canadagirl33

Normally I completely avoid boards with topics like this however..... Altho Dr. Montgomery wasn't my Dr, his partner Dr. Watson was. Snoho and I were banded at the same clinic and within a month of each other. (I was Nov/06 and he was Dec/06) Saying that they offer no support, no follow-up, costly fills etc just isn't fair. Sure, after the first year of free fills we have to pay for them, but I was well aware of that before I ever got my band, so it's a non-issue. They offer *great* support. At least twice a month they have FREE support meetings where you can talk to Jessie, Linda(in house psych) or any of a number of guest speakers. You can call and talk to any of their staff at any time with questions and concerns....free!!! I call when ever I have ANY problem that I think needs addressing. They are always helpful and if for any reason they can't answer me they find someone who can and they return my call. Snoho, I'm sorry that you feel they haven't given you support, but I honestly think that you should call them and ask to speak to Dr. Mongomery. Explain to him that you have pain....I can't believe that he wouldn't take you seriously and offer some kind of help. If you would like to contackt me, feel free !!! And BTW....you live a heck of a lot closer to them than I do. I'm Canadian and chose to use NWWLS because of their reputation in EXCELLENT post-op care. It takes me 7 hours and sitting at the border crossing to go down for support and fills, and I still do it because I'm worth it !!!! You've got the band now, get some help and work with it....when you get your band issues resolved and the weight starts moving you won't regret it !!!! Patricia 11/16/06 NWWLS 306/202/175ish

I can eat pretty much anything I want, altho in pretty small quantities when it comes to potato, rice, Pasta, breads. Some days I could eat 10 french fries, other days I might manage 2. I have yet to find a single food that I would say that I can absolutely not eat. Beef can cause problems for me, as can pork. chicken breast can be if-fy, but thighs never cause an issue. I don't eat out very often but I can always find something on the menu that is suitable to eat.. And salad??....We eat salad 4 or 5 times a week, especially now with the weather warming up !!! All the best Patricia 11/16/06 306/202/175ish

Hi everyone !!! :biggrin2: Bumping this thread up because once again the title applies.... Support in North Van next week !!!! So to all of you in the area that have never come to our meeting, please feel free to join us....whether you are pre-op, newly banded or a oldie, we're happy to have you !!! Any questions please feel free to emial me at canadagirl33@hotmail.com and if you have any suggestions for topics of discussion let me know by either posting here or in an email. I will be sending out the group mail later today or tomorrow, so if you're on my list you'll recieve that reminder as well. Personally, I've been debating a fill for the last month or so....I know I can handle one, but I've been lax in following the rules lately and have been liking the fact that I can eat a little more than normal and a few different things (like bread!!! :sad:) But the scale has been sitting for long enough (6 months !!!) and now with the better weather I'm ready to get back on the bandwagon and start moving this last 25lbs.... So I'm going to book myself a fill appt in Bellingham for Wednesday morning !!! This means that if I show up at the meeting with 'that look' I'm tight !!!!! See you all next week !!!! Patricia 11/16/06 306/202/175ish

Well Ladies .... You may or may not want to hear this but I am over a year and a half past surgery and I *still* burp more than I ever have !!! It has improved and it is a little more controlled....meaning I at least usually know when it's coming and can minimalize it to some degree. I find that it is usually the worst when I either eat too much or eat on a really empty stomach. This won't be the case for everyone but don't be surprised if one of the 'side effects' of the band is more burping.....I figure its worth the trade off of loosing weight and getting healthy !!! :biggrin2: All the best !!! Patricia

You ask if I'm happy with my band? Well I've lost over 100lbs....I look better, I feel better, my hips, knees and ankles don't ache every day. I've cut my chances of diabetes, stroke and heart attack (all family issues for me). I'm happier, I smile more, I'm more self-confident, I have a ton more energy. So am I happy?? You couldn't make me give up my band foe a million bucks !!!! :biggrin2: I LOVE my band !!!! I wish I had done this surgery years ago instead of going thru life with a fake smile and pretending I didn't mind being morbidly obese. It's actually sad when I think about it.... Anyhow....I plan on keeping my band for the rest of my life !!! :rolleyes2: I see that you've found the Canadian board so you'll find out about a few of us 'locals'....and hopefully if you can manage it, you'll join us for a support meeting in North Vancouver. All the best !!!! Patricia 11/16/06

