Tyler883

I'm currently 380 I feel that 250 would significantly reduce my health problems and health risks. I would feel more than energetic enough to do the things that I want to do in life. ie work in my backyard, take my son out camping.

I was nicknamed "newman" from the Jerry Seinfield show. I was also nicknamed "Norm" from Cheers. Why couldn't I have been "John Candy" or "Drew Cary"? I like them. but personally, It pisses me off to no end when someone says "Hey, Boss...."

I am really sorry for starting another thread on the same topic. If the moderators see this post, could you please merge my thread into the larger thread? Thank you Tyler

I am really sorry for starting another thread on the same topic. If the moderators see this post, could you please merge my thread into the larger thread? Thank you Tyler

Hi, I have already made the phone call, and I'm planning on going to TLBC to be lap banded. I was wondering if any of you have chosen to keep your lapband a secret? Here's a possible reason, why I was considering keeping it a secret: - I could be known at work as " Tyler the guy who lost tons of weight and is looking great. he has really found a new and bright outlook on life, he's the guy to have on your team " or if I tell them about the band, I could be known as "Tyler, the lap band guy that lost tons of weight....but do you know why he hasn't lost that last 50lbs? it because of his bad eating habits....last month I saw him eat a hamburger" --------------------------------- I know what you are thinking...not everyone is that shallow, right? But, I'm paying big bucks for this operation, should I go for maximum advantages? I'm being sincere about this, and i would apreciate and respect opinions for or against this idea. Thank you Tyler

Hi, I've recently heard of some comments about some of the bariatric surgeries actually cause Type 2 diabetes to go into a remission like state, long before you improve you insuline resistance throught weightloss. Does anyone know more about this? Personally, I've never wanted to consider anything other that the Lapband, but is it possible that one of the other procedures might be better for treating my diabetes? thanks Tyler

Am I correct to say, most people never reach their ideal weight thus requiring a maintenance program. Instead, most of us reach a plateau before we reach our target weight.... a 'balance' rather than a maintenance program.

Hi jjsmiles, congratulations on your progress Thank you for the insight into the Calgary WMP program. It s sounds like a great program. unfortunately I suspect that it I won't be able to benefit from. I've reached and read a million books on health and nutrition. So much so, when I took the Living Well classes last year, I don't think I learned anything new. My weight problem runs much deeper than knowledge. I think it has more to do with my "I'm full" nerve being broken. Plus, I'm finding the information and support for lapband is duplicated many times over in places like this forum, and in the post op services that are offered through the lap band centre that I investigating. MY target date for surgery is September. I am told that I can get surgery in much sooner, perhaps 3-4 weeks. But if I wait till September I will have plenty of time to prepare for it. Plus Sept is a better time of year for me to start off on the right foot, when it comes to changing my lifestyle. Thank you Tyler PS do you mind if I ask you a few questions from time to time?

ok, please forgive the newbie question, how long does it take a slip to reposition itself? ie is it 1 trip to the doctor, or more?

Hi Angie, thank you very much for the phone number. I'll be able to use it to get my family physician to make a referal. Angie, I was hoping for an opinion from you. Do you believe that the information in the weight loss management program is duplicated on this website and others? The reason why I am asking is: I'm beginning to wonder if getting into the calgary program is more trouble than it's worth. After all, the waiting list is long enough that I plan to pay for my surgery in Toronto.

Hi Heather, When I saw this, my eyes lit up with hope. Do you have any contact information, or a tip or a lead that can help me find someone in Alberta? thank you Tyler

I have some experience with protien shakes from my days messing around with weight lifting. it is my absolutely strongest opinion ( am I convincing enough?LOL) that the best Protein drinks will come from your blender at home, using fresh milk. Or if you are on the go, just keep a shaker bottle full of the protien powder, and buy the milk fresh from a corner store. I know this might sound a bit disgusting, but I haven't met a can of protien that didn't taste a bit like baby formula, or sour milk. I don't know if I'll be allowed to drink this, but my favorite shake is: - 32 grams of chocolate protien powder - 1 cup of skim milk - 4-6 icecubes - 1 tablespoon of Peanut Butter ( for fat)( probably not allowed, right?) - sprinkle cinnamin to flavor - or peppermint extract

