Tinakins

Hi there, March 6th for me. So far I'm 1 week into the pre-op diet and I've already lost 13 lbs! But I'm so tired. How are you all doing?

I'm still trying to make the decision to have the surgery, I have fears, doubts, etc... So, for all of you, knowing what you know now, with all the good and bad, the costs, etc... would you have the surgery again? would you do anything differently?

March 6th for me! Getting nervous. I don't have a choice on the shakes. Anyone have any idea? I've heard of some poeple blending them with ice or adding instant coffee to make it taste better. It'll be 3 weeks for me starting Friday the 13th - how fitting!

Hi Everyone, i have a date! March 6th with Dr. Cockburn at SWLC. I'm excited and nervous but I feel really comfortable with my decision. I'll be checking in as I go along the journey.

I've heard people refer to other forums. Can anyone suggest other sites to converse with Canadians about the lap-band?

Thank you for your post. I am trying to make my decision and I feel the exact same way. I am almost 28 and have been overweight my entire life. I had significant weight loss a couple years ago (70lbs) thinking the same way you did that I should be able to do this on my own. But in the past few months I have been seeing the weight coming back on rapidly. I live in Canada so the surgery is self-pay at $16,000. I don't want to regret spending the money on something that isn't going to work. I worry that as a business the doctors promise you something that isn't as rosey as they make it seem or wont work and you'll just gain it back. I too love champagne :thumbdown: and worry that I'll miss it. But I think I'm at the point now that I realize I am so unhappy at my current weight and nothing else has worked. I just have to realize that this too will require committment and sacrifice. Good luck to you!

Thank you for all your responses. I find your stories and the support of this site very encouraging.

Anyone know if after you have a band you will have trouble getting life or disability insurance?

Ok, so I've almost decided and I'm still figuring out all the details. I need to take some time off for recovery. I'm thinking on banking on a week and then go from there. What to tell work? Do you tell them you're having surgery and not the details? Do you just take vacation? I'm not sure what the usual proceedure would be since the surgery is "elective". I would assume that employers don't really have to give you the time off. What did you all do? Afterwards how do you explain to coworkers why you're now eating differently etc...

Thanks everyone! I work for a small company and they're weird about people taking time off for anything so I may try the hernia thing! I'd really rather not give up any of my vacation time - call me crazy but I don't think recovering from surgery is a vacation. I work at a desk so I think I'll be ok. I'd like to tell them I'm having surgery so that if I need more time they might (fingers crossed) be a little more understanding! So far the people I've told have been, on the most part, understanding, a few have said - you know you really don't need to do that right? You're fine the way you are. But I tell them, for me it's not a choice and that usually shuts them up!

I'm not yet banded and wondered about this too... I have told friends and family but don't want to tell co-workers or people I've just met, etc... I guess I'll have to take it as it comes. Something that seems to have come up here is that the argument against banding, I guess as having not been banded I'm still in the process of justifying my decision. The argument against the band is that if you still have to exercise and watch what you're eating, etc... then why not just do it without the band? What do you feel about this? I guess I worry that I have failed at trying to stick to eating well as luluc said, I know what to do... I just can't seem to do it - do you find the band really has kept you on track? I don't want to have the surgery, especially telling others and then fail at it? And I also want to understand for myself and for others why, if I still have to do it, I'll be able to do it after the band if I can't do it now.

Sex after the band.... I haven't been banded yet but my surgeon plans to put the port up almost on the bra line, is this going to be an issue for breast play? Does it bother any or you or your partners? Oral - we're supposed to avoid vomitting with the band, if you gang from giving oral can you cause slippage? Any of your experiences would be great - has the band affected your sex life at all?

Ok, I haven't been banded yet but I have a couple questions and thank god for this thread! 1) The port, my surgeon plans to put it up almost between the boobs, does this bother any of you or your partners during sex? I mean as you loose weight I'm assuming you'll be able to feel/see the port more. 2) Gagging - we're supposed to avoid vomitting in case of slippage, what happens if you gag, from say... oral can you cause the band to slip? I would hate to be limited sexually in any way after being banded and like many of you, I look forward to meeting new men, trying new positions, wearing sexy lingerie, and having more confidence, oh and of course... a drive, I think I still have the desire, but not the energy - LOL

I'm in Ontario Canada so we have to pay for it ourselves - no hoops for me! So it's a matter of when! I could do it in December but I'm thinking I might like to enjoy Christmas without being on liquids and mushies! So I think I'm a January 09 like you! Looking forward to it but panicking a bit the more I stumble onto negative experiences and such! How are you all feeling?

Hi eveyone, been reading lots on this site and learning a lot. I've made the decision - I am going for the surgery! Now I just have to decide where and when. Previously, there had been almost nothing but positives about TLBC/Slimband but now I'm starting to have second throughts. I really like that it is so conveniently located to me and they do seem to promise you all sorts of after care support - but they can "say" anything right? So I guess I'm asking - what have you received? Particularly those who live in/near the clinic? What services have you used or been able to access? Other than fills, what do they do for you after the surgery? Are the support groups or other follow ups? Thanks everyone and congrats on all your progress - I look forward to beginning my own journy soon!

I met with Dr Woolfson a few weeks ago, I've had a lifelong realationship with this hopsital and the doctors there and love my family doctor at Credit Valley but I wasn't sure about the aftercare program there. Plus I now live in Toronto so I've also met with a consultant at TLBC/Slimband. How have you found them after the surgery? Are they flexible in appointment to get a fill or available if you have a question. What do they offer in terms of their aftercare program, the surgeon said it was complete but didn't really go into detail.

Hi everyone, this is my first post. So far I have had a consultation with Rosanne at Slimband. I had already met with a surgeon at Credit Valley but I'm leaning towards Slimband. I still haven't made up my mind 100%. Do you get to meet any of the medical team at Slimband before you make the committment? I feel like speaking to a doctor would put my mind at ease. What was the hardest part to get use to? Also, what are the boot camps I've heard about? Has anyone on here had complications? What were they and how was it handled? Thanks for all your help!