Anyone had surgery with SmartShape?

[BritAbroad 13]

Hi Guys,

My first post on the forums, so please let me know if I'm posting in the wrong place!

I'm tentitively booked for Lap Band surgery on Nov 4 with Smartshape in Vancouver, Canada.

I've done a lot of research myself, but have found the company to be somewhat pushy for the sale and less eager to supply information about the process, what they provide etc. I know they provide 5 years post op covrage, but so far have had no luck in getting them to provide to me in writing exactly what this entails, under what circumstances and stipulations etc.

I'd be really grateful to hear about other experiences with SmartShape, particularly their aftercare support and services and if anyone has ever had any issues with them.

I'd also love to hear from anyone else in the Vancouver area who has had the surgery!

My only other reservation is that alot of people seem to get the band revised to a sleeve. The band has been "sold" to me as something you can have for the rest of your life, so if you've had a band for many years, I'd lovee to hear your experiences too.

Thank you all for your help!

[LeeseeB 4]

I had my band done by Smart Shape in Calgary August 25th. So far so good. I can only speak for my own experience with them. If you have any questions, l can try and answer.

[Jocelynsherk 7]

I had my lap band at smart shape in Vancouver. I had surgery in June and was able to lose 35lbs pretty quickly without a fill, I just had my first fill last week. I have found the aftercare to be good. There are seminars online to help, there are nurses and a dietician you can email at any time. The slightly annoying part is that everything has to go through the center in Ontario before you can make an appointment for fills. Also the online classes are in eastern time so some of them are at 6 or 7 am our time. I know we are covered for all fills for 5 years. If something goes wrong with the band and it needs to come out I know that MSP covers that. But I never really asked out if I need a revision if they fix it. I guess I assume if anything happens within 5 years they will fix it.

[brishewski 0]

@@LeeseeB I am being banded through smart shape on the 11th by Dr Mitchell, was he the one who did your band as well?

[LeeseeB 4]

@"brishewski" Yes...Dr. Mitchell did my surgery and he did a great job! If you have any questions, let me know. Good luck with your surgery!

[LeeseeB 4]

@@"brishewski" Yes...Dr. Mitchell did my surgery and he did a great job! If you have any questions, let me know. Good luck with your surgery!

[BritAbroad 13]

Hey guys, update from me. I went ahead and had my surgery with smart shape at the false creek medical centre in Vancouver with dr hsu.

I've had a lot of issues with smart shape from an admin stand point. They communication between the east coast head office and west coast practice has in my experience been almost non existent and I have had to do most of the leg work. My surgery was also cancelled 2 days before it was scheduled because another doctor cancelled his surgeries for that day and they didn't want to pay to open the operating room for one person (me). Needless to say I had all of my time booked off work & approved, as did my other half so I had to kick up a massive fuss to get the surgery to happen on schedule.

I've also experienced issues with booking fills as the lack of communication had meant requisitions have not been sent from head office to the west coast clinic on time etc. It has also been frustrating that I cannot contact head office after 1pm ish PST because they are closed for the day.

With all that said, when I have actually had contact with the medical staff at false creek they have been very knowledgable and have actually apologized for some of the administrative missteps. My surgery went off without a hitch and I was well looked after by the nurses, surgeons and anesthetist.

I'm due for my second fill tomorrow and although I have put on weight so far post surgery, I'm looking forward to getting some restriction, which I currently don't have.

I hope this helps others thinking about going with smart shape. I think if you're on the east coast you should have no problems and I've heard lots of good things but just be aware that on the west coast you really have to keep on top of them more.

[cutlass6521 126]

Hello, I had my surgery with Smart Shape in Jan 2014 at the Mississauga office. For some ridiculous reason-Alberta Health-my BMI was too high to have surgery in Alberta, but ok in Ontario. On the flip side, I think it was good to go to the head office in Mississauga to have the procedure. I had a chance to meet the staff, nurses, dietician, and Dr Cobourn.

All the administrative was smooth for me, the after care, webinars etc all good.

Booking my fills at first went through the head office, now in Calgary you can contact the nurse direct and book your appointment. Very helpful and informative.

If you are looking for medical advise after the surgery....don't contact Smart Shape. I believe they are not allowed to give their insight into any issue you may be having. According to them, nothing is related to the surgery or the changes in your body due to the weight loss. The standard answer is ...book an appointment with your family doctor. That being said, if there is a bariatric surgeon affiliated with Smart Shape in your area, you will be referred to that doctor for a follow up

Good luck in your weight loss journey.