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Showing results for 'Slimband'.
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April 2011 Bandsters
MiltonMommy replied to emptyNest's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Mine's April 7th with Slimband in Toronto! -
If you are thinking about getting the lap-band, it's a big decision and one you need to think about carefully. I wish I had done more research before I got mine and perhaps I would have gone somewhere other than Slimband. There's so much going on at Slimband that it's scary. It's a company that just wants your money. Once your payments clear, they'll drop you. It's happened to lots of us already. They will actually refer to you as a client because that's all you are to them. They are also very secretive which means you can't have any trust in them in terms of the care you will get post-surgery. If you ask questions you will likely go ignored for a long time. There is absolutely NO TRANSPARENCY! If you run into problems, and I mean serious problems, that are dangerous, they are sometimes not taken seriously. There article below mentions a lawsuit that occurred and trust me when I say, I've heard other horrible and terrifying stories/experiences as well. They fire or force their staff to resign. Last May, pretty much all their staff were let go. Now, with very few staff, there is not a lot of support and people have to pay for treatments that they were told they wouldn't have to. They will cut you off from services with no notice and they will say they are not required to give you such notice. Please consider another company. Slimband has gotten too big. It is a company that wants your money and will do whatever they can to get you signed up for surgery. They will use a sales pitch that is hard to ignore and they have even signed up people who don't qualify for the procedure. If you look at any place online, the lap band should only be given to those who are at least 100 pounds overweight. I know of an individual who was 190lbs and who only had to lost 30 pounds to be at their target weight. Dr. Patrick Yau resigned last week for the mistreatment of patients. He was an absolutely horrible person. And I know that he is no longer apart of Slimband but he was the Chief Surgeon for a long time at Slimband. During his time with them, he was a horrible physician and I question any company who would let such a doctor treat their patients for as long as he did. If I had to go through this all again, I would have likely gotten a gastric bypass. Although more involved, it's free and much more successful in terms of results. There are other places that you can get the lap band from. I'd say go anywhere but Slimband. Do your research.
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I called and talked to the people at Slimband. They talk a good sales pitch. They talked of quick weight loss, and were very sympathetic to my weight struggles. There was very little talk about after care. I did some research and found the after care is almost more important than the surgery itself. I decided to call SWLC in Mississauga. The people there answered my initial questions and sent me info via email and requested that I talk to Dr Cobourn before I make my final decision. Dr. Cobourn told it like it is...no instant weight loss, no miracle cure. He told me about the risks, how things can go wrong if the patient doesn't follow instructions etc. He quizzed me on my health condition and why I wanted the surgery. I had my surgery there in January. The clinic offers many webinars on the band, nutrition, support groups, etc. The team answers emails and phone calls quickly. They are eager to get their patients on the right track. If you are confused, they will set you straight. Understandably, they cannot give medical advise over the phone unless it is directly related to the band, found that out this past week. (thank lawyers for that one). Do your research before any surgery. Medical Tourism can be dangerous. Include your family physician before you go ahead with the surgery-you will need their support too.
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So I went in for my 5th fill. I got .75cc fill. Felt fine but by that night couldn't even swallow my own spit. I went in the next day and had a .25cc defill. Felt fine and then a few days later the band tightened again had to go back in and have another .25cc defill. Now I am at 8.75cc in a 10cc band and feel great. I think I am at my sweet spot for now. Altogether - I am down 55 pounds as of this morning. What a wonderful feeling. Even though being overfilled was very uncomfortable - to get to the spot where I am at is great. I can hardly wait until summer - going to the beach is going to be a totally different experience than in the past. Before people looked at me like I was a beached whale. This summer I am going to feel awesome and totally enjoy the water with my boys. Thank you Slimband - I Love My Band.:biggrin:
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Hey if you google slimband it will take you to a site saying slim and is no longer taking patients and there is a contact email the person will contact you back and make a appt where you want a fill but it will cost you 300$ if you can’t find it let me know I can probally check my email and forward it to you
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Hi everyone , has anyone been in contact or had a fill from slimband that could pass on contact information ? I just found out in the fall when I had something stuck in my band that the office is closed . I went to emergency where they defilled me but now I need a refill !! HELP please !! Not happy gaining weight back !!
