Paulax

I don't know for sure, but I think it has something to do with surgeons using public hospitals for private surgeries. Leung has run into the same problem, but so far hasn't had problems booking the OR for his lap band surgeries. Perhaps Dr Woodhead has run into more flack at Peace Arch. That is why it is so hard to find a surgeon locally. I don't know why other private facilites aren't doing this surgery. There IS a demand for it. I guess in time we will see more or perhaps a facility like the one in Ontario. But, having said that, I am glad you found success in Mexico. I also wouldn't hesitate to go there, but with 3 young kids, local was better for me and my family. Oh and I also wouldn't consider Woodhead's fees a 'scam'. I see our American friends paying up to and including a thousand dollars for a fill. I feel as though my 13,500 was a DEAL in comparison to some. I already got 1200.00 of that back from the hospital because I did not stay overnight and I am currently awaiting my tax refund, somewhere around 3 thousand. So for 9 thousand something, no travel, I think my surgery was the deal of my lifetime. Cheers,

Great story, yes aweseome birthday gift for sure. A positive attitude will take you far my dear. Good luck and let us know how you do. And next year for your birthday, buy yourself some streaks and Dolce sunglasses.

Report today. Had to borrow this, my favorite guy, from my lowcarb site.

Here is the contact information. Leung W M Dr 13798 94A Ave 200, Surrey, BC V3V1N1 (604) 581-2515 Dr. Woodhead Ladner, BC (604) 946 6500. Phone today! Evelyn is Leung's secretary and has can answer a lot of questions, including wait time. Cheers and good luck with your decision.

Now, in some ways, Dr Woodhead may be the better choice. I don't know him and have heard that he is not getting any OR time, but you should phone both offices and ask questions. Although I love my Dr Leung, he is in his 70's so don't know how long he will be practising. But, when he does retire, I am confindent all his patients will have another doctor to do our fills and follow up. And while his surgical skills are excellent, he has been reported not to have the best bedside manners. Personally, I love the guy. Also, you have a pm

I am sorry if that bothers you that your family told everyone, but trust me; it will be easier for you in some ways. I have kept this a secret from my inlaws, mostly because my MIL is a worry wart, to the nth degree and I really feel as though this is my business. I told my sister, both parents are gone. I find it a nuisance to keep it a secret. I feel like a fraud when my SIL tries so hard to lose weight and I just keep quiet about my successes. Perhaps I will open up to her one day, but if I do then I can be sure she will tell her mom. I haven't told the 'women' at school, none of which are friends, but some of whom have come up to tell me how great I look. It feels a bit like lying, BUT at the same time, my body is my business. And I don't have to share everything with everyone, right? So I appreciate the comment from Wendell Edwards. It is good to hear that not everyone has to feel like we are open books for the world to read. Cheers.

I put in my vote for Leung. I have had excellent results with him and am secure in knowing he is close at hand. Good luck with whatever you decide and let us know how you are doing. :clap2:Banding is the best money I have ever spent.

Oh man, I remember those butterflies. It is so scary and exciting at the same time. Now my butterflies come when I put on a new pair of jeans size 12!!!!! Good luck, I am sure all will go well.

Oh boy, I almost consider myself a slow loser. If I had to say so, one of my best boosters to this weight loss was my surgeon requiring me to clear liquid fast for the first 30 days. I lost about a pound a day there. I only drank Clear liquids, made homemade chicken and beef broth for the little bit of Protein I was taking in. I guess there is no secret to successful weight loss. I have to stick to 'clean' food, unprocessed Proteins first and soft cooked veggies later. If my weight loss slows down it is usually due to my imbibing in non-diet friendly foods. Exercise is also key. Good luck my dear. I am pms'ing and pissed off at myself and the scale can just go straight to H E L L today. I am holding, holding, holding.........bloody hell............. Going to the gym now to take out my frustrations......

Wow, good for you girl. 14 pounds to go sounds like nuthin..... I am still working on the same next pound. :waytogo: I hope that my 4 month plateau comes to an end soon. Sigh!

