I have just started looking into lap-banding and wanted to get people's advice.

I am 35 and 270lbs, my BMI is right at 40. I have had a number of sports-related surgeries on my knee and shoulder which have dramatically reduced my activity level. I hope that if I can drop 50-60lbs the pressure on the joints will be enough less that I will be able to exercise more.

I have found a Toronto clinic which is around $16k for the procedure, and have looked at some overseas options (India $7k, Mexico $10k).

I am somewhat unsure of the way to go. I saw that some Albertans have gotten money back from their Provincial medical after getting the surgery done in Toronto. Has anyone gone this route from BC?

Cost is certainly a consideration, if there are folks who have been overseas and have good experiences I don't have much hesitation about doing it myself.

I just got banded at the surgercal weightloss center in Mississauga Ontario. Cost $16,00 Wait list was less than 2 months. Dr. Mumford did my surgery and I have no complaints to date. They have people in various cities doing fills for them. I am from Estevan, SK and will have to drive 2 hours to Regina as it is the closes large center. I will have to pay for the fills up to $150

Good for you mommy! I am so jealous of the weightloss centers in Ontario. I am sure Vancouver will have one eventually, there is so little for us to chose from. And no fill doctors if we decide to go to Ontario or Mexico. Again, I am THRILLED with Dr. Leung, but he seems to be the only choice right now.

Anyone can go to the Weight Loss Centre in Missasauga. It is a private clinic where I had mine done. If you are having trouble in BC and are slef pay you can go out of province.

I am in Calgary and will be using Dr. Mitchell here for fills.

Andrew

You were wondering about fills...I just had a fill done in Arlington Washington (about an hour from the border). It was fantastic, and I paid $150. I will definately be returning there for my fills. PM me if you would like more info.

Hi. I am a newly banded member. I was banded in Surrey by Dr. W. Leung on Jan 26, 2007.I first contacted his office in September, 06. Required a referral from my GP, saw Leung in October 06 and was able to get all my tests done and surgery in Jan07. Total cost was 12812.50. This included hospital stay. Fills are included. I really cannot say enough good things about Dr. Leung. An excellent surgeon, and his office person Evelyn is fantastic. Never had to wait in his office, and very responsive to any questions I have had.

Good luck on your info search

Hi. I am a newly banded member. I was banded in Surrey by Dr. W. Leung on Jan 26, 2007.I first contacted his office in September, 06. Required a referral from my GP, saw Leung in October 06 and was able to get all my tests done and surgery in Jan07. Total cost was 12812.50. This included hospital stay. Fills are included. I really cannot say enough good things about Dr. Leung. An excellent surgeon, and his office person Evelyn is fantastic. Never had to wait in his office, and very responsive to any questions I have had.

Good luck on your info search

Isn't he the greatest?:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

That ws almost record fast, good for you?

You were wondering about fills...I just had a fill done in Arlington Washington (about an hour from the border). It was fantastic, and I paid $150. I will definately be returning there for my fills. PM me if you would like more info.

Well that is good to note, for people who are thinking of going South or East for the surgery.

Hi: I live in North Vancouver and was banded by the TLBC in Toronto. My family GP authorized all the tests required and forwarded them on for me. The various blood clinics, X ray clinics would not send results to Toronto. I would not leave Canada personally but many have and they have been very satisfied. My reasons for staying in Canada was for the after care. I can not get travel insurance because of high blood pressure and insurers will not cover "any related illnesses". That takes in a lot of territory. My doctor will do my fill for me when it comes time and the TLBC has sent him a DVD on how to do fills. I would still like to know who else does fills in Vancouver in the event my doctor is not available. Doddie

Hi: I found a list of adjustment doctors put out by Dr. Cobourn's office.

For Vancouver it is

Romona Ramov, 1080 Howe St., #505, Vancouver V6Z2T1

e mail paulschol@hotmail.com. I have e mailed and am waiting for a reply. Does anyone use this person????

I was banded in Mexico and get my fills done by Dr Woodhead in Ladner. I had to pay an initial $400 consultation fee that included my first fill and then $75 for fills thereafter. Even thought I've had several fills and am still seeking my "sweet spot", it still will cost me considerably less overall than if I had it done in this country.

Hi

I am new and would like to say hello to everyone the the site. I was reading about someone just starting there journey. I went to Dr Woodhead in Delta. I did not need a referral, but my Dr wrote me one anyway. It works out well, because Dr Woodhead sent him all my paperwork from the surgery and with my visits, so he is also up to speed.

My consult was on Feb 6th 2007 and surgery was set for Mar 7th. It took 6 weeks to get a consult from after filling out the paper work. The surgery is done right next door to his clinic which is the Delta hospital.

I lost 15 lbs before the surgery and another 15 in the next 2 weeks. The scales have now stopped at 240 lbs. I am following the diet to a tee. I have a thyroid problem, hypo, and I hope that does not have a bearing on anything. I also had my knees operated on 4 times and it was that reason and the sleep apnea that sent me on my journey. I no longer have any pain in my knees and I am not taking any ibprophen anymore. Life is great.

Hope this answers your questions about the Dr.

Brenda:)

Dr. Amson in Victoria does bands. The total cost is $15443.00. I was very happy with my care. Once he puts you on the surgery list the wait is approximately 2 months right now. However, the wait to get in to see him for an initial consultation is anywhere from 6 months to a year.