Gabriella21

Hello my fellow Canadians... I, like Miss Lili am from Montreal,Quebec and as she stated we like to do things differently here...lol Waiting time is ridiculous!! With one surgeon I have been on a waiting list for 3 years so far for a consult and I called them this week and was told it would be 2 more years until I'd have a consultation with the surgeon. So 5 years in total waiting for a CONSULT!! But Last December I was very fortunate to get a consult with another excellent surgeon in Montreal and I was told this week that I'm about 8 months more until my actual surgery. I was very lucky but I also researched like crazy to stay in Quebec and have my province's healthcare system pay for it.We pay enough in taxes to warrant good service at home! Good luck to all who are having surgeries and keep us posted. Take care, Ada

Hi, My name is Ada and I'm from Montreal, Quebec. I finally saw my surgeon for a consult in December and am officially on the waiting list for the VSG!!(Wait can be 12-18 months!!) I do know and understand the surgical procedure behind the VSG and how the surgery is restrictive and as well lowers Grhelin levels which stimulates hunger. My question is this: Every one (most) who has had the surgery states that they can only "eat" drink" a certain amount. How does your body/stomach react? How do you feel? Is it painful if you eat too much? Do you feel like throwing up? What is it that stops you from bringing that fork up to your mouth? The reason I'm asking is that if it is simply getting a "full" feeling after eating it propably wouldn't really work because even now I do feel full but eat anyway and that is what packed on the pounds. Am looking forward to hearing from anyone who can shed some light on this question for me! Thanks for reading and a big hug from your Canadian Friend!!

I try really hard to not take it personally when people attempt to blame complications rather than recognizing that I actually had to do some of the work to get where I am today. I'm not saying that is what you are saying, Gabriella, but it's just tough sometimes. (Sorry not sure how to do the quote app. so I just copy/paste) Tiffykins...Just to clarify things a bit...I never intended to insinuate that your weight loss was due to your medical complications. I just didn't want to be aiming for something that may/may not happen to me therefore not getting similar results.I simply wanted clarification and I felt that it was OK to ask you since you seem very open and honest about what you have been through.I'm truly sorry if it came off differently. I think though that after hearing that other people had similar success as you, I feel that large weight loss in a short period of time with VSG is possible. Thank-you to all who took the time to answer. Ada

Tiffykins...your weight loss is amazing to say the least but I don't think that this is common for all or most VSG patients. I've read a bit of your blog and you had some "hiccups" along the way so I'm thinking that that in itself caused more weight loss than the norm. How about exercise? Truth be told i am not big on exercise but I feel that the main problem for me is the terrible pain in my knees even if I walk a very short distance. I would love to be able to do the things I once use to (jogging, weight traing...etc) but that was in my early 20's and I am now 46 and can hardly walk half a block...sorry for the "sob story" but I am concerned about the physical activity that I will have to do post-op...

Hello Tiffykins and thank-you for taking the time to respond to me in such detail. Your explanations and answers to my questions cleared up many things for me and for that I thank-you. I know that I have made the right decision in deciding to do the surgery and am looking forward to beginning this new chapter in my life. I was just wondering if the 122lbs. you lost was all from the VSG or a combination with your previous lap-band? BTW I took a look at your photos and you look wonderful and truly very happy!! Congratulations to your success!! Again many thanks! Ada

Hello Jeff...I so understand what you've been going through being that I am a fellow Canadian. I live in Montreal Quebec and the wait time for surgery is ridiculous. You are fortunate that you are able to go to the States with OHIP kicking in to pay for your surgery and stay there. I've been on a waiting list for over 2 years for Dr.Christou...supposedly the top in his field in Quebec. You would have probably been eligible to come to Montreal at Dr. Christou's private clinic because, I believe, that the OHIP would cover it. This is directly from Dr.Christou's web-site: The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care of Ontario (through OHIP) will pay for gastric bypass surgery for Ontario patients at our private facility in Montreal. Once approved, Ontario patients can have their surgery within 4-6 weeks, the time required to properly prepare them for safe surgery. To get this approval you need to contact your physician and ask to be referred to the Regional Assessment Center (RAC) closest to you. I unfortunately need to wait...upto 2 more years for just a consult. Good Luck to you and keep us posted...we're cheering for you!! Ada :sad0: