CanMacDaddy

If on a weekend... Sunday better I will travel to Red Deer or Edmonton. Thanks CanMacDaddy

I think being nervous is natural. It is a change in life and a medical procedure with risks. What helped me was to get as much information as you can to alleviate the concerns you may have in your mind. Be positive! Know that you are doing this for yourself and your family. Talk with lots of people, professionals, etc... If surgery is your fear talk with others prior to your date so you are well prepared. Be positive !!! Good Luck CanadianMacDaddy PS ... I didn't pee on the floor... but I did wake up in the recovery room with my underwear down at my ankles... just like my first experience with tequilla.

LL, My thoughts are with you. My wife read this and said that could have easily been me...waiting on Dr. Davey's list playing heart attack roulette. It is great to know he lived his life making a positive impact on others. Take care and God Bless!! CanadianMacDaddy

Becca, As the boys (Gaffer and Alex) stated above best thing to do is go to a supplement store GNC/Popeyes or a Diabetic Shop. Popeyes is all over edmonton. If you go to the store at least you can try the samples and not be a slave to internet shipping or customs. I am trying to wean my self off the Protein supplements and go natural with tuna, chicken or prarie oysters. good luck CanadianMacDaddy

98 cents a litre and I am pissed about it! $110 to fill the truck and that was self serve

Cat thanks for action on this. I would definetly be interested. Please count me in !!! I live in Calgary / Okotoks and would be willing to: 1. Local Meetings: attend bi-monthly or quarterly <3 hr local meetings to network and share information. 2. Regional Meetings: attend 1-2 X's per year as far away as Edmonton / Red Deer if structured as a informational/networking/social gathering/motivational workshop deal lasting 1 - 2 days. I would also act as a rotational host for local meetings if under 12 persons. (doesn't matter what size they are) I would not be able to host till Oct as we are building a house in Okotoks at the moment. Thanks -- let me know if there is anything I can do to assist. Also I would think you may get some interest to regional meetings from Sask and BC. There are a couple of other websites that have banded members as well to draw from Ie: obesity surgery website, etc... Is there not a national or US support group charter that we could model? CanadianMacDaddy

LOL Susie...of course the downtown one... dubbed the Library... only because thats close to work and being in the oil and gas industry you know thats exactly where the out of towners been in the woods on rigs all day guys want to have business lunch. I actually find it a little sad as each time I go (not very often at all... I don't have a frequent viewer card) but I run into someone from my hometown of Halifax out here to work... usually someone daughter I grew up with. As far as MetroSexual ... not me noway... as soon as the work day ends tie comes off for some sweats and a motorcycle helmet. I have never had a manicure or ever been in a salon. Although I do keep the barber poll nicely polished, trimmed and in good working order. But thats ok for some. O'tay have a good day, eh CanMacDaddy

thanks for noticing becca... its always nice when others notice the work being put in and the results... this is a dramatic lifestyle change for myself as well as a lot of others. Its definetly not a race but it is nice to have progress this early because I know plateau and setbacks are part of the process. The people who have been banded 1 yr or more and are still pushing to obtain their goal is really who should be raised on the example pedestal. Gaffer, Aragon, Donna and countless others are definetly my inspiration. Be healthy y'all. One change I have made ... and again I did not find it manly at first but...now when I watch any tv or sports I balance on a Pilates Ball... its definetly helping add muscle and burn calories. CAUTION. If you do butt crunches on the Pilates ball make sure the air valve is not facing up directly under your seat as I pinched off the valve...the air came wishing out of the ball... I fell flat on floor and had an air enema. Then I questioned my manhood briefly again but determined my sphinter is an "exit" only valve. Hell I never even heard of Pilates.... I thought that was something I did in university every weekend... Hold it now those were "Pull-outies". CanadianMacDaddy Currently on the ball as I type (air valve down)!!

Ok I have been banded for only 3 weeks but I have noticed some changes other than losing weight. I was just wondering what others have experienced or new ways people are living. An example: 1) While driving in a shady part of industrial Calgary with my wife on Saturday I noticed two punks pushing drugs by the local drinking establishment. I drove over and called them to the window, while my wife dug her nails into my arm and insisted on leaving... I showed them a $50 and said could I get a Kilo of Benefibre! They asked me what that was so I told them "soluable natural fibre good for ruffage and scrubbing the blood vessels clear of plaque". They walked away.... my Quest for inexpensive Benefibre continues. 2) I found myself doing butt-crunches/clenches on the local Light Rail Transit while going to work...anyway to burn extra calories...I hope no one noticed 3) Since I have passed the magic 21 diet thing my cravings for dirty carbs have diminished totally. I also have more energy for my kids and tend to be away from the TV and outdoors alot. Does anyone else have any benefits or ways or unique ways to live healthier? Gaffer ~ YES i know the other benefit of weight loss for men as you have posted. God bless Mrs. Gaffer!!! (please note: that is a non-denominational God) CanadianMacDaddy God Bless all those affected by Virgina Tech massacre!!!

