becca77

This is excellent information, i too have to do a 2 week optifast diet and am totally dreading it. But hearing that it will get me used to not being hungry post op is a good motivator. I ma definately going to give it my all and try not to cheat. Good luck to all you pre-op dieters! Rebecca

No Priscilla, I can't for the life of me remember where he said....I was so excited he was coming to Edmonton to train someone. I'm sure you could call and ask though. He mentioned it to me during my consultation interview over the phone. Keep in touch as I think I will be banded shortly after you? Feb seems so far yet so close at the same time. Good luck. Rebecca

Thank you all so much for this, it helps alot to make my decision, I think I am better of not telling her and I'm not sure I ever will tell her. I think as long as I have the support and encouragement from my husband, who is totally with me on this one, then thats really all I need. As well as all of you out there. I am so thankful for all the time you guys take to read and respond. It really means alot and I know this will be an excellent support system for me. Go Bandsters!!!

Thanks, I needed to hear that. I have decided not to say anything for the first little bit at least. I know that she will think this is too drastic of a measure and try to talk me out of it. I defnately don't want to go there with her. I know her so well.

Thanks, thats a good idea, but I know the money factor would be a huge issue for her. I just don't want her to think that this is my "easy" way out.

Okay, so here is my question. How do I tell my very best friend I am going to have this surgery? She has been my best friend for years and we have both struggled with weight problems, losing lots then gaining lots etc. etc. She has currently lost about 25lbs doing WW and working out and she looks fantastic, I am so proud of her. But I myself am so sick of yo-yo dieting and I have never been a normal or shall I say healthy weight my entire life. I am so ready for this surgery but I know she would not agree with me when it comes to this one. Could I get away with not telling her? But that just wouldn't be right. She'll probably figure it out just by watching me eat. Any advice??

Let the rest of us know how that goes so we can learn from your experience, hope your feeling better soon!!

I guess he's going to Ft. Macmurray as well and somewhere else in northern Alberta but I can't remember where.

Actually Dr.Coburn is coming to Edmonton this month to train a doc so I'm in luck, I just hope he's good!

Yes, exactly, and I don't want to go through all the red tape with the insurance company and then find out in the end I won't be approved.

Dr. Coburn in Toronto is doing my surgery. I'm going the self pay route though. That was a funny comment Argon. Why haven't we seen anyone banded in Edmonton around here? I know they do it here....hmmmmm

Wow Pam, no I don't know anyone who has been banded at the RAH but I am from Edmonton...sorry I can't be of more help.

Welcome Bandiva! I am off to Cancun on Jan 10th! I wish it would be after my surgery date so I could lose some weight but my journey will begin when I get back!

Hi PeggySue, I'd love to hear what you're experience has been like....

Dame J. I am in the same boat you are. I too will be Dr.Coburn's patient in he middle of Feb and I can hardly wait. I'm soooo excited, now for both of us!!! Welcome.

Good for you Gaffer, You'll find Dr.Coburn and his staff very nice and helpful. I am also self paying, I didn't even bother checking out insurance as I knew I would have to wait way too long and probably wouldn't even be approved.

Thanks for all your support!

Hey Michelle, I too have just gone through that same process with Dr. Coburns office. My surgery is booked for Feb 14. Looking forward to seeing you around the website. I am from Edmonton. Cheers, Becca

Nice to see some canadians here. I am being banded Feb.14 2007 by Dr. Coburn in Toronto. I see some of you have been done by the same doctor. I am from Alberta so I'll be flying in the day before my surgery. I am a bit nervous and I'm trying to get as much info as possible. I wish my surgery was sooner so I could just get this journey on the road. I'm really excited. Does anyone have any tips or advice for a newbie like me? I look at all of you and your successes and it is really motivating, you must all be so proud of yourselves! Looking forward to hearing from you.:eek:

Thank you so much for all your support, I can see that this website will be one of the keys to my success, good luck to you all!

I just had my consult with my surgeon and I've been given a surgery date of Feb.11. I'm so nervous and scared and I am trying to get as much information as possible. My worst fear is returning back to my old eating habits. I know this isn't a magic cure for weight loss and I hope I have the strength within to change my lifestyle and make this work! Looking forward to meeting you all.