Hello All!

Well I have been doing my research and homework and have a doctors appointment with my doctor on the 25th to get the referral (hopefully!).

What my question is - any of you British Columbia Bandsters that have gone to someone in the lower mainland (do not want to have to go to the Island, makes fills etc a bit difficult)...

1)Who did you go to and what is your opinion of that surgeon?

2)How long was your wait to get a consult appointment and then to the actual surgery?

3)Did you managed to get it covered by BC Medical? (My girl friend had gastric bypass covered by BC Med).

Thanks in advance. I'm excited, I'm scared, and I'm worried my doc wont give me the referral.

~Angela~

Hi Donna: Don't worry about the five pounds if you can. That will just exasperate your depression about the weight not coming off. What you have to do is focus on the new year not what was last year. Take a deep breath and charge forward.

I am absolutely sure that Jill will find a spot for you. She cares and will find a way to help you. She certainly has helped me. I am now on her phone list and she has been very supportive. I only lost 2 lbs again last month.

Jill sent me a protein drink that I find absolutely delicious. Now when I go to exercise, I drink the protein drink and I no longer am having low sugar.

So all I can say is my dear, look ahead to the wonderful future and not behind at something you can't change.

Happy New Year and good loosing. Doddie

PS Donna D. The TLBC now has a psychologist on staff. Is it possible he takes appointments. Maybe he could help? Doddie

Hi Doddie

You are so right. I have already lost 2.5 of the 5. I have been very good with food - no treats - but of course I am doing little if any exercise. I am sure that unless I get moving the scale isn't going to budge.

All the best to you

D

Well done Donna D. 2.5 is a great loss. Really, you can loose without exercise, just a lot slower. If you note, one hour of exercise (depends on what you do) is around 278 calories. What exercise does is improve the internal organs such as heart, blood pressure etc. Calculate how many colories you consume as opposed to what you do. On Fit Day, for instance, just doing the washing uses calories. To exists (if you were bedridden) you need approx. 800 calories. My point being, consume less food if you find you don't exercise consistantly but more frequently. Do a diabetic diet. Tiny meals all day long. Hope these hints may help a bit. And good luck in the boot camp. Wish I could be there.

Doddie

BC BANDSTERS: NEXT MEETING AT THE LIONS GATE HOSPITAL. The meeting room has been changed due to the expansion construction.

The meeting on January 16th and February 20th will now be in the 5th floor boardroom. To get there take an elevator (by the 13th street entrance) up to the 5th floor. Turn right off the elevator. The meeting room is straight ahead with the door to the left.

Hope to see you all there

Doddie

Is there anyone out there from Fort St John, BC and area or am I the only one?!! :ohmy:

Is there any place closer to this area to go for fills? I have not had one yet but will have to travel to Sexsmith, AB to get one done.

So hi, I am Shannon and May 30th I will be going for surgery. I am scared, very scared, I am about 350lbs and scared about being put to sleep. This is my major concern, I guess it is the unknown. The rest I can handle, the funny thing is I mean I am a nurse, and should be used to all this. I am just not so happy about the idea of being the patient. So anyways my question, was anyone 350 or over before surgery? How did you each deal with the anxiety of the actual surgery? And is there like a support/meeting group in Vancouver I would so be intererested in having coffee with someone/anyone who has had it done or is planning on it. Let me know! and thanks for the advice, I am really happy I found this place.

Yes Shannon. Please come to our North Vancouver meeting in the Lions Gate Hospital tonight (Wednesday). We are a tiny group but have alot of fun. We can certainly help you with your anxieties.

Having the surgery is like a mountain, one minute you are excited then the next minute all the doubts start creeping in. But don't worry, you will be find. Who is doing the surgery, Dr. Leung or Dr. Woodhead.

Contact me on my e mail if you wish further information on the meeting. Doddie

Doddie,

I know! It is like one minute I am beyond excited so much so I want to cry. The next I find I have chewed all my nails off as I worry about 'what is to come'. I really wish I could come tonight, I have a shift at the hospital though a graveyard, not my favorite by any means. But I have emailed you and hope to be able to attend the next group! Dr. Leung is going to do my surgery. The funny thing about this is his daughter is a nurse and I worked with her on my surgical floor. She said this to me..and I quote "his bedside manner sucks, but he is a great surgeon!'. I hope to see how right she is!

I can totally understand yyour fear of being put to sleep. But it is safe. And the END justifies the means right?

I think that its the idea that YOU have no control... ie you are PUT to sleep, you don't voluntarily drift off... and then SOMEONE else controls WHEN you wake up.

I have had A Breast Reduction, Hysterectomy, 2 bladder repairs and 2 Lap band surgeries.... all we done under general Anesthetic...

They also do EKG, chest xrays, blood work all preop to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery...but YOU already know that.

Have you thought of hypnosis to deal with your fear?

JMHO

Good luck

Hey JMHO,

So I think what you said right off the bat is what I am trying to focus on. All I keep thinking is that this little scare is nothing compared to the laundry list of things I need to be worried about if I continue to live this way. So the end 100% justifies the means. I guess right now, I am just trying to put that out of my mind. And certainly hearing about everyone elses experinces has helped so much! Thanks for the positive energy!

Just wondering when there will be another BC support group meeting. I was banded 5 days ago and I would love to get to meet others who are or were where I am now.

oh my gosh! I am so excited for you!! Where are you living in BC? I am in Vancouver. I am going for my surgery in exactly 41 days and I am so excited! So how are you feeling after 5 days? And yes I believe there is another meeting in May! Take care of yourself!

Shannon

I live in the fraser valley and I was banded by Dr. Woodhead. I feel great, Im heading back to work today. The post op diet is tough but I am surviving!

Hi Ladies :tongue_smilie:

I'm so glad to see new Bandsters (and soon-to-be Bandsters) !!! Your enthusiasm and excitement is contagious....and something oldies like myself need to see !!!

I'm glad to see your feeling so well Outrageous. The first couple of weeks can be tough, but always remember that your stomach needs this time to heal and in the long run, a few weeks of liquids and mush are well worth it !!!

We will be having a meeting in May in North Vancouver. I'm sorry it's not closer to you but hopefully you can take the time to join us. With the longer days it is going to be easier for me to travel down for it (I live north of Whistler so it takes me a couple of hours to get there). So the meeting will be Wednesday, May 21st at Lions Gate Hospital in Conference Room C (just off the main lobby). Officially it's marked for 7pm but I'm usually there and having a coffee by about 6.30pm.

If you would like to email me I can add you to my mailing list, that way you will get my little 'reminder mail' a day or 2 in advance. My address is canadagirl33@hotmail.com

Congrats on joining us Bandsters and all the best on your journey !!!!

Patricia

11/16/06

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