Any Advice?

 Hi. I am new to this forum although I have been reading posts for over two years!  This is the first time I have ever posted though, after finally joining a couple days ago, because I am a very reserved person.  That being said, I am feeling very anxious to hear what people think of my situation.

My Dr. referred me to the Bariatric Network in May of 2011.  I have since been waiting somewhat patiently to hear back.  Finally, I have a date for the Educational Orientation Session in Guelph on March 23.  That is so exciting!  What is not so exciting is the wait time I have read about until the actual surgery.  

So to make a long story even longer...

Over the last three years, I have been banking money and time to take a leave from my teaching position.  I am currently not teaching until September 2012.  My hope was to spend this time getting healthy.  I'm working on it but was also hoping to have the surgery as another tool.  This is why I am now considering paying to have the Lap Band.

I have a very supportive husband who wants me to go ahead and pay for the Lap Band. He would like to see me have weight loss sugery now while I am not working as opposed to waiting for OHIP to cover a surgery in the future (probably not until 2013).  I am also in agreement with him.  Am I just being stupid?  Should I wait for an RnY or Sleeve?  Will the Lap Band be enough for me?  Will I get the surgery sooner if I pay for it?  If you think I should get the Lap Band, what Centre would you choose?  So many questions!  If you have an answer, please reply.  I look forward to hearing what others think. 

Thank you.  Jenn

Welcome to the forum!!  So glad that you finally posted.

  I too had also considered self-paying but I wasn't convinced that the Lap-Band was for me, I was going to go to Mexico to have my procedure done, however my doctor really wanted me to do the process here in Ontario and I am so relieved that she did!!  I got lucky and was able to go through Toronto and the process took me 8 months from referral to surgery.....I was very diligent in calling and getting cancellations and making sure that everything was in order with my required tests etc.  Knowing what I know now I would personally continue with the Ontario process.  

Good Luck in your decision!!

You're not being stupid.  Just do your research on all of the procedures.  Then you'll know what to do.

 Wow! I can't believe how fast I got not one but two replies.  Thank you so much. :)

I know I will have a surgery done in Ontario.  Originally my Dr. wanted me to go to the Barix clinic in  Michigan before the Bariatric Network was created. We never got that far though. I guess I wanted to stay in Ontario. Oh well, now I wait.

Tammy, it looks like we were referred the same time and you have had your surgery. That's awesome!  Maybe I won't have that much longer to wait?  Or maybe Guelph just has a longer waiting list. :(

Thanks for the support Karen.

Is there anybody out there who has paid for the Lap Band in Ontario who would like to share what they think?

Thanks again everybody.

I wanted to welcome you to the forum. Great to have you with us. The waiting is a killer that is forsure.

I can't offer you any advice or thoughts on the lap band, I never considered that option because of the expense. I hope someone else is able to help out with that. Did you look on the lap band forum?

If you want to self pay, you can go to Montreal and get any of the surgeries at all.  In Ontario, the only one that is self pay is the band. I have had my band for 6.5 years, it's not for everyone. If you are set on RNY or VSG, then you could easily self pay with Dr. Christou in Montreal and have it done as fast as you can a band in Ontario. If you want DS, you can go to Dr. Gagner in Montreal. Decide which surgery is best for you and all of them are available as self pay between Ontario and Quebec so not as far as out of country.  I wouldn't just settle for the only self pay surgery available in Ontario unless you were set on that specific surgery.  The price of a band in Ontario vs the price of any of the other 3 in Quebec are all relatively close in price.  Anywhere from $16k to $20k.

Considering that you have a higher bmi at 60+, I don't think you'll get the results you would want with a procedure as a Lapband. The newest studies are not favourable in terms of Lapband and non- lightweight losers. With your bmi, I'd seriously consider ds. I think the 'think twice, cut once" is an important phrase. I'd do far more research and I don't think it's worth doing anything based merely on timing. I think you owe it to yourself to do a lot of research and get surgery that meets your needs and lifestyle etc rather than just have one because you can get it now. that said, I think I'd do a lot more research and if it is a Lapband that you want for sure, go for it but I'd never just do a procedure because it is conveniently timelines.

Since you are a teacher, I am assuming you'll still have summer to recover from any surgery.

Just my thoughts anyway..


Dawn

Also something to consider is the after care you get through the OHIP program. It is a 5 year program and one I feel is worth waiting for. Follow up is so important to your success.

Welcome Jenn,

If you are truly considering the Lap Band, then I would suggest that you visit the Failed Lap Band forum to read about what can be some of the issues with the band.

Visit the other forums as well that are based on surgery type.

Otherwise, you can practice and learn about patience. 

All the best in your decisions.

Judy