Our Lap-band Weight Loss Success Stories
We at CIBO are so proud of our patients’ weight loss and lifestyle change accomplishments. We want to share our weight loss stories to give you hope, encouragement, inspiration and motivation. Take some time and meet people who want to share their weight loss journey.
I have battled with my weight for the last 9 years, since the birth of my first child. There isn’t much I haven’t tried to lose weight. With much research I stumbled upon CIBO’s website…within minutes I knew it was the answer I needed.
The site itself was so informative right from the sample video to detailed information about the surgery itself. I thought about the surgery and all the information I read and a few days later I sent an email…sending that email sealed the deal for me. I already felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I received a call from their Director of Patient Services and I was so pleased with the talks we had. She was so pleasant and well versed with the adjustable gastric lap-band and in all aspects of the surgery. She was very comforting and I knew I wasn’t alone in my battle!
Once I knew that I fit the criteria for the adjustable gastric lap-band, my decision was made. Shortly thereafter I flew to Toronto and there was the beginning of my new journey to a new healthier “ME”! Tom from CIBO was there to greet me at the airport and brought me to my hotel…but not until I had a complete walk through of the clinic which in itself was very comforting. The clinic was lovely, they have considered every aspect of the comforts of a plus sized person…the chairs were comfy AND roomy! It seems that in our everyday life everything has been designed for a smaller person, which is not always the case. That may seem trivial to most, but if you have ever been overweight and uncomfortable in your own skin like I was...it meant a lot to me!
It was such a personal experience and I certainly did not feel like a number on their roster for the day. The after care attention was first class…from the surgeon to the recovery room nurses I felt pampered and cared for. I was checked in at the hotel and my caregiver that travelled with me was also educated in my care for the few days I was there.
Although I live provinces away I have not been forgotten about I receive phone calls and invites constantly…they are with me on this journey and I feel that I have treasured friendships with some really great people.
Again thanks….you could never know just how much you have changed my life.
LR, Fort McMurray, Alberta
What can I say about CIBO Clinic and my experience so far..... WOW !!!
From the first call for information with Nisrine, the post operative care, and now the help and assistance in managing weight loss... I cannot say enough about the Team at CIBO.
My decision for CIBO and the Lap-Band program has really made a huge difference in how I feel both physically and mentally. My hope for the future has never been so high... In 13 short weeks I have lost a total of 47lbs. My lower back pain has all but disappeared and my energy level is terrific. I can now work out and get the physical activity needed to help manage the rest of my weight loss.
One of the most impressive and exceptional experiences was the day of surgery and the care of the nurses. I had to stay overnight for health reasons and the kindness and care of the nursing staff really stood out.
The CIBO clinic has an outstanding team of professionals to help you manage your weight loss. I have really enjoyed the follow up care with the nutritionist, the counseling and most recently working with the exercise program. Everyone takes the time to get to know you and make sure they offer tailored advice to your specific situation. I have never had so many people cheering for me all at once...to encourage me along and be there when I need them.
CIBO is an exceptional health care facility. The team cares, the Lap-Band works, the follow up is professional, and when I call with questions or need assistance I get friendly personal service...they are truly glad to have me as a client.
AK, Barrie, Ontario
My experience with CIBO has been amazing since the start of my journey. I have struggled with my weight for years and although I didn’t know anyone personally who had Lap-Band surgery, I was interested in finding out more.
Right from my first visit I felt very comfortable with CIBO and Robyn and Nisrine were wonderful and showed me around and talked to me about the surgery answering all of my questions and concerns without any kind of pressure. I decided right after my information visit that the Lap-Band and CIBO were the right choice for me and haven't looked back since!
As much as I was nervous about it, surgery day was really a breeze. Nisrine walked me through everything and was there with me sharing her personal experience with the Lap-Band and answering my questions until I went into the operating room. Before I knew it, the surgery was over and my family was with me. I was home later that day and able to go about my regular business within a few days. I had lots of questions over the next few weeks (what could I eat, how much, how was the first fill going to feel like, etc., but I could always call or email and I got an answer right away). I NEVER felt like I was in this alone.