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Ontario bandsters: Which clinic......?
LessLee replied to Wanna-Be-Healthy's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Slimband because I wasn't aware of Smart Shape at the time. -
Banded in Toronto with Slimband, live in Ottawa. Starting at 309, 4 months later down 40 !
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Any April bandsters out their???
MiltonMommy replied to kaylovegee's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm scheduled for April 7th with Slimband in Toronto. I'm going through a whole range of emotions right now...nervous, scared of the unknown, sad to be saying goodbye to my old lifestyle, hopeful and excited for the future. Whatever may come, I'm sure it will be one hell of a journey! -
Lap Banding in Canada for Canadians *Vote Yes*
susieq321 replied to CanadianChubbling's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I have a slightly different perspective.. when I was banded I had US health insurance and could have had a lap RNY in less time and for free.... I couldn't be banded in the US since it was approved until much later in 02 than I was banded... but I could have self paid and gone to Mexico. There were no clinics when I was banded and only two choices of local Toronto surgeons who worked together and both did my banding. So even though I could have had a lap RNY faster I choose to self pay in Canada and a large part of that was the difference in the medical syste,. I didn't trust Mexico at the time (this was over 7 years ago) and now that has been born out with the number of patients I have talked to who have no one to do their fills locally, who have had complications and their Mexican surgeon while very experienced in placing bands since he doesn't see most of his patients again isn't so skilled in complications... and sent them to find a new Dr in Canada. I have heard great things about the hospitals and the skills but crappy things about the follow up. The US I know a little about the US since I work there much of the time... their medical system is a crap shoot.. so I get banded I pay for everything including fills in most cases. If you are fortunate enough to have Health insurance and have a WLS you better hope you keep your job and your carrier because if you switch jobs you new carrier can refuse you covered services because you had surgery under another carrier... even if you stay with the same carrier... and switch jobs they can refuse you coverage because it is a pre existing condition.... I am glad I made the decision I made 7 years ago, I could not have more confidence in my surgeon Dr Yau and my clinic and their support of me... I have had one issue with Slimband and it was resolved as soon as I complained... I agree with Tracey check out all the clinics and make your decision on who you are comfy with this is a long term relationship so you need to like who you are going to have it with. Heather -
Strike up the band! - 5th Year Banniversary
Paulax replied to Tomander's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Right on, cheers my coffee to the next 5.... I find that I still get exhilarated when I catch a glimpse in the mirror and see that this weight has stayed off. My brain sometimes just hasn't accepted the fact that I am no longer fat. I don't drink and I don't smoke, but I actually get a 'high' just from feeling thin and ecstatic that it has stayed off. I am finally free of that "heavy" that weighed me down for so long. My dearest friend just got banded this year. She has seen me lose this weight and keep it off for 5 years now. She is tired of trying the next program, the next diet. I am so happy for her and I am impressed by the support she gets from Slimband. Tom, it is good to hear your story and share Cheers again, Paula PS, I just can't imagine what the last 5 years could have been like, had I not made this decision. I feel so really very grateful! -
waste of 16 thousand dollars
mountain replied to Pain and Problems's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I'm sorry you've had a bad experience. I had the same doctor and found him to be very helpful. During my first week after surgery, I couldn't drink anything at all - a sip of Water came back up looking like white foam (soap suds). So I called the clinic and they told me to get a defill and made the arrangements immediately. Still had problems - Dr Kundhai himself called me at home and gave me his cell number, imploring me to get to an ER and get an upper GI etc. Happily, I didn't need to as the swelling went down and (having had the defills) I was able to start drinking again. But I was impressed that he called me and gave me his cell number so that I could have the ER ring him (Note: I live on the other side of Canada from where the surgery and Slimband is, so I couldn't just go in there.) As far as your refund - I would have agreed to you getting a refund if you had exhausted all of their options and still had problems. But you refused the exploratory surgery they offered (which would have just been a laproscopic procedure) and didn't get another medical opinion either, so I personally believe you acted too hasty in having it removed. Best wishes for the future - I hope you are able to find peace. -
What do you do?
