Joycey

Hi all! Today is day 5 of my 3 week pre-op. Is there any existing support group near Abbotsford or interested folks to start one? All the best to you.

All the best with your procedures! At False Creek? I would find a meet up in Burnaby much easier than heading downtown. Weekends are best for me.

Monday December 29, 7:30pm Starbucks in Langley at 200th and 86th. Let's look forward to a great new year!

Hi Shugal, Went to False Creek Surgical last week for first meeting of support group. I am not alone in anything I've experienced in the last 6 months. You name the issue and someone else is going through it. So that was nice to know. I would like to know some others in this area that could get together regularly to walk/compare notes or motivate each other. I can meet you in Chilliwack some time. My number is above or you can leave a message here to connect. All the best!

Hi there, I would definitely like to start/be part of a Fraser Valley support group. Just had my 3rd fill at the false creek clinic on Friday and was told that their first support group will be meeting Wednesday March 4 at 7:30 at the clinic. If you had the procedure done by them or with Smart Shape elsewhere - this would be a great first point of support. I'll be heading in to that meeting but still would like to meet people closer who are going through life after banding. Hope to meet you soon, Joyce

Good day all! I didn't get any replies from anyone to say they were available tonight so I think I will stay home and de-decorate. If you can meet, text or call 778-986-3286 and I will come to Langley. Merry Christmas and Happy HEALTHY new year!!!

Just checking in to see how others are doing? My total loss (pre-op included) is 26 lbs. part of me feels that it should be more, the rest of me feels that it's a perfectly normal and safe amount to be down. I've had 1 fill so far, having my next one in December. I've thrown up once so I know that the band is working as I was getting doubtful. I have energy back to do stuff and feel thankful for that alone. I'm not eating the proper things or in the manner I was told to all the time but want to. I just have to be patient and follow the rules. Hope you are doing well in your own journeys!

Did you freeze all your Thanksgiving leftovers? ) I'm doing ok with the portions at meal times but to be honest - I'm not saying no to the sweets showing up now that Christmas is approaching. Holding at 26 pounds gone which I have to remind myself is good for the level of work I've put in and that my health/energy is better than it was before. So I have no reason to complain but a few reasons to kick myself in the butt to work harder. Attempting to start a support group in my area and hope that a regular meeting of bandsters will help us all reach our goals. All the best to you over the Christmas holidays. Here's to a happy, healthy 2015!

Just had my second fill at the False Creek clinic this week and Sue from Mississauga was there for the day. They will be starting a support group in the new year to be held there in False Creek for anyone who can travel in. I certainly don't mind once in a while but would like to proceed with something here in the FV as well. Soooooo I know everyone will have Christmas busyness to deal with so how about Monday, Dec 29 at 7:30 at the Starbucks in Langley that was mentioned in an earlier post? I think it's on 200th. It might be a way for us to say goodbye to 2014 and look forward to the new year with added support and friends! Hope to see you there! I'm Joyce and will try to remember to wear my teal coloured wrap so you can find me. Merry Christmas all!

Looks like there is interest in a meet-up. Would an evening work during the week or would a weekend be better? A nice middle mark would be good - maybe Langley somewhere? Let's start with those questions first and hopefully we can come up with our first support meeting soon! ) Joyce

16k done in Ontario, Canada. The fee included 3 nights at a nearby hotel. Had to order specific shakes for pre/post op in addition. I went with a line of credit to finance and will claim it all on my taxes next year. I have to think of this as my new "vehicle" that is going to get me where I need to be for many years. Will pay it off ASAP. Saving on groceries/eating out already and will thrift shop my smaller sized clothing. You are worth the price tag.

Glad every day is improving. Very happy to be back on the shakes this week as it was tough just having clear liquids. Hungry!!!!

I was banded yesterday as well, overall pretty good except for that annoying shoulder pain. Oh and extreme hunger - I could do without that right now. Yay us!

And then there was one sleep left. A little nervous but excited to be moving onto the next stage. I look forward to stepping on the scale tomorrow as I've not weighed in since Friday. And by lunchtime on Thursday, I'll be able to have a bit of broth. Hoo-wah!

Yay for you! I'm sure you have inspired many others! Our starting weight were the same. I get banded on Sept 3. Here's to improved health!

Ordered the prescribed shakes by my surgeon from a special company in Montreal, they are the best I've ever had! Minogue Medical if you want to look it up, I only ordered the chocolate and it's supposed to be only mixed with water. Sometimes I add ice and a touch of cinnamon fooling myself into thinking it's a Wendy's Frosty. ) yum yum!

Have completed 2 weeks of the shakes, veggies and water. Down 11 and am feeling great. These boards have given me lots of info on what to hand on hand during and after surgery. Not looking forward to having to fly home 2 days after but will follow all the surgeon's advice. I watched the procedure on Youtube so I know what is going to happen. I'm sure everyone else fears (like me) being out under and not coming out of it alive. Lol I have done lots of roasting for getting the veggies in: kale "chips", broccoli and cauliflower chunks that I bake and then dip in salsa. Nummy! I do however, think I've had my fill of squash and zucchini now. Good luck, we can do this!

Due to my size, I do the shakes 3 weeks pre-op and one week post-op, have to say that I am doing better than I expected. The shakes are really good and I don't get hungry. They want me to have 250 cals from veggies (low gi ones) and lots of water. Today was day 10, down just over 8lbs. You will find your strength because you want this procedure so much to help make you healthy and happy. I am on this train and it's full speed ahead! Come on Sept 3!

Hey Josiek, we will be banded on the same date. I think it's going to be an awesome day!! My parents know and even though my mum is concerned for me, she knows that I need this to save my life. My sister also needs a gastric procedure but can't afford it at this time and if mum could pay for it - it would be done. So even though I don't know your family dynamics, maybe your folks would be supportive as well. If you don't tell them, it may hurt them to think that you didn't feel you could confide in them and want their support. Would love to compare stories as we go through this process. All the best to you!

I felt the same actually. Now I am telling those that I feel safe to share with. Tonight it was my teen stepsons as it's my first day on the shakes. They were awesome about it. I've told a couple co-workers with mixed reactions. One wanted to know everything about it. I work in a church and one of my pastor bosses was disappointed and thought I could lose weight if I walked more and she joined me, that I would be encouraged to do it on my own, and did I pray about it. So I can see why so many want to keep it to themselves. I guess all we can do it what feels right at the time and be confident in our decision when someone voices a different opinion. Take a pic tomorrow am and journal your thoughts. It will be an amazing gift to reread a year from now. Yay us!

Might there be a group meeting happening in Mississauga on Sept 1 or 2? Traveling from BC to have the procedure done with Dr Colborne on Sept 3, would love to see your successes!

My procedure is set for Sept 3 but I start the shakes on the 13th as well. I don't plan to go crazy this weekend though. I think I will try to ingest the most protein and vegetables I can though to get some nutrients in before I can't.

Hi Newlifejen et al! My banding is also scheduled for Sept 3. Flying from BC to Toronto to have it done (out of my poor pockets) because I am too heavy to have it done locally - BC Medical Assoc restrictions. I turn 41 on the 1st of September. I see myself in so many comments on these boards. I stopped pictures a year ago, I used to be cute even very heavy and now I can't lie to myself anymore. This body has reached it's breaking point and I'm not enjoying life even though I have do much to be grateful for. Hopefully we can share our experiences as we go through the procedure! All the best to you! Joyce