CanadaSunshine

Does anybody know of other doctors who do fills in Alberta? Like say, in Edmonton...? Sunshine PS Woohoo! I finally have a ticker!!!

Hey everyone... My surgery isn't for about 4 weeks, but I'm so excited that I'm starting to pack for my big trip to Ontario, now. Here's my question: What did any of you forget to bring, but wish you had when you went for surgery? So far I've found so many good ideas like bringing my heating pad to the hotel, (and I'd better bring my rain gear if I'm going to do the tacky tourist thing in niagara)...I'd love to hear more if you got 'em. Thanks! Sunshine

ooo! good thinking. Thanks:biggrin1:

LMAO @ Yoda!!! Hahahaha!!! You've inspired me!! I think I'll go pick up a bunch of fat free yogurt.:hungry: It will help my with this "Last Supper Syndrome" Hmmmm....I only have 13 days left to eat normally. What potentially heart stopping garbage should I eat today?...hmmmm....it seems I only have yogurt in the fridge.... Ah well, yogurt it is! *exausted sigh after good belly laugh*

I thought of a new positive thought... I'm looking forward to my pimples clearing up. I've never had acne before, but my Dr thinks it has alot to do with my changing hormones ("Excuse me! Did you say whore moans!?!") No... he said hormones:o hahaha ..and he said my weight is putting a strain on things and my break outs should improve with some weight loss... HERE'S HOPING!!!:clap2:

Quick question Cloe, Did you have 3 Optifast shakes per day...or 4? The package says 4 per day....but I was under the impression it was 3. I'm going to double check with Marie, but I'm really curious right now. LOL Gotta psyche myself up for this...I have 15 days left to eat, before evrything changes forever. Sunshine Yoda. I'll be in TO for 1 week total...with hubby. (Best friend backed out):cry Hopin to see Niagara...and stuff.

I'd like to second the motion for mentioning Canada in our thread titles... It will help everyone I think. Now, I want to be very clear: WE DO LIKE OUR U.S. NEIGHBOURS, and they are not being discouraged from posting. We'd just like to make sure they know what they are posting on...and who they are talking to. N'est ce pas? I think it will avoid alot of confusion IMHO.

I can't wait to buy a new scale. We have the most horrible scale known to mankind... My husband picked up this monstrosity at a garage sale years ago. I can totally understand why some poor schmuck wanted to get rid of it. The damn thing TALKS...and not too sweetly, I might add. lol You turn it on, and a deep voice says "Enter your memory number" kinda booming voice, like the wizard of Oz or something... So you kick your number with your toe and get on. Then it says "Your WEIGHT is..(pause)...TWO HUNDRED FIFTY POUNDS...you have GAINED 4 pounds. GOOD BYE!" I swear it screams those certain parts...and there's no way to turn the volume down on this bugger. My poor sister in law used to be MO and her scale didn't go high enough at home for her so she unknowingly hopped on mine when she was in my bathroom...well this JERK screams down the hallway: "your WEIGHT is THREE HUNDRED SIXTY SIX POUNDS. Have a NICE day." The poor dear. Every one of our dinner guests heard it. Once my husband was teasing me to get on it...and when I did this monster in the box actually uttered the word "OVERLOAD. Please step OFF the scale" My husband found that hilarious since it obviously can go well above 350. I honestly think this thing antagonizes me. It takes probably 40 huge batteries, weighs 20 lbs and is the colour of appliances from the 70's. Together, the band and I will conquer this little b**tard!!!!:angry ...but until then, Mama needs a pretty new digital scale that can't talk.

