Alberta Deb

I haven't had to pay so far, I think it may be thru AHC because I was referred by my doc but honestly, I don't care. It would still be cheaper and more convenient than having to fly to Toronto! Deb

Tiger, The radiologist's name is Dr. Jim in Grande Prairie. I had to be referred by my family doc and there was a 2 - 3 month waiting period because I believe it's thru AHC. Now that he has done the procedure on me, I will have a standing order at the hospital for the next one and won't have to do the referral thing again. Hope this helps. Deb

Hi there, I also have the 10 cc band. My first fill was 2 cc and my second was almost 5 cc. I can tell you that an agressive fill can be the pits! I live a long way from my doc so he was trying to help with a big fill. I drank the Water but got progressively more restricted as the day went on. Thank God I was staying an extra day because I couldn't even swallow my own spit! I hightailed it back to the doc the next day and they removed 1 cc. I understand the weight gain because I gained back almost 10 lbs befoe my second fill. I was miserable! I am now quite restricted and have lost 21 lbs since June, 2006. I had another fill Sept 5/2006 (just 3/4 cc because I was afraid of a repeat) and I'm feeling great. Everyone has a different tolerance just please take it slow. Maybe you can talk to your doc about filling monthly and slightly more saline than what you are getting until you feel something. Good luck and please don't give up. It sounds like your doc is being cautious and sometimes that isn't such a bad thing. I also paid for my own surgery so I know where you're coming from. It's hard knowing you paid a lot of money and aren't seeing results. Be honest with your feelings when you talk to him and maybe you can reach a compremise. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Good Luck Deb

I live north of Edmonton as well and I just had a fill done by a radiologist in Grande Prairie. I was the first one he's ever done. Drinking the barium isn't that pleasant especially when I know that a fill is about a 30 second procedure with the docs in Toronto but it sure beats spending all that money travelling. If you want any more info let me know.

That was cute! I must have lucked out when I metmy trainer. She understands that I can't physically do what a 100 lb teeanger can but she also doesn't let me off the hook either. I just recently went back to her and I knew this time how sore I was going to feel the first week but the pay off is worth it. I agree that training is not for everyone but if you are like me and I can't get motivated to do anything on my own, I would highly recommend it. The idea is to find some kind of excercise that works for you. Good for you that you didn't give up and found something that works.

Hello I have the Swedish band (surgery on Feb/06). I think it will hold between 10 and 11 cc. I tried to have the fills done in my home town and wasn't sure they even hit the port. I could eat like I did presurgery. I even gained back 10 of the 30 lbs I had lost. I eventually returned to Toronto for the 5.5cc fill. When I couldn't swallow my own spit that nite in the hotel, I returned the next day and had 1 cc removed. At that time I discovered that 1 of the nurses must have "hit the mark" with 2 cc's because i had 7 cc in there. I had never experienced restriction before. It has now been 2 weeks since the fill and I am still pbing at least once a day. I have had a death in the family since then, I was wondering if that would contribute to my being uncomfortable?

Beecheegirl, From the time I decided to be banded (Dec 2005) to the time I had surgery (Feb 2006), I gained 13 pounds. I hear that is quite common. I even had a huge Pasta dinner the nite before! The good news is, I'm doing great and I've lost 30 lbs. The band is not a magic bullet but a friendly reminder. I am so thankful I had this surgery and I am sure that you will too.