Mychael

I would like to hear from anyone who had surgery outside of the USA or Canada. I am Canadian and as this is regarded as cosmetic, we must pay for it ourselves. The cost is @ $16,000 I am hearing it is much less in Mexico & Panama. What have others paid--where have they had it done --Mexcio, Europe Asutrailia etc....and their thoughts and comments. I am hoping if I go ahead--if there is a savings I can spend some of it on a holiday too:)--a holiday where ever I get it done. Thank you

CNN ---- Dr. Sanjay Gupta recently featured lap band on CNN and eluded that it may be a potential cure for Diabets Type 2. Has anyone with Type 2 had the surgery and seen their diabetes go into remission etc?? This possibility is one of the driving factors in my considering the surgery. Thank you

Well, I signed on. The driving force is I am 47, a type 2 diabetic and roughly 60lbs from the ideal BMI.The diabetes thing ways on me, I read somewhere that on average diabetics die 13 years ahead of non-diabetics. It's an average--I could be above or below--but i really dont want to test it to find out. We all have our reasons, me I have 3 kids a loving wife and we have worked hard creating a good retirement plan that we hope to experience in the next 5-10 years. My parents are still alive and I am the only child within 3,000 miles. Needless to say we are close. I cant imagine what it would be like for them if something happened to me. I guess I am rambling--sorry. Like everyone considering the band, diets don't work for me in the long run. I have a BMI 32 range. However for the band the diabetes is really my driving force. (6'3" 255) I have always been on the big size. Never thin, never small--never had a huge wieght gain in a short period. Just slow steady build. Eating out all the time will do that. I never was small, I am not trying to get back to anything--a smaller me is new territory--I have no idea how it feels. It all came together quick. I went for the consult yesterday and he had just had a cancellation for Valentines day so I signed on to fill it. Normally they give you 2 weeks of "opti-fast" to help prep you--and the surgery is 6 weeks out from the consult. I think the time lag would make one re-evaluate so the short period is an advantage. But in my case there was no time--so he has me on slim fast. It's only been a day but 3 cans of slim-fast leave me starving. Hopefully it will get easier. Its $16,000 CDN -- and no its not covered. The view is it is "preventable" -- a very archiac mentality-- the government would pay for the attention needed to address the associated heart problems, amputations whatever needed by the diabetes and complications thereof but a preventable measure such as this isn't ??????? That's government. I think about 17% is returned via taxes. Yipee!! Hopefully I will minimize the 13 year average factor by becoming diabetes free. If so---I got a hell of a deal at any price. I know it is a tool not a solution I realize I have to make changes. This is an investment in me, hopefully It will provide a good return. Thoughts--comments, tips, suggestions, what to expect etc. etc. are all welcome.

Yes medical care is free however this is currently considered cosmetic surgery and is exempted.

I am Canadian in Ontario. I have made inquiries and find the surgery to be in the $15-$16,000 range. Is anyone aware of any subsidy from any source that can help with this cost ? Thank you

I am a type 2 diabetic approx 50 lbs over weight. I hear that this treatment is very successful with Diabetics but has anyone found some studies that support that? I have found only 1 with limited info but claiming 80% success after two years. Thank you.