banders in British Columbia

Paulax, for me I chose the TLBC because I live in Toronto, however I'm originally from BC and occasionally go back. So I chose the TLBC because I had heard good things about it, and also because it is less than a 20min walk away from my abode(I quite possibly could be one of the closest living patient to the hospital...I don't think many others walk from door to door...actually, it makes a nice little exercise..lol).
Plus, you gotta check out those digs, damn son, I understood why it cost 16, 000 once I walked up the stairs! lol

Well, now that I totally understand. But for the people who live in BC, who went to Toronto. I guess I am just curious. I chuckled at the beautiful digs comment, comparitively, Dr Leung has some of the UGLIEST digs I have ever seen. Lol! BUt he is an awesome surgeon, and that what mattered most to me.

But as for your mom, there is another option in Dr Leung

Hi: I am from North Vancouver BC and Dr. Leung is a very good surgeon and the reason I did not choose him was because his wait list was far into the future, plus I was told he was considering retiring. Secondly, I liked the TLBC because the two doctors are known as bringing the Lap Band to Canada and press on them was very positive. All doctors in BC have huge waiting lists and getting operating time in a BC hospital was dicey. TLBC would do surgery within a month. Unfortunately, I did not really check out the aftercare of fills. The press clips said the GP could do the fill with a DVD as instructions. My GP said he would do them but reneged after I had surgery. That is when I found out that most GP are reluctant to say the least and there are no sponsored TLBC fill nurses in BC. TLBC made arrangements for me to go to a surgeon in Delta but other than that, nothing. I just returned from Toronto and Dr. Yau told me they are setting up clinics throughtout Canada but it takes time. Doddie

Yes, Doddie, a one month waiting list is really awesome!
It really IS strange to me that there aren't more surgeons doing this surgery in BC. This IS the most beautiful province! Lol! ducks for cover.
But, yes, I do see more happening in the future. In the meantime, I think we should go back to med school and become lap band specialists.
And I hope you find a fill doc or nurse closer. Even with cheap flights, it is time consuming.

Hi: Even if we went back to school the bc gov't would soon close us down if we tried to open a private clinic. LOL They are death on private clinics. One tried to open and the gov't shut them down. now they only accept WCB cases and out of province visitors. The three doctors that have been annointed are struggling to meet the demand but the authorities won't give them more hospital or time and/or money to take on more patients. They still are in the dark ages that 1) loose weight by dieting and exercise. The won't acknowledge that does not work as the majority put the weight back on. The yo yo effect cause even more health issues. I won't hold my breath that the authorities will become enlightened. Hopefully they will read in the Vacouver Sun today an article that indicates studies show gastric bypass a success if patients follow up with their surgeons at least once a year. I am sure the band has just as good a success rate if not better. Doddie

hey evryone! I am very interested n the lap band, but want to know what you think i sbteer, the real "stomach stapling' or thelap band? wondering

Hi Lap Band all the way. It is reversible. Recovery from surgery within a few days. Can adjust the band to allow as much food as you think you need. For instance if you have the flu, you can take out fill, if you are gaining, you can put fluid in. Gastric by pass & stapling have serious side effecs such as vitamin deficiency that can cause paralysis, hair falls out, death, etc. Doddie

Doddie, I so agree with BC being the death of private clinics

However, there are as many private liqour stores as anyone could dream of.
Actually, I live in the cloverdale/langley area and there are too many!

Good for BC lots of boose, little health care!

ConSaf: LOL after paying $1,000.00 too fly to Toronto for "free fill", I would hate to live around all the private booze joints as I need one after that airplane trip with my fat backside. I live in North Vancouver. Any chance you can make the Lions Gate Banders Meeting every third Wednesday between 7 - 8. Love to see you if you are interested. Doddie

Doodie, yeah, I should be able to make that...I geuss the next one is allmost a month away?
Gimmie a little info on it and I'll make sure to make the next one.

I tried to send you an e mail but you are listed as not wanting to receive any so if you would contact me, I would be able to give your the e mail of the lady who has started the banders. She could put you on her reminder list.
The meetings take place at
The Lions Gate Hospital
Conference Room C
North Vancouver, BC.

The meetings will be every third Wednesday between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm. You can find the room by coming in the main entrance, walk to the gift shop turn right and then left. Walk down a short corridor and turn right. We are the first room on the right. July 24th is the next one. At the moment, four turned up at the first meeting, but we have had interest from more people. We just chatted about anything of interest to us all. Would welcome you. Doddie

Out of curiosity, why is it all the way out there?
And, is that the only one in the lower mainland?

HI; Because the only person with the initiative to start a support group is from Pemberton and Lions Gate is giving the room free. She will drive down and back the same day. We are hoping the support group will expand into others but it takes time and effort because the few banders there are, are scattered all over.Doddie

I am looking for some other people who are banded in this area.

I am also looking for a place that does fills closer to me other than Sexsmith, AB.

Help!

Paulax
thanks for this info. I have just moved here and was getting filled in Miami. I was banded in Dominica Republic but will soon need a fill Dr.