tasiapg

Hi: I reside in Sudbury. I had a lapband put it in 2006 and then removed in 2014. Went to the Orientation session held yesterday at the old Memorial site. I would like the Sleeve but not sure what they will give me. Just looking for thoughts and and experiences about the sleeve and how you are doing. Any input would be appreciated. Thx

Hi, I had my lapband removed on September 22, 2014 in Toronto and it was all covered by OHIP. Had an excellent surgeon and was an easy surgery and my recovery time was only a few days. I am a former TLBC patient also who is very upset with the poor treatment that was given to us by Slimband. If you would like any additional information, please let me know and I will give you my email. Thx Tasia

Hi: I was banded on January 5, 2006 (on my 46th birthday). I weighed 255 lbs and had problems from the start with the band. I had very little fill the first six months and vomited constantly. I finally hit my sweet spot in 2007 and lost 65 lbs. I looked good but felt terrible. Eventually with this fill, after about 8 months, I started with the reflux at night and it kept me up all night until whatever food had to come up did. I was having marital problems and when I was stressed, my band would tighten up and this helped me lose weight. Not a good way of doing it. I had several fills and defills over the years but could not find my sweet spot again. I went for a barium test, two years ago and the radiologist told me to have a defill. The barium was not going down. Luckily there was a doctor in town that Slimband referred me to and he gave me a small defill. I gained 15 lbs. A year later, with the same fill, I started with the reflux again and had another barium test and again, was sent for a defill. Surprise, I gained another 20 lbs. Slimband then decided that they were no longer going to support the TLBC patients and I lost it. I could not imagine myself without support and having all of these problems. I have nothing good to say about Slimband. They are nice to you and once they have your money, you are just another number. Found a great surgeon in Toronto and just had my lapband removed on September 22, 2014. Surgery went very well. The band left a bit of scarring but nothing serious. I was actually out and walking that night and went to dinner and ate lightly. The only pain that I had was in my shoulders and this lasted for a few days. My Iron count and B12 count have been very low in the last 8 years and I know its from my diet. I have a long road ahead of me and it will be hard. I didn't go crazy and eat a hamburger or hot dog (which I haven't had in 8 years) but I am so happy that I can eat chicken, raw veggies and healthy foods. I don't have to worry about eating out in public and making sure that I can make it to the bathroom in case I have to vomit I feel that I have more energy. I am watching what I eat carefully. I am very upset that I let myself gain back the 35 lbs but when you are deprived and eating only Soups and shakes and then you are defilled, you naturally turn to foods that go down easily and unfortunately are calorie high. You are fortunate that you lost the 80 lbs and you have made the right decision. The band is not for everyone. I know it wasn't for me. It wasn't hard saying bye to it......I am glad that I tried it but look forward to my life being unbanded. Good luck with with your surgery!

Hi Glenn: I am in the same boat and when my band is tight, I am up all night coughing up stuff It is not worth the rest of my life living with this band. I had lost weight but by getting the defills, the weight has crept back on slowly. I would like the band out also. There are two others that are seeing patients. I think they are Dr. Ali Hazrati and Dr. Cryriac. Get a doctor's referral and go see them for a consult. Dr. Yau's office is impossible to get through to. I always get the answering machine. Hopefully, one of these two can help you out/ At TLBC we were promised that we would receive free support when SlimBand took over. Hopefully everything works out for you. Take care,

I heard the same and called them to make an appointment with Dr. Yau and they said he wasn't with Slim Band and to call his office. I have been trying to call his office since mid February and have been getting the answering machine. So frustrated with this situation and their constant lying. The fellow who answered Slim Band's phone actually laughed when I asked about Dr. Yau and gave me very confusing information and he transferred me to someone else to speak to. She couldn't wait to get me off the phone. I hope that potential patients read this. I had originally met with Dr. Coburn and decided to go with TLBC because of the facility and its location. BIG MISTAKE!!!! They can't treat us like this! Slimband is not a pro patient clinic.

Sorry I messed up also. 2014takeaction@gmail.com Is the correct address. Thx for clarifying!

Deborah send your email to takeaction@gmail.com and they will respond to you? Thx

Wow, interesting that they didn't give you a contract. I am not sure if Kathy is still with them. They have got rid of a lot of employees. Dr. Yau has resigned (or asked to). Nancy who was a great asset for them is also gone I have forwarded your information to someone who resides in Toronto and she will will contact you. Hope to talk to you soon.

Just a question Heather! Your last band must be with Slimband and that being the case you should be ok.

Thanks Heather, I have forwarded your information!

if you look at post #9 Tamara is taking names. She will take your email and info and have the two girls in Toronto contact you. Her email is: tboyd67.wftw@gmail.com

Thank you for the info. Just keeps getting worse!

I have already contacted the reporter Tom Blackwell from the National Post. and informed me what was going on and he may be interested in doing a story. You should contact him also. My warranty will be over in 2 years on my band however I am thinking of having it removed. Slimband told me that OHIP would cover the costs of the removal. I have gone to my doctor and we have asked for a referral to see Dr. Yau and I haven't heard anything yet. Look above at Tamara's email and send your information to her. We are collecting emails and contact names.

When Slimband, took over, there was no contract sent to us. Since I was operated on by Dr. Joffe and Dr. Yau, we have to check our contracts for the TLBC. I will check my emails to see if there is any info. We were told verbally that they would continue to take care of us. I was also surprised to see that Nancy was no longer with them. Not sure what happened there.

Hi Tamara: I am in the same boat. I live in Sudbury and called this week and was livid. They never told me it was a financial decision just said it was management's decision. I have contacted all my fellow bandsters here in town and we are not happy. We were promised free support for the remainder of our lives and then they do this to us. They could have at least send an email, letter or called us. That is only common sense and good business relations. I too was very emotional and upset. I was banded in 2006. They are going to get bombarded with calls. I am also considering legal action. We should contact each other verbally if you wish.