Hi Andi :thumbs_up: If you look on the main support page you will see that there is a Canadian group. In that group there have been a few discussions about Dr. Woodhead that you should read. You'll also find things in that thread that informative for you and info on a support group in North Vancouver that you may want to attend to talk to some of us local Bandsters :frown: Patricia 11/16/06 306/202/175ish

I believe that Dr. Amson in Victoria (because you asked regarding the Island) does banding as well but he also does gastric bypass and I've heard that because he does both surgeries his wait time is longer than the Dr's in Vancouver. It's all a matter of calling the offices, asking some questions, booking a couple of consults.... It can be a long wait, but that isn't always a bad thing. Waiting gives a person plenty of time to research their options and learn all there is to know about living life with a band. It makes me nervous to see people whose big concern is not having to wait. We all need to remember that it isn't about 'getting' a band, it's about realizing that once you have it you have it the rest of your life. It's a major life change and something that too many people are not properly prepared for. Good luck !!!! Patricia Disclaimer... Sorry if I offend but I just read a post from someone who was 'bragging' that it only took her a month from learning about the existance of Lap-band to having surgery. Now she's posting and upset because no one told her she was going to need more than 1 or 2 fills, and no one told her she couldn't/shouldn't drink carbonated drinks, and no one told her that her addiction to breads might become an issue.... *sigh*:behindsofa:

Ok.... This has probably been ranted about before but I've just been reading thru the boards and can't stand it anymore !!!!! :thumbup: I get so frigging tired of everyone blaming every single ailment on their band !!! I have a headache/stomach ache/earache/chest cold/cough !!! I'm nauseaus/bloated/gassy/crampy/cranky !!! My chest/arm/leg/ankle/back hurts !!! And it's ALL because of my band !!!! Should I call my surgeon !!!!???!!! C'mon people !!!!! Were you never sick before the band??? You never had gas before?? You never felt sick to your stomach?? Geezz!!!!:thumbup: Patricia 11/16/06

Has your Dr. explained why you are going to need all these extra Vitamins? Have you had problems with Vitamin deficiencies in the past? Bypass people have problems with vit B but it isn't usually a concern for Lap-Banders. I personally take 2 childrens Flintstones chewables and a chewable calcium (caramel...YUM!!) every day....thats it. I'm 1.5 years post-op, down over 100lbs and just recently had my annual labs done, everything came back perfect. :thumbup: So unless you have had vitamin problems in the past, I would be hesitant to start on some massive amount of anything until I saw some bloodwork that warranted it. Lap-banders should be able to get pretty much all the nutrients we need from 'real' food !!! Patricia 11/16/06 306/202/175ish

Hi Anita :rolleyes2: Welcome to LBT !!! Our group meeting is held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at Lions Gate Hospital which means the next meeting will be on June 18th. It's really too bad you missed this last one, we had 2 other people joining us for the first time. I usually send out a group email a few days before the meeting to remind everyone so if you would like to get onto my mailing list please drop me a note so I have your email address. You can contact me at canadagirl33@hotmail.com Feel free to mail anytime if you have questions regarding the meeting or Lap-Banding in general Patricia 11/16/06 - NWWLS 306/202/175ish

