Doddie63

Hi: I am having trouble posting on this site. Anyone else. Doddie

Hi: I understand that all business goes under restructuring sometimes but what concerns me is that the principal player has left and now a key player in the clinic. A small business like that can go under rapidly especially with the competition now taking place. I have tried numerous times to get post surgery fill/defill service out here and have been turned away. I am about to travel to TO at a cost of roughtly $1,000.00 and I believe the clinic owes us an explanation on what is transpiring. I have one doctor I am going to try out here but most only handle their own patients. What I am saying is I could care less about staff comings and goings, but more concerned about my future care. Doddie

God! what is happening to the TLBC I am starting to get unnerved by all this. Someone has to start talking to stop speculations before the clinic falls apart. Rumours will bring down a business faster than a tornedo. Doddie

Hi Jurema: Congratulations, welcome soon to the bandsters legions. I know you have made the right decison. Doddie

Hi Cat: To answer you questions, I have tried to contact the clinic. I have telephoned and left a message. When I called again, I was told my message had been electronically forwarded but the person never called. I have emailed and received an event calendar back with no complete answer to my question. This morning after 3 attempts, I received an e mail back with my question answered. I put this down to the staff being too busy and we all know what electornic messaging can be like. I am frustrated BUT I would still recommend the TLBC highly again and again. I love the note above that stated out of province support is being worked on and I look forward to that. In the great picture, my questions on tiny and show my anxiety more than need but it is nice to recieve timely answers. Doddie

Hi Courtenay. When I told my sister in Jan. that I was having surgery, she cut off all contact with me. Said I was taking the "easy" way out as opposed to her having to struggle. I have finally come to terms with the hurt and moved on, but I wanted you to know you are not alone in your anxiety. Your feelings are real but the end results, I am sure will be that you are thrilled with the added tool of the band to help you along your way in your journey. If it helps any, try imagining yourself as the weight drops off oz by oz or lb by lb. With me it is oz for oz but I am still excited anyway. Keep on posting and someone somewhere is awake also and willing to help. Doddie.

Hi: Stuff the addiction nonsense. There is an article out today that British Gene hunters have found two very strong DNA genes that are markers for fat. Quote: The researchers first identified the gene FTO in the DNA of people with diabeties type 2 etc. They were surprised to find the marker was associated with increased body fat as measured by the BMI rather than insulin production so they scoured other DNA databases to see if the gene predisposed a person to obesity.In reviewing the genetics of some 39,000 people they found that individuals with one variant of the gene had a 30 percent higher risk of being obese than people without it........................on and on. At last we are getting scientific information out that takes us out of the freak show, addiction blame, etc and puts us squarely in the normal range depending on our genes. With the constant abuse from the media, school chumps, family enter pyschological damage and you have dynomite combination to weight gain. Plus the excellent documentary called "FAT" on PBS E we may actually start getting some support. In the meantime, I "weight" for noone as I struggle on my journey. Doddie

Hi your requests leaves me out, but if you don't get the answers here, try the Canadianbanders website thru Yahoo. Most patients are from the TLBC and Dr. C's clinic. There are a number that have pasted the year mark some into the 5 & 6 year mark. Doddie

Hi Courtenay. Talk away. We all share similar feelings and experiences. Family members can be enablers to a person who is overweight. They feel comfortable with a "fat" person for whatever reason they have. Others will resent you taking the initiative to do something. There is a recent British medical report just out that states they have found two genes in the DNA that promote obesity. At last there is now proof that we can't do it on our own over a lasting period of time. The band is our tool to control our gut and brain. Harvard University just put on a two hour program called "FAT, the things we are not told". It is on the PBS E on Sunday early morning hours. It is a repeat. If you haven't seen it you should try to. Well worth your self esteem. Doddie

Hi: Provinces vary, but you can get Weight Loss Surgery under the public medical system if you are willing to wait a few years. If you are low income, get your doctor to refer you to the surgeon authorized to do gastric bypass or band in some provinces to get on the waiting list. Then if you win the lottery check into a private clinci. You are covered both ways. The public list is only going to get longer so don't wait too long. Doreen

Hi Elm: thanks for the information. Like the banding, the time for my first fill is dragging. I get all sorts of worries. I have restriction now. If I get more restriction I feel so far away from the clinic. I know my GP will do a defill (he has never done it but he does have the CD) but that knowledge doesn't seem to ease the tension. Oh well, I have come this far, no backng out now. Doddie. Thanks again for the support.

