Search the Community

i was at slimband as well! im really not liking this gas pain at all! i feel better this morning compared to yesterday and my port incision is really sore but other than that everything went well! how are you taking your mediciations???

I went to slimband.

I was banded in June with the slimband/lapband everything has been going great other than left shoulder pain when I over eat and have pressure built up. But... Since October I have been having nutcracker esophagus. It basically feels like I'm having a heart attack my husband took me to emerge one night they did an EKG to rule out heart, and said food is probably getting stuck causing acids that irritate my esophagus which is likely causing the spasms. I went and had .25 cc's removed today hoping that will help although I feel really bloated now. Has anyone else experienced this after having their band. I've never had esophagus problems before????

I have the slimband ( Canadian version) I've never had a fill, had my surg in June and always get pain in my left shoulder if I eat too much. But recently in oct. I also started having nutcracker esophageal spasms, not fun at all but the pain in my shoulder didn't seem to show up I would much prefer the shoulder pain any day.

I think the consensus is that the lap band does work whether it is put in at Slimband, SWLC , CIBO or any other clinic as long as you work with it. And as long as they have the proper aftercare. I say one should go with wherever one feels the most comfortable. 4 more days and I will be banded at SWLC!

I just wanted to share my story, I'm sorry you feel that I'm promoting Slimband. I'm simply letting people know that Slimband worked for me, it has changed my life. If I can help anyone else out there who, like me, has struggled with weight all of their life, that is my goal. I wanted to be of help to anyone that had questions regarding Slimband.

I went with Slimband back in 2008 and had Dr. Yau as my surgeon. Not only was I impressed with Slimbands facilities and care staff, but there support programs afterward and Dr.Yau's professionalism were top notch! I would HIGHLY recommend Slimband and Dr. Yau, I credit them with saving my life! I was 23, 275 lbs at 5'6" and was per-diabetic and had high cholesterol! I have since lost 145 lbs and I am happily married, moving to Australia to persue graduate studies and I am the healthiest I have ever been! I ran 11 kms yesterday, me! The only thing I used to run to was a buffet before. I was overweight my whole life and the Slimband was exactly what I needed to get myself straightened out! I even recommended it to my older sister and she is down 130 lbs so far from Sept 2010! It works, I swear!

And a member since only yesterday...sounds like someone joining to promote slimband...hmmm

