I am newly banded and living in Ottawa. I've noticed that other cities have support groups, and would like to start one here. Anyone out there interested?

Please PM me with contact infor if you are and I'll be in touch and we can get something organized.

thanks, Christine

For those who were at the great get together last Saturday, you'll remember I had been organizing a small group of bandsters from canadianlapbanders on yahoo. There are a couple of folks who weren't able to make it that I'll be meeting with in the next week or two, if anyone wants to join us I'll be putting confirmed details here in the next few days. Usually it's early evening in Bells Corners at the Second Cup.

I'm interested in meeting again - I could use the support and inspiration to make it through the holidays LOL! My coworkers have already started bringing in Christmas goodies - I feel like I'm surrounded by yummy food all day long! It's so hard to resist grazing all day - a little nibble here and there goes down way too easily and adds up fast.

seeing dr gustaukas today at 4:30....saves me time and money of going to toronto, ill check back in to tell you all how it went....hopefully this gets me to my sweet spot (how elusive it has been!)

I was glad that the TLBC referred me to him it made things a lot simpler for me. The unfortunate part is they only referred me after I had an issue with a fill that I had done in Toronto and had already returned home, if I had known I could have saved myself 2 vacation days and 3 return flights to Toronto. But I think that I am at my comfort level, so hopefully I won't have to go back. I'm also glad I was able to refer him to a couple of others on this forum.

Really wasn't impressed. It scared me how old he was. I know i shouldnt question a doctors ability, but honestly...i was a bit nervous. Also, he couldnt find my port, its not flipped, but its turned. At least he didnt charge me. Looks like this fill will have to do for now, and i'm going to have to head back to toronto later on.

Really wasn't impressed. It scared me how old he was. I know i shouldnt question a doctors ability, but honestly...i was a bit nervous.

That's too bad it didn't work out for you. It's really important to have trust in our doctors and if you weren't feeling it...

Personally, I figure that if fills can be done by nurses, then I'm confident an experienced surgeon can handle it. I view his years of experience as an asset. So far he's always found my port so I'll keep going back.

I disagree with you about how we shouldn't question a doctor's ability. I want to feel total trust in my doctor. In fact, I turned down an earlier lapband surgery (I was on various waiting lists) because that doctor gave me a bad feeling. I was questioning his ability, lack of experience, professionalism... I'm glad I waited a little longer for a surgeon I had complete trust in.

That's too bad it didn't work out for you. It's really important to have trust in our doctors and if you weren't feeling it...

Personally, I figure that if fills can be done by nurses, then I'm confident an experienced surgeon can handle it. I view his years of experience as an asset. So far he's always found my port so I'll keep going back.

I disagree with you about how we shouldn't question a doctor's ability. I want to feel total trust in my doctor. In fact, I turned down an earlier lapband surgery (I was on various waiting lists) because that doctor gave me a bad feeling. I was questioning his ability, lack of experience, professionalism... I'm glad I waited a little longer for a surgeon I had complete trust in.

Well what i meant to say was, i shouldnt think he's incompetant. Because obviously he's qualified. But yeah, i really didnt want to be in there, After he couldnt find it after 2 pokes i wanted out...even at tlbc i need nancy to do the fill, even the extremely trained other nurses cant get it. So i dont know how i deluded myself to thinking this guy could. I mean its great that most ottawa people can get it done by him...just sucks i cant.

Those who might have been interested in that little get together group I'd been organizing for the Second Cup in Bells Corners. No you haven't missed it, so far it hasn't happened and I don't think it will happen before the New Year now as the closer we get to Christmas the busier everyone is. But I will put a note out if something comes up.

Happy Holidays!

Hi all,

I've been researching lap band surgery for a while now and seems like I keep finding more and more questions. I'm quite excited to have found a site (locally too!) where people are so open about discussing this...

In truth, I'm quite overwhelmed by the clinics that offer this surgery... what's your take on this... what made you chose a certain doc over another... given the cost of the consult sometimes, I imagine it can get pricey.

thanks for letting me pick your brain!

inky

Welcome Inky! I don't think the Toronto clinics charge for a consultation (someone please correct me if I'm wrong). I think your best bet is to talk to people who've been operated on by the main clinics, maybe schedule a phone consultation first to get a "feel" for the doctor and his staff.

I am sorry if this info has already been posted but I just found out yesterday. There is a new Doc in Ottawa that will do fills. Here is the info

Dr Douglas Bishop

1335 Carling Ave, Suite 102

Ottawa

Ph: 613-761-8015

Hello,

I have not yet gone for my consult yet. Does anyone know if Green Shield will cover the cost of the surgery? Are there any guide lines to get it apporved. Thanks

HI all:

I am new to this site and will be banded in January 2008. Was wondering if I could join you all at Denny's and talk about the procedure, the pre-op diet, post op diet. etc... I believe it is Denny's on Merivale at 10:30 a.m. Who can I ask for when I arrive.

Thanks Agnes

Do you know how much he charges and whether he will fill patients that were banded in Montreal? Thanks

I am sorry if this info has already been posted but I just found out yesterday. There is a new Doc in Ottawa that will do fills. Here is the info

Dr Douglas Bishop

1335 Carling Ave, Suite 102

Ottawa

Ph: 613-761-8015

Do you know how much he charges and whether he will fill patients that were banded in Montreal? Thanks

Not sure what the cost but the other Ottawa Doc charged $75 for a fill. I think the Montreal Docs would take care of their own fills though??

Good luck