Hi: Not only did I eat "my last supper" many times overagain, after I had the band on I religiously stuck to the clinic's direction. ONce I was on solids my brain said "test the waters". So it seems it is an on going battle.Doddie

The third opition is one I would not recommend until a few more bandsters post. I am a coward, and prefer to let others be the leader. Doddie

I love the burn sign. Too funny

Hi: I live in North Vanc. BC and I would highly recommend Dr. Yau. There is the downside that TLBC does not have arrangements with fill nurses in Western Canada. My doctor has said he will do my fills and I can go to Washington State but it is frustrating that TLBC does not support patients out here and we have to go to Toronto at great expense if my doc. is away on vacation or whatever. Also, lately, I have been having difficulty in getting answers to my e mails. I ask a question and I get electronic messages having no bearing on what I asked. I will be going to TO on April 23 and will ask what has been happening with the support to out of province patients. Doddie

I want to be able to walk without pain. I want to be able to wipe myself you know where I want to be able to see my toes

Well I did it. Testing Testing

By the way, I have to change my ticker because I purchased a new scale and it reads closer to my doctore, but it pumps 10 pounds on. Dam! been delaying for two days now. Been loosing 1/2 lb to 1 a week. At one time, I went 3 weeks without a loss so the new scale although is better shows me with a gain. Arrrrrrrrrrgh!

Ahhhhhhh! someday I will post my after picture. You look great. Doddie

Yes, but the tone is changing. The PBS show was very good in that a doctor was on that also had the band. Word of mouth amongst the medical profession will eventually filter down so the GPs know a little bit more about weight issues besides exercise and diet. What 'p.....s' me off is the doctor that sat in front of me was at least 275 lbs and he was telling ME I was too fat and I had to exercise and diet more. I just looked at him and said "pot calling kettle black ain't it" got up and left his office never to return. Doddie

Hi I saw it but what I would like to know how many doctors saw it. It seems the title alone would not entice anyone thin to watch it. I can't see a doctor/thin person turning on the programme although they are the ones that would learn from it. We all know the truth. Everything said by individuals on the emotions, etc are exactly what I have and am feeling and thinking. Doddie

Hi: Well at last there was a programme on PBS called "FAT" and it was about the emotional struggles we have as well as a doctor from Harvord U. with some very original thoughts on obesity. One doctor stated that if diet and exercise was the answer, we would all be thin. Also, an article in the Financial post states that there is medical evidence that diets don't work, in fact they make us fatter. Maybe, just maybe we are gettng closer to the civil servants giving us more than lip service with medical coverage. Doddie

HI: Everyone. Just got back from the diabetic dietician at hospital. Deprivation is not the way to go. If you like it, work it into your diet. One DQ is not going to hurt you, but I do agree eating as solice is a puzzle we all have to crack. I am sorry Bandiva for the shocking news you have just received. The age of your mother may be a good factor in her journey to fight breast cancer. Cancer does not spread as rapidly in the aged as it does the younger groups. Also, the suggestion to join a group that supports walking to show support is a great idea. Good luck and I hope you conquer your emotions. Doddie.

Hi Devana. Thank you. I am thrilled you responded. I will make a note of his name and contact him. I don't mind the $400.00 it is a lot cheaper than going to Toronto. Again thanks. Doddie

Hi: Know what you mean about the Holiday Inn on Bloor Street. I made a reservation for April 23-25 and asked for the medical rate. I was told there was no such rate and have to pay $144. I think there is another hotel around the clinic and if I find out the name that is where I will be staying in the futre. Doddie