LL ~ before I admit this I must let everyone know that I am a man who is at peace with his manhood. In fact after this post I am going to pre-tend to drink a beer, get in my truck and go shoot a couple of small animals from a moving vehicle... A redneck at heart. but I have to say LL I also went to Dracula the ballet and loved it... I took my wife as was only her second time at a ballet... first was a couple of weeks ago with kids at Cinderella. Dracula was great but I had to remind my wife that the men dancers attire was padded in certain regions!!! Anyway I am a big Anne Rice fan and it was great to see another person appreciate her. I can see you are doing great and have started your journey. One thing that worked for me was using a Diet and Excercise software to record weight, food and excersise to graphically show my progress. I admit I weigh everyday but know that small weight gains or plateaus happen and shrug them off. My wife is even using the software know for herself... thin as she is just for health reasons. Anyway rock on and good luck CanadianMacDaddy ~ on his way to Home Depot and Canadian Tire to look at some power tools and car parts.... manly stuff not Ballet !!!

Happy B-day Donna... you are an absolute inspiration. It was great to meet you at the "clinic"... the TWLSC. I spoke with Rose and she is breaking in some new help there...you will have to let me know if they are any good vs plastic surgery demo ladies. Anyway take care!! From your Teddy Bear!!! LOL CanadianMacDaddy

I too had gas pain that came and went frequently for 1.5 to 2 weeks and as Susie stated moving ie: brisk walk , tended to relieve the pain. Pain went from chest to upper left shoulder/back region. Keep listening to your body and ensure follow up. Congrats on the banding and glad to hear you are feeling better. Good Luck CanadianMacDaddy

Yes a nice big cigar... I don't smoke but like a nice cuban once every year or so... actually only had 3 in last 5 years... once for each kid... but since I have lost more than my oldest weighs I think I deserve one. CanadianMacDaddy

O'tay on the definition of a Brazilian Wax job... my lord ladies can't you just get your man to keep you trimmed. I mean have you seen the 40 year old virgin...and that was just his aereola region!!! However if you are looking for a unique, confidential and professional look I am willing to offer my services. I am 39 and have been cutting grass and bushes since I was 15...so rest assured I am a professional "ladyscaper". Some of my famous works are on display at your local Bada Bing Bar (Gaffer for us thats "the French Maid"). Ms. October won an award for the "landing strip" trim I gave her back in 1987. Seriously though I really like to get into my work and do a great job...satisfaction guaranteed (not just mine either) or money back or 3 free trims. Just kidding folks...some adult humour... I am harmless. Hell since I got married I don't even date much anymore. Good luck to all !! CanadianMacDaddy (1 pounds away from 50 lost ... I am going to Celebrate with a "Cuban" )

Excellent Swan you and others are the motivation we need. 50 is a great achievement. You are well on your way and almost half way to your goal... no stopping you now. CanadianMacDaddy

Mr. Yoda broke the male silence on this chicky cheeky site...so here I go... although I will admit Aragon I don't know what a "Brazillian" is!! 1. I want others to call me "big guy" only when they are standing beside me at a urnial. 2. I will stop paying for first class air tickets so I get an extra 4" wide seat and a hot towel. 3. I want to wear the lime green speedo that came with my Borat DVD. LaLaLa La. 4. I don't want my truck blinker to go on everytime I pass McD's or Dairy Queen. 5. I want to be able to go to a men's "Big & Tall" store only because I am TALL. 6. I want to fit my ICON leather motorcycle jacket I bought the day I decided to get banded and take my wife for a long long "ride". 7. I want to be able to play sports again at the level I did a few years ago. 8. I want to stop wearing black clothes 9. I want to be able to have the energy to enjoy my kids, wife and life. I want to be a better husband, father and friend. 10. I want a 'Brazillian" ....sorry I mean a "Columbian"!! CanadianMacDaddy. 11. I want it to freakin stop snowing in Calgary.... as I look out the window.

