Cindy_D

Lferland I was banded yesterday. Today Dr. C will be calling me - if I have any questons/concerns I can see him or the nurses at any time or certainly contact them by email/phone. I have done a lot of reading of the boards, both here an on the SWLC site - the aftercare appears to be better than the other clinics in Toronto (based on conversations I had at the lapbanders lunch last Sunday). I was told yesterday by Tammy that while I would have more contact with the nurses, if I wanted to see Dr. C that was fine and they would set up the appointment. The bottom line there is that they do want to hear from you on a regular basis. Dr. C is occassionally on the site in the chat room - I spoke to him twice leading up to my surgery. A few of the recent bandies did run into trouble and were seen as soon as possible - to have this resolved. I'd suggest you head over to the clinic site and have a look. The fact that Dr. C has trained fill docs/nurses across the country to help ensure the out of province folks don't have to travel to the clinic speaks volumes. You have done very well with your weight loss by the way. Cindy

Lori - I really don't care if they chat - I have a very thick skin, and this is for me, not for them. For the most part they are an awesome staff, and they know how I feel about them. I am in the process of tying up loose ends and have been told "no email's during vacation". I am famous for trying to keep on top of things - they're taking more bets on whether I can stay off the blackberry for two weeks, than they are about the surgery. Donna shame on you - even I had to say, "ewwwwwwwwww".... Cindy

Thanks Lori - I have so many things to tidy up at work I am able to only think about it 50% of my time. Somehow word has gotten out among my staff and they have been as supportive as my fellow managers(about getting banded). I feel really fortunate with this - it does make a difference. I have to mention though (and likely my fellow nurses and healthcare workers will relate more easily to the odd sense of humor), my coordinator came in Monday to inform me she had a dream about my surgery the night before - the clinic had run out of bands, and they made do with a condom wrapped around the stomach instead. We both howled - now if I get a chance I will have to share this one with Dr. C and the surgical team. I know, I know, some of you may not be able to relate to this one, but you have to forgive the critical care nurses - we are an odd lot! Cindy

Angel I am being banded on the 24th as well. I can't wait and have no qualms. I have made promises to myself that I will listen to the very sage advice of others who have said "Listen to your body - if something seems wrong, check it out." This is going to be a second chance at a new, healthy life. You have a grandchild you want to see grow up and enjoy roughing housing with - not fun to have to watch life and living pass us by. Hold onto the hopes for the future and look at this as the tool to help you get there! Good luck. Cindy

I can echo those sentiments - too bad we were late, but sure appreciate those of you who stayed to chat with Lori and I. Next time we will be on time. Thanks for all the encouragement and tips. Cindy;)

I think we can all feel isolated at times - this journey seems lonely no matter how supportive significant others seem to be. The lady who called me (her name is at the office) said she was new to the clinic and was just touching base to see how I was doing and that I could call whenever I wanted. I think she will be a very busy asset to the clinic as we move forward. Good luck. Cindy

Hi Leslie - please don't be discouraged. This is still early days for you. Everything I have read indicates that the first 6 weeks post banding is all about healing, not necessarily losing weight. It is also a time to practice our new eating habits - practice is certainly going to be needed. Have you tried emailing the clinic? I haven't found any trouble contacting them and infact they have contacted me a few times already as I prepare for surgery. On Thursday a dietician contacted me to say she was now working with the clinic and would be following up with me post-surgery. Have you called to talk to her yet? We have a wonderful tool with the band and it comes with the promise of support from both the clinic and from the support systems on this site and on the Surgical Weight Loss site. Good luck and don't lose hope. Cindy As far as the ticker goes, go to your profile and where it says insert signature past the URL from the ticker site between the . That should do it - it will upload automatically with each post if you have checked show you signature. You still have to update your ticker on a regular basis. Hope this works - I haven't figured out the picture yet, but partly because I really don't have one to attach.

I have been told to keep everything: mileage (keep the dates of trips to the clinic for fills, appointments etc if you live > ?km away - check with your tax accountant, but I'm 200 Km), Optifast receipts, physician charges for the physical - several of our docs charged to complete the form - mine was $50.00 cost of procedure not covered elsewhere - apparently Sunlife does cover some portion of the costs but most extended health benefits do not - mine has a section that specifically states weight loss procedures are excluded I am not really all that knowledgable about tax law/process but depending on your tax backet, you could see a refund of about $ 3,000 - 3500.00. I'm thinking your medical expenses need to be about 3% of your taxable income to be considered? Essentially I'm keeping everything, and I'll let them sort out what counts. Cindy:biggrin1:

