Hi I am looking into getting the Lap Band done, and wanted to know peoples opinions about the following 2 clinics, as I am not sure which one to use. TLBC (Toronto) vs.SWLC (Mississauga)

They both seem like very nice clinics, but I'm worried about follow-up care. One clinic spoke a lot about post op seminars, and tools to help you, yet another didn't mention much about that part, so I am a little confused on which clinic to use.

If you can help me with any insight that would be great.

Katrinalud: I am from North Vancouver, BC and was banded at the TLBC. The SWLC Dr. Cobourn I believe and TLBC clinics are both great. The TLBC has just announced today major support for locals and long distance patients BUT there is still the problem of getting a fill. There is a fill nurse in Washington State and Dr. Woodhead does fills but he charges $400 for the consult and $75.00 thereafter. It still is cheaper than flying to Toronto. However, have you consulted Dr. Woodhead or Dr. Leung here in Vancouver. They both do the band privately and offer free fills as well. Contact me privately, and I will give any information you may ask me (if I know the answer), Also, we have a bandsters meeting once a month at the Lions Gate Hospital if you would like to come and ask questions.

The most commone one: Would I do it again. You bet my life I would no questions asked. Doddie

Kat,

SWLC does have fill doctors and nurses all over the country and they are always looking to find new ones to keep servicing their patients in the smaller communities as well. They do have a surgery bed that will accomodate very large patients. Don't quote me but I think when I was at the new clinic in November, he said it holds up to 550 lbs now.

For those just investigating the band, why not book consultations at all the clinics and go from there. I know that TLBC and SWLC both offer free consultations so you have nothing to lose but your time. CIBO, TCC and HRRH, I have no idea if they have consultation fees or not but you could always ask. There are 5 options in the GTA and you will know when you find the right surgeon and clinic for you.

Making sure you have a fill doctor available to you is a huge part of making the band a success. I live 6 hours from the clinic but have a surgeon locally that will do my fills so I only visit the actual clinic once a year just for the hell of it. I don't mind going down and seeing them and letting them see my progress in person.

I have been lurking on this board for over a month now and just realized I had to join to reply to a thread. I have picked the SWLC and am very happy with my decision. I will be banded in the near future by Dr. Padonou.

Congrats Jane on your upcoming surgery at The Surgical Weight Loss Centre in Mississauga. If you haven't already be sure to join their messageboard and chatroom that can be accessed at Toronto Weight Loss Obesity Surgery Lap Band Bariatric Surgeon Gastric Bypass and then by clicking on the Patient Support Forum and registering. If you live anywhere within driving distance of Mississauga you are more than welcome to join the new lapband support group I have started for clients of the Surgical Weight Loss Centre held monthly at a location in Mississauga. It is available once you have booked a surgery date for your banding. For more info regarding it pleases check out my announcement regarding it on their messageboard site.

Thanks Donna, I have joined the patient forum already but unfortunately I don't live anywhere near Mississauga. I live in the frozen tundra we call Northern Ontario.

Yep Jane that is a little far but we have bandsters from our clinic in Elliot Lake, Haileybury, etc. so you may want to connect with some of them in the future for extra support.

Take care,

I was in contact with TLBC, SWLC and CIBO. I ended up choosing SWLC since my email was answered by the surgeon not office staff. All my questions were answered by an actual medical professional. CIBO gave me the run around and then when I decided not to go with them, they emailed me telling me they hoped I could live with my conscience and my decision. Why would I not be able to live with it, it's my body, my money and my decision. It was a very unprofessional approach in my opinion. I contacted TLBC and dealt with one office person then was to speak with a patient that works there for a consultation then speak to a surgeon after. I liked the fact that at SWLC, I got to speak directly to the surgeon to have all my questions answered. This was my deciding factor as to which clinic to go to.

SWLC would be my first choice as well !! Good for you. Good luck with your surgery

Whoever you choose you will have a relationship with that clinic for a long long time. Most of the Drs who do fills for TLBC or SWLC will do fills for either patient base so location of the clinic shouldn't matter that much.

Go with the clinic that makes you feel the best and offers the most that matters to you. It is about way more than the money, it is about knowing you will be taken care of by your choice in clinic.

I had my surgery at TLBC and have absolutely NO regrets. I was treated like freakin royalty by everyone there and all my concerns were dealt with promptly. The surgeon is only in on certain days of the week, which may be why others have had delayed responses. However, in an emergency situation, he is always reachable. I was even given his direct cell phone number after the surgery in case of any problems after office hours. I personally preferred to have my first consult with someone who has had the band, as TLBC's patient coordinator is. I think for some, it is more reassuring to hear from someone with experience living with the band. I would recommend TLBC to anyone, but my personal advice is to book consults with both TLBC and SWLC and get a feel for which is right for you. From what I understand they are both the same price, and TLBC offers lifetime fills, adjustments, counselling and support groups where SWLC only offers fills and adjustments for 5 years post op. I have already had two minor operations to deal with port problems and did not have to pay another dime. Also, I'm not sure about SWLC, but TLBC has the absolute latest technology regarding general anasthetic for obese individuals.

Both clinics are great and SWLC definitely has latest technology and three lapband surgeons. Also both clinics offer lifetime on replacements and problems for the bands. I am comfortable with paying a small fee for fills after 5 years as now that I am at goal it is rare you need a fill. I have been banded for 22 months and my surgeon and clinic have been fantastic. Best to check both clinics out and go with what feels best in my opinion.

I like the after care of Jill the dietician. She calls me long distance every month. I chose once a month she was willing to call every week. Jill also has the band and lost considerable weight so she knows the ups and downs we go thru.

Dr. Yau I found was a very approachal doctor but i find I don't need him as much as dietician's information, etc. Doddie

Hi Doddie,

Glad Jill is able to help you alot, I met her at the Bandster Bash and she was nice enough to lend me and my friend money to buy a drink each till we could go back to our room and pay her back. What a sweety! SWLC has a dietician for several months now named Billie Jean and people find her very helpful also.

The two clinics should band together (no pun intended). Doddie

Yeah but the competition keeps them on their toes and good for us!