needamulligan replied to mytime2shine's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I went to bed last night after reading your post. I was so sad and worried for you. I don't know you but I tossed and turned all night thinking about your dilemma. I am so glad to see your father is being supportive even though he is going to worry. I am glad he is researching into what exactly your procedure is. I think we all have the same worries that you do, that something will go wrong. It all seems so drastic and it would be so much easier to just continue life without going to the extremes of going under the knife. But if you didn't do anything and just kept living life as you are now, would you be happy, energetic, live life to the fullest, have self confidence and love yourself just the way you are now. Would you be completely at peace with yourself?! Are you now? And if you bring God into it, think of all you can do and be once you have this (in my case 30 min operation that is 100% reversible) done. I think for those that first hear of slimband or lapband operations they think of it as gastric bi-pass. It's not, this has an escape clause, if it doesn't work for you or you hate it, you can change it, have it removed. BUT... if it works think of all you can be!! My operation is a month away on Dec 1st, I have a beautiful husband and 4 children. It is a huge decision, but I choose it because I want to BE more, I can live this life only once. I want to live it happy, I want to feel peace and be content. I want to feel comfortable in my own skin. I can't wait to be telling my story a year from now telling people in the pre-op stage it's going to be ok, and it's going to be amazing! At first I was feeling exactly as you are, then I found this forum and found such inspiration in people's stories. Hang in there, I wish you peace in your decision and all the best. Teresa -
Dr Yau and Slimband 2015 lawsuits
pcara68 replied to Bandedbutburnt's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
I also went to see Dr Cyriac on my own in Toronto because my port is protuding out and is very uncomfortable . Hes a very pleasant man no doubt and of course he said at the price of almost the band he could fix it. Doctors are allways pleasant though if you have $$$$ . I think Canada should take all bands off the market and stop the surgeries because it enables companies like this to make millions and take advantage of people. It is said at some point all of these bands will have to be removed most likely in a emergency room. I feel foolish for being fooled by flashy smiles and big stories by the slimband employees. I know some are failing because they are not following the rules but slimband didnt provide the support they promised to all of us . That is what I am most upset about. I may have received half a dozen contacts (if that) by the support team . They said DNA testing was part of the service which when I called about my results was told the service was cancelled and they would be refunding for that. -
My band is choking me and no one will listen
Living My Dream replied to Living My Dream's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Thanks for the kind inquiries. I now have a surgery date on June 1 for a laparoscopy and possible repair. The slimband surgeon did not have the CD of the Upper GI when I saw him last week but booked the surgery anyway because of my history. I continue to have constant gastritis and obstruction in my throat. I am praying that they can do a simple fix and I can again work with my band. It has been the best thing for me to control my weight finally. Because I can still hardly eat anything, my weight is almost down to my lowest but I was debating whether I need to lose maybe 15 pounds from that. I just hope I don't ricochet up again after surgery depending on what happens. I thought I had finally found the utlmate weight loss tool for me when all this started. I will let you know what happens. I am not on this site very much but I get your messages in an email. Lynda -
Any Canadians out there?
mountain replied to CarmenPookie's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi - I'm in Edmonton, and had my surgery last week at Slimband in Toronto. Hope your surgery went well, and good luck fellow Edmontonian kkf1979! -
Hi, I travelled to Toronto for my surgeries. Had my first surgery Aug 2016 at the age of 46 with Dr. C???? on staff at the Toronto Slimband clinic. Did not have much success during that first year and followed the plan to the letter. Had to return a year later to have the procedure corrected because the port had been installed directly over a rib. Every time I would lay down or bend over at a certain angle it would rub against the rib bone (very painful). Dr. Yul did the corrective surgery himself. Just being brought into the operating room, he spoke to me and said to me very condescendingly that my weight problem was a psychological problem and that was why I wasn't achieving the promised success with my band. I was so shocked and hurt. They took my money, put this thing in me then tell me it isn't even what I needed. He was really heartless. I've since been diagnosed with a food addiction and I've been under the care of a wonderful and caring Dr. in the Ottawa area as well as a great therapist. I'm doing the hard work. I've since lost a fair amount of weight (part of my treatment is to no longer weigh myself so I don't use numbers just the fit of my clothes) and for the past three years I've had peace in my mind that I had not know since I was a young girl of 12 or 13. I just wish the Slimband Clinic had been up front with me and told me that the band wasn't for me and saved me the cost and pain multiple surgeries instead of lining their pockets with no regards to my wellbeing. The silver lining is that I found my wonderful Dr. in Ottawa when I was searching for a physician who would help me with my band. (fills, etc.)