Well, how fun! This is a little about CanadaSunshine: I just turned 30. I have one 11 year old son with a man I've been with for 13 years. Yes, that's right folks MY ENTIRE ADULT LIFE.:omg: ack. I was 135lbs when we met, and a virgin. I got pregnant at 18, :preggers: fell into a deep depression and proceeded to hate myself for bad choices from there on out. I was 170 after the baby, and steadily gained with every diet I tried. I even tried the "It took me nine months to put on the weight, so it will take me at least 9 years to take it off" line. Haha So here I am. 245+ I am a full time breeder of Maltese and Chihuahuas, and I live just outside Grande Prairie, Alberta.:canada: Right smack in the middle of oil country. I love it here...except for the abundance of money and lack of brains in the oilfield mentality. It's truly beautiful country. My real name is Sunshine. (yes, I'm serious) I'm one of 5 children and they all have normal names..."luck" of the draw I guess. I am scheduled for my band surgery on July 5th in Mississauga with Dr. Cobourn. I am so excited about my first trip ever to Toronto!!! I really wanted to post pictures of myself, my family and my unbelievably cute dogs...but I can't figure it out....and I'm getting cranky with my comp. So I guess that's it for me. I look forward to hearing more about all of you!! Sunshine www.kanatakennel.com

I'm going to get my citizenship revoked for this, I'm sure...but I secretly... kinda...a little....ever so slightly....might....maybe...would feel relieved if they did not win. Those a** clowns on Whyte Ave have me really bent outta shape and I can help but worry about the damage that will be done if they do win. I have family who's businesses are at risk over a hockey game.:phanvan AND IT"S NOT FAIR, that one cross section of hooligans had turned me into a grumpy old woman, who can't even get into the game anymore!!!Grrrr! I will try my best to be a good sport. *erm*...Go Team!?:clap2: Sunshine

I wish I could tell more people, but I got such a harsh reaction from those I did tell, that I knew I needed to keep it to myself to stay strong and positive. My husband said all the textbook insensitive things you can imagine...but after I showed him my research and convinced him of it's benefits he actually came around and is proud of me for stickin to my guns and making a big change. My mom was insensitive as well, but now is supportive (and has agreed to keep her yap shut for now). My best friend is not happy with my decision, and does not even fake it, but she loves me anyway. After the emotional draining that convincing these 3 very important people that this is a good decision and I'm worth it...I am just not up for doing it all over and over again with each and every person I tell.:cry At least not pre-op. I really think that post op, when I begin to feel healthy and strong I will be better equipped to deal with people and their questions. I certainly don't intend to stay in the closet about it. (Although I understand why some of us do. Weight is a very personal issue and should not be the centre of focus!) I just have a feeling that at some point in time, I may be the one to help someone struggling with the hopelessness and solitude of obeisity, by telling them about this wonderful tool. ...but for now, I just have to settle for trying to keep my chin up (haha, I mean chins) and staying focused on my upcoming banding date. The rest will come in time. Sunshine

I had my reduction 8 yrs ago. I was overweight but not by too much, back then. They took just over 8 pounds total. (I was uneven and rediculously large for my frame) I lost quite a bit of sensation after breast feeding (2 yrs before surgery) and after surgery I had absolutely no "sexual" sensitivity. I mean I could feel it, somewhat, but it no longer pushed the buttons I needed it to in order to be intimate. BOO!! One of my nipples is round and one looks slightly stretched into an oval. :girl_hug: My scars were pretty prominent, and I'm still a little uneven, although it's much less noticeable now. LADIES, be very selective in your choice of surgeon! Talk to each other, and reasearh, research, research! I was so elated to find out that my health care plan would cover the surgery entirely,(I'm from Alberta, Canada) that I didn't think I had any choices, and I took for granted that it would be done well. I only heard later on that this surgeon had a reputation for being awful. :rose: On the bright side, it's ten years later and I'm still very perky...even though I am now 90 lbs overweight. ...and years later a little of the sensation has returned, that or I have just learned to work with what I've got.:rose: Take care! Sunshine

Hey everyone. I'm a dual citizen, (but a really proud canuck!:canada: ) and when I lived in the US I was constantly teased (lovingly) that I was so funny about manners. People thought it was "cute" that I always took my shoes of at the door etc. I was so surprised by this, cause like all of you I figured that was kind of a given. lol Guess even our close neighbours have some big cultural differences when you really think about it. (oh. pardon me. I mean ABOOT it.) Hahahaha I bet there are probably some things they do, that we don't... My dad said he noticed when he moved up north that people were really open about discussing how much money they made, (or how little) and he said back in the US, he was not used to people talking about the exact numbers because it was considered personal. Strange. Anyway, What a fun poll. Good thinking. Sunshine