I sure hope so as I am planning on being there and it will be very lonely (and dangerous) all alone. I am driving in from Peterborough. Cindy

Thanks for the reminder Sweet - you're right - the message should be everything allowed in proportion. Even our optifast contains some carb - I think my issue would be not knowing when to stop eating the beasties...:faint: Cindy

You are doing very well on the diet you are following - congratulations. I have discovered that Carbohydrates are my mortal enemy and as long as I avoid them I will lose weight and avoid the hunger pains. The Optifast that our physicians use provides everything we need and I am thrilled at the weight loss. Sept 21st will be here before you know it. Keep busy. Cindy

Sherrylynn you have waited so long - you must be feeling lots of aprehension. Will you have a pre-op diet? I'm 11 days into my 3 weeks of Optifast - luckily I'm one of the ones who likes it - but it is a long time... Sept. 21st will be here before you know it. Cindy

Drink a hot cup of tea and go to bed - with luck you will fall asleep and wake in 6 - 8 hours ready to tackle the world. Good luck and let us know how you make out. Cindy

Where will you have the surgery and why such a long wait? Good luck! Cindy

Argon I would only if they ask - did you use an accountant or a tax firm? If not and they want originals I would photocopy everything and if they won't let you take them to the office, then send them registered. Good luck! Cindy

Sorry to hear that Sweet - hopefully the defill will give you time for your stomach to heal and then you can start over in a few weeks. Hang in there. Cindy

I probably shouldn't wade in on this one again, but I am really appauled at the lack of respect and understanding of what is involved in providing safe medical practice. A case cost of $600.00 does not remotely begin to cover the costs and depreciation of equipment, time for the physicians, nurses, clerical staff, let alone the costs associated with electricity, rent, property taxes etc. Then there are the costs associated with sterizilizing equipment, cleaning of rooms, costs of disinfectants, aneasthetics, etc. etc. Physicians choose products based on data provided by years of experience, as well as evidence based literature. While the basic "how to's" of inserting a lapband may be provided by the vendor of the product, it does not account for the fact that physicians who do this procedure have the requisite knowledge to ensure they don't incorrectly cut the muscles, tissues and organs while they are doing the procedure. Hospitals and clinics struggle to keep costs in check while providing quality products and care. I don't disagree that this procedure should be covered by the health care system - however, the decisions on what procedures, medications, products to cover come under provincial jurisdiction and that varies from province to province. Our physicians in Ontario are working at raising awareness of the need for improved accessibility to WLS procedures - having patients, family support those efforts would be helpful. Minimizing the skill required for a physician to successfully and safely perform all of the manual tasks required to insert a lapband is not helpful. Cindy

Good luck Short C - why the decision to go to Mexico for banding? Just curious about the rationale and how you are going to manage aftercare. I am feeling quite fortunate to have found the Surgical Weight Loss Clinic and Dr. Cobourn in Toronto. Cindy

While knowing the reason for the pains doesn't make it hurt less, at least you have a reason and know it will gradually subside. Take it one day at a time and hang in there. Cindy

I can relate to the feelings of not being excited about the weight loss - it doesn't seem real. I will be banded on the 24th of August, and am starting to lose on the pre-brand diet (Optifast), but my personal history has been lose 20 - 25 pounds and within a few months regain that plus another 20. The only time my weight seemed to stabalize (I didn't gain) was when I quit trying to lose. My expectation is that these feelings will change once I surpass my previous losses and continue to lose. That will be the turning point. Cindy:clap2:

Sweet sounds like it's time to call the clinic and review all this with someone. That's what they are there for - good luck - no time to get discouraged now. C.

Are you using the Gas-X? Some of the gas you are feeling may be from the CO2 that is in the abdominal cavity - there is no place for it to go and will reabsorb over time. I have read that people try heating pads, hot water bottles with some success. Good luck and let us know what does work.

Oh good for you Mandi! I can't wait. You have really worked hard at this and I hope to do as well in my own journey!

Great update Sweetforlife - I'm so pleased it went well for you and you lost that 15 pounds - you were soooo worried...Did you see QueenB? I have managed to get through almost 6 days of Optifast - not a real hardship at all - and the time is going quickly. Soon I will be joining you in the real journey. Take care - keep in touch.

Doddie we're all so different and will lose differently. It is helpful to hear the tips that help others succeed, but if we constantly compare ourselves to someone else, we run the danger of feeding insecurities. This is my race and I'm glad others are along for the view - but you are involved in your own races - and you know what? the only failures are the ones who give up trying....