**SIMBA**

Hi Janet!! Congrats on making the decision to get the lap band! You wont regret it! I got mine July 22, and *slinkymalinky* got hers on August 5th and we are both doing great! :-) The optifast gets easier I found as you go, so your well on your way! The surgery is a breeze (well we found anyways) its more the incisions that are a little bothersome afterwards, but you will be up and around that night. The doctors are wonderful there and I think you will be very happy! Definately keep us posted and hopefully we will meet one day! Good luck on the Optifast, you'll do great and be so proud you didn't cheat in the end! Take Care!

Hello... I've been out of the loop for a little while, but wanted to let you know I did well with the Optifast especially with the horrible vanilla flavoured ones. The vanilla was by far the hardest part of the 2 weeks, but I did it!! I even had a family wedding and was able to pull it off with no questions asked! I had my surgery 2 days ago on July 22 and everything is going great so far. I'm a little sore but I'm very happy with the progress I have made so far! I will be joining the Yahoo group shortly! :smile2:

Hi Zoltrix! Its great to hear your doing better and trying to get over your cold. I am getting banded on July 22 at Maples and can't wait!! I agree, I think a support group would be beneficial for everyone here thats is thinking about it, or has had it done. I start my optifast on Tuesday so hopefully it all goes well! Keep us posted on your progress as the weeks go by...I'd love to know how your feeling and how things are going overall!

Hello, I am also considering the Lap Band surgery at Maples Surgical Centre in Winnipeg. I also have an appointment at the begining of July as well to discuss the procedure, and as you say if everything goes well it can be done shortly after the initial meeting with the surgeons. I do have some concerns because it is so new in Winnipeg but I was told my the centre that the 2 Dr's (Dr. Andrew and Dr. Bracken) have had all their training by Mr. Miller in TO and he has done 1000's. These 2 Dr's seem to be very reputable, so thats comforting. I am excited to meet with them and nervous at the same time, but I think once I meet with these surgeons I will have all a better overview of what to expect and that will put my mind at ease a little... :-) I will keep you posted!