innotu

Hi, My date is Aug. 6th and I live in Delta BC

My surgery is Aug. 6th at 6:45 am!! I am very excited but quite nervous as well. Like many of you, I started my pre-op diet a few days early and am now on day 4 - I'm amazed that I've lost 7.5 lbs already. My diet consists of 1000 calories per day - Protein shake for breakfast and lunch, and for dinner I have 4 oz. of lean meat, chicken, or fish and as well as 2 cups of low calorie vegetables. So far, its been challenging but not to the point that I get headaches or painful hunger pangs - this is unusual for me. I think that the protein helps to curb the hunger pains and I hope I can keep this up until my surgery date...15 days to go. Good luck to all of the August AllStars!!

I am having my surgery with Dr. Woodhead on Aug. 6th...15 days away! I started my pre-op diet on July 19th. I decided to go local because I do not want the added worry of traveling, finding fill doctors and most importantly worrying about what happens if I have complications. In my opinion the difference in price could easily be eaten away if these other costs are incurred. When all was said and done however, cost was not the deciding factor (and no I don't have alot of money). The deciding factor was my peace of mind - I perceived too many risks with traveling - when it comes to surgery, I have a low risk tolerance. Of course, this is my opinion and based on my risk tolerance. Each person will have to do their own 'risk analysis' to determine what she/he is comfortable with.

Thanks for the great discussion, advice and support at last night's meeting - it's especially valuable as I prepare for my surgery on August 6th....I'll be banded 2 weeks when we next meet!!! See you on the other side.

Hi Katie59, I too am hoping for an August date with Dr. W. I saw him on June 20th and am waiting to hear from the anestheseologist. How long did it take to get in to see him (sorry I don't remember his name)? I'm told I won't get my surgery date until I see the anestheseologist ....now that I've made my decision, I'm anxious to get going! Good luck with your journey!

It was great meeting all of you last week! Speaking as a newbie who is yet to be banded, I found the meeting a great opportunity to listen, ask questions and discuss 'life with the band' - the good, the bad and the ugly. Thanks for perservering!

Anita, Good luck with Dr. Woodhead today! I'll be thinking of you.

Hi Andi, I haven't seen Dr. Woodhead yet - my appt. is on June. 20th.

I agree Canada Girl and Doddie! I've been researching the band for a few months now. I've read many, many posts on various support sites (this one has been fantastic), 2 books on the topic and several research articles from my local university library and I haven't even had my first consult with Dr. Woodhead yet! I'll also be attending the F2F support group meeting in North Van next week. I meet with Dr. Woodhead on June 20th - I'm not sure what the wait for surgery is, I think its a few months but will cross that bridge when I get to it. The research has been invaluable in helping me feel more comfortable about what life with the band will be like. I'm not at a 100% yet, but am closer to feeling this is for me with each day that passes....knowledge is power...and for most of us knowledge comes with time, effort and research. Good luck with your journey

Hi there, Does anyone know where I can purchase Optifast (or a similar subsitute) here in Vancouver? Thanks

That's great Tyler! I hadn't thought of making my own - it seems easy enough and makes sense giving the cost savings. I agree that the meal replacement drinks are too expensive however in search of the quick and easy, I neglected to think about making them myself.

I believe it's a protein powder/drink that some doctors use both pre and post op.

Hi Paula and Marie, I have just decided to go with Dr. Leung and have booked my pre-op tests. I see that your fills are 'free' for life, however I was told that only the first 3 are and thereafter there is a charge of $30 in the office or $60 in the lab. As well, what was the wait time like from the time you decided to the time you had your surgery? How long did you wait for the pre-op tests? I'm also having a hard time figuring out how you live for 30-35 days on Clear liquids? What kind of clear liquids are they and how did you survive?

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make last night's meeting - North Van is a little far for me. I will however try to make the next meeting. Yesterday I spoke with both Dr. Leung and Dr. Woodhead's offices and I am now considering my options - the waitlists are very long, but I do think that I'd prefer to stay as close to home as possible - both doctors and hospitals are within 15 minutes of my home. I still have a long way to go, but am excited to begin this journey - better late than never.

Can anyone tell me who the doctors in BC are?