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