People Magazine...People Magazine? Give me a break...next you will hear that Scientologist and short man (and ladies you know what I am talking about) Tom Cruise is telling you WL is not necessary and all you need to do is convert to his flock... well flock him. Let your friend know that you value their opinion but People Magazine is not the Boston Medical Journal. ... but then again the transference reference may just be off a bit... when you have WL you actually partner with a drugee ... a-la Sharon Osbourne. You need good information but you also need your friends to be cautious, supportive and encouraging. Gaffer ~ Oprah... another great resource eh? Next Dr. Phil will chime in ... in this world there are people that will debate, promote, philosophize, etc... all sides of an issue -- thats what makes it so diverse and enriching. PS a real plane hit the pentagon on 911 not a missle! I do believe in addiction transference and its affect on us however I feel it affects individuals differently. Hell I have been a holic my whole life.... workaholic, sexaholic, beeraholic, foodaholic, sportsaholic, et c.... but I do not feel a pull towards drugs or gambling as a result of my unhelathy weight or current WL. I even dated a Casino card dealer in university but didn't gamble.... I had to leave her cuz she had a Full House at home she didn't tell me about. I got to go cuz the new National Enquier is out and I want to see what they say about sodium levels in your diet. Best of luck CanadianMacDaddy

YoDah....Do a frankie... Relax... I haven't seen you this wound up since an american person posted on the canadian site. I think people have said both clinics are good...not sure I have seen anyone saying they choose Dr C's just because on Inamed (it certainly wasn't me)...TLBC uses them as well right!!! Plus we all know how the medical profession works right...its called kick backs...they push whatever medical device, pills, lubricant, etc... which helps their bottom line. In closing these are clinics not baseball teams... I do not have a favourite I choose as the reasons I stated and all will have to weigh their options. Like I said I looked at Mexico, New York and LA as well. The good thing to me is that the clinics in Canada are very reputable. Good luck in your decision. Continue to talk with those who have had the Inamed vs Sweed vs Other... CanadianMacDaddy (feeling scolded but not reaching for the razor and warm bath)

ahem...Sorry Yoda I know you are the wise one... of course all the bands that the TLBC use are approved in Canada. HOWEVER I was referring to the Inamed band being currently the ONLY one approved by the FDA...that is south of us in the USA not Canada. But then again I am a virgin at this banding experience so please be genital... I mean gentle. Being approved in the USA was a big thing for me as there exposure has been longer and 10 times exponential. The good thing at TLBC is that you do have a choice of the Inamed or the European ones... I haven't seen many overweight Swedes or Nords in my travels there... but have seen some le gros fille in France. Thanks for the correction though. FDA = Federal Drug Agency not Health Canada. CanadianMacDaddy

Gaffer rocks with the weight loss.. congrats Cat, this is an oiler fan trapped in Calgary. I too had to make a choice last month. Both clinics are highly recommended but what sold me on TWLSC and Coburn/Mumford was a couple of things: 1. At the time of consultation Dr. Joffre was just announcing he was leaving the TLBC clinic and this raised an ebrow for me as they would not give me a reason why at that time. By threads I have seen has been all cleared up and Dr. Yau is highly recommended and recognized as a pioneer. 2. Follow up fills for out of province patients. I see lots of peeps have responded but the fact that there were trained people in Calgary to do fills (even at a cost) gave me a better feeling as my doctor was not too receptive in doing fills after viewing a training disc. 3. TWLSC is now in the new plastic surgery clinic with great op room, recovery room and close to a hospital and just important for me not downtown TO. Missisauga easy to get to from airport via rental or cab. 4. I went alone and stayed at the Heritage House recovery home for two nights where medical staff looked after me. 5. My consulation was done with Dr. Mumford and it was great talking to surgeon right off the get go. 6. Rose at TWLSC is awesome !!! 7. TWLSC uses Inamed bands FDA approved only vs TLBC using various types BUT also the Inamed band. Whichever one you choose will be a good choice !!! Your melting man just down the #2 highway. CanadianMacDaddy.

