If you are looking for a fill in the Southern Interior, Dr. Andreas Kluftinger will do them. He is located at Suite 203, 3040 Tutt Street. His phone number is 250-763-2226. The cost is $125.00, (less than a $500.00 trip to Victoria for the day), he spent the whole hour with me asking me questions and telling me about his IQuest Lap Band Program – which sounded great (and includes fills).
He also filled my band with IV Contrast Dye instead of saline, which I think Dr. Amson feels is more viscous than saline and lasts longer (thus less fills). I provided the IV Contrast Dye (just lying around). He was able to get me on the second poke, but gave me a local anyways so as not to cause me discomfort. He even said that if he filled me too tight he would do the unfill for free (I love free stuff).
Although I had my band done by Amson and he will do free fills as aftercare, I would suggest that all Interior folk look at this Doctor as an option if you are to be banded. I was super impressed that the surgery takes place IN a hospital that he is affiliated with (KGH), that you stay overnight (more anti-nauseants via IV than being sent right on your way and swallowing Tylenol 3s that will make you retch and can cause displacement of your band), and that he is well trained in laparascopic surgery.
I had a referral from my doctor to see him and it took three weeks to get in, but I think that if you call his office directly and say you have a band, no referral is necessary. He has also filled all sorts of Mexican bandsters and says he has seen it all so that is also a plus.
Off topic:
I am down 50 pounds today (271 to 221) and have 4.5cc's in a 9cc band (no unfills, just 2 fills) since my January 20th, 2010 surgery at RJH. My appetite is about 10% of what it used to be, I am off Pariet, and two blood pressure meds, I stopped taking Ativan, I cut my other meds by 75%. I can't recommend this surgery enough!! If there is any way that you can get the $15,000 through a loan or borrowed from family – please get it and then "work the band" and your life will change. I was on the RNY list for 4 years and went nowhere, the Mid Band saved my life.