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My daughter and I both have bands by Slimband and would like to join in your lawsuit. We both have issues eating regular foods. I can only tolerate soft foods. Because of the vomiting, I have now a hernia which makes it even more difficult to eat. I have gained more weight then when I started 2012/2014 I would love to hear back from you regarding this matter..... THANK YOU!!!!
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Slimband - Class Action Lawsuit 2020
jilalexander76@gmail.com replied to HMKW's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Hello, I had Slimband put in on 2012. However it gives me SOMUCH difficulty, an no weight loss. How do I join the class action lawsuit. Please advise. Thank you Jill -
Hi, I am from Canada too although I did not go to Slimband. I had my surgery in September and have had 5 fills so far! Why have you only had one? The general rule is once every four weeks - no sooner (at least with my office). My band was completely emptied after surgery due to complications. So I started from zero. Dont feel bad about the slow weightloss, it is not your fault! You need to get into the green zone and until then it will be hard to lose weight. Look at my stats below, nothing to brag about for sure!! I am eating about a third of what I used to eat and still not budging. I am still working on getting to that elusive green zone. I am getting discouraged, but this is for life so I hope it will work for me!! There was another girl here who has been complaining about Slimband since the Dr.Yau issue and not returning her calls. Hope you are doing OK and get somewhere with them! They have to do something, they cant leave all of their clients hanging!!
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Bunny Bandsters - April '09, MASTER THREAD #1
Losing for me replied to Band_Groupie's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I start the solid phase tomorrow and am looking forward to what the future has to offer. ISITWORTHIT - What clinic were you banded at? I had mine at Slimband and I am on pureed until day 20. Please be sure to contact your Dr and get everything checked out due to your vomiting. -
After reading this forum I realized that surgeons were calling in people at a post operation check up. Nobody from slimband called to check up to see if i was alive either. It's like the band is in, they have their money now get lost. I mean logically after any type of surgery there is a post op check up, but none with slimband
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I am getting disheartened. I had my surgery on 12/09/2011 and to date I had only lost 8 pounds from my pre-op diet. I also had my first fill and am now at 6 cc on a 10 cc band but I am still able to eat alot before I feel any restrictions and am not losing any weight. I am getting worried because the $16000 is a huge financial strain on me and I recently lost my job too. I am worried that this band won't work for me. I got it from Slimband and they aren't really helpful. They are nice when I call but I have yet to speak to a dieticitan. Is this normal? Is there any tips you can give me that will kick start my weight loss. I am just tired of all the looks i get from people for being over weight and I am just losing all hope I had.
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Quick question... does anyone else see the ads on this site for "Slimband"? The one I'm talking about is usually at the bottom of my screen and is of a woman with her arms outstretched? The reason I ask, is this is the new centre name for my lapband surgeon, and the woman in the ad is my Fill Nurse. She was banded back in 2006 and believe me... she's beautiful!
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Oh, Serenity....I'm with Slimband too. And while I"m fairly happy with the band, I usually wish I'd had it done somewhere else. I have NEVER spoken with a dietician. Wouldn't even know how to reach one. I'm pretty unhappy with their customer service and practices (can you believe NO ONE called me after my surgery to even see if I was alive?). But maybe if you call the 1-800 number and tell them you need to speak to one you'll be able to get some advice about what you need to be eating. PM me if you want to talk about this stuff!
