I have been attending the Wharton Weight Management Clinic in Hamilton, Ontario to get some perspective on my weight and what I can about it. My good friend suggested I start there, as weight management is about more than what you put in your mouth - you need to understand some of the whys, and some of the bad habits, you have.

It's been a great experience - I am down 25 lbs, feeling very good, sugars are much better. However, with a starting weight of 331, and knowing myself so well, I really was interested in surgery. Dr. Wharton, who is a bariatric specialist and not a surgeon, warned me that my huge(and I mean big big big...)hernia would definitely prevent gastric bypass. I was very disappointed, but at the next visit, he said he would refer me to Dr. Coburn at Toronto Lap Band Clinic.

Surprise of surprises, 2 weeks ago, I am sitting at home, watching TV, when I get a phone call from Dr. Coburn! He said that he did not think the hernia was going to be a problem, that I should come see him at his clinic the beginning of Sept, and oh, just to kick start things, we'll book a surgery date for Oct 1. He spent a good 1/2 hour with me on the phone, talking about how much he enjoyed doing the surgery, how it would mean a life change for me, but warning me it was still up to me to make it work. He was very supportive of the work Dr. Wharton is already doing - he sees what he is doing as certainly a great assistance in making this work.

In Canada, as you may know, our healthcare is mostly free, but not for things like lap band surgery. However, clinics like Dr. Wharton's, which are few and far between, are typically covered by our provincial medicare systems. It has been a pleasure to go to a clinic where the focus is on weight management, not on weight loss, where they are supportive and helpful, and where you know everyone else has the same problem - plus, even better, no one is making a buck of you(ie, LA Weight Loss, Simply for life, Weight Watchers...all great programs...but trust me, they exist because there is money to be made).

But now, to also get the surgery?? I am over the moon optimistic. I will soon have a shot at things I have not done for so long...walking, exercising...even with my limited weight loss, I have seen a reduction in the swelling of my feet(Fred Flintstone could have used my feet as his model).

I'm in an incredibly lucky position, because I think I am preparing myself for both before and after surgery. My company is being incredibly supportive as well - they want me healthy. They are providing financial assistance, and that is great. Even more so, some people at work are helping me and my family create the support network I need.

So I am so very excited, and so very happy...all I need to do is to go to the clinci next week and then I am on my way. Wish me luck!:smile2:

Your story is wonderful and I do wish you luck!!! It sounds like you are really ready for this. Working on some of the issues about why you are where you are puts you far ahead of many. I'm not sure how old you are but I am sure that you are a wise woman. Again... good luck!! I'd love to keep up with your journey and your progress!! Becky

oops... i see you are 48... Monday night.. kinda tired. I am 53 and my surgery is scheduled for the 12th of September.

Hi, MissBS

Sorry I am so late getting back to you, my computer at home is not working right, and I have been back and forth to Toronto several times.

I wanted to thank you for your kind words. I went to the Surgical Weight Loss Clinic yesterday, and my surgery is Oct 1!!!! The doctor told me I was exactly in the right place to be successful at this. I am so excited I cannot stop smiling.

I just ordered my Optifast, which I have to take for 3 weeks - and since I have already lost 32 pounds, I am hoping to see even more in those 3 weeks.

Anyways, good luck on the 12th...us oldies but goodies deserve this as much as anyone, and the rest of our lives will be that much better for this.

I would like to know how you are both doing. I was banded on January 13th.

Linda