hi I'm new to the site we are neighbors so I know the problems you face living in NL I found a doctor to do my lap band surgery but of course he isn't in NL I had to go to Toronto to get the surgery done the only good things is when I need a fill as of the 9th of June I can have it done in St.johns I wont have to go half way across Canada. Of course MCP or insurance will not cover the cost of surgery I was on my own and had to come up with the 16 thousand $$$ out of my own pocket. I just had my lap-band put in on May 4th so I'm experiencing all the up and downs of the lap-band . I know there is many hurdles ahead and I'm looking for someone that can help me on my journey . Thanks Catherine

at the following link http://www.the3day.org/michigan07/oldelderlylady Your Team Page link: http://www.the3day.org/michigan07/enryfordmotorcitylosers

I'm posting on several boards to get as much response as possible- Thanks! Hi everyone, It's been on my mind for a while and I ahve decided to take action. So, I thought I'd put it out there, see what comes back and depending on the response, try to put together set of a comprehensive results. Thanks in advance for your help ( and for not FLAMING me... ! If you had to take a "written" test to help you understand if you were prepared to deal with, take on, cope with WLS, would you take it? What quetions would be on this test? If there were a test to help you determine where you needed to improve your skills and habits in order to have a successful WLS, what would be on it? If there were a test you could take periodically to assess your strengths and weaknesses in your pre- and post-WLS progress, would you use it? What topics would it cover? if there were a workshop for your "circle of support" to take to help you on your journey, would you ask them to participate? Why or why not? Would this be a one shot deal or a series of workshops? If there were a test devised to suggest and/or assess which WLS would be most successful for you, would you take it? What questions do you think should definitely be on it? If there were an assesment you could use to determine if your WLS medical team was a good fit for you, would you use it? What questions would be on it? What info would you "have" to know? How would you define WLS "success"? How would you define being "WLS-challenged"? Thanks again!!!!

Hi, Norma, yes.I am still around..and still unfortunately, fighting this battle for life. I am not far from where you live. I noticed..quick drive over the gravel highway..smiles..I am still where you are..not an easy fight in this province where many still need a great deal of education in order to respect or even medically treat all the complications that develop secondary due to our conditions. I look forward to hearing from you..and will enjoy talking to you...kind regards, Joanne

HI Vikki, Nice to meet you and sorry for not getting to this message board sooner...I was extremely devasted to find out the surgeon in Corner Brook who has sucessfully done this surgery 7 times..is no longer allowed to do this surgery...as she was informed...that she do not have the privelages to do so...the same thing has happened to Dr.Alex Tryter who works out of the Burin Hospital...He is a very well trained specialist...from Austraila...and had a list of 25 clients...but had to put them all on hold as he to cannot be granted the privelages... I emailed our MHA regarding the situation..as to find out why...I want to know...why I cannot have life saving surgery...but things like ***** tucks can be done in this province... Tom Osborne is the Minister of the Department of Health and Community Services... and I recieved an email from his assistant..who says...there is no money or equipment or or time in this province to do this kind of surgery and that it is a private issue...for private clinics.. so the reason..individuals like you and I are not getting the help we need..is purely, political... what upsets me..is 25 individals...that was on Dr. Tryters list..and more in this province are dying..and ...to put in in a newfie way...if I was a cod fish someone would be ranting and raving ...all over the place about it..and there would be plenty of funding... I would suggest...getting individuals proactive...and going to the St. John's Women Center...and voicing your concerns with them..the more people who speak up...the better...but the sad situation is many who have reached this point...in life usually have such a battered self esteem...that they do not have the confidence...to advocate regarding the issue...and it up to the few who do to encourage them to speak out...publicly.. you are free to email me anytime..Sincerely, Joanne