Tres Chic

Everyone seems to have a different experience; Which foods work, which don't; weight loss expectations/results; lifestyle changes, etc?.... I've been banded for 2 1/2 years, have no regrets and have reached (more importantly "maintained") goal. This may not be the answer for everyone but it has been for me

Glad to hear it, Yasmina! My daughter and I joined CURVES about 6 weeks ago and we're going 3 to 4 times a week. It seems to be jump-starting my metabolism. I hate it, because I hate exercising, but I've lost a few inches and a clothes size. About the sideways port... Mine is flipped also (apparently everyone who got banded at TLBC at that time has the same issue -- it was just the way they did the bands then. Dr. Yau said he'd fix it once I'd reached goal. It's a minor procedure under local anesthesia. xo

Wow... you look incredible, Andrea!

Couldn't have said it better, Ruby!

The first doctors appointment usually talks about your overall health, what weight loss methods you've tried, how long you've been overweight... the usual "Intake" stuff. With insurance cases I think they have to book you for a Psych eval (they don't bother with this with the self-pay since). They'll also do (or send your for) the usual pre-op tests like blood, and a couple of x-rays. Good luck and keep us posted.

Rebecca: It's great to have those fast losses when the band is too tight. The problem I've found with keeping the band too tight is that you start eating all the wrong things because they go down easiest (i.e., icecream--the Devil's food!!!) Glad to learn you're doing better.

Doddie: I'm glad you found someone you like in BC to do the fills. With any luck, you won't have to have many and $80 is certainly easier to swallow (no pun intended) than having to fly back and forth from Toronto.

Doddie: I honestly didn't notice who was coming in or out the day of our surgeries, but it's nice to meet you. Your ticker shows you're doing very well. My weight loss has been slow, partially because I started with a lower BMI (I'd lost 50 lbs on Jenny Craig before being banded). I think I'm too restricted right now so I'm eating "bad things" (You know the ones??!!!). I'm planning to get a small defill in the next few weeks so that I can get some control. Do you have somewhere handy in Vancouver to get fills?

The first couple of fills provide very little restriction. By the third, you should be well on the way. Don't worry, it WILL work. Best wishes,

RPA - good luck with your first fill. It took me about 3 fills to get where I wanted to be and I've never regretted the decision to be banded.

RPA - where did Dr. Joffe do your surgery? He did mine, but his since left TLBC.

That's amazing Julie. You must feel like a different person.

Julie... great story! I'd be at goal if I could lob off 6.5 lbs of skin!!!

Kizzie... one surgery at a time there, my friend! Once you get close to your goal weight you'll have a better idea of what other cosmetic surgery you might need or want. If your clinic doesn't provide you with a list of foods and a timeline following surgery, you can check out www.tlbc.ca . It's the clinic in Toronto and they have a complete menu on their website. We'll be thinking about you on the 18th so check back when you can and tell us all how it went.

Kizzie... it's helpful to have lot's of advice because everyone doesn't have the same experience. For example, I had no shoulder pain or gas pain following surgery. I healed quickly (within days) and my only difficulty was the learning curve as you go through the phases of liquid, mushy, etc. Good luck with your journey... I've been banded since '07 and don't regret it.

Taking pills with a hot beverage often softens them and sends them on more quickly.

Just checking in to see how everyone is doing. Yasmina, I was doing the same as you... eating too often. Even small frequent amounts of the wrong things were sabotaging me. I've roped it in recently and have recently begun to lose again. The two main differences that I've gotten under control are: 1) no eating after 7 pm 2) no desserts (except on special occasions It seems to be working.

Great posts! LOL everyone... I'm Canadian and we're self-pay (meaning no psych eval required). They figure... "If you're crazy enough to pay $16,000, we're crazy enough to band you!"

I'm still here. I began with a lower BMI and I find that losing isn't as easy. On a happier note, I'm not gaining. I need to exercise more too. Tres Chic

I wholeheartedly agree with Andrew's tips, in particular the one about not over-filling. I made that mistake and gained almost 10 lbs eating cheese and icecream because they were the only things I could get down. Unfortunately, that's the down-side of paying one-shot and having the clinic closeby everytime you think you need a fill! Another good tip, ala Andrew is relying on some of the valuable support and advice on this forum. Congrats on your decision to get the band, Bettty. I can't wait for your one-year success story. P.S. I didn't realize so many of you guys are Westerners! I am originally too!

A lot of doctors are still not onboard with banding (or surgery for that matter) as a solution to permanent weight loss. Also, many doctors are ego-maniacs who feel that weight loss should be natural ... eat less, excercise more (RIGHT!!!--like we didn't try that!). I think those of us who tried every weight loss technique out there, and have finally found success and long term solutions with the band are in a better position to judge whether or not this work. I'm here to say it does....

Andrew: Congratulations -- you look amazing and could give Ben Affleck a run for his money. Argon: Below goal weight!!?? Look at you!! Wonderful -- was "below goal" the plan? It's been months since I've been online so it's great to see how well everyone is doing. It's been slow and steady for me, but I've plateaued (sp?) for a couple of months now. You've all motivated me and I'm going for a fill on Monday so I can get back in the game. Take care everyone! Tres

NOT A SINGLE REGRET. I've had my band for a year and have lost 30 lbs, with 20 to go. I began with a low BMI so I'm losing slower than some, but it's steady and I have nothing bad to say about the surgery or the band. I agree with whoever said that getting the accurate fill restriction is tricky. Since I'm self pay and in Canada, I can get fills or defills anytime, which makes it easier to get regulated and adjust when I need to. Tres

Don't rush those tummy tucks. I'm sure a lot of it is genetics, but I've lost 100 lbs., rarely exercise and am in my mid-50's. My weight hasn't changed for about 3 months now, and my stomach continues to flatten itself.

Season's Greetings Everyone... I'm doing great (only a few lbs. from goal). Hope everyone else is too! All the best,