iluvthesun

Hi everyone, I am having my VSG on October 4th in Montreal, Quebec, Canada by Dr. Michel Gagner. I am self pay. My Dr. doesn't require a pre-op diet but I plan to do a liquid diet anyway starting on Sunday so I have 1 week to get rid of some of the carb cravings.... I am excited but nervous also. I have wanted this for more than 1 year so it is hard to believe it is really going to happen soon. Nancy

Hi everyone, I am having surgery in Montreal, Canada with Dr. Gagner on Oct. 4th. He doesn't require a pre-op diet......but I'm thinking of doing some Protein shakes the week before anyway... Nancy

Hi Mini, I've been off the boards for a bit. Moving, separating from my now ex-husband, buying a house etc. One of the things about moving to a city like Ottawa is the cost of parking downtown where I work, the traffic and the use of public transportation. I hate riding the bus. Part of it is because I have to walk to and from the bus stop and that is difficult for me, but most of it is because I know I take up more than one seat....I try to sit in a spot where there is an extra seat so I don't squish anyone. On Friday I tried to sit in a single stand- alone seat but the seat squished me so I moved.....people would rather stand than sit with me, even when I try to take up as little room as possible. I used to feel the same way about flying, happy to go where I was going, but dreading having to share a seat with someone and squishing them. I think that things will be very different once I have my surgery (just booked it for Oct. 5th in N.Y). I know I will be more comfortable and take up less space, but I also think people avoid sitting near / making eye contact with obese people for other reasons. I agree with the poster that it is a prejudice like others. In my organization it is all about "youth" right now....you would think at 48 I was ancient.....oh well, can't (and don't want to) change that one. I'm happy to see how well you are doing. It's healthy to own the emotion of being ticked at people who treat you different. Take care, Nancy, formerly from PEI

Hi there, The consultation went well. The office seemed to be very efficiently organized. I attended an info. session with the surgeon and 6 other people. He only talked about the RNY and lapband, but gave good info. and explained things clearly. He has been doing surgery for 4 years, is board certified, etc. He has done 1500 WLS in those 4 years and had good results. At my consultation I met with the Intake person who did pulse, Blood pressure, weight, height (I shrank - eek), medical & family history, prescriptions. Then I met with the licensed practical nurse who answered a lot of my questions and told me what the process was, what to expect, etc. Then I met with the Dr. He felt I was a good candidate and only need the regular testing done - EKG and blood work. However, he recommended the RNY - feels it gets better results in the long term. He said VSG is becoming popular because it is a less complicated surgery to perform. He has only done 2 VSG's, using a 32 bougie (tight at the top, loose at the bottom with oversewing). He said the bottom part of the stomach is thicker and moves around more so the oversewing for that part makes it more secure. I told him that I would research it a bit further, but I think I still want the VSG. In the long run I would like to be able to have something with a bit of sugar and not pay the price. They were ready to book the surgery for the middle of July or 2nd week of August. But I have to talk to my boss, and I am in the process of buying a house, getting separated, moving my family and trying to juggle $ for all. Thanks for asking. Nancy

Hi everyone, Just a note to let you know what is going on with me. I have been waiting since July 09 for an invitation to an information meeting with Dr. Ellesmere in Nova Scotia (next Prov. only). In the meantime, our family decided to move to Ottawa, ON. The Ontario health system will pay for RNY, however I would only have coverage in Oct, and then I have to go through the whole process and they have a lot of people at various stages, plus they don't do the VSG. So....I was seriously looking at Mexico, but my family have asked me not to do that, and my Mom is going to loan me some money. In Ottawa alot of people had been referred out of country (U.S.) as they didn't have a bariatric surgery program. I went to a support group meeting and 90 % of the people had their surgery with Dr. Graber / Dr. Fitzer in Utica / New Hartford, NY. I called and their self pay price isn't bad ($6,000 cheaper than the Dr. in Montreal). It will be around 15,000. So I booked a consultation and I am driving there tonight. They have an information session at 8 a.m., and then I have my private consultation at 3 p.m. I am really excited to hear what the Dr. has to say..... Anyway, I'll keep you posted. Nancy

Hi Mini Me Congrats on your accomplishment. You must feel great! Nancy

Hi Tiff, Congratulations! That is the first time I've seen your before picture. What a difference. You were smiling then, but you look so happy now. It has been so inspiring following your journey. Nancy

