Ang1982

*Hug*, not being banded myself yet I won't put in my info about which is better, etc, etc, but I do agree you most definitely did not get what you asked for/paid for. If you did specifically request to have such and such band and got something completely different I do think you should sit down with your surgeon and see if you can work something out. Perhaps as someone else suggested - free fill aftercare, perhaps a cash rebate of some kind who knows. Either way at least your surgery went well and you have the band in place. I wish you the best of luck on your journey and keep us posted as to what your surgeon says.

I have four tattoo's - for now, I plan to get more once I've had my band and lost at least half of my goal weight. 1) a dreamsicle cherub blowing a kiss (which is a heart shape) oh my back, right shoulder blade 2) a small maple leave (canadian, eh?) on the side of my right wrist 3) a butterfly with 3 little butterflies surrounding it on my chest above my left breast 4) second toe in, left foot - blue and orange alternating flowers - toe ring tattoo One tattoo I plan to get is actually the picture in my avatar, not sure where yet though.

Fantastic!! Congratulations! You both look wonderful and so happy!

Dr.Woodhead will take on other's patients - not sure about mexico ones though. He charges a $400 consult fee to decide if he will take you on, then fills are $75 thereafter. Dr.Leung the other Vancouver surgeon will not take any one elses patients. Other than that you'd have to go to the clinics in Washington from as far as I have found out.

Hey all, me again continuing my research!! I am currently looking into what my options are for where to get my band / how I can self-pay etc and of course Mexico is high on my mind just for the HUGE difference in cost; however... I've found of two surgeons in the Lower Mainland that deal with Lap Bands: one, Dr Leung, who does not do fills for any one that wasn't his patient and two, Dr.Woodhead, who apparently charges a consult fee ($400) and meets with you to decide you can be his patient and then charges you $75/fill. So.. getting to the point - has anyone had surgery elsewhere but looked to get fills in BC? Where did you go? Any tips/pointers/etc. would be greatly appreciated. My main concern is if I get it done elsewhere what happens when it's fill time or if I have any complications? Please help Cheers, Angela

Hey all, Do not yet have a lapband but as I sit here having a snack of Turkey Pepperoni (low fat, quite good actually) I was wondering if its a good source for Protein on the band? Or is it not something we can eat / get through our stomachs well? Thanks in advance, Angela

*BIG HUG* It is very hard, my childhood kitty died last fall at the age of 15 (which btw, is incredible for a mainly outdoor cat in the country). It makes your heart tear. I'm sending you much luv and hugs.

Absolutely amazing! How wonderful. I can't wait to get banded and have that moment in the future. What a great feeling, bask in it!

Not only that.... but the FUGLY silk screen designs they are putting on shirts these days.. I'm an overweight 25 year old, I do not need my shirt advertizing some kind of "made up" rock shirt or stupid saying. Commmmmme on people!!

Unfortunately, I do not think I could shop for clothes online as I would be constantly returning things I am sure. Some things do not fit me properly and I definitely need to try stuff on before I buy. Especially with a lot shirts (thankfully these days the style is longer) as I am only 5'7" but I have a very long torso.

Well congrats girlie! I can't wait for this to happen to me.. go go banding process speeed up. On another note, what's up with Canada/B.C.'s Old Navy then? Because I most definitely cannot shop there. I'm almost positive that our Old Navy does not go above a 18/20... It's actually pretty sad for plus size shopping up here. From my experience (unless there's some gem of a store that I have missed) our only option is Penningtons (a crappy version of Lane Bryant that has mostly "older styles" of clothes and doesn't do well a lot of the time for someone in their 20's), Additionelle (nice clothes, but expensive for what you get) and that's about it. You *may* find something at Wal-Mart but unlikely. So for anyone who complains about shopping at Lane Bryant.. it's a TREAT for me to drive across the border into Washington to go to Lane Bryant. Oh and whoever made the comment about the glitter and whatnot on Lane Bryant clothes, it's not just them and I COMPLETELY agree!!!

Poison Passion Hahaha. Lovely.

