giblert

I tried to claim mine through Pacific Blue Cross but was completely denied. I did successfully claim on my income tax and even passed the audit they threw my way a few months later.

I had my gallbladder removed approx. 6 weeks ago. I think it was a little easier than my lap band but really, neither is terribly painful surgery (in my opinion). I felt pretty darn good a few hours after surgery and was home less than 7 hours after I arrived at the hospital. I took my pain medicine on time and never really had any pain problems afterwards. Didn't even use all of my T3 prescription. Am having my 8 week check-up with my surgery shortly and I'm confident he'll be giving me the all clear to go back to normal (currently avoiding any abdominal stress). Oh, and my gallstones were discovered by accident during an ultrasound. I've never had a single attack - phew!

I guess everybody is different. I have not had any difference in restriction during or after flights. Hmmm.

Yup - me to. And it's been 1-1/2 years since banding. Not sure why :-)

I had mine done in July 2006 by Dr Leung in Surrey, BC. I paid approx. $14,000 and got back a couple of grand on my income tax. If you want more info, let me know.

I had surgery in July 2006 and filed my income tax earlier this year. Unless CRA changes their mind, it went through without any problem. I eFiled and there has been no request to see the receipts thus far. I also tried to claim initially via my private insurance (Pacific Blue Cross) but was swiftly turned down.

I just went in this week for my fifth fill and am now at 3.7 in my 4 cc band. My doctor said quite strongly that I won't be able to get any more fills. It's only been 2 days but so far it feels fine. Had some scrambled egg for breakfast, 1/2 a piece of toast for lunch and am about to go out for dinner (night market with stalls of snack size food - should be good). Had fish & chips for dinner last night and managed a couple of bites of the fish and perhaps 4 fries? I think my issue is I must not let myself eat the soft/easy stuff. I need to make a note and put it in my kitchen - remember to eat protein first, then veggies, then starch. And no Starbucks frap's for me. Am looking forward to finally getting out of the 220's and start heading down again. Been here too long now.

I have almost the exact same stat's as you. I had my surgery in late July 2006 and have lost 53 pounds to date. I started at 283. I'm hoping to get below 150, maybe more. Going in for my 4th fill next week.

I had my surgery done here in the Vancouver area where I live. My surgeon was Dr Leung. If you'd like further information, please just ask and I'd be happy to answer. Marie

I was not required to do anything in particular leading up to my surgery. I too tried to avoid the "last meal" syndrome and my main goal was to not gain any weight from 1st appointment to actual surgery (approx. 6 months). On the other hand, my post-op regime included a VERY strict 30 days of liquids only. Cheers, Marie

Welcome! I think you'll find that there is a wealth of information available here. You'll find lots of information on insurance (and Blue Cross too) in the specific Insurance thread. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/insurance-f8.html Cheers, Marie

You need a referral from your family doctor. Although I just went to a drop in clinic as I didn't have a family doctor at that time. I'd also recommend bringing along Dr Leung's address/phone to pass along to your doctor. Cheers, Marie

My doctor just feels for it. Two fills thus far and no issues or concerns with it. He gets it first time, it doesn't really hurt, it's all good. And then I just chug water with the needle in place as he keeps adding or subtracting fill solution. Beats yet another xray!

I had surgery on a Friday and went back to work 10 days later (a Monday). It was plenty for me and I could have probably gone back to my desk job after 5 days or so.

I was banded in late July and received my first fill approx. 4 weeks later (1.5 cc in a 4cc band). I had absolutely no restriction and actually gained a few pounds. Therefore, I had my 2nd fill last week and that brought me to 2.6 cc. My doctor felt this 2nd fill was very aggressive, and implied that it might be a problem for me. Not so it turns out! When I eat I feel some restriction, atleast I assume so. I feel tightness in my chest and have to eat slowly and chew well. Some foods just seem to be not worth the effort, such as bread or dry chicken. That's all very well and to be expected. But the problem is that I never seem to feel saitiated/full. I haven't really pushed this too far but when I eat 1/2 cup, or more, I never get a feeling that I should stop because of fullness. I feel restriction, but not full. Does that make sense? I'm losing weight but only because I make myself stop eating and not because the band is stopping me. I become hungry quickly after eating so try to fill the void (until my next meal) with Water. So to sum up, I'm wondering if getting another fill will help to increase my feeling of fullness without making me so restricted I can't even swallow my own saliva. Anybody have any experience with this? Thanks, Marie

I hope I'm allowed to post this invitation. If requested, I'll take it down. I've created a new Yahoo group for those located in Western Canada. It's open to all - pre-op or post-op. We're hoping to share experiences and provide support for those who have had surgery in the western provinces, or receive their after-surgery-care in the western provinces. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/west_can_lapband/ Cheers, Marie

Definitely on to a new life! Good luck - it'll be over before you know it. Marie

My bra goes exactly over my port area. My port is in the centre of my chest, between my breasts. Definitely have to take my bra off - and then (depressingly) hold my breasts apart and up. LOL It's quite the sight. Needed a third hand to hold the Water bottle. Marie

I'm sorry you're not having a good experience with your doctor! He sounds just like mine in many ways. I was told to strip off my shirt and bra, sit on a bed and sit up straight (which apparently really meant stick out my chest). He didn't explain as he went but I knew what to expect so wasn't surprised. It took him 2 tries to find my port. I was told in advance to bring a couple bottles of water. Once the needle was in, he inserted some fluid and then told me to take 3 big swigs of water (really big). I swallowed that no problem so he inserted some more fluid. He chugged again and we repeated until I felt what I thought was restriction (still not sure - it's so hard to tell). He then took the needle out, swabbed me and that was it. I had to ask if it was OK to put my shirt on again. It seems abrupt but I keep telling myself that he knows what he's doing, has good results and well, I have no choice to go elsewhere :-) So please remember that you're not alone and you can do it!!! Marie

You're doing great! Your experience thus far sounds totally normal. I felt terrible for the first few days but it gradually got better. I went back to work 10 days after surgery but could have gone back at approx. 5 or so. Please have faith that you'll feel better every day - even your uncomfortable port. Mine is in my sternum area and my bra strap goes right over it. I avoided my bra for a week or so but it slowly felt better. Good luck! Marie

I was hoping that at the very least Blue Cross would pay for my hospital stay. But they denied it all ($13,000). Fills are included in my provincial medical plan (or something like that) so they don't cost anything. Marie

I'm glad to read this thread too. I'm 7 days out from my 1st fill and have absolutely no restriction. Nothing feels different. I'll wait a couple more weeks and then schedule fill #2. Marie

Pacific Blue Cross just denied my claim :-( Marie

My doctor has no specific requirements before a fill. I chose not to eat breakfast because I was 5 weeks post-op and knew it would include a weight-in. After the fill he told me to go on mushies for the remainder of the day and back to normal the following day. :-) Marie

My surgeon decided on my band size during a pre-op appointment. He made me lift my shirt, he put his hands on my rib cage area and said "it'll be the smaller one" which turns out is 10cm/4cc. I can feel where my port is but I have to poke around for it. It does not protrude up and out so it's not visually noticable. Mine is located just below my sternum area (centre of my chest where my bra strap sits). My doctor allows you to come back at virtually any time I believe. I had my first fill yesterday and he encouraged me to wait a while so I'm familiar with how the fill feels/functions. From what I've read, it could take a little while to "settle" so I won't judge for atleast a month or so. Good luck! Marie