New to this

Hi all,

I just decided to have the lap band surgery last week, and I contacted the Surgical Weight Loss Centre in Mississauga and have a date of October 27th for the surgery.  This is happening fast since I didn't go through the province to get it done.  I'd like to know if the waiting times are as bad as they say for local surgery.  I was told 7 years from a web site but it seems like people on here are not waiting that long.  I have to decide by Friday if I go with the Ontario surgery or wait for NB surgery. 

I've been reading posts and all this information that you all share is very appreciated!

Caladonia.

Hi,
I was told by the hospitals that the waiting list for Dr. Beausoliel in Moncton is about 5 to 6 years, and Dr. Savoie in Bathurst is about 3 years. 
I know Dr. Savoie goes by referral date only.
Hope that helps.

Yes, that does help me thanks!  I am definitely going to get the procedure done next month then. I heard that Beausoliel only accepts women over 55 - and I'm not there yet.  I'm going to bite the financial bullet and lose this weight as soon as I can! 

Iam only 38  and had it done last year,but the wait is 3 years or even more now.

If you can swing it financially...DO IT!!!!!!  Worth every penny !!!

Hi,

Just wanted to share a few things.

Be sure that the band is the surgery you want.  If you've decided last Friday, please don't go too fast with it.  There are a few surgery options out there.  Some work better than others for various reason and for different people. 


The reason I'm saying this is because my Mom got a lap-band July 09.  She thought it was the less risky and less invasive surgery with the least complications. 

She has been struggling ever since with food.  She's lost about 50 lbs.  However, she can't eat bread of any kind, no more red meat, lobster, raw veggies and a bunch of other things I can't recall right now.

I've seen her get stuck and have to go throw up.  I've seen her foam and have to spit in a kleenex.  I've seen her not being able to eat when she goes over to family gatherings and just drink boost.  She is still struggling to lose.  She has 6cc in a 10cc band so far and has been stalled for about 2 months.

It breaks my heart to see her struggle this much.  She was on a waiting list for 12, yes twelve years until it finally happened.  Last week she told me that she wished she never had the band.  I had to go to the washroom and cry.

I don't want anyone to think I want to be mean.  I just want everyone who decides on a surgery to be absolutely sure it's what they want.  Lots of people have had wonderful success with the band and I hope you do as well if that's the surgery you want.  My point is only for you to make absolutely certain that it's right for you and not to decide too quickly because you're anxious to start the weight loss journey.

I agree with Charline,
Sorry to hear about your Mom having so much trouble with her band.  
I have talked to so many people about the lapband, and for some it works great.  Others are unable to eat a lot of things, much like your Mom experiences.
Every time they get stuck, they're on liquids, fills and unfills, on liquids.
It seems like it's the least invasive, and the 'easier' of the options as far as complications or recovery, but in the long run - who knows.
Most of the stats for surgeries post that 'during hospital stay' - no complications.  That doesn't account for the people having issues after they are released from the hospital.  After being banded in hospital, you are still on liquids, so maybe that's why the complications aren't mentioned.
I have talked to many people on here, who had issues with their band and restrictions and stalls, that are having a revision done to change their lapband to a sleeve.
Only the person having the surgery can decide which surgery they would like, but I too have heard that any bread/rice/pasta gets stuck, as well as hard veggies and fruits like celery/apples, even lettuce.
If that's not a deal breaker for you, and the benefits outweigh the things you may not be able to eat, than it's the right decision for you.
Good luck with whatever you choose.  

Thank you all so much for your comments.  It seems like different people have different experiences - as to be expected.  I am glad I know about the complications and food issues beforehand, then if it does happen to me I will know what's going on.  I don't know much about the sleeve at all - I will look into that.  I know my main reason for wanting the lap band rather than something else is because it is less invasive and adjustable.  But since I live in New Brunswick it will be more complicated for me to get adjustments - pay for ones here or have one at the clinic when I happen to be in Toronto for business. 

I am deciding for sure today - sending in my deposit to save the surgery date after looking into a few more things. 

Callie.

I have had a band for 19 months and I have had a bit of trouble. I would never choose to have the band out of province. You really need to have easy access to your doctor.

Hi Callie - yes - what people are saying about the wait times is true. For Dr. Beausoleil. I'm hearing 4 to 7yrs. A long time indeed. If you have the ability to self pay - I would say go for it!!!! The only concern I have is about who would do your fills. Make sure you have it all arranged and written in stone. And - do have a plan in mind if you run into trouble down the road - god forbid. Good luck!