I just got back from my doctor's appointment and am a little annoyed and need to vent. I'm getting my surgery done in Toronto, but I live in Halifax. I was told that most people have no problem getting their family doctor to do their fills. Well I guess I lucked out because mine said I was "putting him on the spot", he didn't want to get into legal difficulty, and the clinic was just "passing it off to someone else like they always do." In short, he said no. When I told him I was getting the surgery done he literally had nothing to say. No questions, no positive or negative feedback, nothing. Now I don't know where to go to get my fills done and I'm frustrated. It's looking like I'm going to have to fly to Toronto every time whichis going to be so expensive. Any suggestions? Anyone live in the area that knows someone I can go to? I don't feel like making appointments with a dozen random doctors hoping one will say yes.

Elizabeth

What clinic are you using in Toronto? can they refer you to someone? I'm sure your not the only person in Halifax to get the band, we just need to find out where they go. Did you call a couple of clinic and ask them?

andrea

Hi Lizzie,

Who is doing your band?

Dr. Yau is doing my band. I don't think you can call a doctor's clinic and ask if they have any doctors willing to do it, can you? Thats seems a little too easy. I bet most wouldn't even know what a fill is. I had to explain it to mine. I left a message at the TLBC asking if they could tell me any doctors in my area that they know do fills. I doubt they do though because they did not tell me about any when I first brought this up. I know of 1 woman who has the band in Nova Scotia. I don't remember if she lives close but I'll try to contact her and see who she goes to.

Elizabeth

I know Dr. Cobourn has someone in Pictou, and that's who I was seeing up til now... but I don't know that she will do fills on other Dr's patients.

Why not call Dr. Yau's office, and ask him to put you in contact with some other Halifax patients.. there's gotta be some, and maybe they can hook you up with THEIR Dr's, if their Dr's are doing their fills?

And tell him if he doesn't, you'll just have to switch over to Dr. Cobourn and get his people to do your fills. :rose:

lol I'm waiting for Dr. Yau's office to call me back. I asked if they could tell me of some doctor's doing fills for their other patients in Halifax. I'll try your technique though if I have to. I also posted a message on a yahoo group for ontario lap band patients in hopes that I'll find out the names of some doctors in Halifax that do fills. It's hard to find people in Halifax with the lap band, surprisingly. I'm starting to think maybe just flying to Toronto where the experts are would be best, although much more expensive. Also, my brother lives in downtown Toronto so I guess I could look at it as extra time with him.

Elizabeth

Hi there,

I live in Saint John NB and am being banded by Dr. Coburn on Nov 2nd. I also know a few others locally who are banded. There will be a very competant person doing fills here in Saint John in the near future but for now everyone is going to Pictou and she is apparently very good. You could drive to Digby and take the ferry to Saint John (walk on is way cheaper) - and go directly to this new persons office when he is set up, which should be soon. Let me know and I'd be happy to help you make arrangements!

But that's only if this fill nurse/person is comfortable with 'other Dr's patients", which might not be the case. There might be some kind of arrangement with Dr. C, I don't know.

Originally Posted by lizzie_07

lol I'm waiting for Dr. Yau's office to call me back. I asked if they could tell me of some doctor's doing fills for their other patients in Halifax. I'll try your technique though if I have to. I also posted a message on a yahoo group for ontario lap band patients in hopes that I'll find out the names of some doctors in Halifax that do fills. It's hard to find people in Halifax with the lap band, surprisingly. I'm starting to think maybe just flying to Toronto where the experts are would be best, although much more expensive. Also, my brother lives in downtown Toronto so I guess I could look at it as extra time with him.

Elizabeth

That is one of the drawback of being an out of town patient with Dr. Yau. Access to fills can be more difficult and from what I have seen, those people who do fills for Dr.Coburn's patient aren't always willing o do fills for other Dr.s.

I think it is a little presumptuous to think that people's family Dr.s will do the fills for them. My family Dr. is way too busy to do them, and although he is more than qualified he has told me there is not way that he would want to do that, even if I were to pay him.

I would definatly get the fill situation figured out before you are banded. You dont want to be left with having to travel way hell and gone to get a fill, or god forbid an emergency defill.

Andrew

Exactly - This new fill person is going to be trained by Dr. Colburn. This person is a doctor himself and the husband of a banded patient. I'm not sure how it's all going to work though and I really can't say any more. I've probably already said too much.He is very kind person and may be willing to help others in difficult fill situations. Time will tell.

Liz there is a doctor that will do fills in Halifax. I corresponde with a bander in Halifax and she told me her family doctor has consented to do fills for $30.00/fill. She has told the TLBC of this doctor so keep trying by requesting the head nurse or Nancy. If you can't get an answer, e mail me and I will ask my friend to contact you. Doddie

A woman named Marilyn told me about her doctor around here and I am going to try to contact her to see if she will do my fills. Is this the same person you are talking about? If not, I'd love to have a second option incase her doctor is not willing to do my fills as well.

Elizabeth

Yes, Marilyn is the one. She is trying to set up a support group for Halifax. I wish you luck in getting a fill doctor. It took awhile for me to find a fill doctor here in Vancouver, but thanks to the net and TLBC, a bariatric surgeon has agreed to take me on. Now I don't have to travel to TO. doddie

I cannot help but marvel at the power of this board and the assistance it provides all of us. With one thing in common, Lapband, and a need for followup care, look at what has happened. Talk about coast to coast assistance. I'm so glad it is working out for you Lizzie - good luck.

Cindy

In case anyone cares lol, I found a fill doctor! Another bandster in Halifax told me about her doctor who does her fills and she is willing to do mine. YEY!! :whoo:

congrats, that's awesome news!