Sorry, I really can't answer your question and haven't experienced what you are experiencing. I've read that some people can eat better proportions if they drink warm Water before. Theory is that the warm or hot Fluid loosens things up. It just sounds as though you are too tight, period. Some people are very sensitive to fills, sounds as though you may be one of them. Make sure you are getting your nutrition, drink some Meal Replacements if you have to, and think about getting another slight defill. Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

Well, if my calculations are correct, you have lost an average of 2.44 pounds per week. Seems healthy to me, especially since you were exercising your butt off. Your test results prove it. I guess every doctor/surgeon is different. My surgeon would applause such results. Cheers Booboo! 18 more to go.....................WHO HOO!

Right on Socalgal! 2008 it is................

Love all the colourful print. OK so I fitday'd all my food yesterday, I AM EATING WAY TOO MUCH. But, I shall persist. AWESOME on the 2 pounds Kim.....Good for you girl!!!!!:clap2:

Thank you my dear Tracy, and LOOK AT YOU! You are losing years along with that weight. You must be feeling so awesome. This is truly a near miracle isn't it?

Too shy to post to the Before and After Thread, but here's me at 195. And YES, it is so stinkin' exciting. I know in my heart that I'd still be 280 pounds if I didn't have this surgery. I am forever grateful.

Red for pain, and today I went to a Body Combat class at my gym. Kinda Karate to music. Ouch! I'm afraid to sit too long for fear I won't be able to get up again........:faint:

Wow, Kim, you were and are beautiful! Congratulations! I regret only one thing. That I never took a 'before' picture. I avoided the camera. 4.5 WOW! My surgeon is hinting, warning me not to get any more fills at 3.0. So it is good to hear As of this morning, I have 19 pounds to lose. That last dang pound took me 2 weeks. But now that I am back at the gym, I am hoping that it comes off a bit faster. Come join me counting down on the AT or Near Goal Thread. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f109/countdown-goal-40958/ I am determined to get there, no matter how long it takes. BTW 5'11 here and goal is 175....... and BTW, BTW, I just ordered a size 12 jean from the Tall Girl and those will be my goal pants.

19 Gah, took me two whole weeks to lose that one pound. But it is one pound closer to goal. I am keeping better track of my meals and yesterday I am happy to report that I ran out of cashews. So watch the weight fall off now. Lol! How are the rest of you doing?

And thanks for that Kitty. I am going to book a fill in the New Year. Now that I've made my decision, I will stop obsessing over it. You are looking AWESOME BTW!!!!!

Carol, thanks for posting. I really haven't found too many people OVER the 3.0 fill. Let us know how you are doing. YOU TOO GILBERT! I'd love to hear how your 3.7 fill is going. I am still humming and hawing over getting another fill. IF I tap into my motivation, I can lose the last 20 on my own. But I want a small fill to give myself a boost. I'm just afraid to be overfull. My fills require me to drive 4 hours, stay overnight and drive back the next day. So I have to be sure I can handle more. Anyway, let us know how it goes Carol.

I am happy and I know it. Some days I think losing weight releases 'happy hormones'. :whoo:

Sorry, I have no answers to your question. I can only attest to the fact that every day with our band friend is different. Some days I can tolerate some things and others not. Some days I am able to eat more in quantity than others. I have a feeling it has to do wtih hormones and/or Water retention and times when our bodies are hydrated or dehydrated. For me, every day is different. That has been my experience anyway. Cheers.

I too also almost jumped off the operating table. Lol! I am so glad I didn't. I am now 14 months out, 85 pound lighter and so ever grateful that I went through with it. I have personally never been to the complications forum, I will go there if I ever need support from complications. I go look at the Before and after Threads, THAT is what inspired me. Still does. I ask myself, would ANY of these men and women have been better off if they had not gone through with the surgery. In my case the answer is, 'Uh no!' Good luck with your decision, whatever you decide. We are here for support. hugs... Paulax, mom of 3 younguns.

I am here, just maintaining 194. I have recommitted to eating properly and trying hard to stop grazing. I am also back at the gym, so hopefully the scale will start moving. I WANT a small fill, but will put it off until after Christmas. Some days I am tight enough, others, I am not. But, I also haven't been eating properly, so will work harder. Cheers.