bigdd

As far as I know, there are no physicians in Vancouver doing this work or else I would have gone myself. There is a surgeon in Victoria but his wait-list is 3-5 years long.

I went to Puget Sound Surgical Centre in Edmonds, WA.

Google their site .. tons of information there

when I called them in victoria they told me 5 - 7 yrs wait

Hi... im from S.E B.C. close to the crowsnest pass alberta...sleeved 7 months ago

I forget names more now......I never once thought it may be connected to anything related to "The Sleeve" is it?

hi eloquentblue, i'm planning on getting sleeved and will probably go to PSSC due to location/reputation but my concern is still the high cost. i noticed that you said you were able to write off a majority of the $22000. how did you do that? also, how far did it take to drive to edmonds? i live in maple ridge, bc

claim in under medical on your income tax

WOW Tiffykins you look great vI have 7 more to go to my next milestone then I will do a update with new pics also

Good going girl

I used to be addicted to coke or pepsi.......since the operation I dont crave them anymore. I do have the odd one and it takes me 1 hr or more to drink but I dont need it like i used to

I had VSG surgery with Dr. Alvarez in October. I got home and two days later had to be admitted to the hospital where they found a leak and had to have surgery to put a tube in my stomach to drain the leak. I was being fed through IV. I was released three weeks later from that hospital. I was still very week and could hardly walk. I think they released me because my insurance wouldn't pay because it was from complications from the VSG which the insurance didn't cover. So I am at my brothers for two days as weak as could be, and then they took me to another hospital where they found abcesses and more leaks. I had to get more tubes in my belly to drain and and a stent to see if the leak could close on its on. I was hospitalized being fed through IV for five weeks, and I finally came home December 18, 2009. I was in the hospital approximately 2 1/2 months all together from this leak complication, and I almost died. Today, they are still watching it because I may not be out of the woods yet, but right now I am back at work, and getting stronger each day, so I think that's a good sign. But, regrettably, while in the hospital I missed out on some very, what should have been, high moments in my life, like my first grandbaby's baby shower, and Thanksgiving with my family at home, and almost Christmas. It has been a long recovery. I was 272 when I started pre-op diet and now I am 216, so I lost alot weight, but almost died doing it. To everyone considering VSG, many doctors tell you the risk is less than 1% that anything could go wrong, but I believe the risk is a lot more, but they put it on like some sales campaign. When I was hospitalized, I was told these leaks occur quite frequently and some people have died from them. I am just lucky I made it through. I wish everyone the best of luck in whatever you decide, but I strongly believe you should weigh all options and research this very carefully if you should decide to have any weight loss surgery.

DebbyLuv

Happy New Year!:laugh0:

there was a story on here a couple months ago from a lady who said her monther-in-law had the same problems as you describe. Are you that "mother-in-law" ?? Because in that other story it turned out that the lady ate food right away and cause the leaks herself. Just wondering if this is the same story.

also I forgot to mention that my doc has reduced my blood pressure medication 4 X now. The next time i will be off it completley....Have a had to take medication for high pressure for 15 - 20 yrs now so that will be good..

just a little update on my journey....Im just past 16 weeks now. Down 80 lbs.......everything is going great.....getting into cloths i havent worn or liked for years cause they didnt fit right.

I eat anything I want but of course smaller amounts. The only things i have had trouble with is chicken skin. It just feels gross when its sitting in my stomach. Also spicy food doesnt agree with me. I used to love it but me thinks those days are over but thats ok cause I'd sooner be skinny

Hi Russ.......where did you get it done and by who?

I had my sleeve done nov. 10 by Dr. Alvarez and everything went 101%. I never was in any pain and didnt even need or take all the pain medication they offered. You dont need that 3rd day at all. He was showing me how to ride his "segway" the day after. :thumbup1: I flew home 3 days after surgury and actually went shopping at costco and Walmart before making the 3 hr drive from the city to my place. I email him all the time and he responds sometimes within minutes...I would not hesatate for a second to send a family member there or even see him again myself. My little scars are so faint I have a hard time finding them myself now.

Im 16 weeks post op and so far the only thing that I have a problem with is chicken skin......ive tried KFC and I feel sick after and also the BBQ chickens in the crocery stores dont sit well.....I have no problems with skinless chicken breast though

I will never regret trying to control my weight with VSG. I'm down 30 pounds -- from this angle, what's not to like.

Yet, there is more than one perspective. It can be difficult to socialize with people who do not know about the surgery. For instance on Thursday, I went out with my friend to a teahouse. She bought me a Chai latte that tasted just great! But it had whole milk vs. skim and was very rich for me. I drank it as slowly as I could but still could not finish it. My friend thought I didn't like the drink and kept apologizing.

For me, it is fantastic to be full on 8 oz of skim milk with chocolate Protein. The only way I can let the little person out of me is to eat like a little person. I've never been able to do that for a long period of time, before the VSG. Do I regret it -- nope, not at all.

