JLB

This makes me think of the time my dad told me not to put lettuce down my sink garburator because it will swell and plug my sink. Be darned if that isn't exactly what happened. Go figure! Not to mention bunnies - they are very plump and round, maybe they're just swollen. Hmmm.... :eek:

I made the down payment for surgery, Optifast, shipping and consult fee by Mastercard but Dr. Cobourn's office does not accept the final payment two before surgery on credit card. They asked for it by daft or money order or certified cheque only.

Wow! I'd say you've worked hard!! You look fabulous - way to go. You certainly inspire me!!! I could only hope to look that good. I see what you mean about exercise - you have great abs.

Has anyone here tried protein bars since being banded? I am a fan of bars as a quick solution to a meal replacement when pressed for time. Some have better ingredients than others and some are much higher in protein than others. I haven't been banded yet so I'm not sure if I will still be able to tolerate them or not. What do others think?

I agree with Gaffer, the after care is very, very important. I thoroughly questioned Dr. C during my consult to be sure I understood what the clinic was offering me for support and for further care if something went wrong. I was completely satisfied with his answers. I also know that I have several doctors to choose from for fills in Calgary. Having post-op care in place before surgery is extremely helpful and, for me, it is piece of mind. :welldoneclap:

I am really happy with Dr. C and I hear the TLBC team is great too. That's where Brookalaney is having surgery. Sorry Brookalaney, I can't answer your question about how much time to take off work as I am a student so I'm not currently working. I've read other posts and I think it really varies with each individual. Some say 3-4 days, others say 3-4 weeks.

Funny you should say that. I just bought a 2L diet code on Friday and finished it on Saturday. A record for me! I think it's psychological. I expect I'll be over indulging on a few things between now and my surgery date. I'm already planning my farewell meals - farewell to my trusty old friend FOOD!

Congrats on your surgery date! I just booked mine as well with Dr. Cobourn so I know exactly how you feel. I'm nervous too but know this is a good decision for me. I agree on the diet pop thing - I love my diet coke! However, I've been trying to kick my pop habit for years so I'm glad that it's a no-no after the band.

Congrats on your banding date Susan. Where are you having your surgery done? Janice

Congrats Dave! I'm sure you'll do great!! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: Janice

Thank you everyone for your good wishes. I'm really excited to start this journey. I've been trying to lose weight for 30 years to no avail. :hungry: :faint: I think it'a about time to stop beating a :deadhorse: and :kiss2: this extra weight goodbye. :whoo: Janice

I just booked my lapband surgery with Dr. Cobourn for May 9. I'm soooooo excited but also very, very nervous. It's suddenly very real!!! I began my research last fall and joined this forum in Dec. '06. After reading many posts of other people's experiences and asking lots of questions, I decided this surgery is the best decision for my health. I can't wait to be a bandster and get my life back! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: Janice

Thank you Kat. That makes sense. Really nice of you to share your experience of saying goodbye to an "old friend" - food. Congrats on your success so far. It really does give me hope! Janice

Susan, I can relate to you. I recently have made the decision to be banded as well and even though I've been cruising around this forum for the last two months I am suddenly terrified. I question myself everyday... Am I doing the right thing? Is this too drastic? What the heck am I doing? OMG!!! I love your question about the best and worse and look forward to reading everyone's replies. I see Kat mentioned binge eating which I am also guilty of. I wonder how a binge eater makes it through this surgery. If a person can no longer use food as comfort what happens...??? :cry Janice

I am just starting my process with Dr. C. Can't wait to see the new clinic! :clap2: Janice

Congrats Andrew and Becca!!! It sounds like all went well for both of you. You're happy bansters now. Some people say it's like a rebirth so... Happy Birthday!!!!!! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: Janice P.S. - Get lots of rest:notagree

Wow, you guys are doing great!!! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: You're great inspiration for us wannabe's. :confused: Janice

You should be able to buy sugar free vanilla at Star Bucks or 2nd Cup. Some grocery stores may stock them as well. They were much more plentiful when the low carb craze was going on, since then many grocery chains have discontinued stocking low carb items. You can also purchase them online, just search "low carb syrups or sugar free". I've tried most of them, Chai Tea, chocolate, Vanilla, Cherry, Caramel, Almond to name a few and they are terrific. Good luck to all the pre-op Optifasters starting this week! Just think - you're another day closer to surgery - now that's a good thing! :clap2: Janice

Hi Julie, when you say the dietician has aceepted another position are you referring to Nannette. I just spoke to her two weeks ago and she didn't mention that she was leaving. Janice

Hi Maria, I haven't commited to any clinic yet. I've only recently started researching this as an option for me and happened to come upon this forum just before Christmas. I must say I am excited so far in what I have learned about the Lapband as I have struggled with my weight all of my life. I was so excited to learned about Heritage House (and I'm sure there may be other places like this). You're right it does solve my problem of having no one to accompany me for surgery. :nervous Janice

Thank you Green and Yoda. This really helps me understand the distance much better. Green: "City stop and go driving" - boy can I relate to this. Calgary is an infrastructure driving nightmare, especially right now with all of our construction trying to eleviate the problems of not enough ample roads to allow traffic to get to main thoroughfares (sp?). Anyway, yes, I thought Heritage House sounded really nice and a very good option for those of us who have the delimma of not having a surgery companion. Janice

Hi Anne, I haven't scheduled it yet - financing problems! I'm aiming for late August/early Sept. I am currently a full-time student so juggling money and time is one of my pasttimes :girl_hug: One of the issues I have been thinking about lately was who I would ask to accompany me so when I saw your post, it was very timely. I have been debating whether it would be benefical, not to mention comforting, to have a friend or family member with me since it is major surgery. On the other hand, as Neenagh mentioned in an earlier post, I don't want to put out other people who also have very busy lives plus it's an additional expense for airfare, etc. I was wondering if paying for a nurse would be just as comfortable for me - not sure. I checked out their website - looks like a nice place. It sounds like you had a good experience at Heritage House and felt comfortable with the care. Thank you for sharing this information. I have added it to my list of things to reseacrh abit more. Pls feel free to private message me if there is any additional info you want to share about Heritage House or any additional thoughts on going it alone for surgery. Thanks, Janice

Thanks Greene. So how far is Miss. from TO in Km? Are we talking 30k or 130k? I live in Calgary and we have some cities such as Airdrie which is now like a suburb of Calgary becasue over the years the city has grown out to it. Thanks and sorry to be so geographically anal. Janice

Thanks Anne. Excellent option! I wonder if there is one of these near the TLBC clinic? I've never been to Ontario so I'm not sure how close Dr. C's clinic is to TLBC. Can anyone help me with this? :help: Thanks, Janice

Hi Anne, I love my cup of tea most days as well and I'm sure it will be a life saver post-op. I have a questin for you... what is Heritage House? I hope to be banded this year, just need to figure out my finances. One of the delimmas I will have is being able to arrange for someone to accompany me to Ontario. As I understand it, you need to have someone with you in your hotel room or pay for a nurse to stay with you. Your post has peaked my interest. Thanks, Janice