JLB

Also, I think with scaring it just depends what type of healer you are. Some people get the bumpy look(forget what it's called) and others heal very well and it would be hard to find their scars. A family member of mine had Thyroid cancer and they open up her neck from ear to ear. A year later, I have to really look closely to see the scar. She wears low cut shirts and no makeup and honestly, you can barely see her scars. She's in remission. Lucky woman - in more ways than one! :huggie: Janice

Hi Lemonlulu, welcome! Take your time and do some research. From what I have learned it is one of the most successful WLS for keeping the lbs off long-term. Yoda is right on the money as usual. The Lapband is only a tool, you still have to do the work ie. eating healthy/exercise. If you have heard of ppl not being successful it's probably because of non-compliance. However, if you are ready and commited to changing your life and becoming healthier, then I believe the Lapband is one of the BEST tools out there. Good luck and happy sleuthing! Janice

Hi everyone, I'm a wannabe bandster and have been lurking around the site for the last little while. I've met some of you in other posts already and am glad to meet the other wannabe's that are lurking. I just want to reiterate what a few others have already said about the support on this forum and the quality of information - it is excellent! Many of my questions have been answered and there is always something new that pops up I never thought of. Thank you to everyone - a great collective knowledge base. :clap2: :first: :) Janice

Yep, I was suspicious of Oprah as well. Also, possibly Anna Nicole Smith. Janice

I also suspect that maybe Star Jones has a lapband since she was so insistent that she never had gastric bypass. Just a thought... Janice

I'm just curious. As I've cruised around different postings, I've noticed that many people, including myself, choose not to disclose their decision to have lapband surgery with others (friends, family, co-wrokers, etc). It is definitely a personal choice. Most celebrities and other famous people make it their business, literally, to remain slim. I know most have trainers and private chefs but I really wonder if any of them have had lapband surgery but have managed to keep it quite. What do you think? :guess Janice

I think it's a great idea but the labels should read: Warning: Although the size says 18 on this label - it's really a size 14. Buyer beware! Janice

Maggiec, TLBC told me that I would need to have blood tests, an EKG and an xray - all done through my own doctor in my city of residence. As for telling people - funny you should mention this. I was just thinking this afternoon about this very thing. I have not told anyone except a good friend of mine who lives in another province and doesn't have any communication with my local friends or any family members. I figured she was a good person to ask for feedback. I have various reasons for not telling everyone in my life as I'm sure most others do. I don't want to cause unnecessary worry and also some of my family are not very supportive, so I'm choosing to keep it to myself and not be (annoyed) by others who may be uninformed. I was also thinking of starting a new thread to see what people think about Celebs or other famous people that may have had this surgery done but kept it secret. So many of them are slim and have to be for their profession. Hmmmm..... :guess Janice

Argon, you are too funny! Even though us newbies are persistent with our endless questions (Ok somtimes paraniod questions) you always answer honestly but with a fresh sense of humor - keeps things in perspective! :girl_hug: Thanks, Janice

Hi Maggiec, I'm a newbie too and was really confused by all the abbreviations used in the posts. I found a great sticky post in the Lapband FAQs and References Forum which gives a list of all the abbreviations and what they mean - might be helpful for you, it sure helped me! Anyway, when I spoke to Dr. Cs clinic they told me that you have to go on Optifast for several weeks before surgery (duration differs for each person depending on your weight, liver fat, etc.), each case is $35 for 12 (don't quote me but I think that's what it was). Argon: Your info is always right on the mark - at least that's the way I see it! :biggrin1: But you said something that has put me back to paranioa land. :faint: "Didn't knick my liver" Huh? Is this another risk - what does it mean to the unfortunate who has their liver knicked? See - your wisdom has me forever coming up with more questions

I'd pay more for it too. I must say, I got abit paraniod when I read the posts about missing the port and possibly putting a hole in the tube. I hadn't even considered this until I read it. However, I'm sure it's one of those far and few in between complications - hopefully! Thanks for the info Argon! Janice

Hi all, I have what is probably a silly question but since we're talking about PBing and such, I'll go ahead and ask it. Yoda, you mentioned that "People with the lapband do not vomit in the regular sense....they can't anymore....nothing actually comes up from the stomach itself and therefore there is none of that wicked bile etc..... " but what if you simply have the flu, wouldn't you be heaving with the best of them? Also, what if you have dry heaves, do you think this would affect the band and possibly cause it to slip? Further, back in May 2006 I suddenly got Vertigo. I've never had it before and it literally hit me out of the blue. I couldn't stand up, my world was spinning and everything was upside down, hence - I did alot of throwing up. After the band, what happens if you have the vomit reflex? I understand PBing is something completely different (from not chewing properly, etc and food simply just comes back up more slike spitting it back out as I understand). I know, I know... probably silly questions but it is something that has crossed my mind. Anyone have any thoughts? Janice

Hi Argon, Yes, I understand Dr. Mitchell does fills for Dr. C. at a cost $ 125 per but I don't know of anyone else in Calgary. Hi Andrew, I think the Fuoro is a great way to go too but what I've found out so far is that it's pretty difficult to get it done this way because you need a referral to a Radiologist at a hospital which a doc doesn't necassarily want to give unless there's a really good reason to do so. If anyone knows any different, please chime in, especially if you know a way to get fluoro fills in Calgary. Sorry Andrew, don't know anything about the Blue Cross thing but you could give it a go. All they can say is no. Thanks a bunch, Janice :biggrin1:

Hi Maggie, I can't answer your insurance question but as for the fees, I believe both Ontario clinics charge $16K. I know some of the complications or side effects I've read about can be scary but so are health complication due to obesity. Good for you for making an informed choice on whta's best for you. Let us know how everything goes. Janice

Time2Live: Figures, I knew it sounded too good to be true.