Sending all my prayers and best wishes your way Jude, as you cross over to the "leaner side"....!!! :confused: Go get 'em Champ!! LOL Sunshine

It's so awesome to see everyone posting! I'm so envious of all you May bandsters, best wishes to you...We're pulling for ya! Has everyone left some "positive thoughts" in the thread by that name? I know I really enjoy reading them when I'm feeling low... It would be great to see some more. I received my Optifast shipment this week. I was so upset to see that it's riddled with Aspertame. BLECH! I hate that stuff and it gives me wicked headaches. I was just sitting down getting ready to have myself a pity party, when I thought of all of you. It's only 2 weeks right?! Bah, that's nothin'! I can do this. I'm so glad I found this group. It helps so much hearing your stories... Thank you.

Hi girls! Thats a really interesting question regarding the GST...I look forward to finding out. Also, has anyone had any unpleasant experiences with Kathy at Dr. Cobourns office? She seems so cranky with me, I'm wondering if it's something about me that bugs her... I am sure having alot of trouble dealing with "last supper syndrome" I've been eating worse lately, than I ever have in my life. (Shame on me!) QUICK! someone give me heck. i don't want to have a heart attack before ever getting to try my delicious Optifast shakes!! haha

Ok, Chloe... Several more days of Optifastin' under your belt now. How are you feeling? :typing: Sunshine

The biggest thing I look forward to is the confident feeling I lack, that keeps me from looking into someones eyes and giving a huge smile. I hate feeling as though I have nothing to give... I want the sense that I can "instill" confidence in others...nevermind desperately seeking a shred for myself. I'm not even sure how to describe it. I hope maybe you know what I mean. oh and P.S. Mandi A Brazilian!?! You go wit-yer-bad-self!!! *snapping fingers* I also want to wear lingerie...(and not the frilly tents that make me look like a dancing hippo from "Fantasia") Sunshine

So Chloe... Is Optifast as gross as I think it's going to be? :painkiller: Are ther any substitutions a person can use, like other Protein drinks? or is it tolerable? Sunshine

Oooo! Sweet! I had not even thought about all the added expenses, I was only counting my actual surgery fee... Thanks for for the advice girl!! I'm so glad to have found you guys.. I don't feel strong enough to argue with anyone over my decision. I'm sick of being told it would make more sense to "just stop eating so much". :angry It wore me out just "selling" the whole idea to my mother, my best friend and my husband. My mom is now supportive...(to the tune of $5000 on her line of credit:think THANKS MOM), my husband is more along the lines of "tolerant" of the idea, and my best friend is against it, but is accompanying me to Ontario because she loves me anyway. I will have to tell everyone else afterwards, cause no one's going to stop me!! I can't tell you how nice it feels to have this network of suportive people. Thank you everyone!!! Sunshine

I spoke to Dr Coburn yesterday and he mentioned his upcoming trip to Calgary and Winnipeg ect. He said he is training other surgeons to do lap band, and that these physicians will become available to us "westerners" for fill and other post-op follow up as well. He mentioned how rediculous it is for a patient like me (who's from Alberta) to be expected to return to Ontario for adjustments. I especially love the way Dr. Cobourn talks to you like you have known each other for years and he's "just catching up" with you. He truly puts me at ease. I had one question for other Cobourn patients... I had my consultation done over the phone just recently, and I have a date reserved... but as of yet have not been billed or anything for it. Should I be expecting a bill for the consult? It wasn't until I read it on this board that there was a fee for the initial consult...so now I'm wondering. Any experiences you can share in this regard? Thanks guys, Sunshine

Hi Everyone! It's my first post... I am scheduled for my band on July 5th, 2006 in Mississauga, ON by Dr. Cobourn. It's costing me 15,000 no tax. I have to pay out of pocket, but I'll make it happen somehow. I'm from Alberta. Has anyone mentioned the tax rebate us self-payers are eligible for? At tax time I will get around $2600 back on my taxes because of the medical expenses deduction. I just hope no one misses out on it for lack of knowing! It's so wonderful to see all the other canucks here...! :typing: Take care, Sunshine