Hi I had my band surgery done at NWWLS in Everett in November of '06. I chose them over the Toronto clinic because I felt that if I had any serious complications and needed to see my surgeon I would rather be able to drive there in a few hours rather than booking a flight and having to fly for 5 hours. Price-wise and wait-time they were comparable so that wasn't really an issue. I have been completely happy with the follow-up care (support, fills, etc) that I have recieved from NWWLS and would gladly recommend them to anyone. But in the end, the choice is yours.... I would recommend attending an info meeting at the clinic if you can, it's always nice to see how you 'mesh' with the staff and surgeons. You need to always remember that your clinic staff are going to be part of your journey for quite a while. On another note...if you are in the Vancouver area and have time this evening (Wednesday, May 21) we are having a support group meeting in North Van @ Lion's Gate Hospital at 7pm. Check this message board for the 'Support Group' thread to get directions. Unfortunately I live a couple of hours away and will be leaving home soon (I get to go shopping today before the meeting!!!) so I won't see if you reply to this post. Any other questions feel free to email me at canadagirl33@hotmail.com Patricia 11/16/06 NNWLS 306/202/175ish

I just sat down to read the posts with my cup of coffee in hand After 1 and a half years living with the band, and losing over 100 pounds I can honestly say that I have had coffee every day..it's my vice !!! And none of that caffeine free junk either !!!! All the best, Patricia 11/16/06 306/206/175ish I think !!!

My hubby doesn't especially 'like' to feel my port but if I ask him to he will. As I've lost weight it is definitley more pronounced and just the other nite his had grazed over it while we were snuggling into sleep and he said....'Ick, theres your bump!!!' Made me chuckle. For the most part I think people find it odd to touch because it is foreign, but I havent had anyone be grossed out by it. And Jetti made me chuckle with not wanting to touch it.... I LOVE feeling my port and often find myself rubbing it without even thinking about it. It's my new best friend and reminds me regularly that I have a helping hand in my journey. :frown: All the best, Patricia 11/16/06 306/202/175ish

I flew from Vancouver, BC to Maui, HI (5 hour flight) about 3 months after my surgery and had no issues at all....neither in the air or while on holidays. Since then I have made 2 other flights, to Edmonton (1.5 hours) and to Las Vegas (3 hours) and never had any issues with either of those trips either. And yes, I have good restriction....3.35 in a 4cc band..... I think that this, like so many other band factors, are very individual. Patricia 11/16/06 306/202/175ish

//I am assuming this is included in the cost of the surgery// Never assume, be sure to ask your surgeons office EXACTLY what is included and for how long !!! Wanabthin, all clinics/surgeons offices vary from what they offer their patients and for how long. You need to ask your specific clinic exactly what they offer, how often they have meetings, if they have any 1-on-1 counselling if you need it, and any costs involved. The clinic I went to offers 2 support meetings a month. These meetings include a full discussion with a surgeon or nurse practitioner and then there is 2 groups and you can choose which discussion to join. They offer discussions on things like emotional eating, plastic surgery, complications and living a normal life with the band. These meetings are free of charge for as long as we want to go to them....other clinics might charge to attend support meetings....be sure of your own situation !!!! Good luck and all the best !!!! Patricia 11/16/06 306/202/175ish

Hi Ladies :tongue_smilie: I'm so glad to see new Bandsters (and soon-to-be Bandsters) !!! Your enthusiasm and excitement is contagious....and something oldies like myself need to see !!! I'm glad to see your feeling so well Outrageous. The first couple of weeks can be tough, but always remember that your stomach needs this time to heal and in the long run, a few weeks of liquids and mush are well worth it !!! We will be having a meeting in May in North Vancouver. I'm sorry it's not closer to you but hopefully you can take the time to join us. With the longer days it is going to be easier for me to travel down for it (I live north of Whistler so it takes me a couple of hours to get there). So the meeting will be Wednesday, May 21st at Lions Gate Hospital in Conference Room C (just off the main lobby). Officially it's marked for 7pm but I'm usually there and having a coffee by about 6.30pm. If you would like to email me I can add you to my mailing list, that way you will get my little 'reminder mail' a day or 2 in advance. My address is canadagirl33@hotmail.com Congrats on joining us Bandsters and all the best on your journey !!!! Patricia 11/16/06 306/202/175ish