My name is Stephanie, My reason for posting this is to share my story with you in hopes that you will take the next step and get the Slimband procedure. I feel very passionate about Slimband as it has changed my life in ways I had never expected. My story will shed some light onto how it all began. I was banded in April of 2010 and I am happy to report that just over two years later, I am down 127 lbs, and feel better than I have in 20 years. I made the decision to have the Slimband procedure when I finally became sick of being sick and tired. I have 3 young boys and I was not being the kind of Mom I had always envisioned I would be. I was out a dinner one night and saw a friend of a friend eat a very small portion of food (1/2 of a hamburger and a few fries) and push her plate away. After asking her if she didn't like her food, she simply replied, "no, I'm just full". A 10 minute discussion later revealed that she had lost 90 lbs. with Slimband and had kept it off for almost 3 years at that point. I was on my 2nd diet that year-- Herbal Magic as a New Year’s Resolution (over $1700 invested- 36 lbs. lost and 47 gained) and was on U Weight Loss at the time (had almost $2000 invested and a pile of pills that I couldn't bear to take any longer--27 lbs lost and constantly starving). And, there I was stuffing my face with nachos (having been on smoothies and shakes for 4 months) and decided that Slimband could be the thing that ended my endless yo-yoing with different diets. Within two months, I had several phone calls with Niki, a consultant at Slimband and a former patient who had lost over 80 lbs. herself. I spent several days discussing the procedure with my husband who eventually came in person to meet Niki and speak about the procedure. While he was not happy about the $16,000 expense, I decided to cash in my RRSP savings. At the time it seemed silly to be saving for a retirement that I may never get to see being in the obese category at 275 lbs. I was sick of weighing food, taking supplements, drinking smoothies, going for weekly weigh ins, wasted gym memberships and double digit dress sizes while shopping in the limited "PLUS size" sections of clothing stores. I just wanted to have a built in appetite suppressant and it seemed Slimband would be just that. I came to the offices with my payment and was booked in for surgery 2 weeks later! I did a 4 day pre-op diet to reduce the fat around my liver and prepared some meals for me for my post- surgery times--pureed Soups and stews. I arrived at the serene offices/surgery clinic at Slimband, was weighed, had a comforting chat with my surgeon Dr. Patrick Yao and was led into the surgery suite. After a 45 minute procedure, and 1/2 hour recovery, I was on the way home to begin my new life. I had some slight discomfort at the site where the port was implanted, but other than that, I was pain free and did not need the prescription pain medications that I filled pre surgery. I enjoyed my chicken broth the next day as I sat at the Thanksgiving dinner table not missing eating but happy that I was well enough to be sitting with my family. I was back into the regular swing of daily life with 3 young boys within 3 days. After the manditory clear fluids for two days and then gradually moving from pureed foods to mashed to small diced food, I was eating regular meals with my family within a month. Just as the girl at the restaurant, I was full after 1/4 of what I was previously eating. I enjoyed the online Slimband community and the support staff were extremely patient with my many questions when it came to eating/drinking nutritional requirements. I had a binder that lead me easily through each and every day with regard to what/how to eat and then I followed the Protein first, veg second and then, if there's room eat your carbs rule, no drinking with meals and chew your food well and slow down. How simple! Pair that with 2 Snacks, like apples with almonds or cheese with veggie sticks, and I rarely found myself thinking about food, I simply wasn't hungry until meal times. I didn't weigh, measure, or count a single calorie! I was down 40 lbs. within 3 months. It slowed to 2-3 pounds a week, but slow and steady has gotten me to where I am now. I have had a few fills and de-fills (saline injections into a port which loosens/tightens the band around the upper portion of my stomach). I am at my "sweet spot" now, which means I can eat a small plate of food and feel full just before I finish it. I am not hungry between meals and really force myself to have those two snacks. I'm down from a size 22 to a size 8 (which I haven't been since high school), I work out daily 3X a week, I run with my oldest son for his cross country practises and my home based business is flourishing with my new found energy and focus. I am no longer out of breath at the top of a flight of stairs and, most importantly, I am modelling healthy food portions and choices to my 3 precious boys. My father-in-law recently had the surgery at 65 years of age and since April 2012, he has lost over 50 pounds, has been taken off his high blood pressure medication, no longer has high cholesterol, no longer needs the costco size Ibuprofen tablets he took daily for his sore knees and is playing the best golf of the last 30 years of his life. There is no coincidence that this procedure has literally saved both of our lives, Slimband works, end of story, it does exactly what it promised to do, help you eat less so you can live more! I can assure you that this is the last time you will struggle with your weight. It is unfortunate that you don't hear all of the success stories about Slimband, just those who have encountered difficulties. I have come to realize though, that this is because most of these people have gotten their lives back on track and are too happy and busy sit down and post about it. I just had to share my story because it has changed my life and I can only hope I will help to change someone else’s for the better too!