My you have lost weight... can I ask how much and how? Anyway I had to go out to my first formal dinner on Sunday less than a week after getting banded. Stuffy work chit with not one but two "plastic barbie self-proclaimed socialites" that only allow their husbands to talk when permission is given. The kind that think their very chit will be served in a chocolate mousse for all at dessert... ok hopefully you get the picture. Well it took only 15 mins into the dinner of 14 people before Plastic Barbie 1 says very loud to me but for all to hear...."wow it looks like you finally lost some weight"..(I HAVE LOST 30 LBS IN PAST MONTH.."how much and is it because you are ill". Well of course everyone went silent cuz they were waiting for my verbal retort. I was gonna say "Portion Control" but my meek wife (1 glass of wine gone already) spoke up and said "its cuz we found a great new position for sex and we haven't been out of the bedroom in 2 weeks!" BOOM....I was floored...then she said..."maybe you and your hubby should try something different as the same old missionary style once a month doesn't seem to be working for your bitchy attitude". THE WITCH IS DEAD... I swear to god I heard cheers over the laughter as the BEOITCHHH left the room. My wife got more drinks bought for her that night and congratulations. She is my hero....plus mother of my 3 chitlins!! I quickly ran home and read brochure on when it was safe to resume the bedroom life... 6 days and 4 hours to go. Maybe my prom tux will fit by then... then again... we have 3 kids, work, etc.... Sorry for the rambling but my wifes answer beat my Portion Control answer hands down or another part up. Good luck to all . CanadianMacDaddy

Susan: I have 3 kids with (one being 6 mths old and still on the boob) so it wasn't practicle to bring the family or even my wife. So the only way my wife (finance minister) would agree was if I stayed at a recovery house for a couple of nights. I went to TWLSC in Miss and stayed at the Heritage House for two nights...there was 5 others there over a two day period so pretty common. They were great as nurses on staff and really good staff plus less than the cost of a hotel room at $135/night. After that I spent the next nights at a hotel as felt better. Regardless it would have been nice to have someone there but the setup with Heritage House and The Clinic it was great...they picked me up after surgery, got my medication for me, etc... Good luck with your surgery CanadianMacDaddy

Please sprinkle some testosterone in this thread!! I started PBing when I read the comments. BUT at last it doesnt suprise me... when I was banded at Dr Coburns clinic I also took advantage of the services of the cosmetic professionals. When I was under I got them to circumcise me as well. I even got to keep the removed "excess baggage". In fact I made it into a wallet... you rub it and it becomes a large suitcase but when exposed to temps below 21 C it shrinks considerably. I asked what it would cost to have my Weapon/Member molded cosmetically... very pricey but I am considering the "Owen Wilson Nose" penis look a like job. Ok back to your women conversation...I did notice all the women working their were driving Vulva Cars Ok I am writing down a thousand times... "CanadianMacDaddy will not be a sick bastard... forever" ta ta

Is this a porn site? My god you are all very cheeky. Good luck LeslieLee... I was banded one week ago (Dr Mumford) and was very satisfied with Dr Coburns clinic. Especially Rose as she Rocks. The new place is very nice at the plastic surgery clinic... I joked that I was really paying $16k for a breast reduction. I woke up one day and had breasts.... not just laying next to me... but my own. Good Luck CanadianMacDaddy "Already down a Cup size"

My you have lost weight... can I ask how much and how? First of all Gaffer you are the man...I told TWLSC that you should be the western rep and get paid. They responded that they couldn't put you on the payroll but would give you credit to the plastic surgery center. I told them that you have already paid $16k for a breast reduction like I did. Maybe a rebate will be in the mail. I am looking forward to you leaving the 300 club Anyway I had to go out to my first formal dinner on Sunday. Stuffy work chit with not one but two "plastic barbie self-proclaimed socialites" that only allow their husbands to talk when permission is given. Well it took only 15 mins into the dinner of 14 people before Plastic Barbie 1 says very loud to me but for all to hear...."wow it looks like you finally lost some weight"..."how much and are is it because you are ill". Well of course everyone went silent cuz they were waiting for my verbal retort. I was gonna say "Portion Control" but my meek wife (1 glass of wine gone already) spoke up and said "its cuz we found new position for sex and we haven't been out of the bedroom in 2 weeks!" BOOM....I was floored...then she said..."maybe you and your hubby should try something different as the same old missionary style once a month doesn't seem to be working for your bitchy attitude". THE WITCH IS DEAD... I swear to god I heard cheers over the laughter as the BEOITCHHH left the room. My wife got more drinks bought for her that night and congratulations. She is my hero....plus mother of my 3 chitlins!! I quickly ran home and read brochure on when it was safe to resume the bedroom life... 6 days and 4 hours to go. Maybe my prom tux will fit by then... then again... we have 3 kids, work, etc.... Sorry for the rambling but my wifes answer beat my Portion Control answer hands down or another part up. Good luck CanadianMacDaddy