I have an appointment with Dr. Woodhead for June 19. Today I did all the required testing at the lab and so I am hoping that things will move ahead quickly.

I have been reading about both the band and the sleeve. Does anyone know if Dr. Woodhead does both these surgeries and what the cost difference is?

Thanks!

Hi Anita: Best thing to do about your questions is ask Dr. Woodhead. I go to him for fills and the procedures in my mind are important decisions but not as important as the after care. He is excellent providing aftercare. Although I did not have my surgery with him, he still wants to see me every few months or so. I like his interest in me and I feel safe and secure as I go forward in my journey.

The sleeve is relatively new and if you join the CanadianLapBanders on Yahoo, there are some intereting comments made about the sleeve. This site is also a good place to research the sleeve. Personally I like the band.

Have you been invited to the Vancouver support meetings? If you are interested contact Canadagirl33@hotmail.com. She started and organized our support meetings and will put you on her list for notification when and where the meetings will be held.

Yes, I will definitely be asking him these questions on the 19th when I see him. I'm just so impatient, now that I have decided to have WLS, I want to know everything right NOW, and I want to get it done and behind me!

Each day is like an eternity while I wait for that appointment.

Anita

PS, yes I will see you at the next meeting on June 18.

Edited June 8, 200818 yr by anita_b
added a PS

Hi Anita. Know exactly what you are saying about your impatience. I think we go thru this. Even now I get impatient with the slow weight loss although I know this is the best way for me. You are full of excitement and anticipation. Now you have made the decision, you want to get on with it. Wonderful attitude to have. See you at the next meeting.

Anita, Good luck with Dr. Woodhead today! I'll be thinking of you.

I saw him yesterday and yes he is a very nice man. He was incredibly honest with me about all the pros and cons.

For those of you wondering about costs and time frames......

He charges $14,000 and that includes 5 yrs of fills,adjustments, although he said that he is flexible on that.

He no longer does fills for Mexican surgeries.

If I made my decision today I could have the surgery in August or September. Normally it would be sooner but in the summer we are dealing with vacations.

That all said, I have made my decision to have the VSG (sleeve) procedure and so I won't be posting here anymore since this is lap band talk!

But it was so nice to meet you all and especially those at the North Van support meeting. I wish you all the best! :smile:

Anita

Hi Anita. Thanks for posting the information, but you don't have to sign off if you still want support. Drop in once in awhile to the Lion's Gate, we are not exclusive to bands. Just a support group with similar issues. The gastric by pass include all as well. Hope to see you at the odd meeting.