I just found out that there are a couple of doctors in Calgary that do the lap band. I'd like to talk with anyone who has the procedure done with them. Thanks!

WOW PIP you're doing great! Do you know if any of these doctors do the LAP-band laprascopically? That's why I went to Edmonton originally, because I was told Dr. Davies was the only one doing them that way. I'm meeting with the surgeons on April 21 for the determination, but it's been 1 year with this program + 1 year wait from referral + 6 months to get the referral. Ugh.

WOW PIP you're doing great! Do you know if any of these doctors do the LAP-band laprascopically? That's why I went to Edmonton originally, because I was told Dr. Davies was the only one doing them that way. I'm meeting with the surgeons on April 21 for the determination, but it's been 1 year with this program + 1 year wait from referral + 6 months to get the referral. Ugh.

They are all done laproscopically unless there is a problem during the surgery. Then they will either convert to open surgery (very rare) or stop the surgery right there. The LAP in Lap band means Laproscopic, no body does them with open surgery normally.

Andrew

Jen:

My surgery was done laparoscopically as far as I know that is the only way that the 4 doctors here do it, as it is less invasive and quicker healing time.

However that being said that I suppose if they could not see things clearly that they may open you up!

Take Care,

Wow Pip!

Congrats on your surgery and you success so far!!! How was your post-op experience? I think that's the part that make me the most nervous.

Keep up the great work!

Pami

My post op experience has been good, I have had no hunger pains since being banded.. actually I don't really get hungry at all anymore. I have not had a fill yet but I have not had any problem foods but I have heard that happens more after your first fill. I have done well saw the surgeon yesterday and he said that I have lost more weight then they would like.. they only want 1-2 pounds per week and well I lost 10 in 14 days after my surgery.

Talk soon and Take Care

Keep up the good work! I bet you feel great!

Pami

Hello everyone I'm from Alberta(jasper).

I've been thinking about lap banding for a couple years. I'm 46 on wed, and diabetic(meds for now), and have tried a few fad diets for diabetics to loose the weight. They are all so unrealistic for long term lifestyle living. I'm pretending for now that I already had the surgery and I'm portion controling like hell (gained weight instead). Friends say its muscle because I'm weight training, others say maybe thyroid(will find out on fri), Simply put, I'm tired of spinning my wheels and having my whole world revolve around food portions and meals and times and what I can and can't have and.... nuts.......I'm just tired of it all. I've been heavy all my life, I may not weight as much as some but being 240lbs is hard enough to live with, it gets in the way of many things, you name it , the weight is in the way.

Also I've been reading the posts about "Mexico"?, why would anyone go down there with all the scares in the media?, no disrespect here, but that scares me regardless of cost. I would need more info from people who have actually been there and experinced it. But to wait up to 3 years? in Alberta...that frustrates me even more and aggravates the diabetes.

For the sake of curiousity has anyone gone to BC for this surgery? and if so whats the price and does Alberta health care help out? And how was your experince? Where was it done and who were the Dr.'s?

thank you everyone

thea

Thea,

If price is one of the considerations for you, check out Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver, his price is $9,950 US. I'm being banded by him April 23rd and there another lady and her daughter from GP being banded April 2nd and 3rd. Definately something to consider besides Mexico.

Hello Pami

Thanks for the info, I'll keep that inmind as well.

thea

Hi Gaffer,

I really don't know how to us a computer very well, just learning. I also had my lapband done by Dr.Cobourn in July. I noticed you said you put a claim in for money back from AH Care can you tell me how to do that.

Thank you

wendy

Hi Gaffer,

It's me again, I just seen where you were helping another person with AH Care information, could you tell me what is PM and could you send me the forms also I really appreciate all your help. I live in Chestermere, just a couple of miles out of Calgary. I think Dr.Cobourn is the best, I'm sorry happy I got banded by him. I would very happy to get some money back from AH Care, because I did pay $16,000 plus $600 for air fare,and another $450 for hotel and cabs, so it would be nice to get something back.

Thanks

Wendy

Hi Gaffer,

It's me again, I just seen where you were helping another person with AH Care information, could you tell me what is PM and could you send me the forms also I really appreciate all your help. I live in Chestermere, just a couple of miles out of Calgary. I think Dr.Cobourn is the best, I'm sorry happy I got banded by him. I would very happy to get some money back from AH Care, because I did pay $16,000 plus $600 for air fare,and another $450 for hotel and cabs, so it would be nice to get something back.

Thanks

Wendy

There are a couple forms on the AHC website you can print off. They are pretty easy to complete. You will need a detailed invoice from the Dr. as they only reimburse certain types of costs. Ideally, the invoice should have the billing codes.

Out of province - complete form AHC0693

Out of Country - complete from AHC0694

(type the form code into google and it will pop up)

Expect to receive $1,200 - $1,600 back. The balance you are out of pocket can be claimed as a medical expense on your income tax.

I hope that helps.

I couldn't find the form when I searched it on there website....??? Do you have a pdf of it?

I couldn't find the form when I searched it on there website....??? Do you have a pdf of it?

Here is a link:

http://www.health.alberta.ca/ahcip/AHCIP_form-AHC0693.pdf

Hi Cujo,

Thanks for the information, with me luck.

wendri