My experience with CIBO has only gotten better since my surgery. I am about 7 months out and they have proven they are fantastic at the follow up. They are there with me every step of the way – I have learned so much from everyone I have come in contact with and I truly feel that my success is their number one goal. When I have a bad day or haven’t lost any weight for a few weeks, that’s when I really am glad I chose CIBO. They talk to me about how I have been feeling, what I have been eating, and figure out if I need another fill or some more help choosing the right foods to eat. I have been very successful to date and feel that I will definitely hit my goal. I know that if I ever get stuck or need support, CIBO will be there for me and help me get over the hump. I would not hesitate to recommend CIBO and just wish I had done it earlier!
Lap-Band surgery is only a tool, but I feel it is a very effective one since CIBO has really focused on support and making sure their clients achieve their goals. I know if anything ever goes wrong or I need some additional support, they will be there for me and they are happy to do it. I'm SO glad I chose CIBO.
KG, Toronto, Ontario
I arrived at CIBO a little scared and apprehensive about having something radical done to me to lose weight but knowing I had to do something radical since my health was starting to suffer. I was greeted by warmth, understanding and an incredible team. Robyn was extremely friendly and personable and immediately put you at ease. You didn't feel like you were being evaluated as a possible patient or customer, I felt like they were there for me. So many places are cold and sterile but CIBO was warm and inviting. The waiting area was cool, it was nice to see chairs I would not sit over but were built for people my size. The fact that your first impression was this place is considerate of me a big person made me feel good.
Then I met Nisrine, a beautiful smile and a friendly manner and she knows what she is talking about. She was very well informed and listened and seemed to ask the right questions to figure out if this was for me. I never felt like I was being sold anything but more that I was being evaluated to see if this was for me. I honestly felt if she didn't think the band was for me she would have thanked me for coming and sent me on my way, not signed me up to make a sale.
On the day on surgery things got a little behind so I had to wait but the whole while the staff checked in to make sure I was OK. and had sympathy over the fact I was starving LOLOL The surgeon and nursing staff were very nice and I had a great chuckle with one nurse just before I went to sleep, I knew I was in good hands. When I was coming out of surgery they were right there checking in and making sure I was doing well, there seemed to be lots of nursing staff around so my needs were always met.
I also got to see the other members of the team, Jenn, Jill and Fab. All very professional and extremely informative and helped to design what I needed to be a success, I was not expected to be a round peg fit into a certain shape square hole. I was given the support I needed and how much I needed.
Since my surgery approximately a year ago I have spent a lot of time at CIBO and not once did I ever feel anything but welcomed with a smile and by name. Never rushed or made to feel that I had received my allotment of time. The after care has been so easy you just have to call and let them know what you need. Appointments are arranged and the surgeon or nursing staff do your fills or defills and chat with you checking in not just with your weight loss but also with how you are doing.
Jill is a food guru and knows so much about different foods and combinations,she knows you didn't get to this point by eating properly so guides you back to eating better knowing the challenges that people with weight issues face. I always felt like I was talking to someone who understood and never judged where I was coming from or where I needed to get too even with my Tim's cookies meltdowns.
Jenn is a counseling angel she knows the best way to teach you something is to have you discover it yourself, it is easy to tell you something but much more valuable when guided to the discovery. There were many days the phone would ring that my time was up but it seemed we had just started because you felt so involved in the therapy, not even therapy, the talk. Jenn helps you see your demons for what they are and that once to take a long hard look it is easier to deal with them. One step at a time and don't rush it, this is a new life you are living and embrace it every day and enjoy it. I will value Jenn's counsel long after our time is done.
My surgery was May, 2010 and by May, 2011 I lost 135 pounds and feel amazing. Before my surgery I was wearing a size 52 jeans and had a goal to either lose 150 pounds or get to a 38 waist. I recently bought new shorts for the summer and they are a 38. I worked at it intensely and lost rapidly and knew I had experts there if I had any troubles. There were some bumps along the way as there always are in life, but with the support of Tom and his amazing team at CIBO I was able to rise above them and now I am so proud of myself and so is my family. I have shrugged off the mantle of shame and see myself in a new light and everyday it looks better and better. I am not sure what life might have been like had I not chosen to meet Nisrine that day in May, 2010, but then again I never need to know because I have a whole new outlook and my family couldn't be happier with my improved health and happiness.
It took me a long time to make the decision to have the procedure, if anyone was to ask me now about having the surgery, or I if am happy. With out missing a beat I would gladly tell them the only thing I would change is how long I waited to have it done!
Thank you Tom for creating a place where everyone can feel comfortable.
