Hi...I live in the Tacoma Washington area. I have been researching Lap Band Surgery extensively. I am going to be a self-pay patient, so I am now researching surgeons and cost. I am looking for a surgeon in British Columbia nearer the USA border. And, can anyone tell me the cost in Canada? Thanks!

Technical question.

What exactly type of needle and saliene is used to fill a lap band.

Reason I am asking: I was banded in 06, had some fill removed by my GP in 09 during my chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer. I could not make the trip to Vancouver from Kelowna at the time to see my own Dr Leung.

She is trained as a surgeon and I trusted her. She was fast, hit the spot and was confidnet. The fill she took out gave me immediate relief from my nausea.

Now, I want her to put some fill back in, but she doesn't have any sterile saliene. And now I am wondering what the 'proper' needles for fills are.

Can anyone tell me?

Thanks in advance.

Guessing. Any saliene would do, but I see that there is 95% and 97% or something like that. And I am guessing at a Huber needle? But would like to know for sure.

My clinic only uses non-coring Huber needles and sterile saline. The other needles could damage your port.

Got fill?

Happy to report we have a fill doctor in Kelowna for anyone who can't or doesn't want to travel to Vancouver.

Dr Kleftinger has been trained to do lap bands and will take new patients for fills. Cost 125.00. Need a doctor's referral.

I am so happy, I finally have someone close to home.

Got my referral today, hope to meet up with him soon.

$17,000 including tax # False Creek Medical in Vancouver, BC

Hi...I live in the Tacoma Washington area. I have been researching Lap Band Surgery extensively. I am going to be a self-pay patient, so I am now researching surgeons and cost. I am looking for a surgeon in British Columbia nearer the USA border. And, can anyone tell me the cost in Canada? Thanks!