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, ON
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
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, ON
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