You might also want to look into Dr. Woodhead in Delta. I've seen a few posts lately from people that have had surgery with him and they are happy with how everything went with him. I'm not sure of his wait time or price.... I went to Northwest Weight Loss Surgery Center in Everett, WA for my surgery because of the wait times for local (Van area) Dr's and was very happy with them. I can't tell you the exact cost because all my paperwork is at the accountant right now (using medical expences on my return) but I think it was right around $15,500 including all pre-op visits, surgeon visit, aneasthesiologist cost, surgery time, as many support meetings and classes as I want, and the first 13 months of fills. Shopping around is important but cost is not the only deciding factor. Make sure you are comfortable with the surgeon and all his staff because they are ultimately going to play a huge part in your success...and in some cases the extra $$ is worth it for a good fit between you and your Dr's Good luck and all the best !!! Patricia 11/16/06 306/202/175 I think

I was in an AdditionElle store when I was in Vancouver a couple of weeks ago and they sold both Spanx and an in-store brand of the same thing. I bought 1 (thigh length, high up the ribcage style) and it was $34.95 I believe.....and I should say, I'm not really happy with it. I don't knowif it's not the right size (1X) or if I'm too tall, but the top keeps rolling down and its annoying !!! Patricia 11/16/06 306/202/175 I think...

I can relate completely !!! This is a type of body dismorphia and can take months, sometimes years, to adjust to. I had my surgery in Nov./06, have lost over 100lbs and *still* see the same fat lady in the mirror. I can look at pictures and see the difference, I hear people remark on how wonderful I look....Heck, my dentist called me 'slim' the other day !!! I see fat.... I have no idea how long I'll see myself like this, it is getting a little better and I now have the odd glimpse of the new me. Be patient with yourself and 1 day soon you'll see yourself how others see you !!! Patricia 11/16/06 306/202/175ish Height - 5'11"

Hi everyone...:biggrin2: Just a quick post to let anyone thats interested know that we WILL be having the regular monthly meeting this month. It will be this coming Wednesday (March 19th) at Lion's Gate Hospital in North Vancouver. Everyone is welcome to join us !!! I haven't had any mail from the hosp regarding a location change so I am assuming that we will be in the 5th floor meeting room again, however I will post here again if I recieve notice of any changes. I know that some of you live a ways away and find it a long trip to make, and believe me, I can relate !!!! I drive almost 3 hours each way, but I find the face-to-face meeting with people who can relate to my issues worth the drive.... So hopefully some of you will come!!! All the best Patricia

Hi Ang It's tough to get these things up and running....believe me, I know !!! You may have better luck trying to organize a coffee date ot maybe setting up someplace to get out for a walk as a group rather than an evening meeting. When the meetings work, they are really great to get a face to face with each other and offer support, but people seem to find evenings tough. And I know all about the drive... I live in Pemberton, so I drive almost 3 hours to go to the meeting in North Van every month....and then 3 hours home afterwards. Usually I don't pull in the yard til well after 11pm, but it's worth it to me to sit and talk to the new friends I've made :laugh: All the best, and if you have any questions about setting up a meeting that I can help with, let me know !!! Patricia 11/16/06 306/202/175ish Majorly plateau'd but not gaining !!!

