Alex R.

You can watch the interview from Canada AM here: http://esi.ctv.ca/datafeed/urlgen2.aspx?vid=50289

. Realistically, if you can find a cheap flight to Mexico, it would probably be better to go back, and make a little holiday out of it. Do they let you stay over for fills? But the difficulty of travelling so far for a fill is, what happens if you are overfilled and need a further adjustment? .

Sorry, I meant to add - I'm on my 9th fill and have lost 75 lbs. in a year. I'm still losing and will continue to go back for fills. I can't imagine how much more it would be if I had to pay extra for these fills.

- - - Oh dear, I'm afraid this is a common problem. The clinics in Mexico do tend to say that you'll have no trouble finding local fills - but this is absolutely not the case, especially in Canada. I always recommend that people get IRONCLAD arrangements for fills before they commit to having their surgery in Mexico. This is not to criticize Mexican surgeons - many of them are highly skilled and their clinics are first class - but the essential aftercare is difficult to obtain locally. Often when people crunch the numbers and factor into the cost what they need to do to get fills - it doesn't make it as attractive to go to Mexico. Having an unfilled band is like having a car with no gas in it. - - -

Oh my, The post-op diet is not about cheating. Its about healing You MUST NOT allow your stomach to churn to digest food. You'll risk having problems with your band in the future. Do not advance your post-op diet. This is no joke.

I like your analogy to the hairdresser. I know its difficult for people to understand - prior to banding - how important aftercare is. It is essential to have an ironclad arrangement in place before going anywhere for banding.

When I finally graduated to full fluids, my husband got me lobster bisque from a fancy restaurant nearby. I thinned it with a little milk and strained it to make sure there weren't any "bits" in it. Unfreakin' believably good. Maybe you can plan to have something really special for yourself when you graduate to full fluids too.

I wonder if what the clinic told her was: they were the only ones in Canada .....who could arrange for her to get aftercare (ie fills) closer to home? This is something that I know the Mississauga clinic offers. Although the other Toronto clinic, TLBC, is working hard to try to put the same offer of local aftercare in place. The Mississauga clinic is highly reputable. There must have been some confusion or miscommunication.

Hi Judy - there is a Canadian forum on this site. Canada Lap Band Support - Lap Band Talk Forum - The largest forum for Lap Band Surgery Discussion and Lap Band Surgery Support You will see many threads about BC.

Congratulations on your surgery. I too was banded by Dr. Yau at the TLBC. I had a fabulous experience and would do it again in a heartbeat. I had my surgery a year ago (Apr 5/07 to be exact) and have lost 75 lbs. Good for you that you are doing this now. My only regret is that I didn't do it years ago!

I sent you a PM.

Often it only 'feels' like we didn't sleep, when in actual fact we may have slept much longer. When I had a sleep study years ago, I told the clinic I hadn't slept at all. The technician said, pshaw....people always say that. Then he got back to me - oh yeah, you're right. You didn't sleep.

Congratulations on your decision. My only regret is that I didn't do this years ago. "The easy way out" !!! My pet peeve. Just for a moment, lets assume it is the "easy" way. What is wrong with that. Why do it the "hard" way. What is the virtue in struggle? Especially when there is an alternative. Is it more virtuous to wear glasses instead of contact lenses?

I've been very happy with my experience at TLBC and would recommend it to anyone. I didn't know others have had issues with Nancy. I find her extremely efficient (fills are quick and painless) and she has always been accessible. Good for you for doing such good research before your surgery. Regarding going to emerg - you will be given a private number to call if you have an emergency band related issue. This has never happened to me, but I have heard that others have found the clinic to be very responsive to any emergency situations. I've only heard good things about the other clinic in Mississauga, so you have two excellent options available to you. I chose TLBC because its location is very close to me.

Welcome - your attitude was the same as mine. I felt such relief when I realized that there was a "light at the end of the tunnel". And, it worked for me!! Best thing I have ever done. Sorry I can't help you re Nfld. bandsters.

I know many people have had excellent results in Mexico. One of the most important things you have to consider if you go elsewhere for surgery, is aftercare. Certainly you can save money initially by going to Mexico....just make sure you have someone in place to do your fills locally. I was banded in April at TLBC - and have been back to them 9 times for fills (including one defill) so far. I anticipate going back for another tweek in the next few weeks, so proximity to aftercare is key.

that sausage crockpot idea sounds good - can you tell me what you did? Thanks!

Regarding aftercare at TLBC - Immediately following surgery, the post op nurse called me daily to see how I was doing. Whenever I had a question, I received a call back within a few minutes. The fill nurse is very experienced and accurate. Hits the port with precision every time. Very quick and painless. I've been able to book fills, and one small defill, usually the same day. I feel sorry for some people I talk with on message boards who have to wait weeks, or more, to get fills (usually in the US) . The nutritionist is very helpful and accessible. There are other programs - seminars, support, etc., but I haven't availed myself of them yet. I believe they have recently added a psychologist to their program. The facility itself is quite deluxe. I feel pampered - kinda like a Rosedale matron getting a facelift!

I did a great deal of research before my surgery and felt that both clinics are excellent. I chose TLBC primarily because of location - my office is barely five minutes from the clinic so fills are very convenient. I have been very happy with my decision. Although my pre-op consultation was with a different doctor, I did meet with Dr. Yau before my surgery. Recently, I had a very long conversation with him at social event and was immensely impressed with his compassion and commitment.

3. Esophageal Dilatation ?

You might have something called "first bite syndrome". Since my last fill, I find I have to wait a while after taking the first bite to make sure it really goes down. Then for some reason, the stoma seems to relax and the rest of the meal is uneventful. Worth a try.

One of the most important things you have to consider if you go elsewhere for surgery, is aftercare. Certainly you can save money initially by going to Mexico, but then you would have to travel back to Mexico for your fills..... unless you were able to find someone here to do them. But, finding that will prove to be very difficult. I was banded in April at TLBC - and have been back to them 9 times for fills (including one defill) so far. I anticipate going back for another tweek in the next few weeks.

Raychelle - your stats are amazing!! You've lost over 120 with the band so far ??!!! You've received some great advice above - so please do make an appointment and keep coming back here to let us know how you are doing. I'm sure you'll enjoy the support.

CIBO | Home

Oh, I see Nisrine (formerly at TLBC) is there.