Oct 26 for the slimband in Toronto getting pretty nervous and excited

i have been banded since there wasn't clinics. I love Dr Yau, and Slimband which is the name of a band and the clinic has been good to me. Dr Yau developed his own band based on his 10+ years of experience. As one of his original banding patients I know him well and I know how concerned he is with providing the best banding experience he can which is why he developet he slimband. With that said, I have seen the slimband clinic evolve from a vision in Dr Yau's mind to what it is today. They have staff on board to support their patients and when I have needed support I have received it. This iincludes accomodating my schedule when I have had complications. I have phoned and emailed Dr Yau xrays from the US and had him work with my Dr, on what to do with me! I think about the staff the clinic has chosen to hire tend to be bandsters so they can relate to what you go through. They have dieticians, a chef, fitness specialists and they offer follow up that is great through travel and their online board. Do people complain yes of course people complain that is the nature of people... we all complain and most complainers are vocal about their complaints. I can say Dr Yau and his staff have always been kind, caring and they have worked with me on my challenges, like replacing my band when it slipped and I wasn't in Canada. I have been through a lot and based on my personal experience I trust Dr Yau more than I can say for any type of surgery. I have had some complicaitons and what stands out more than anything else is how they have dealt with my challenges and how good they were to work with! If you want to contact me my email is susieq321@hotmail.com.

Bandjennafar, I'm glad you are happy with the clinic SLIMBAND. I had a friend who was banded by Dr. Yau and he has lost 120lbs! I did not find out until recently:). Continue to post, I didn't fill out my info until recently and I was posting blogs;) My pic is a photo of my pug;))) as for the original post, I choose SWLC and will be banded in November....

I had a consultation with SWLC and Slimband and decided on SWLC. I was not impressed at all with the staff at Slimband (it is the name of the weight loss centre, not the name of a lap band). I will be banded by Dr. Cobourn on Oct.19th. I know several people who have been banded by him and they are very happy with the aftercare.

Well I am definitely doing this! Just trying to sort out logistics, and this is a biggy. I have to fly from Alberta to Toronto for the procedure. I will need to fly in the night before, stay the night directly after, and fly back home the following day. From reading the surgery-day stories, it would seem that some of you had a tough day (or days) immediately following the procedure. Is this a problem maybe? I will be travelling alone, so it will be a couple airports, one piece of luggage, and approximately five hours all told. Should I be giving it an extra day? And on that topic, I am using airmiles for most of my flight. But for you out of towners contemplating doing this, there are a few things you need to add to that budget Flights from out of province are not cheap. You will need a hotel for two nights for sure, more likely three or four. If you are not travelling with someone, you will need to either pay extra to stay the night at the clinic (Slimband) or pay a nurse $20 per hour to go back to the hotel with you and stay the first night (SWLC). Cabs to and from airport, centre, hotel etc. So I am thinking I have to budget an extra $1500 at least, it would be more if I was paying cash for flight The other concern I am trying to get addressed is what happens if for whatever reason I have to return to the surgeon (repairs or problems). I have been assured that the procedure itself is warrantied, but so far I can't get a definitive answer on whether or not I will be reimbursed at all for travel costs. If (and I don't expect it to, but I like to cover my bases when I am running up debt) something were to happen that required me to be back in TO for repairs, I am looking at all the travelling costs again plus down time at work. Anyone else dealt with this yet? Input much appreciated! I think there is such thing as Too Much Information. I am obsessively reading everything I can find on the net, and there are some amazing success stories as well as some crushing defeats. I should learn to stay away from the posts that detail complete train wrecks and warn any and all to stay away from ************** etc. I am overthinking, I know. I am confident in my choice of centre and surgeon, now the devil is in the details and I am keeping myself up nights Thanks in advance.

I had the same issue, but after my research, and reading a lot of threads from different websites.... I even joined the Slimband website...and many of their patients complaints were regarding the "BAD" after care. Dr. Yau is very experienced, however, once they are done, you are basically on your own "according to their patients". But when I did a search on Dr. Cobourn and his clinic, I found mostly positive things were being said across the board, from consult to after care. So to me it seemed like they were more on point and cared more about their patients outcome then Slimband....that is the reason I chose SWLC..... Again do your research (it took me 2yrs to decide)....and make the best choice for you. I felt more comfortable with my choice, because I know after care was a huge deal for me. Good Luck!!!