Hi everyone, First, I'd like to say I have read many threads and I am really impressed with the spirit of helping each other out. Compared to other forums, I think what we have here is pretty special. Anyways, whats the deal with Calgary? I'd love some insight into the politics around lap band in Calgary, can you share some of it with me? Here's what I know so far: I've learned that Calgary has a weight loss management program that is the gateway to Alberta health care paid bariatric surgery. And, if I want to pay my own way, it isn't available in Alberta. Last Sept (2007) I learned that I needed a doctor's referral to the program, so I contacted my respiratory doctor that is treating my sleep apnea. My resp dr referred me to Dr. Lau at the foothills hospital. I've been waiting all winter to see Dr. Lau. My first appointment was last tuesday ( may 6, 2008) I wasn't happy with Dr. Lau. He told me that Lap band is out of the question because I am unable to receive anesthetic due to my sleep apnea. Then he started lecturing me on how my lifestyle is killing me. (grrrrr) He wants me to go on a diet and exercise program, that he will supervise. All I could think about but did not say was "he must be pretty smug to think he can accomplish something that has not worked....not my reading 3 million books, trying 2 dozen diets, exercising obsessively at least 3-6 months a year, personal training, weight watchers, lifestyle coaches, etc........is he really that smug?" Anyway, I bit my tongue, I don't want to burn any bridges. If you look up Dr. Lau profile on google. His career and credentials are impeccable.....and he just offered me his personal e-mail address so I can ask him any question, and send reports on my progress. ( something that might be a favor that he is doing because I work for a fellow colleague of his) What pisses me off most about the appointment, is I still haven't a referral into the weight loss management program. I've waited 6 months, and I got nothing but a waste of time. My family physician doesn't know anything about the weight loss management program, but he said he would be happy to write me a referral if I can provide him with contact info. I should have done this back in September. Especially since I've learned how long the waiting is between each step. On another note: I want to start a diet and exercise program ( yes, I agree that was good advice from Dr. Lau - LOL) but I don't feel inclined to deal with him. Does anyone know if he has connections to the weight loss management program? because I don't want to snub Dr. Lau just to find our that I've screwed myself with the weight loss management program. Here's my plan: -I want to enroll in the weight loss management program so I'm on the waiting list. I understand its a 2-5 year journey to get to the operating room, but at least I could get the clock ticking right away. - I wanted to take their workshops to help me learn more about lap band - And, I want toe follow their diet and exercise program, and as lony as it is working, I'm prepared to wait for surgery. - However, if my diet and exercise program starts to fail like it has too many times, I'm prepared to pay my own way and go after the surgery. Well I guess this is long enough of a message. Talk to you again soon! Best of wishes to you. Tyler

I will definitely follow up with my respiratory doctor to see if there are other complications, but I would guess that I was being fed a line for todays doctor. In Calgary, healthcare paid bariatric surgery is funded for 25 surgeries per year, and there are about 800 people in line for it. Today's doctor may be trying to steer me in a different direction. However, I was only hoping to get the workshop seminars in Calgary, then I'm prepared to become a paying customer in another city.

wow, thanks for the prompt response. I should add that I have a respirator disturbance index of 120. My CPAP pressure is 13-15 cm of Water. And, recently I had a hernia repaired where the doctors used local anestetic instead of putting me to sleep ( on a side note: I think they made a mistake because I was able to watch a poorly placed TV monitor for the whole operation - yuck!) Anyay, my next question would be: Have you heard of any extenuating circumstances where a Lap band surgeon would refuse to operate on someone with sleep apnea?

Hi, Today, I had my first interview with an endocrinologist that specializes in obesity, diabetes, and lipid disorders. As I suspected, he wants to start me on a diet and exercise program, and doesn't want to refer my to a bariatric surgeon. His reason " You have sleep apnea, they can't put you to sleep for the surgery" Is this true? Thanks Tyler