Congrats! Nancy

Hi Cheryl, I'm so happy to see your post. Thank you for sharing your details, I can't wait to hear future updates. You mnetioned 1 of 2 houses - is the 2nd Dr. Betancourts? You also mentioned stairs - in the recovery house are the bedrooms upstairs? Thanks & Congrats!!! Nancy

Mini Me, I'm so glad to hear that everything went well with your surgery. I understand that in another day or two you will be feeling a lot better. Take care and let us know how you are doing when you feel up to it. Nancy

Hi Mini-Me, I'll be sending some positive thoughts and prayers your way. I'm so excited for you. Keep in touch and let us know how you are getting along. Nancy

YES - Allison posted on the Cdn forum that she is home and doing great. What a relief. I suggested she get on the other threads and let everybody know. Nancy

I'm also anxiosly awaiting an update. I know her daughters surgery was on the 10th. Nancy

Hi Stoongal, How did your daughter & sister (?) get along with their surgery? Was the surgery in the same place as yours? If not - what was it like? Nancy

Hi Jeff, I was so happy to see your post and find out how you are doing. Congrats on your weight lost so far - that is AWESOME!! I haven't been on much as things have been changing for me at home. My husband accepted a promotion in Ottawa, we have put our house up for sale, and I have begun working in a new job (from PEI) in Ottawa. I have been here for 2 weeks learning about the job. I am still hoping I might hear from the hospital in Halifax before I move at the end of June (my oldest graduates from High School so we won't come before then) - but I'm not optimistic. That means I will need to start from scratch again in Ottawa. Find a Dr., go through the hoops, etc. I have metal "cleats" that I can put on my boots so that it isn't slippery when I walk outside. They are something "traks" - I think I got them at Shoppers. Take care and keep us posted. Nancy

Hi Jeff, So glad to hear from you. I did check the Ontario board on OH so saw the note from your Mom. I'm sure that once you get home you will start to get into your own routine. Will the press be doing an article on your trip home? Be sure and let us know how you are doing. Take Care, Nancy

Glad to hear your surgery went well and that you are starting to feel better. This is a great site, I too have learned so much. I haven't scheduled surgery yet, but have been referred to a Dr. He has a long waiting list, so I am also checking out Mexico. Take care and let us know how you are getting along. Nancy

Hi Tara, Congrats for setting your date. I am not that far along in the process so I can't answer your questions, but wanted to say welcome to VST. I look forward to hearing all about your journey. Nancy

Hi Samantha, You have had a rough time of it. I hope now that it is diagnosed you are on the road to recovery and will start to feel better soon. Take care of yourself, Nancy

Congrats on working through the stall and hitting your onederland! Nancy

Congrats!! You must be so excited. Don't forget to put your surgery on the calendar, and check out the Oct. sleeve group for the others also having surgery this month. It is wonderful that you can have it done so quickly, and soon you will be one of the "losers"!! Take care and let us know how you are getting along. Nancy

Thanks VegasAngel, I tried it and it still logged me out. Then I tried Open in new tab, and that worked. If you are still on-line can you go into the chat room so I can double check it? Thanks Nancy

oregondaisy, I have been popping into the chat room, but until last night there was nobody there. It was great to see 4 or 5 people there last night. One question - I was chatting and then went back to the forum, when I returned to the chat room it logged me in again. So it looks like you can't be in 2 places at the same time? Forum & Chat? Is that correct? Thanks, Nancy

Thanks Vegas Angel, Funny you should post that, I was just thinking that I should fill out the papework with all my details and send it to the Dr.s to see what they say (even if I'm not ready to book anything). I realize they are making a living, and pretty much all of us work for money - but I can't see a Dr. with such a good reputation doing surgery when he shouldn't. The money would never be worth the loss in reputation - plus I think most Dr.'s are in the business for the RIGHT reasons, to help people. I'll ask to see if he would be willing to talk to you, that is such a nice offer. If he is willing, I'll send you a message. I recently had a small stroke (Lacunar - sensory) and I think it has really scared him, even more than me. Unfortunately we are scared in different directions right now. Me thinking I have to get the weight off and keep it off - the sleeve is the right tool, him thinking I could have lost her, I've been telling her to do something i.e. exercise & diet (much easier said than done). I'll keep working on him and hope he comes around. Nancy

JudyJudyJudy - I have worried about that too, but know that I have to try something. Jane - thanks for sharing your experience - it is so encouraging. Nancy