Doddie63

Yes D there will be a meeting in July. Every 3rd Wednesday. Contact Canadagirl33@hotmail.com and she will put you on her reminder list. She founded our group and we would love to meet you and answer any questions you may have.

I agree. If you don't want a new doctor, by-pass the staff and go directly to the surgeon. Staff can't stop you making an appointment. If you freeze up when confronted by a doctor (I certainly do), pre write your questions out. Ask them one at a time and try to get in your feelings and thoughts .

Thats Ok Argon. I love the fact she is looking for aftercare. You can't imagine how I have been jumped on for mentioning aftercare. Seems there are a few sensitive people out there that don't like me reminding potential bandsters to ensure they have good aftercare. The perception of after care on people starting their research is much different to the reality. Can't imagine why there is such pressure for me to be quiet, unless of course, they represent a particular clinic. Anyway, Argon I think or hope we have helper this person on the start of her queries.

Argon: Sheelk's posting asks for information on the Vancouver doctor. That is what i gave her. Sorry if I misunderstood.

sheelk. Hi - Dr. R. Woodhed does fills for other doctors in Canada. He charges $400.00 consult fee and $80.00 a fill. Cheaper for me than going to Toronto, although I do try to go there if I can. Dr. W. used to do fills for Mexican patients, but I understand he no longer will take on out of country patients. The only way you will find out is by telephone his office in Ladner/Delta. I don't like posting telephone numbers, but I am sure he is in the telephone book.

Mine was in the usual place but since I have had the port straightened, it is directly right of the long scar. I suspect the port is placed by the surgeon in an area he thinks is best for your body configuration. Just a guess.

If you search the TLBC website in Toronto, there is a link to a medical financial loan company. I don't know if they cover Mexican surgical clinics but can't see why not. I understand rates are high and if possible to stick with banks. I personally cashed in an RRSP.

Thanks Tres Chic. My weight has been slow and steady coming off. A magical amount of 1/2 lb per week on average. You are right, I am at my sweet spot of 5.5 ccs. I can't eat over 1 cup of food. What shocks me is I am more restricted at dinner time and after than I am in the morning. Where I read people are tight in the morning. Guess being left handed I am "a.. backward". LOL Doddie

On canadianlapbanders.com there are a number of posts from Manitobans. This site is Canadian lapbanders mostly from the SWL or the TLBC, but Manitobans are now using it. You may also want to check that out. They are now starting up a support group which will be very helpful to you.

try asking the company first then check with the mexican hospital if they accept this insurance? There are some links on having surgery in Mexico, you may want to scroll down the home page and pick a few to review. Whatever you decide, make aftercare part of your decision making process. It can be a minefield of difficulty depending of where you live and the availability of willing fill nurses/doctors.

After suffering severe panic when my GP pulled out of the arrangements for fills I had to go back to Toronto for two of the fills at a cost of just under $1,000 each trip. Dr. Yau then referred me to a Dr. Woodhead in Delta, approx. 1 hr drive away from my home. He charges $400.00 as a consult then $80.00 per fill. I really like him. He prefers I come in every few months to see how I am managing. My weight pattern is so funny. I start the month off low then gain throughout the month (water I assume) then at the end of the month or the start of next, I show a weight lower. I continually lose 1/2 pound per week consistantly. No record breaker but I am happy.

TresChic: Seems we were neighbors on Feb. 01/07. Been reading thru the comments and agree the two clinics with their surgeons are great. The only comment I can make is to ensure you have aftercare and a possible backup to the arranged aftercare that you could be comfortable with.

I really enjoyed the large turnout. Who would of thunk so many would come out. It was so much fun listening to the comments of evryone about their journeys and we had some great laughs to. For months, the attendance was 3 sometimes just one so it was a great feeling to know there are others. Hope you all continue to come.

Hang in there sunshine. The end result is way beyond what you would imagine. Good health, energy, able to do things others do. Your are doing great.

Hi Anita. Thanks for posting the information, but you don't have to sign off if you still want support. Drop in once in awhile to the Lion's Gate, we are not exclusive to bands. Just a support group with similar issues. The gastric by pass include all as well. Hope to see you at the odd meeting.

