Appt with Dr B next week (first appt) and I have many questions

Hi my name is Krista and I live just outside Saint John in Quispamsis. I have finally made it to the list to have a consult with Dr Beausoliel. I think it's been almost 2 years since my first appt with Dr Beaudry. I have many questions and would love to hear from others who have had either of the surgeries. I think I would prefer the "Banding" due to the "safety" concerns but would like to hear first hand experiences. Here are some of my questions, if anyone has time to answer. Thanks in advance! 1) how long after you see Dr B can you expect to have your surgery? 2) what type of pre-counselling / information is given? 3) do you have to attend support groups in advance? (I am hoping yes) 4) where are the support groups and / or message boards for support after the surgery 5) how long does the surgery take? how long are you in hospital? how long out of work? 6) what do you eat after surgery - in the weeks following and guidelines for after 7) do you get full fast and that's how it works? 8) can you still eat "junk" or will you be physically ill? 9) are there negative things to know ahead of time? how many people in NB have died? how many have had the surgery? 10) what are some of the reasons why people gain back the weight? 11) what is the benefit of the lap band vs roux-en-y? 12) $4500 for the lap band right? do fills cost as well? how often? does he do both? have people had success with both?

Hi Krista - Although everyone has their own experience, I can only give you mine. I had lap band on July 7th. I'm doing great. Now.................... 1/ My surgery was 8 weeks after seeing Dr. B. *you'll like him* 2/ When you see Dr. B, you will be given some printed information. As well prior to "the event" you will have a group sesion with 4 - 5 people all about to go through it. There will be Lise, which is Dr. B. secretary as well as a dietician and someone that has had WLS will talk about their experience. At the end of the session you will be given a questionier on the information given to show you understand what you are llearning. You will also be given a pre-surgery diet plan to follow. I followed it very carefulluy and lost 26 lbs. before surgery. I am down 50 lbs. altogether. 3/ The only group I attended before was the one mentioned above. And two weeks before your date you will see Lise and be weighed. You MUST lose some weight or you will be posponed. 4/ I do not have a support group here although I can call Lise anytime. This is the only board I know although I'm sure there are many more. 5/ The surgery took approx. 25 min. I stayed at the hospital a total of 8 hr. and I was out of work for 2 wks. 6/ Lise will discuss in detail your post surgery diet. 7/ Dr. B is the best on to tell you just how it works. 8/ Unfortunately you can still eat junk - but why would you after paying all that money. 9/ Dr. B has had 1 death which he will tell you and the amount of wls surgeries he done. 10/ Not following the rules. You need to establish a regular healthy routine. 11/ That is a choice you will have to make. For me it was a safer choice. (i'm 57) You lose weight more slowly which gives your skin etc. a bit more time to keep up with the loss. Even though you lose slower, you will end up with the same weight loss as other surgeries in the end. Patience. 12/ $4500. for the band which is tax deductible on your income tax - so a bit of relief there. No charge for fills. He does both and will explain both. Both are successful. Good luck to you and keep us posted - Carolyn

Thanks so much for your reply and all the answers. I appreciate you taking the time to answer. Congrats on your weight loss results. That's fantastic! I see Dr B next Thursday. I think what I struggle with the most is the fact that I have been able to lose weight on my own before, but never sustain it. I feel like I "should" be able to do this on my own yet here I am at 260 lbs and not losing. My biggest fear is that I will spend the $4500 and gain it all back anyway or have the "big" surgery and change my life for the worse. It helps to hear other's experiences so thank YOU for sharing.

Nicetameetcha Krista I have alot of the same questions as you do, so am looking forward to reading your reply posts.. Talk Soon Carol