Kittycat

Oh my goodness, I am so glad you survived all of that. That's so unfortunate. I am concerned about having to get open surgery as well...I have had several surgeries in the past and accumulated scar tissue may cause a problem for the laproscopic surgery...I am hoping all goes well. Well, the worst, hopefully is over...and you are on the road to recovery. Take care, Cathy

Thank you MamaMichelle, this is amazing and so informative!! Cathy

Hi LynneB, Welcome to your new life! This forum is amazing, informative, supportive, you will love it...and everyone has such a great sense of humour..even on the tough days! I am having surgery in Mississauga (West Toronto), Ontario, Canada, so I am not an OCC patient either. Our provincial healthcare does not provide coverage for Lap band, it does cover Gastric bypass and Duodenal Switch. I chose Lap band, as the other two surgeries are much to invasive for me. So I have to for it myself, they have medical financing company that can assist as well. The cost in Canada ranges from 15K to 18K and it covers everything for a lifetime. All of the consultations, the surgery and all of my fills are included for life. I live about an hour away from the clinic, so it will be convenient. Best of luck with your surgery and keep us informed how things are going!

Hi Jacklynrae, I too am a foodaholic and I am looking forward to my upcoming surgery to help with this addiction. I must say, it's the sense of humour of the people of this forum that keeps me positive about this upcoming life change. You gals make me laugh! Best of luck on your journey..Cathy

In my experience, if you are under general anesthetic you are intibated, it's for oxygen during surgery. I have had 5 previous surgeries and in all cases was intibated including laproscopic surgery. They remove the tube before you wake up and your throat will be really try and sore. Drink water and suck on ice cubes and it passes in no time. Best of luck Cathy

Wow, good for you! I am hoping to have a date shortly, my first consult here in Canada is April 16/08. Although, I had pretty much decided what I needed to do, this forum is amazing...it provides excellent feedback from all sides, and to see the weight loss results is fabulous! I am excited as well and hope to have my surgery date soon...it's the first step to changing your life forever!! Just think a year from now you will be a different person!! All the best, Cathy

Well speaking from experience with surgeries...I am surprised you walked to the OR, but oh well. When you are on the operating table and they have completed the surgery, they transfer your sleeping body to a hospital bed and tuck you in. They wheel you to a room for recovery. Simple as that! Cathy

So adorable when they are little....my boys are 16 and 10 now. Cathy

I am from Kitchener Ontario, Canada...and am having surgery in Missisauga Ontario...just wondering if there is anyone else out there from Ontario who has had surgery or is waiting for surgery. Cathy

Wow Jena, you are doing fantastic, you'll get to 25 lbs pre-op no problem. My surgery date has not been booked yet..I am in Canada, but I have started a pre-op diet of my own in preparation for what's to come. I have my first consult with the surgeon on April 16/08. I have lost 6 lbs so far and hope to lose more before surgery as well. I agree with you, this forum has been of great support..and loaded with information. Best of luck on May 8th and after!! You go girl! Cathy

I just wanted to say wow!! You are doing fantastic! What an inspiration...have a great weekend! Cathy (Kittycat)

Ordered it yesterday...wow great minds really do think alike!! LOL!! Have a great weekend everyone! Cathy (Kittycat)

.... The girls are right, don't worry ahead of time...get an aisle seat if you can..and you always rest and sit a bit sideways, if you feel uncomfortable inposing on the person next to you...I pulled up the arm rest and put a leg in the aisle when the flight attendants weren't serving and I was just fine...you will be too! Best of Luck on your journey...Cathy

Hey hon? I weighted 285 on my last trip and used a seatbelt extender (which the airline provides)...why the fear? Cathy

I just did the exact same thing yesterday...I ordered the Lap Band for Life and two cookbooks for Weight Loss Surgery patients. I can't wait to get them.

Absolutely, as you have read over the past couple of weeks, this road we are about to get on is not always a smooth one..there are bumps and pot holes and twists and turns. We will manage the best we can. My priority is getting through the pre-op and post-op periods with the new band. My husband is very supportive of any decision I choose and although I wish I could quit smoking as well, I am realistic and know that I just can manage both at the same time. I am so excited for you...just 25 days to go!! Talk to you soon, Willi333!!

Thanks for the feedback...I was thinking of taking from say Wed or Thursday to Monday. Of course, if I need more time I will take it. But my job is strictly desk work and requires no lifting and the girls I work with are super supportive and like family....so even if I cried or threw up, they would be there to help! Best of luck to you all !! Cathy

I am wondering how much time to book off work...I work in an office and the ladies are like family...but I wonder if going back right after surgery (2-3 days) is wise..especially during the first week on liquids...I would appreciate your feedback...thanks Cathy

Now this is the kind of story I like to hear...good experiences...I have a surgical consult on April 23/08 in Mississauga On, Canada and it's nice to hear that it's not all horror stories. I have ordered Dr. Ortiz's book, Lap Band for Life and two cookbooks for weight loss surgery patients and look forward to reading them. I hope in the coming days you are still doing well and on the road to recovery and weight loss...best of luck, Cathy

Thanks MamaMichelle, it worked....and btw..you are doing great !

I love to see all of the accomplishments and the ticker tape is great! How do you get it onto you profile and update it? Cathy

Newbie, that's all you can do, making the decision to have the band surgery is huge!!! It's life changing and the stress and changes your life and body with go through are huge!! Quitting smoking is recommended, but don't beat yourself up if you can't. I plan to cut down before surgery and after surgery, but I can't say that I will quit. I know what I can manage and I realistically can't do both at the same time. I would either be charged with murder or end up divorced. Good luck with whatever you chose to do...we are all here to support you!! Cathy (Kittycat)

Hi "thebigboss', I am in exactly your shoes right now...I have been reading this forum for a couple of weeks and have seen heartache and frustration, but I have also seen huge successes with losing weight and getting healthy..and that's what it's all about. I have an appt with the surgeon on April 23/08 and I am ready to do this...scared to death, but need to do it! I would love to follow along with you and your journey and we can support each other through this very important, life changing experience. Best of luck! Cathy (Kittycat)

Hi Willi333, I am a smoker and was told that they recommend you quit prior to surgery and during the healing process...I would like to think that will be possible...but not eating and also not smoking...may result in homicide!! LOL!! I have had a previous cosmetic surgery (breast reduction) and was told the same thing...I cut down prior to surgery and afterwards and all went well. I am sure other smokers and non-smokers will be providing their feedback and ultimately it's your decision for your health and of course doctor's orders. Best of Luck with your surgery. I have my first consult on April 23/08 in Mississauga ON Canada. I am getting excited as well. Take care Cathy (Kittycat)

My turning point was when my doctor measured my waist last September/07 and said that the number exceeded the maximum and my risks for diabetes and heart disease go way up...and asked me to speak to the nutritionist on staff. I took that info away and thought to myself, I need to do something now and I need help...so I talked to a co-worker who's sister is having gastric bypass, obtained some information about all weight loss surgery options and chose Lap Band. I have a consultation with the surgeon on April 23/08 in Mississauga, ON. (I live in Kitchener, ON, Canada) Whatever your reasons, it's what best for you and your situation and I wish you much luck with your surgery and I am sure we will be communicating more as time goes by...take care, Cathy (Kittycat)