Buffie. I am so happy that you were able to solve your pain problem with removal of scar tissue as opposed to the band. May your recovery be speedy and healthy.

Zenaromy. I am a "graduate bandster" of the TLBC. Dr. Yau is a terrific doctor. In fact as you probably know, one of the doctors that introduced the band to Canada. I have a few personal observations I could make if you wish to e mail me or send a private message. Good luck on your journey. The Lion's Gate meetings are every 3rd Wednesday of the month and posted on 3 sites. BC WLS.com, Canadianlapbanders.com and Lapbandtalk.com. We start at 7:00 pm officially, but one member who drives down from Pemberton arrives at 6:30 pm. Hope you can make it as we are now 13 members and we had a number of laughs but also discussed the good and the downside to the band. Also, to get a fill in BC you must apply to Dr. R. Woodhead in Delta. He charged me $400.00 for the consult and $80.00 per fill. Much cheaper than flying back to Toronto for a "free fill"

Katie 59. Hope you get an early date. Good luck. Did we meet at the Lion's Gate last night meeting? If not, please come and join us if you can. There are now 13 of us. Everyone from different ages to different clinics to different times of having the band. The experiences shared was wonderful.

Hi everyone. You all seem to be back on track and thinking of progressing on in the journey. Hopefully supporting each other we can all meet our goals.

Good, when you are eating think of your friends and how you feel when dining out. Slow take your time. Sure hope to hear you arenow moving on to a lower weight.

In our local paper today was an article written by a Professor in our University on "the last 10 pounds". He writes 1. Stabilize blood-sugar levels. 2. Spoil your appetite before you get to the high-fat, high calorie part of the meal 3. Eat a solid breakfast with adequate protein and a reasonable number of calories 4. Get out the weights to build muscle mass 5. Increase the intensit of your exercise 6. Eat fish oil. Fish oil has been sow to boost metabolism and improve fat burning and increase carbohydrate storage in muscles 7. Eat protein with each meal 8. Keep your eyes on the prize 9. Have a support group 10. Be realistic. These suggestions could also apply to a plateau I would think. Just thought I would post them incase anyone was looking for areas they could get that final push.

Carlene: You are a gorgeous wonderful mom to take on your grandchildren for your DD and in all probablity giving the children an upbringing they so richly deserve. My bro in law is an alcoholic and a bi polar now in his 70's. Has been sober pretty much of of the time with a few slips. AA helped him and today he is in his 30th year. My sister went to Alanon for support. Somehow you wonderful woman must make time for yourself. All the baby chasing etc is tiring, but nothing like a little time off for yourself will revitalize you. You need that aqa walking. Is there anyone you know that could take the children for a 1/2 hour. In our community centre, they have day care for single moms while they take the exercise program. Any around your area? Just a few thoughts.

carlene - ouch, you do have problems. Does you doctor have any suggestions. Perhaps a personal trainer? or a program worked out for you by the Arthritis Associaton in your area. I find working in the garden helps me bend, stretch, etc. I have arthritis in the knees hip and arm but not enough to affect my gardening (darn). I go to aqua fit classes in the winter but take the summer off to garden.

Peaches: Relax there is nothing wrong with Peanut M&Ms. Just factor them into your daily intake. I have cheezies every other day but never more than the one serving. It brings my calorie count up, but when I check FitDay for daily intake I still come in average of 1011. So give yourself a pat on the back and look at the real reasons you are having a bit of a stall. Are you exercising consistantly? Are you too tight and finding you are eating high calorie easy foods such as mashed potatoes, mashed tuna salada. Are you eating the 3oz of HARD PROTEIN which makes you chew and fills the pouch quicker? I find when I have the hard protein, I can't eat for three or four hours but when I make Tuna salad I am grazing in minutes. How I wish I was at 180. Just set your mind to getting to 179 by the end of the month. No more. It seems the 180 is a psycological barrier so you need to focus on only one pound. Hope a few of these ideas will help.

Well take it easy on the exercising in that heat. I can't imagine that as we rarely get over 90 usually we are around 70 - 80 in the summer months. Is there a nice non alcoholic drink you make?