http://www.bakespace.com/loginjoin/invite/8491

The topic this coming meeting is sleep apnea, but there is usually a discussion period as well to meet some folks.

Here is the info:

Date:	Saturday, February 21, 2009
Time:	1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:	Regina Family Literacy Network Office
Street:	1213 - 15th Avenue
City/Town:	Regina, SK

Didn't really consider it.  I just knew of a few clinics in Ontario, gave the doctors names to my family physician and she recommend the clinic I am going to.  Plus I got in with only a 3 week wait time which was a huge factor for me as i only had a short window of time that I could be away from work. 
I travel to Missisauga 4 times a year on business so if i need to see them for fills, or whatever it was easier than Winnipeg.  
 SWLC is supposed to be  great clinic to have Lap Band surgery done. 
I am interested to know if I can have some compensation from the gov't for the cost as it is an approved  registered procedure here in Sask. 

Actually, I had booked an annual trip to Vegas months before, so my thought was that since I was down there anyway, I just changed my return plans home to Saskatoon and flew to San Diego which was only an hours flight away, right after my spree in Vegas. I had pre-arranged plans to be picked up by the clinic right after my arrival in San Diego. They were there on a dime when I phoned them. Tijuana is only 15 minutes drive from San Diego. Anyway, absolutely went smooth as a bell, right from pick up, the operation, post op, and the final trip home.

I can tell you right now...I had surgery only a week ago, and I feel unexpectedly great! Other than the sutures feeling uncomfortable, and I'm having them removed this Thursday, I'm finding that this has definitely been the best surgical option for me. It will take me a while to heal internally, I'm sure, so I'm sticking with the clear liquids as they suggest for the first two weeks. I thought I'd have trouble with this, but you really don't feel like eating, just drinking...or should I say sipping. I haphazardly gulped down a few times and boy, did my little stomach feel that...Can't gulp anymore as the stomach can't handle more than a few ounces at a time! So I'm learning to be a sipper...And the best news of all...stepped on the scale for the first time in a week and am down 9 lbs:) And I really feel the loss on my body..I feel lighter.

I went alone, and honestly, I'm glad I did. I only informed one person about this operation and that was my sister. I did not want the unwanted opinions of my family and friends who I thought would think I was nuts to pursue this option. I also didn't want anyone to worry about me. I'm glad I kept it a secret. As the weight falls off, my catch phrase will be " I'm watching what I eat and exercising", which will technically, be the truth!  Even though I went alone, I felt very well taken care of by the patient facilitator, Shirley Bergman. She is the middle man between the clinic and Canadian patients - although she had the lapband done. She will be the one that would meet you at the clinic - they have group trips that they plan from Canada, believe it or not. I was there with about 5 other people from Saskatchewan! I communicated very much between both Shirley Bergman and Shirley Rohr...Shirley Rohr had the sleeve surgery so she was the one I latched onto when I chose this surgery. Both are so very nice, very helpful, and ensured the smoothest experience for me...which I truly, truly appreciate. Both women's contact information can be found on the Emmanuel website. Tell them Sandy Lazar sent ya:)

Also, if you feel you want to speak to me personally to chat a bit more, even though we don't know each other, I would be more than happy to chat if you want more information than what I've provided...I'm home all this week as I took one week off work for this and I would suggest if you do this, that you do the same. Good to have the rest and the healing time. My number is 306-253-4473:)  All the best!

Sandy

Hi there, curious about who is doing your lapbd. Any particular reasons you chose Ontario over winnipeg, mb?