DS, Toronto, Ontario
September 9, 2008 was the first day of my new life. Weighing in at 234lbs and standing 5 ft 2 in, I had a lot to lose. One year later I have lost 81lbs and yet I have gained so much. I have gained confidence, I look great, my health is better. All those aches and pains from sore and tired joints are gone. I’m sleeping better. I’m living better. I know this sounds crazy, but I’m certain that my heart is happy. Oh, and my husband can’t keep his hands off of me. He tells me it is because he is searching for the rest of me, but between you and me, I don’t think he is disappointed that he can’t find the rest of me.
I had consultations at other clinics, some closer to my home and some even a little cheaper, but once I met the surgeon and staff at CIBO Clinic I knew it was the best place for me. They were so patient in their explanation of the procedure and what I could expect. They were so generous with their time and so thorough with their pre-operative and post-operative care. The support from the entire staff has been wonderful.
There was some pain directly following surgery, but as a woman who has lived through two c-sections, it really wasn’t that horrible. The recovery time was nothing in comparision.
I do have two regrets. I regret that I didn’t have this procedure done years ago and I regret that I can’t afford to sponsor every person out there that needs this procedure.
LC, Cayuga, Ontario
My experience with the staff at CIBO Clinic in Toronto exceeded my expectations and any doubt that I had was gone after chatting with Nisrine. I spent many hours researching adjustable gastric lap-band surgery on the internet, I called and spoke with many other clinics, but the CIBO Clinic was always the kindest, most professional and they always made me feel valued and important. I wasn't sure if I was ready for a life time commitment, I mean it is reversible but the commitment I am referring to is the life style change. I had many questions and Nisrine was always a phone call away and she reminded me of that every time we chatted. She never made me feel like I was an inconvenience or a nuisance. She was so compassionate and I can't even express in words how comfortable she made me feel.....it was truly amazing!!!
Once I had decided to have the surgery, we decided on a date and all I had to do was show up. She made all the arrangements for me, flight details, accommodations and she even had someone waiting for me at the airport to drive me back to the hotel. When we arrived Tom was waiting for me at the airport, with a big smile. He made me feel so at ease and any little worries I had left in me completely disappeared.
The day of surgery was a breeze, I wasn't nervous and there was no question if I was doing the right thing, I KNEW I was doing the right thing. I was confident with my decision and I was so excited to begin my journey to a new healthy me.
To my new friends at the CIBO Clinic ~ THANK YOU
SC, Regina, Saskatchewan
Whodathunk the “chunky child” would feel the way I do today?!!
I always remember not being allowed to leave the table until ALL of my food was finished (“...there are starving children in Africa”). This continued throughout high school and needless to say, I was a lovely glowing chunky bride.
One sober day, when my children were preschoolers, I wept in my physician’s office concerning my “blooming” size. We quickly decided that I had to do something and do it fast. At the end of that day, I found myself standing in the local Diet Centre office – and one year later I had lost 70 lbs. That was 30 years ago, and since then I have yo-yo’d up 80, down 80, up 50, down 20, up 30 until no amount of money, exercise, effort tears or fears would budge a single pound.
Last fall, I learned about the CIBO Clinic and the adjustable gastric lap-band. I was impressed to find out it was an easy 45 minute procedure, with a short recovery time and it was fully reversible. However, I did not call CIBO until again I reached a dark day. My phone call was immediately received, followed by a 2 hour discussion with the lovely Director of Patient Services. CIBO surely understands the concept of “point of need” and patient care. On my first appointment at CIBO, I was greeted not only by my surgeon-to-be, but also by a holistic nutritionist and a psychotherapist and the Director of Patient Services. Following labs and a pre-op diet, my surgery was performed on August 24th, 2009.
CIBO's staff fully and completely prepared me for every aspect of my adjustable gastric lap-band experience. As a result, I was able to enter the surgical suite that morning, at peace with myself and the world.
Now 5 weeks post op, and at 61 I feel great, energetic, and have regained my zest for life! I realize my adjustable gastric lap-band is only a tool and I must use this tool for my benefit. However, this device is by far the best gift I could have given to myself and my family; the gift of hope, longevity and health.
CIBO Clinic not only does adjustable gastric lap-band surgeries, their wisdom in long term support for patients’ total care – physically, nutritionally and psychologically offers exemplary care to the whole person. At CIBO Clinic, you are not merely a number; you exist as a “person”.
KS, Dembroile, Ontario
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