Doddie63

Hi we were out to New Brunswick, saw Newfoundland (The Rock) and PEI. Rather enjoyed ourselves. I think anyone from Sask would enjoy the Maritimes because of the similarities of the people, friendly and not crowded with people. Vancouver has become a huge ugly city with all the warts that come with growth. Yes we have the beauty, but real estate is high, rental non existance, rents skyhigh and general the cost of living takes its toll. Where do you get your fills??

Argon: No way change the ticker. For all you know, you could just be retaining water. If you are tight and drinking lots of water I don't know about you but I bloat. My body is consistant. If I am eating less calories I loose for 2 weeks gain big time the 3rd and loose again in the 4th week. Never varies. If it does vary, I am cheating. Anything we can do or say to help you with your challenge. That 100 looks pretty good to me. Doddie

Argon: Out in the boonies? what do you do?

I have the French MidBand and I was due for my first fill March 20, but I had to rebook for April 24th. I am told that the first fill is around 5 ccs by the fill nurse. As I have fears of coming back to N.Van and puking up any food I eat, is it possible to ask for a smaller fill or does one have to go by the instructions of the fill nurse? I won't have easy access to the clinic. Doddie

Jackson's mom: Congratulations on your decision and I think you are correct to keep your wonderful decision to yourself until you are assured the person/people you tell will be supportive. I told my sister (who is a carbon copy of me only 18 months older). She told me she no longer wanted contact with me because she couldn't stand to see me get thin while she stayed fat. It is most unfortuante for her because she can't have the band. Her health is too bad and no reputable doctor would perform the surgery. Still it hurts to know she resents me wanting to be healthy and happy. Doddie

Hi: I second Katz. Although just starting out, I already have improved self esteem. I am in control and when I stray, the band gives me a pinch to remind me of my goals. The worst - the recommend slow progress is not in my nature, and I am impatient to get to normal weight. Doddie

Hi I would like to get in on this too. I start whole food in three days time so my goals are: 1. Loose 1 lb per week for March 2. Walk a bit more 3. Try not to binge or graze

Hi Mommy 2. Have you contacted your family GP. The TLBC supplies a DVD aimed at instructing family GPS on how to do a fill and defill. My GP has never done a fill but said the DVD is excellent and he will do it for $35.00. I have heard other GPs do it free and one for $20.00. thanks for the encouragement about the tuna. Amazing how ones conscience takes hold when one cheats abit. Doddie

Thanks susansliver. I am glad you are going to be staying a hospital being as you are a diabetic. I honestly think you picked the best two doctors on the continent and the best clinic. They are very helpful. Due to my lack of knowledge, I didn't have a very good consult, but after Dr. Joffe talked to me I was impressed and went ahead and I don't regret it one moment. I am only a diabetic 2 and already off the metformin. When I start exercise, I am hoping to drop all meds. Good luck on your journey and keep us posted. Doddie

Hi Susansilver: When are you to be banded Doddie

HI jUDE048: I was banded Feb 01/07 and I have had a small red spot around one incision that I can't make go away. It keeps breaking open and small spots of pus comes out. I thought I would be stupid to go to the doctor over such a small problem. Now that you have said you have one I think I will be going to see my doctor today. Thanks for posting.

Thanks Green. I am looking forward to the trip. Nancy C you are doing so great. Know how you feel in a small way. I wear a 5X sweat shirt and today I am wearing a 3X. Haven't tried new pants yets. Congratulation. Doddie

Thanks I will try. This band is becoming my conscience already and we have had one or two arguments. The band won Doddie

hi: yes I have told her you were asking about her. Next e mail, I will tell her to contact you. I am a binger and I never thought I could binge on mushies. Today I found out differently. Ate a whole tin of tuna. As someone said, the band is a tool not the whole answer. Doddie

What I am concerned about is that at present, with no fill, I have restriction when I eat mushies (probably too fast). When I am told the usual first fill is 4 ccs (Fr. Midband) I wonder if that will be too tight. It has to be correct when I leave Toronto, as my doctor has never done it before and he is not open on the weekends. Doddie

Hi: I was given the French MidBand. It is supposed to be wider and softer. Dr. Joffe and Yau are the two pioneers of the banding process in Canada and they use all types depending on your stomach. They make the decision at the time they are inside you. The doctors you have chosen are excellent as well. email me privately if you wish at doddie63@hotmail.com. We can carry on a more private conversation. Doddie

Hi: Have you ever tried the Canadianlapbanders website. They are all patients from the TLBC and/or Dr. Coburn and Mumsford. They are a great group and very helpfull. What other forum have you been using. Yes the Canadian experience is different because our gov't has approved 4 different types of bands where in the USA I think there is only one. Also, their insurance problems are different. Doddie

Hey Mommy202: Where do you live now. Congratulations on your banding date. Any questions about the surgery just post and I bet you will get a lot of help. Doddie

Hi: noticed the comment about buffie and just want you to know she is my "buddie" that was set up by the clinic on the TLBC website. She is doing extremely well and she has been a great support to me. Although I live in North Vancouver, I was born and raised in Yorkton and my family live in Saskatoon. So having a "buddie" from 'toon' is great.

Hi; I have been reading the posts and noticed you all are doing exceptionally well. I am too new on my journey to have much to contribute but I sure enjoy hearing about all your experiences. Doddie

Hi Bandiva: Excellent thoughts but one seems to be missing. Being alone. One of the most dangerous triggers. Have you experienced being alone for long periods of time? There are a lot of overweight people who have little or no friends but the TV and Internet which is not a script for weight loss. Doddie

and safe too. Old premises tend to develop nooks and crannies that harbor nasty little bugs, etc. and I would think the sanitizing of the old place would have been pretty difficult. New is definately better.

Hi Mandi: Know you are right. I should enjoy how I am feeling for the moment. Get my first fill April 24th and wondering how it will go. I am comfortable and to interrupt my comfort zone and maybe have problems does give the worry wart sydrome. Your 102.4 looks absolutely great. Have you had serious problems in your journey? Doddie

I am on mushies and loosing 2 lbs a week, but the time seems to be dragging before I go on solids. Funny though, I am not hungry and haven't had my first fill yet. Wonder why I would need a fill if this keeps up. How is everyone else making out? Doddie

Welcome to the journey. I know you will do great. Doddie