Excuse me but I just found this website today and why would I not sing the praises of my Surgeon and my clinic. As well Slimband has been around longer than any other clinic in Canada so i am not sure where you are getting your false information. Does the original poster with only 2 posts also come into question cause she is new? We all have to be new and start posting at some time......

You just join this forum 7 minutes before posting this, your profile is completely blank, and it's to sing the praises of some no-name band that others are speaking against? I call sock puppet. If anything, your post should be all the proof the original poster needs to know to stay far away from Slimband.

I was banded with Slimband and I only have very good things to say about the dr and the staff. They have follow up care and nurses right across canada and you never have to pay for any adjustments or support. Dr. Yau is the pioneer of banding in canada so he is the most qualified surgeon. I am very happy with my choice and they are amazing.

I live in Kelowna, BC and am also self pay. I spoke with Dr.C and SlimBand over the phone and then drove to Victoria to meet with Dr.Tang. I found Dr.C very helpful and great mannerisms while speaking with him. Overall I decided to go with Dr.Tang in Victoria BC. He is very honest and genuinely there to change peoples lives and overcome weight problems. I also found the cost to be lower ($15,300) for a grand total since i have to travel a long distance as it is an extra 2 hour ferry ride doesnt seem so bad for a lower cost. I wasn't overly impressed with SlimBand because I felt like it really was a sales pitch and Toronto is a little far. So I made my decision based on who made me the most comfortable and at ease. Congratulations and I wish you all the luck on your journey

I had my surgery done this summer in Vancouver with SWLC. Overall, it has been a good experience so far. I would recommend them to anyone. I looked in to Slimband as well, but found that SWLC has a better after care record which is key. Best wishes on your journey...

I found this on those specific doctors/centers, definitely have a look. It sounds like SWLC is a much better and safer choice: http://www.ratemds.com/doctor-ratings/47736/Dr-Chris-Cobourn-Mississauga-ON.html Plus, it appears Dr. Cobourn uses the proven safe Lap-Band whereas I've never heard of Slimband.

Hi Elcee -- thanks for the reply. I probably wasn't very clear in that post. I have an option of two different clinics in TO, Canada. One is the slimband clinic and the other is the SWLC clinic. Different surgeons and some different options. So I am trying to find out as much as I can before I jump firmly on one side of the fence. Congrats on your weight loss by the way, amazing.

Thoughts? I have had a consult now with both, and both seem equally, ummm, equal I am self pay and travelling a very long distance, so I am worried about getting the most value I can. Things like after care, ever had to come back for anything, fills and defills.... I am doing this in November of this year, I just have to make a commitment to one or the other in the next few days. Would love to hear any experiences and/or words of wisdom. My doctor would be Dr. Yau at Slimband or Dr. Cobourn at SWLC. Thanks!!

Hi all --- So glad to have found this forum!! It seems no matter what question goes through my mind, I can dig around a bit here and find that someone has already asked it and someone else has already answered it. Its a godsend. So about me, I have been overweight most of my life (which is 49 years). For the first 30ish years I kept it under control by sheer will power, but age and a hysterectomy and menopause and quitting smoking and a desk job..........well, pfffffftttttt. Here I am 65 pounds over my ideal -- gallbladders out, blood pressures up, the joints are inflamed and I am planning my lap band. Tomorrow is my phone consult with the Dr. from SWLC. I have already spoken to someone from Slimband ---- is there a big difference between these two do you know? I will have to travel to Toronto to have the surgery, and I will be self pay, so I want to get the very best bang for my bucks. I live in Grande Prairie, Alberta -- and both clinics assure me they have a Doc locally here for fills. I guess the one thing I could use help with...what do I ask during this consultation? What is the got to have information that I need to remember? I am nervous, but even more so I am excited. I can't wait to be a healthy weight again. Thanks for listening

I need a defill my slimband nurse doesn't come till Wednesday, and I went to emergency this afternoon and they had know idea!!! I even bought the defill procedure paper !! So upset I'm feeling awful ..