Thanks Louise, good points to consider. Also, TLCB told me that they are training nurses in Calgary in early 2007 to do fills and said the cost would probably be included in the total $16K fee or if not, then a very minimal charge. Janice:)

Hi Yoda, well... learn something new everyday! This fluro method sounds great for fills. Just out of curiousity I called Dr. Mitchell's office here in Calgary and he doesn't do it. He will assess you and if he feels you need it he will then refer you to the hospital and the radiologist will do it. The Receptionist also told me that if it's done in the hospital it is covered by Alberta Health Care but not sure if this is true or not. Thought this might be interesting for those bandsters in Calgary, if they are interested in investigating further. Have a great day! Janice :biggrin1:

Thanks Dame. I assume you've seen these plans on his website so I'll cruise over there and take a look.

Thanks everyone for all the info., there is such a wealth of info on this forum and a great bunch of people who are always willing to share and help us newbies. I really appreciate it. :clap2: I wish I could visit several clinics but finances kind of prevent me from flying to and fro. So I guess I'll just continue reading posts and will eventually probably choose from word of mouth. Sounds like both clinics are a good bet and I couldn't go wrong with either. Argon: I didn't realize Dr. C's office was moving, do you know if he will still be located in Miss.? Yoda: No, I don't know what Fluro means but I will definitely do a search on that right now. Thanks,

Thanks Atir, I'm glad everything has been going well for you. I've read a bit about the PBing also. I think most times people seem to be able to control it better or with trial and error learn which foods are better tolerated than others. I also read that right after fills it can be more irritating so some people go back to liquids for a wekk or so and then reintroduce other foods slowly. Slow but steady is a great way to lose weight and proves to be successful in keeping it off too. Thanks for the info on Dr. J - he is quite impressive. Janice

Hi Atir, good to hear from you. So you were banded at TLBC. What did you think of the pre-op/post-op care, the clinic and staff, etc. I'm interested in hearing more about why you chose TLBC over other clinics. I'm still on the fence and haven't decided for sure where to go so anything you can tell me would be helpful to add to my research. How have you been adjusting to the changes since surgery? Thanks and congrats on your loss so far - you're doing great! Janice

Yoda, I sure wish I knew about this surgery long ago. As I understand it, Lapband was first performed about 6 yrs ago or so by Drs. J/Y in TO. I only heard about Lapband surgery a few months ago - must have had my head in the sand! By the way... congrats on your 61 lb loss. You are doing fabulous! I noticed you were banded in TO. Do you live out there and go to the same clinic for your fills or??? Would you be willing to share any other info regarding your experience at the TO clinic. I am still in the deciding mode so I definitely appreciate any info about different surgeons/clinics. Thanks, Janice :help:

Yoda, you are so right, wouldn't want to sway anyone in either direction. I have personal reasons for my expression of choice ie. gut feeling but also family in the area, etc. Thinking out loud I guess. I know Dr. Joffe /Yau are also good and were the first to perform the surgery. I haven't been on the board for very long but for the postings I've read Dr. C is mentioned way more than Drs J/Y. Anyway, just an observation. I would love to read more about both Drs. Helpful to get everyone's views on thier experiences with different surgeons/clinics. Janice

Soooooooo true Andrew! As you may recall I am currently working on my BSW and I too have found that average weight people fair much better in the world of work. It's a shame that our society can be so shallow and judge people on their outer appearance. Over weight people are often viewed as lazy or stupid - far, far, far from the truth - obviously!!! Anyway... I have two very good reasons for working my a.. off to get a loan and go East for surgery. First, my age, I'm turning 45 this month and my family history of heart disease is overwhelmingly huge. My dad had his first open heart surgery at 49 and his second at 78 which he didn't recover from and died in the ICU at Foothills in 2005. My oldest brother died suddenly at 50 yrs of age from a heart attack in Dec 2004, six months prior to my dad's death. My second oldest brother had open heart surgery at 48 years of age. So I figure, Lapband surgery is something that may help me avoid or at least help reduce my risks for heart problems. Second, I think the risk for infection during surgery in the regular hospital system is much, much higher than in a private clinic. I personally have heard of at least five people in the last few years who have gone in to the hospital for routine surgery and acquired an infection, sometimes life threatening. Going the private clinic route is so much safer and I believe, more efficient - definitely a better bang for your buck! :clap2: Janice

I agree. 2-tier is very positive if you can come up with the money. However, I don't agree if it moves the less fortunate further down the list. It all has to do with doctors and if there are enough to work in both systems. Right now in Alberta we have a shortage of doctors so who knows if it would benfit everyone or not. I hope to be in a position to qualify for a loan in the near future and will be off to TO like the rest of you. By the way Andrew... your surgery date must be getting close. All the best and I can't wait to hear all about your banding experience. If I was to go out East I think I would probably choose Dr Cobourn as well. Don't know why, just a gut feeling. It seems that many more people in this forum talk about Dr. C than they do about Dr. Joffe/Yau. Janice