I haven't had my band yet so I cant report on the after affects on my sex life but as it is it is pretty good right now, can definitely not complain. My man used to be quite a big guy (before I knew him) and lost a lot of weight (on his own, probably 150lbs+) and is now a pretty normal size so I don't know if that affects the way he sees me but it doesnt matter that I'm 300lbs. He can barely keep his hands off me. Me naked is INCREDIBLY sexy to him (and it shows ). He's a total keeper! hah.

Thanks!! I'm pretty sure he knows it. It's funny, you can buy them all the cat toys in the world and his favourite one is a straw.

I had a breast reduction myself a few years ago (probably closer to 6 years) and it was one of the best decisions I would ever have. I have very LITTLE feeling in my nipples but knew that would be the case going into it as - due to my size they had to completely detach and reattach my nipples. So I have loss of sensation and I will never be able to breastfeed but it was definitely worth it. In regards to the post by Lauraj23 (and anyone else out there), my girl friend's cousin had a gastric bypass (as did my girl friend) about 3 years ago now and because she did have quite large boobs and no reduction prior to the weight loss, she did not have enough elasticity in her skin to be able to get her boobs fixed. I cant remember all of the details but that was the main part of it. My friend who also had the bypass had a reduction many many years before so her boobs are not in quite as bad of shape (not great or perky but manageable).. just food for thought..

This is my little mommy's boy trouble maker of a kitty, Skittles (a Bengal): And this, is my "man's" best friend who I have "joint custody" of. Long story, he lives with my ex but comes to visit me. Zak (a Papillon):

I'm so excited and beyond thankful. I'm waiting to receive the "Questionnaire" by mail from the Surgeon I am hopefully going to use (Dr.Woodhead) so that I can set up my consultation. I would love to actually get the surgery done this year but I do not think that will be a possibility for a couple of reasons: 1) I am having my tonsils out next month and I'm sure my body will need to have proper recovery period as I do not want to risk anything. 2) I will have to take the week off work as vacation time and I do not have any until next January that I can take that would be enough to cover it. Now I just have to get my brain on track to stop EATING CRAP food. Seriously, what's my problem I'm like I want to lose weight this sucks, mmmmm Cookies. *slaps self*

Ahh unfortunately I do not think I will be able to make this Wednesday's meeting but I would definitely like to go to one of these little get togethers. How often do you have them? Thanks! Angela

Thanks everyone! I now have to impatiently wait on my questionnaire to come in the mail from Dr. Woodhead's office to fill out and send in so they can schedule my consult. I spoke with the receptionist on Friday and she was planning to mail it that day so hopefully it should be arriving in the next day or so. The hardest part will be waiting for the surgery as I will likely have to wait until January to get it done! I am having my tonsils out in November and want to make sure my body is fully recovered from that surgery before going for another. I'm still very excited to get this show on the road!!!

Hmm, good topic. I personally do not make a point to correct people unless asked. And I most definitely do not correct strangers. One person who I correct in both written (whether it be email or instant messages, etc.) and in conversation is my best friend as she has dsylexia. She has asked that if she says something thats mispronounced or spelt wrong that I just quickly interject and correct her. She does not take offense to it as it is a way to remind her/help her. My grammer and punctuation is not super fanstastic either but usually does not require any correcting as when I proof read letters, documents, etc. I can usually pick up where I missed something and fix it. To me it would be very hard to correct someone (especially someone you don't know) without coming off as rude or arrogant.

..testing my signature...

I think that your doctor is the best person to ask this question to. Hope things work out for you. Keep your chin up!

:clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:CONGRATS!!!!!

Well I'm not doctor or health professional of any kind but regardless of if losing the weight helps or not, those are not very good working conditions to be in and I wouldn't be surprised if that was what was causing the majority of your problems with migraines. That many pesticides and mold is not good for the body. Thats just my .02cents

WOW!! Good job!! Congratulations and just think of how absolutely awesome you feel about that and what you can look forward to after the band! Well done you should be so proud :eek: