Hanbe

I can’t remember off the top of my head. I will contact my doctors office once it opens again after COVID-19. I will post when I know

If you just go to your family doctor you can get a referral to a surgeon that will remove a lapband under OHIP. I had mine remove at St.Mikes hospital 2 years ago under OHIP.

Yes are you able to practise in Canada? If you have experience in Class Action suits and defective medical devices that would be great. The doctor and the clinic I don't think are where we go from here. I think it is to go after the its a multiple party law suit where Slimband is part of it but the financial company which is the same partners as the clinic and governing corporate parties, and the big boys to bring to the table is the manufacture of the lapband that is causing is a complete malfunctioning device and causing massive health issues for all us that in some cases have been life threatening and incorrectable. So definitely if your a lawyer that could spear head a class action suit here in Canada you will have a lot of plaintiffs that are more then willing to step up and provide a case for you that will be lucrative to all parties!

No they are the same product just two different clinic names. Dr Lau originally opened it as Toronto Lapband Clinic. Then when he was sued. Him and his partners declared bankruptcy and opened up the same clinic in the same location doing the same procedure which is the Lapband and doing fills and they called it Slimband. Same procedure, same company just two different names. There is only one type of weight loss surgery that they do which is the Lapband.

Thanks for the update on the Vancouver law firm. I would be very interested in pursuing that. Since having my band removed I’ve had to have 2 surgeries to repair the damage because of my band being put in upside down. But I do lose a lot of weight with restrictions although I couldn’t ever have a fill but I didn’t have any appetite and I found with the help of my nutritionist and trainer I did lose the weight. But since removing the band I have gain about 70 pounds back. I’m going next week for gastric sleeve procedure. The doctor I’ve been working with went through different options and because of the band issues he feels this is the best option for me. But I definitely would want to be involved in the legal

Wow that's interesting! I am going to check on CANLII and see if I can find any case law and see if there is anything and possibly its worthwhile to contact any of the lawyers and see if they would be interested …..if there are any. But I agree with what your saying if there isn't one we should all band together and approach a law firm and yes that works on contingency and see if we can instigate a class action that goes after the manufacturers of lapband, still include Dr Yau because he has errors and ommissions insurance and if he has enough claims against him eventually he wont be able to get insurance so then he can't practise but also so it goes against his liabity.

My understanding is the Class Action Law suit has already begun and it’s filed against the pharmaceutical company that created and sells the lapband which is a better law suit as they have the money to pay. Can anyone confirm knowledge or know of this?

Dr.Lau was one of the owners of the clinic and he was negligent in providing the proper treatment and care. He also as a practising Doctor has to carry Errors and Ommissions Insurance for when he is negligent

I would contact your General Doctor and asked to be referred to a internal surgeon and have it removed. I had to have mine removed and it has caused me massive damage to my esophagus and upper stomach. I had issues with cancer in my esophagus three years ago and the surgeon felt definetly it had to due to the lapband and the negligence of the Dr. Lau's insertion of it. Please go and talk to your local MD asap so that you are treated for the pain and regurtiation immediately! Its very serious. There was a W5 series where two lapband patients suffered from this and both died because they left it too long. I have spoken to the woman that won the Small Claims against Slimband but because they filed bankruptcy she hasn't been able to collect. I am thinking about filing against Dr. LAu personally but she also told be about a law firm in Vancouver that is doing a class action suit that are suing the company that makes the slim band. She has told me she will provide me with the law firm. As soon as I have info I will post info.

Hi There, I'm glad you won your case. Did you go to Small Claims? So all doctors have to have errors and omission insurance which lawsuits fall under. So I would think that they would be required to pay you out of that. I;m thinking that the company name, and all Dr's that are partners in the company are named personally. I had a lapband performed Dec 2007. I lost over 250 pounds in total during my time but I was never able to get a fill. I would throw up for days and have to go back and have it unfilled. I mainly drank protein shakes, water and exercised non stop. The clinic never returned calls. And Two years ago I had to have my band remove because it has destroyed my esophagus so badly and I was constanly bleeding internally and my hemoglobin had hit so low that I was going weeks not able to get out of bed. Dr. Yau was suspended after and sold the Lapband Clinic to Slimband but apparently kept performing and working there. I have spent so much money and lost so much money because of being self employed and not being able to work so often due to my health. I would like to begin a law suit if anyone else is interested.

Wow! Thanks for the site info! I just checked it out and thats a great site. Has some really great message forums. I have some menu's that I have used in the last year that have worked for me that if anyone wants a look at just email me and I will send them over. I still stick by using a Protein Meal Replacement shake for breakfast as I have never been a breakfast eater but its the most important meal so that has worked for me. And I really do have to say exercise is a big component to losing weight.

SandyBella try Longo's and if you can't find Wasa try Viykta rye crackers they are similar and taste great. I have eliminated wheat products from my diet along with gluton and enriched sugar products and I can't believe how much better I feel! I have lost 4 pounds in the first week doing this and I have so much more energy and my stomach has lost so much of regular bloating that I have. I totally recommend doing this even as just a cleanse! If anyone needs recipes or food suggestions just drop me an email! Enjoy the sunshine everyone!

I like that Doodie! I will have to remember that. I have been told in the past that Vitamin E works to help fad them but not remove the scars. And I spoke to a lady at one of the bootcamps that told me she used her Microdermabrasion and I couldnt see scars or stretch marks. You might want to try that?

Thanks Lolajulie! I agree with you and I'm so sorry you had to have that happen to you when you were just going to do something to help your battle to get healthy. And at the end of the day Jill showed why people are so loyal to her and why her programs are a sucess. Her professionalism and passion to help is so apparent. I have received so many emails from supporters and I have passed them all on to Jill. So thank-you all and keep them coming. We are getting a huge response and her courses are growing so don't worry if you are not in the GTA, we do have courses going on outside of the GTA. Thanks again Lolajulie and I look forward to seeing you at Jills seminars. Make it a great day everyone!!

Thank-you for the clarification Susan. I don't think it is hard to figure out who or how it was brought to your attention. And I will keep that in mind for future posts. I'm sure everyone will agree that we can all play fair. Thanks again!

I still disagree with both the sites monitors because I have read many posts on here that are people talking about something they heard or happened to someone else and they were not deleted. I also agree with Donna that when TLBC/Slimband's Director of Marketing Lisa Borg put a post on this site stating that Jill had been fired that post was never deleted? I spoke to Adele the Pschothearpist that was involved in the incident at Jill's open house and how anyone can say there are two sides to a story I'm very confused by that comment because how can there be another side to showing up at her open house? No one has the right to bully their way into a ex employee's new business venture. At the end of the day it just shows that the level of professionalism that TLBC/Slimband has. The more contact I have with this group the more disappointed I am. I have left 3 messages for Dr.Yau in the last week and have yet to hear back from him. I have attended a supercharge seminar and I found it boring and didnt feel it was a group activity. I find Jody is dull and I can't connect with her because she isn't banded and doesnt have a weight problem so she can't know what I'm going through. Another thing that they do not get is the accountability of attending a program, when I was told they would not be weighing me in and giving me my weight breakdown tab I was shocked! That provides a weekly goal for me. Apparently I now have to make an appointment to have Nancy weigh me in and it can only be certain days a week? But I have come to the decision that if TLBC/Slimband can't bring the programs that I need then I need to find them else where whether I have to pay for them or not because I have already spent $16K at TLBC ...(which the more I hear about how much the surgery is going for in Mexico makes me resent the money I paid that organization).... and the end result is I want to get to my goals and be healthy and if TLBC/Slimband can't provide this even though I have paid all this money then I have to look elsewhere! So Jill is the answer to my problems with her different programs. I love the idea of being able to go weigh in once a week and have a quick pep talk and on my way! Her accountability program is perfect for what I need and fits my lifestyle. I'm hoping this post stays! If anyone is interested in any of the programs I'm speaking about just drop me a line and I will give you the contact info. Enjoy the afternoon everyone!

Good for you Sandy for re posting! I'm so disappointed with TLBC/Slimband but now this really takes the cake! I look forward to meeting you at Jills "Why Weight" Course! It will be great! I have two girlfriends that are not banded but they are looking to lose weight so I can finally experience this journey with them! And I read through the program Jill has created and it looks really great! Working with Jill while she was at TLBC and in the past couple weeks she has been coaching me I have really done so well with my weight loss. I had really plateau for a while and since getting back together with Jill I have lost 17 pounds in 4 weeks! Her program is solid! Also don't worry about fills and defills after your surgery I found a great lady that does them and she works out of 2 offices so she is so easy to book with! If you need any information on Jills programs drop me a message with your email address and I will email you a flyer I have. Enjoy your weekend!

Wow! Sandy thats is incredible! I was suppose to go on Wednesday nite but unfortunately I had a minor car accident in the afternoon on Wednesday and was unable to go. I wouldnt have wanted to be there! I'm meeting with Jill later today so I hope she is ok. Good luck with your surgery Sandy, I have heard good things about the clinic you are going to! I have the name of a great nurse practionier that does fills and defills so just drop me an email and I will set you up. I'm embrassed that TLBC/Slimband acted this way! Wow! I've been in business for 15 years and I have never heard of crazy behavior like this. I think Lisa maybe needs some anger management treatment! Good luck Sandy! I look forward to meeting you at Jills program next week! Enjoy the sunshine everyone!

Doodie I ordered my body bug from the Biggest Loser website (www.nbc.com/biggestloser) Go to shop section and its there. I paid $249 US plus tax and I love it!!! Also I just spoke with Jill Seward and the address for her open house is 717 Bloor St.W Toronto. She said she will be there to talk about her programs on Obesity Coaching. She is very excited to touch base with everyone and thanks for all the love and supporting calls, emails, and cards she has received. So if you have time tonite or tomorrow stop in and see Jill!

Hi Everyone! I just found out that Jill Seward has opened a Nurtitional Clinic!! She created new group nutritional programs and a really cool Weekly weigh in program! I'm so excited! Apparently she is having an open house tonight and tomorrow nite from 6:30-8:30. I read through her info on the group sessions and its amazing! I have never seen a weight loss program like it! I also like her Weekly Weigh- in program! That is what I need for accountability! You go in and she will weigh you in, go over your menu planning and discuss nutritional options and a pep talk to keep you going strong. For me that program is amazing because if I know I'm weighing in once a week it helps to keep me focused! Thought I would pass the great news on to everyone, also the cool part is this is not just for banded people, her courses are for anyone that is looking to lose weight! My mom and cousin who have been dealing with weight issues for a long time are able to do this with me! I can't wait! Let me know if you want the address for the clinic or other information and I will try to find it. Also for Doodie and other out of province friends I understand she is just getting her website done and she will be doing webinars of her programs for people outside of Ontario! Have a great day everyone!!!

Do you mean the scars from the band or are you talking about stretch marks? I have no idea how or why but I have no scars from my band surgery, when I get a fill I have to locate my port for Nancy because you can't see it so I'm extremly lucky. For stretch marks I was told by a friend a who had twins and gained a lot of weight and then lost her weight that I should use a moisturizing lotion called Cetaphil (you can get it at Shoopers Drugmart....its a little pricey). So I did start to use is about 6 months ago and I don't have any stretch marks.....but also my trainer told me that exercise and working my core muscles is what eliminates the marks so I'm not sure which one is correct I just give them both credit! lol!

Thanks for your support Doddie! I think I was just frustrated more then anything rather then an urgency. For the fill I just really wanted to be able to arrange a time and have it done efficently. But it did turn out all good for two reasons! I was able to get a hold of Jill and she gave me some really good recipe tips and advice on my menu planning and she agreed that I should get a fill based on my restriction level. And just to let everyone know she is going great! And just to update she is putting together some really great Obesity support groups. She will teach nutrition and menu planning, execerise, and create a support atmosphere. And its great because she is doing these programs for anyone that wants to lose weigth...so for family and friends that are not banded they join her programs! Its about learning how to lose weight and how to maintain. I'm so excited!!! If anyone is interested please contact me and I will give you the info! I'm going to start another tread also because Jill has also become a distributor for Metagenics! I'm going to finally be able to get my chocolate fix!! So I will start another thread for anyone that is interested in getting Metagenics! Now I did have a positive exeperience at TLBC also, on Saturday I went in to get a fill and there was so many people there! I think the VM booking line did some major overbooking because the fill nurse was triple book so we had to wait for quite so time but it turned out great because we all sat and talked for over an hour and half and it became a mini support group! I just want to say hi to everyone I met and it was a real pleasure to meet and talk with you all and I hope we can all keep in touch! And it was great to exchange stories and success's and also struggles. I wish you all the best of luck on your journey's. Make it a great day everyone!!!

Heather my problem is I have a hectic schedule and before I have always been able to call and the receptionist booked my fill appt while I was on the line. I left a message for the fill booking line and I was in a meeting with the gentleman called me back and therefore left a message telling me that I couldnt get a fill for Friday (today) and to call back and leave another message with a better time and date available. I did and they called back and left a message with the time that was closest to what I requested and I had to call back and confirm. So it took me 3 calls and 5 messages between myself and this hotline VM service to book me a fill! Thats very bad business. And when I paid $16K I expected to be treated as a respected client. Yes I have met with Jodi, a couple times and did find her helpful but I think since she hasn't been banded that she doesn't fully understand what I'm going through and that was another connection I had with Jill. I also don't like the fact that I have met with Jodi a couple times and when I'm sitting in the waiting room she will walk by and not even raise her head to say hello. That shows me that we have no connection and that she doesnt care enough to even say hi. I have never felt a connection with Kathy, I had her for my consultant and I didn't find her to be helpful. The only person that I feel support from is Nancy and that is why I have continued to have my fills at TLBC well that and the fact that I have paided for my post op care. So sorry Heather I know you are trying very hard to convert me to be a TLBC/Slimband supporter but I feel they are just changing everyday into a less productive and supportive atmosphere. At the end of the day I miss the bootcamps, the friendliness of the clinic, and most of all Jill and her support. Have a great day everyone! The GTA is suppose to be getting hit with some snow and freezing rain this afternoon so please be careful getting home and enjoy your weekend! I'm going snow tubing with my niece and nephew tomorrow! Hope I don't break my behind!!! haha!

Ok so now we have a Slimband fill and defill booking line at TLBC/Slimband? I called this morning to get an appointment for today or Monday morning for a fill and now you get transfered to a voicemail that I have to leave a message and someone will call me back to book an appointment? This place is just getting worse and worse! I find it so cold and unfriendly when I go there, I haven't heard anything good about their new "Supercharge programs" or whatever they are called. And the fact that I can't simply call and book an appt for a fill or defill is just another factor that is making things frustrating and disppointing! I need to really find Jill and get some positive reinforment! I feeling very off track right now!

I can't make it to the seminar on Sat so if anyone does attend I would love to hear the feedback! I maybe would be able to make time for the next one if they are helpful! Heather I just saw your response in regards to my comment about drinking diet coke....I appreciate you telling me about the stretching of my pouch I was not aware of this. So thanks! I was very under educated about things like this when I was banded, I had my consultation with Kathy and I think it lasted 10 minutes and I found her unfriendly and uninformative and the only reason I went ahead with the procedure was because I wanted to be banded so badly and I had a friend that had referred me to TLBC and had lost over 100 pounds. You said to have a chat with Dr. Yau and he would chastise me on the no no's of drinking diet coke but I really have no interest in speaking with Dr.Yau considering he spoke approx 10 words to me in total just minutes before my surgery. I found him rude and trying to rush out of the room. I think he got my $16K and thats all that matters to him! Now I know Heather you are good friends with Kathy and a big supporter of TLBC and Dr.Yau so I want you to know this was not intended to start a battle with you I'm just venting my frustrations or I guess my disappointment with TLBC and Dr.Yau. We don't need to argue our differences of opinion and I respect your feelings and your loyalty. I did speak with a expert on lapband at CIBO and she told me to try gateroide instead of soda pop is a good solution. I have also just went to drinking water with flavors and that has helped.