Doddie63

Hi: Going to take DVD to Dr. today but no fill. I have an incision problem and will deal with that. By agreement, we felt the first fill should be done by the TLSC fill nurse Nancy and I will also be their for a 2 hr seminar. I will then be able to show my doctor where the port is. This hopefully will make it easier for him. Doddie

Hi: I am from North Vanc. and I agree the MHA belong in the caveman days. They believe all we have to do is exercise more and eat less. They will fund anorexia but do not belive the overweight person mind issues as well. Even when confronted with statistics on people gain the weight back and more after dieting their way. In spite of all the struggles, I would have the band put on again in a minute. Where you decide to go as long as you are confident in your doctor is all that matters. For what it is worth, I prefer a doctor in Canada and I can't praise the two at the TLBC highly enough. Doddie

Hi: I live in North Vanc. BC and have had excellent response both by telephone and e mail. We have had some great laughs though, because the individual that called me always forgot BC is three hours behind Ont so I would recieve calls at 5 and 6 in the morning. Needless to say I wasn't too swift is remembering what I called about. Doddie

Hi Chatterbox: Know what you man by feeling you are all alone. Most banding is to patients in Ontario and they have a very good network. For the rest of us, we have to rely on the internet for support. If you contact the clinic that did the surgery, they may have knowledge of a doctor or nurse that does the fills in Saskatoon. The TLBC sent me a DVD which I will be taking to my family doctor tomorrow. Do you have one? Doddie

I agree I am not ashamed. In fact I am proud of what I have done. I admitted I can't handle food properly so I sought medical help. Who in their right mind could fault me (other than my jealous sister). Doddie

Yes I agree. I even told my GP that if he wanted me to sigh a waiver to any liabilities I would gladly do it because I feel for a professional the procedure is very simple. Doddie

Hi: No. Dr. Yau did me at the TLBC. I have type 2 diabetes but not that far advanced that he couldn't do it as day surgery. I flew to Toronto on the Wed., surgery Thurs, rest Frid and home Sat. West Jet treated me very well. They did not sell the middle seat so I had lots of room. I love the band as it is my conscience, but I must admit the stories on attempts for defills for ER rooms scares the daylights out of me BUT, I would still do it again on a moments notice. Doddie.

Hi: All of the above me too. My sister (18 months older) is in the final stages of diabetes, blind, kidney failure, quadruple by-pass, heart valve leaking and because of diabetes 2. Prompted me to have the band. My husband had two strokes last Feb. but no lasting effects (he is skinny) go figure. When do you go for the band?

Susan: Sorry about your father. What prompted you to make the decision - the airplane ride? Hate airplanes and their narrow seats. Hopefully in time I will able to fit comfortably.

If your profession is cartoons, then Vancouver is the place to be. EB Games and a few successful small ones are going full tilt and desparate for staff. I have been reading the horror stories on the Canadianlapbanders website on fills and I don't mind saying I am scared out of my mind. Seems ERs don't want to defill or fill. Doddie

I was wondering about supplis. I was going to ask my doctor if he had the supplies if not, would he get them in and they could become part of my bill. I think that will happen anyway. Doddie

Hi we were out to New Brunswick, saw Newfoundland (The Rock) and PEI. Rather enjoyed ourselves. I think anyone from Sask would enjoy the Maritimes because of the similarities of the people, friendly and not crowded with people. Vancouver has become a huge ugly city with all the warts that come with growth. Yes we have the beauty, but real estate is high, rental non existance, rents skyhigh and general the cost of living takes its toll. Where do you get your fills??

Argon: No way change the ticker. For all you know, you could just be retaining water. If you are tight and drinking lots of water I don't know about you but I bloat. My body is consistant. If I am eating less calories I loose for 2 weeks gain big time the 3rd and loose again in the 4th week. Never varies. If it does vary, I am cheating. Anything we can do or say to help you with your challenge. That 100 looks pretty good to me. Doddie

Argon: Out in the boonies? what do you do?

I have the French MidBand and I was due for my first fill March 20, but I had to rebook for April 24th. I am told that the first fill is around 5 ccs by the fill nurse. As I have fears of coming back to N.Van and puking up any food I eat, is it possible to ask for a smaller fill or does one have to go by the instructions of the fill nurse? I won't have easy access to the clinic. Doddie

Jackson's mom: Congratulations on your decision and I think you are correct to keep your wonderful decision to yourself until you are assured the person/people you tell will be supportive. I told my sister (who is a carbon copy of me only 18 months older). She told me she no longer wanted contact with me because she couldn't stand to see me get thin while she stayed fat. It is most unfortuante for her because she can't have the band. Her health is too bad and no reputable doctor would perform the surgery. Still it hurts to know she resents me wanting to be healthy and happy. Doddie

Hi: I second Katz. Although just starting out, I already have improved self esteem. I am in control and when I stray, the band gives me a pinch to remind me of my goals. The worst - the recommend slow progress is not in my nature, and I am impatient to get to normal weight. Doddie

Hi I would like to get in on this too. I start whole food in three days time so my goals are: 1. Loose 1 lb per week for March 2. Walk a bit more 3. Try not to binge or graze

Hi Mommy 2. Have you contacted your family GP. The TLBC supplies a DVD aimed at instructing family GPS on how to do a fill and defill. My GP has never done a fill but said the DVD is excellent and he will do it for $35.00. I have heard other GPs do it free and one for $20.00. thanks for the encouragement about the tuna. Amazing how ones conscience takes hold when one cheats abit. Doddie

Thanks susansliver. I am glad you are going to be staying a hospital being as you are a diabetic. I honestly think you picked the best two doctors on the continent and the best clinic. They are very helpful. Due to my lack of knowledge, I didn't have a very good consult, but after Dr. Joffe talked to me I was impressed and went ahead and I don't regret it one moment. I am only a diabetic 2 and already off the metformin. When I start exercise, I am hoping to drop all meds. Good luck on your journey and keep us posted. Doddie

Hi Susansilver: When are you to be banded Doddie

HI jUDE048: I was banded Feb 01/07 and I have had a small red spot around one incision that I can't make go away. It keeps breaking open and small spots of pus comes out. I thought I would be stupid to go to the doctor over such a small problem. Now that you have said you have one I think I will be going to see my doctor today. Thanks for posting.

Thanks Green. I am looking forward to the trip. Nancy C you are doing so great. Know how you feel in a small way. I wear a 5X sweat shirt and today I am wearing a 3X. Haven't tried new pants yets. Congratulation. Doddie

Thanks I will try. This band is becoming my conscience already and we have had one or two arguments. The band won Doddie

hi: yes I have told her you were asking about her. Next e mail, I will tell her to contact you. I am a binger and I never thought I could binge on mushies. Today I found out differently. Ate a whole tin of tuna. As someone said, the band is a tool not the whole answer. Doddie