Lindsay

Hey Donna, While I agree, the OCC is a wonderful clinic, I don't think the plastic surgery they offer can be compared to the lapband (and other bariatric options) they offer. The doctors are very unknown, and we have yet to see ANY of the work they've done. I'm an OCC patient myself, so I agree with you regarding the professionalism of the clinic.

I've been in touch with the OCC regarding the re-placement of my port, as it's really bothering me ... I need to get it placed much deeper, as it's rubbing against my ribs terribly. I found they (OCC) really pushed the 'in-house' plastic surgery, as I mentioned a tummy tuck may be in my future .... I had a feeling there was something up, as I'd never heard of ANYONE in this forum, going with the OCC for cosmetic surgery. They also offered me a discount, if I brought a friend for surgery too. Total turn off. This is surgery. Not Payless Shoes! I felt this really cheapened the product & service, and really left a bad taste in my mouth. This isn't something I'm rushing into, as this is a very big deal for me; not so much from a financial standpoint, but of course, I don't want just anyone touching & cutting into my body. Thank you everyone, as if you'd like to keep this conversation off of forum, please feel free to PM me directly!

I know this is a relatively new service offered at the OCC - looking for those who have had it done there. Any/all info/feedback would be appreciated!

You can definitely have greens during the induction. Just NO carbs. (ie no fruit, or sugar veggies) just GREENS. If you're only losing 5lbs for surgery, chances are if you cut carbs for even 2 days, you'll see a shift in the scale. That's water weight, really! I wouldn't get too into the pre-op diet -- don't make it more complicated than it needs to be. As long as you're doing a low carb, high protein/high fat diet, you'll drop weight. Limiting your fat intake will not decrease the size of your liver. Your body will need fats for energy if you're going very low carb. Proteins alone will not provide you with enough fuel.

No fill. It will just tighten things up even more ........... What are you eating (specifically) & what are you doing for exercise? (specifics) Diet is at least 80% of weight loss results.

From what I've read, you have to continue with it; the growth isn't unlimited, as your eyelashes fall out a lot more than we'd like to believe So there's always continuous growth.

Such good info! Thank you so much for sharing!!!

Who is your doctor?

If you feel restriction, I wouldn't think getting another fill wouldn't be a suitable option ... it's time to work on everything else - the band is doing what it's supposed to be doing.

start food tracking. and start exercising.

I started weight training about a week after surgery. You're good to go, just pay attention to your body.

Do you all get/request receipts?

I've never had my band 'checked'. I personally wouldn't pay that every few months! Imagine how much that will cost you in a couple of years!

You should have received a card, to carry with you at all times, that has your band serial # on it, and the size of it. I would contact the clinic directly to get this info. We can't see inside of you, so it would be guessing!

Don't they use digital xray equipment? Paying for an 'xray' is so passe. I'm kinda shocked ...... Not even my vet charges for xray's anymore! They charge you, so they can make money. It's a business, guys. LOL.

I've heard mixed reports regarding the side effects. I guess you've had no eye skin discolouration? How much was it, in Cdn $?

I just don't buy, what I know I shouldn't have. For me, 1 leads to 100. I can't just have 'one' chocolate

Yep! i've had eyelash extensions done a few times. I'm not sure about where you live, but they did cost me $120 a pop. And they do fall off, slowly .. one by one. Each 'round lasted me about a month. You don't use mascara over them - it's not needed. And you can't rub your eyes. If you're not good with things around your eyes, I wouldn't bother. I wear contacts, so it didn't phase me. If it's just a date you're going on, just do fake eyelashes, as Ashley mentioned. - A LOT cheaper, quicker, and you can take them off the next day! Just make sure you go with the more natural looking ones, or you'll end up looking like a drag queen .. and your date will wonder why you look noticeably different on date #2!

Is Dr Watkins at the OCC? I've never heard this dr's name come up before.

IMHO, there are quite a few things to consider ... Definitely factor in fills. Depending on where you live, this can be an issue, as a lot of private doctors are no longer doing fills for 'out of country' banders. The liability is too high, plus, they make no money off of us in the grand scheme of things. For me, my fills have been $150CDN each, and I've had 5 fills. If you get them done by a nurse who's experienced with gastric lapband adjustments, or a a fill centre (ie. Fill Centre USA - which I am not advocating, nor will the OCC based on the moderator comments in this forum), the cost is exuberant, you should source this prior to getting your band. I'm not sure there are a lot of options for fills right now. This is something a lot of people bother doing, and end up realizing it's a nightmare tracking down a doctor who will help them out. i've seen a number of doctors that just cringe, when I tell them where I got my band, and there's no way they'd touch it - the liability, unfamiliarity, etc. Another thing to keep in mind; The band will probably require constant monitoring on fills or unfills. It's not a one shot deal. MOST IMPORTANTLY -- Also factor in the price of HEALTHY FOOD (ie fresh food, protein supplements, ect) On average, this will cost you, about $150, every 2 weeks. And to ensure success, I would suggest a gym membership, so you can average in another $50/mth or so. Depending on your emotional eating state, you'd probably need to factor in therapy as well at $100 visit. Everything I've paid for out of pocket, and didn't put on credit or a loan. This 'list' of costs is based on my own success.

Great blog! http://www.foodsize.com/