sassiecassie 0 Posted May 21, 2008 I only know of Dr Leung (in Surrey), Dr Woodhead (in Delta/Ladner) and Dr Amson (in Victoria). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
innotu 0 Posted May 23, 2008 Hi Paula and Marie, I have just decided to go with Dr. Leung and have booked my pre-op tests. I see that your fills are 'free' for life, however I was told that only the first 3 are and thereafter there is a charge of $30 in the office or $60 in the lab. As well, what was the wait time like from the time you decided to the time you had your surgery? How long did you wait for the pre-op tests? I'm also having a hard time figuring out how you live for 30-35 days on Clear liquids? What kind of Clear Liquids are they and how did you survive? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paulax 8 Posted June 30, 2008 Hi Paula and Marie, I have just decided to go with Dr. Leung and have booked my pre-op tests. I see that your fills are 'free' for life, however I was told that only the first 3 are and thereafter there is a charge of $30 in the office or $60 in the lab. As well, what was the wait time like from the time you decided to the time you had your surgery? How long did you wait for the pre-op tests? I'm also having a hard time figuring out how you live for 30-35 days on clear liquids? What kind of clear liquids are they and how did you survive? He has since changed his fill policy. Those posts were from 2006. I don't mind paying for his time and expertise. I probably had to wait 6 months before I had the surgery. It is worth the wait. I am now almost 2 years out now, sitting at goal, feeling like a million bucks. Good luck and tell Leung his is my hero. The 39-35 days of liquid was HELL, but it was sure worth it. I survived 24 days, perfectly clear liquid. I made a lot of my own home made broths. There are about 9 grams of Protein in one cup of broth, little salt, very good for your healing. Good luck my dear. This will be life changing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doddie63 6 Posted June 30, 2008 Dr. Leung is the Gold Standard. Not good bedside manner for some ve people but an excellent surgeon who has been doing the surgery for some time. The other is Dr. R. Woodhead, young and just starting out. I personally go to Dr. Woodhead and like him very much. I know of a few others banded by him and like him as well. He was trained by Dr. Yau of the TLBC and went to France for further training in the Fr. Midband. You can check the Professional Registrar to see if there are any complaints against either one. Hope this helps. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kareyn 0 Posted August 27, 2008 I was reading your note and noticed below your name that you can claim the surgery on income tax??? How does that work? I'm just going in for my consultation with Dr. Leung. Can't wait to get the surgery done. Karey Hi, everyone. I too was banded by Dr. Leung. I think he's the cat's meow; he doesn't sugar coat anything..tells you "what it is". I like that. Kat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Katgirl 0 Posted August 28, 2008 Hi, Kareyn. I sent in all of my receipts: from Leung's office, the hospital stay, etc. and I rec'd. a couple thousand back. Just send in all of your receipts serparately cuz they won't cover the band itself. Have Evelyn break everything down for you. Also, Kareyn. If you don't stay in the hospital (I personally needed the overnight stay, but some don't) you can claim approx. $1500 back from the hospital. I was reading your note and noticed below your name that you can claim the surgery on income tax??? How does that work? I'm just going in for my consultation with Dr. Leung. Can't wait to get the surgery done.Karey Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Katie59 0 Posted September 12, 2008 I went to Dr. Woodhead and think he is great. Surgery July 16 and am doing great. Not a long wait really... filled in forms... sent them.... waited for appt... went on standby list and got in one month sooner... paid $14k..I like his bedside manner and he repaired a hiatus hernia for free while he was in there. I think he was excited by that. We laugh a lot when I see him but then I am an optimist and am so happy that today I got my first fill.... Sept. 11... 4 cc's in his french style midband that he says only contains 7 ccs so I am really excited. He was on holiday or I could have had a sooner appt. and he is only in Ladner thurs and fri... so as I live in Chilliwack... it takes a bit of organizing. I made an appt for my next fill... in 5 weeks cause of his schedule... but I don't care.. I just know that sooner or later I will find that "sweet spot and it will come off. I am just so happy with my decision and my treatment at Ladner Hospital... I felt like a beloved daughter being spoiled by 3 moms... they were so great.... and that was after a knee surgery two days before at Chilliwack Hospt were I was "a patient".. no complaints.. but no compliments. I would recomend Dr. Woodhead any time. Kathy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doddie63 6 Posted September 13, 2008 Dr. Woodhouse is the doctor I go to for my fills. I enjoy him very much. Dr. W. does not have a "clinic" but you become one of his regular patients and are treated the same way. Some people after paying 14K would like to be put at the top of his appointment list but that is not the case. You become one of his patients which I like very much. Going to my clinic in Toronto, I have never seen the surgeon except when surgery was performed and then only seconds before. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Katie59 0 Posted September 14, 2008 I was told that I could claim mileage for every visit so am keeping track.. everything over 80 k's and it is 89 k's to dr's office Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kbf1 0 Posted October 7, 2008 Hi everyone, I've got a couple of questions - now that Alberta Sask. and Man. all cover the lapband - under the reciprocal billing agreement with ab and bc - it is covered! But I don't want to wait and would rather self pay and seek reimbursement from the gov - has anyone done this? Also thoughts on Dr.Wai - I live in Vancouver so, this choice is clearly the easiest for me - but I've read some bad reviews about his care - anyone care o share or somment? Made one call to a Dr.Kuri in Mexico - he would do it for me quickly but I'm weary of no accountability to the governement health regulating bodies. Please give guidence! :crying: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doddie63 6 Posted October 7, 2008 kbf1. I have never heard of Dr. Wai. Where does he practice. Have you checked the Royal College of Surgeons website. Also, there is a website that rates doctors. I use it and it even lists my family GP. I agree with you about going south. You have to think of the future aftercare and with the currant economic mess, you have to ask yourself if you will be able to afford to go back to a long distant clinic. There are times you need to see the surgeon and a fill nurse just won't do. It costs me approx. 1,000 to fly back to my clinic but at the time there was no one else doing the gastric band privately so I chose a Canadian doctor over a foreign one. At least I am in my own country if something goes wrong our hospitals will take care of me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kbf1 0 Posted October 8, 2008 I am considering this Doctor, I've read some good and bad things about him - I've got his package - its either him or Mexico..Dr.Kuri? I'm not sure who do go with - have you hear of Dr. Woodhead in Laddner/Delta? Thanks for your help Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kbf1 0 Posted October 8, 2008 Do you know the contact info for Dr. Woodhead? I'd like to contact him to see what he is like... K Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doddie63 6 Posted October 11, 2008 Dr. R.V. Woodhead 206 - 4515 Harvest Drive, Delta, BC V4K 4L1 phone 604 946-5500 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kbf1 0 Posted December 27, 2008 Well, I've done all the pre-op x-rays, ultrasounds, and overnight breathing test. Now I should get a call from Dr. Leung's office for a pre-op meeting to set a date! Excited/nervous!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites