say the band is related to any medical issues you may have in their country then what? The other issue is emergency care. If you attended a BC hospital, you could call out the Vancouver doctor. just some more to think about.

Glad you are OK and Nancy helped you sort things out.

Hi: You don't want to become dehydrated by waiting it out. Contact the clinic first thing friday and ask. Don't wait for the weekend and then be forced to call Dr. Yau out on a weekend. Better to get it sorted out during business hours if you can. Doddie

Liz there is a doctor that will do fills in Halifax. I corresponde with a bander in Halifax and she told me her family doctor has consented to do fills for $30.00/fill. She has told the TLBC of this doctor so keep trying by requesting the head nurse or Nancy. If you can't get an answer, e mail me and I will ask my friend to contact you. Doddie