Alex R.

I am personally disappointed with the new website that TLBC has put together. I find it confusing and it lacks basic navigation instructions. Am I missing something - do others like this new site?

is there even a message board? it just looks like you can post a random message, and then people PM you in response.

I have a MIDband. In Canada, we are able to access several different types of bands. The Swedish Band was used here as well before it was rebranded as the Realize Band. I'm thrilled with my band. I've lost 85% of my weight so far, and have had zero complications. Of course, its more about what you DO with your band, than which band you have. My surgeon prefers this band because it is more flexible, doesn't need to be sutured in place and has lower rates of erosion and slippage. The only reason it isn't approved in the US is because as a smaller company, the cost of going through the approval process is financially prohibitive. Where are you located? Perhaps you could get fills in Canada?

It is very important to factor into your decision the cost of aftercare. Many of the better known clinics include fills and other programs in their package price. If you go elsewhere that initially appears to be "cheaper", you might find that if you have to pay for fills/unfills and travel costs, it might not be as economical. Please do a lot of research into the procedure and everything that it entails. It is crucial to have a very experienced band surgeon and it is worth the extra cost for this.

What you are feeling is pretty normal. Many banders are surprised to learn how high up on the anatomy the band is - so you do feel it in your chest. Congratulations on your surgery. I am thrilled with my band. Best thing I have ever done for myself.

I've been very, very happy with my experience at TLBC. However, I live nearby and just 5 minutes from my office.

$16,000 in Toronto, TLBC best money I have ever spent in my life

Give Jill, the nutritionist at TLBC, a call. She just had a tummy tuck - and is happy to talk about it. She looks fabulous.

To BGP I'm in disagreement with you about floro. I would rather sneak up on good restriction based on how I felt, rather than what is seen on a screen. I also am not a fan of that much exposure to x-rays. Floro might be worthwhile if someone does not have a comprehensive aftercare plan and wants to get the biggest bang for their "fill" buck...so to speak.

Hi Bella, Your post sounds as if I could have written it. Nerves are normal - but the best attitude you can have is excitement! This was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I have lost almost 85 pounds and feel wonderful. Congratulations on your choice!

Hi, I was banded at TLBC April 5/07. I've lost 80 lbs so far, and would like to lose about 20 more. Best thing I have ever done. Feel free to ask any questions. Alex

I wonder if my life insurance premium would be reduced, now that I've lost weight? Any thoughts?

Oh dear. I'm sorry you are feeling neglected. Did you call Daryl at 800.409.8151 x328? She's the nurse manager. When I had my surgery, Maral called me every day for the first few days after my surgery to check up on me. Don't they do that anymore?

What kind of a band do you currently have?

Clear fluids, I wouldn't recommend it - because its a bit of a gastric irritant that soon after surgery. But yes - you can have coffee on full fluids. The pre-op diet I was given did mention coffee on it. But the post-op diet did not specify. I assumed then that it was off limits. I suffered for weeks without coffee. A day or two before I was to graduate to the next level (ie mushies to real food), I was in a coffee shop with friends and was desperate to have one. I phoned the clinic for advice, and was told....."oh, you could have been drinking coffee all along. There is no prohibition against it". I downed two lattes in record time.

No - I'm in Toronto. I am fortunate to be close to the TLBC. In fact, the clinic is only five minutes from my office so I can walk there for fills. Best thing I have ever done for myself.

Hi Anita, That was me referring you here from Obesity Help. I'm so glad that you have decided to go local with your surgeon. Although many people have wonderful experiences with Mexico clinics, aftercare is a problem. Alex

Ah, the last supper. I actually discovered something very interesting doing that. The day before I started my pre-op diet, I bought a supply of chocolate. I picked up a bar of Lindt 85% and my favourite M&M peanuts. I ate a couple of pieces of the Lindt 85% - but it just wasn't doing it for me. It just wasn't delicious enough. So I put that aside and opened the bag of M&M peanuts. I couldn't eat a single one. My desire for chocolate had been completely wiped out. I couldn't even make myself eat one. And, apparently the high cocoa content of that dark chocolate has other health benefits, like lowering BP. Flavinoids or something... I always keep a supply of the Lindt 85% and, believe it or not, it stays in my cupboard for weeks. Whenever I feel a chocolate craving, I eat a piece or two, and the craving disappears.

Has your doctor ruled out gallbladder?

I only caught the tail end of it, but Khaliah Ali was on CBC radio this morning talking about lap banding. She was very articulate and impressive. Then right after, my husband told me she was on CTV, Canada AM. Again, I only caught the last bit. One of the things she said at the very end was, "you have the best clinic in Canada right here in Toronto - Tom's clinic". Was she referring to CIBO?

One of the reasons I chose the band, was because I could get it done immediately. The wait for an OHIP covered RNY was then approximately 3 years. I didn't want to wait any longer to save my life.

Sorry to tell you that it isn't covered, yet, in Ontario. There are two very good clinics in Toronto, TLBC and SWLC in Mississauga that you can consider. I paid $16,000 for my surgery last year (I believe its gone up to $18,000) but I would do it again in a heartbeat and would pay double or triple that. It was sooo worth it. Best thing I've ever done for myself.

Just make sure that you have an IRONCLAD arrangement in place for aftercare (ie fills). Some people find that they initially save money by having surgery in Mexico, but then the cost of finding local care completely changed the efficiency of that equation.

I found that as soon as I booked my surgery - the "patient co-ordinator" didn't return my calls.

I had my husband with me - and I wish I hadn't. I should have taken a friend instead. He was just annoying to have around.