I dont usually post very much but all this talk about Protein drinks makes me crazy !!! :biggrin: We need to be careful with getting too much protein in a single dose....not only can it cause the runs as someone said, but it is *really* hard on your kidneys !!! Your body does not process any more than about 25-30 grams at a time and all the extra is pushed thru your kidneys, which majorly stresses them....not a good thing. The other point that was made is 'drinking your calories'....the point of the band, when you have a proper fill and it's doing its job, is to *eat* solid foods that will keep you full for long periods of time. Yup, high Protein Drinks digest slower and will keep you full for a while, but in the long run are you going to be able to live indefinitely on protein drinks??? Personally, my answer would be no...I like real food too much !!!:biggrin2: Getting in enough protein while eating *real* food is actually pretty easy when you stop and think about it. I don't plan my meals usually anymore because I know how much I'm getting usually but I used to keep track pretty closely... I've added a couple of days worth of my meal plans from when I was tracking to show you a few ideas for a regular day that is within most calorie ranges and gives a regular day worth of protein. Hope it gives you some ideas.... Tuesday Breakfast: vanilla & Almond Special K- 115 cals - 6 grams Skim milk (4oz) - 43 cals - 4 grams Lunch: Homemade Chili (about 1 cup) - 300 cals - 22 grams 2 Sesame Rye Ryvita crackers - 80 cal - 2 grams 1 wedge LF Laughing Cow cheese - 24 cals - 4 grams Snack: Micro Popcorn (SmartPop 100cal snackpack) Dinner: Beef tenderloin - 265 cals - 38 grams steamed Asparagus - 43 cals - 4.5 grams Snack: 1/2 cup Soy ice cream - 110 cals - 4 grams Daily Calories - 1080 Daily Protein grams - 84.5 Weds Breakfast: Scrambled egg - 75 cals - 7 grams w/ Cottage Cheese - 55 cal - 8 grams Lunch: Salsa - 25 cal - 1 gram and Cottage cheese mixed together - 55 cal - 8 grams 15 Baked LF Wheat Thins for dipping. - 120 cals - 4 grams (this is a fave of mine...like chips and salsa!!!) Snack: 2 Corn Cakes - 50 cal - 2 grams 1/w LF cheese - 24 cals - 4 grams 1/w Garlic Hoummus Dinner: chicken breast - 55 cals - 8 grams (would have been 25ish grams if I had eaten the 3oz portion) Green salad w/grated cheddar - 135 cals - 7 grams Squash - 80 cals - 2 grams (Chicken was getting stuck so I only ate about 1oz probably) Daily Calories - 675 Daily Protein grams - 51 (If I had eaten the chicken I planned for my day would have been 785 cals and 67 grams of protein) Patricia 11/16/06 306/202/175 I think !!!

I think the #1 reason that Dr's seem to push the RNY over the band is a simple issue of money. From what I understand insurance companies pay towards $40k for the RNY vs. under 20k (in most cases) for the band. On top of that, with the RNY it is often called 'cut and run'. Meaning....the surgeon does the surgery, gets his $40k and there is very little follow-up needed. With the band, a good portion of Dr's offer up to a year of follow-up visits, fills and de-fills, etc in the original cost. So in reality the band is less cash and more time with the patient, and some Dr's just are not into that. This of course is probably only one reason they seem to push RNY and it is also only my personal opinion. I wouldn't trade my band for anything.....and am thankful every day that I didn't chose the RNY !!!! Patricia 11/16/06 306/202/175ish I think !!!

Driving really isn't that big a deal.... I am Canadian and drive down to WA state to see my Dr when I need fills. I went last week and left home at 7am for a 1.30pm appt....not only do I have a minimum 5 hour drive but I have to do the USA border crossing as well and that can easily take me an hour !!! I usually make the trip alone and take the time to contemplate how far I've come in my lapband journey....I think about what I've been doing to help my weightloss, or hinder it. I use it as a day off from my world and see it as some much needed 'Me' time. Sure, sometimes I don't feel like doing it, but in the end *I* am worth every minute !!!! BTW.... I couldn't have managed a 50lb loss on my own....believe me, I tried it about a million times !!!! And at this point of my banded life, you would have to pry my band out my chest with a crowbar !!!! I aint giving this baby up for nothin' !!!!! Good luck and keep on working it !!!! Patricia 11/16/06 306/202/175 I think !!!

I chew gum almost every day and have never had a problem. Some Dr's say not to because of the risk of swallowing it, others say that if you swallow it it will either slide thru or you will PB it up. Either way, I don't think I've ever 'accidentally' swallowed a piece so I have no fear of getting a piece stuck. For the Water issue....it is one of the most difficult things to change for sure (at least it was for me) but it's a habit as much as anything so you'll get used to it pretty quickly. Good luck, Patricia 11/16/06 306/202/175ish