Hi Lorna, I also had my lap band surgery done in Mexico and want to know more about getting a fill, could you please contact me asap. Thanks Shirley

Hello All: For newbies and not so newbies, I just wanted to let you know that there is a forum on Obesity Help called the Black American Forum (BAF). If you are not familiar with it, please feel free to stop by to post comments, questions or concerns. Want to know how to get there: Click on "Forums" at the top of the page and you will see a drop-down menu Click on "Show All Forums" and you will see several boxes with forum names in them On the left side in the bottom box, click on "Black American" And then you will be at BAF Come by and post a comment. We would love to see you there. Grace & Peace Treena

Yes I got in touch with her actually. :*) Where are you from ? I am in Prince Albert. I think this is what I will do as well(Mexico I mean). Maybe we can partner up and do this thing together?!?! You can email me at [email protected] Nice to hear from you! Kris

Hi Kris and Glenna, I am in Saskatoon and have been doing a lot of research over the last three weeks. There are doctors in Edmonton and Calgary that do the surgery but I am told that wait is years (about 1 - 2 years on average). I have also received conflicating information as to whether or not it is covered by Saskatchewan Health. I have decided to go to Mexico for the surgery - the best price I have found is $8000 all inclusive including flights with Dr. Joya who I have read on the sites is very experienced and well respected. I will then try and submit the costs for coverage but, at the very least, you can claim it on your income tax. My concern was where to get the fills done. I've heard that the doctors in Calgary won't do your fills unless you are their patient. The clinic in Ontario has a DVD to teach your family doctor how to do them but I don't know whether they will provide it to non-patients. I'm seeing my doctor this week to determine options and whether she would be willing to learn the procedure. However, just now on this site I found a post by a RN who has the lap band and has learnt how to do the fills and is willing to give them to other patients! She's here in Saskatoon. I've contacted her for more info.

I am in the exact same boat as you are Kris. I also live in Prince Albert. I am so confused and don't even know where to start. I cannot afford to go out of country to have the procedure done and would love to have it done in edmonton or calgary but dont' know where to begin.