Babe

From all the research I've done, i know that LB has great weight loss results initially. But I'm wondering about it's long term effect... have people been able to maintain their weight loss for a sustained amount of time (after you've reached goal or become happy with your weight)?

I went to the NWWLS info seminar in Surrey today, and thought I'd pass on the details. It was very informative and I'm so glad I went. There was a powerpoint presentation led by one of the surgeons. She answers pretty much every possible question you could have. There was also a couple staff members there who've been banded themselves (one is the psychiatric nurse with whom you'd do the psych eval.). They give you a folder full of all sorts of info about the surgery and the center. Here's what I learned: Total cost of bariatric banding: US$ 17,810 the cost includes adjustments/fill for 13months following surgery Consultation cost: US$260 (cost goes towards surgery cost) Consultation consists of a 90min nurse consultation, a 60min surgeon consultation, and a psych evaluation (they can all be done on the same day) you can do all your blood tests, etc in vancouver and have them fax it over Fills can be done in Bellingham or with Dr Arseneau in vancity they've done over 3300 surgeries (only one death) the doctors have staff priveleges at the Evergreen Hospital (in case complications arise) there is no wait list. after the consultation, it is simply a matter looking at the schedule and seeing what works for you. so those were the highlights. if you're in doubt about whether you want to this or not, i really recommend going to one of these info sessions (regardless of whether you'll do the surgery in the states or not). it's free and they offer them once or twice a month. i've decided to do the surgery as a result. now i just have to figure out where to do and how to find the money.

wow.... i swear this thread should be called "Reasons to have the surgery". i've read all 14 pages, and i'm holding back tears. it sounds like my life. i've been undecided about getting the surgery, but this thread has reminded why I don't want to be fat anymore. now if only I could figure out how to pay for it....

Just curious, how much did you end up paying (total) for your surgery? Where do you live? i'm seriously considering this LB, and just needed to get ballpark idea before booking a consult. Thx, Babe

it was great meeting everyone tonight at the group. thank you all for being so open. i'm feeling more inclined to do the surgery. FYI: NWWLS is having an info session on Saturday in Surrey. I don't have the details right now, but just check out their website and i'm sure you'll find it.

congrats snowbaby!

thanks for the reminder Patricia. I'm definitely planning on coming. see you wednesday :thumbup:

i haven't yet decided if i'm going to do this or not, but i've got a couple questions i'm too embarrassed to ask during consultation or in person with bandster 1. this may sound stupid, but were you naked during the surgery or were you allowed to wear panties? 2. did you get the runs alot post-op? ok, i feel really silly right now :wub:

thanks patricia. i'm rather nervous about this whole thing. maybe i will come to your group and check things out. i never realized there were so many of us bigger people in vancouver. i always feel like i'm the only obese person for miles around. everyone in this city seems so fit to me.

i'm also considering having LB done. i'll be honest with you, i'm terrified. what if i can't stick to the lifestyle changes? what if there are complications with the surgery or after with the band itself? am i really ready to give up all the foods that have been such a comfort to me?

wow... doddie thank you so much. this is a great help

hi, i'm new here and i'm seriously considering doing the lapband. i'm about 300lbs and pretty much at the end of my rope. i don't know what else to do, and my health is getting worse. i've already vetoed gastric bypass... too risky. after lurking here for a couple days, i've learned there's only 2 docs in the lower mainland doing the surgery: Dr. Woodhead and Dr. Leung. Are there any others? also, what do you guys think about them? this is such a big decision and i've never had an operation before... thanks:thumbup:

hi, i'm new to the site and i'm considering doing the surgery. i have chronic depression and have had it for half my life (so about 15-16) years. the depression has made it really difficult for me to stick to lifestyle changes i've made in the past, like going to the gym and eating healthy. when i'm in a downward spin, i tend to be an emotional eater and stuff my feelings. although my medication is working and i'm stable, i'm concerned how it will affect my post surgery behaviour. i really would like to hear from folks who've had the surgery and how they've dealt with this concern. thanks