In the beginning I was like you and didnt tell very many people. But now with the weight loss I tell anybody who is intreasted...I havent had anybody say it wans't the right thing to do...........

Just going through my closet today and putting on shirts i havent worn for a long time felt great...I just said today thats the best $$$$$ I ever spent. Also about your little amount of food you eat. I went to McDonalds one day and couldnt even eat a "happy meal" LOL

Shontel I feel almost like you do...I never have had one problem and have tried almost everything. I went to McDonalds one day and couldnt even eat all the" happy meal"....I was eating in and when I went and asked the girl for a bag to take the rest with me she kinda looked at me funny so I told her I had stomach surgery. I guess she didnt think it was for weight loss but something else and was all concerned. I left it at that. lol...... Anyway just wanted to say that after 3 months I eat anything I want just much smaller amounts. I Dont feel cheated what so ever and as of today im down 69 LBS. :crying::eek:

I drink a protien shake most everyday....That helps a lot. I was also told that turkey Jerkey is good for you and it doest take much to get a full feeling with it.

I have been on preop diet for about 2.5 weeks. Today I went into a mall and the food smell and my hunger made me almost insane. I started thinking,, soon I won't get the hungry feeling or the craving when I smell yummy food, ,,, or will I? ... I also thought about how many of those fresh bbq ribs I could eat right now,, and then thought; pretty soon I won't be able to eat but one maybe two delicious ribs because my sleeve will be full. Will I feel full or will it be just that my sleeve is full? Will I feel satisfied, or just not want to eat another rib because it will hurt, or just fill up my throat and not go down...? :drool:

Thanks

your going to feel fully buddy....I over ate christmas day. Damn that didnt feel good.You learn real quick not to do that....I know what you mean about all the smells of food on the pre op. I almost said the hell with it i love food to much but I didnt and am very happy. It doesnt really bother me when I smell it now. I can still have a little taste and be satisfied.

I didn't buy any extra insurance either, I just went with my out of country coverage through my work health care plan... I didn't need to use any of it anyway!

Good luck on your journey!

I'm 13 days out now and 24 lbs down, it's starting to slow a bit these past couple of days, I feel the dreaded week 3 stall coming on!!!

I stalled and actually gaind a couple lbs as soon as I started the soft foot phase.....it lasted 2 weeks then it just started dropping off again. Your off to a great start

Hi, I'm going to Puerto Vallarta Mexico with Dr. Joya. Very excited. Did anyone get comolication insurance?:biggrin0:

I never bought any extra insurance.... I heard one guy down there wanted $500 for insurance....

Thanks for the insight! Sometimes reading these boards, with the one exception of the one person in the complications board, its hard to find what problems people had with their VSGs. I know hair loss is a issue but I have never thought about reduced energy.

I would say my energy level shot up by 100% I feel wonderful

I am considering getting the vertical sleeve surgery. I weight 220 and I'm 5'2". I am 46 years old. I've been fat 20 years now, and I'm so tired of it. I think I eat out of habit I guess. My doctor suggested the sleeve, but I am scared. And right now I'm finishing up a big work project so I'm waiting until at least summer for that reason.

I am wondering what specific regrets any of you have. Like what was different than you thought? I think the fact that it is not reversible scares me. Also not being hungry, managing a different kind of diet, not knowing what the slimes ARE (I keep reading about them)....I'm just very afraid to make a mistake.

So please give me your insight if you have a minute. I want a real world view. What will my stomach feel like short-term and long-term. Will it always hurt and be gasy or whatever. I just want to know what to expect.

I had mine done nov. 10. Its the best thing I ever did..My only regret was not getting done a couple years ago. My gasy feeling only lasted maybe 2 weeks at best. Im not sure what the "slimes" are lol ..I never had any.

I was a little afraid about 2 weeks before the operation also thinking about once its done there is no going back. But I hated being fat also for more than 20 yrs so I did it. Like I said its the best thing I ever did and I feel wonderful and I still have lots to loose.

Darrell

I also got very dizy a couple of times and it turned out with the weight loss my blood pressure dropped off as well.....My medication for it has been cut twice now since the operation so thats a good thing

Hi MJ,

welcome to the thread. It's great to see another Canadian. Unfortunately I haven't had the surgery yet.

Did you look into the surgery with the Halifax Dr.'s? I'm waiting to hear from the clinic.....

I can imagine you are both excited & nervous. I know I would be. It is a big step, but I believe a good one. It's hard to imagine being successful when I've had a long list of failures..and of couse anytime you have surgery you worry.

will you be on a pre op diet? Be sure to keep us up to date - I can't wait to hear all about your journey. I know you'll do great!

Nancy

Hi Nancy

Im just replying to your question about Dr Alvarez. You fly into San Antino Texas. They pick you up there and take you to Eagle Pass Texas and put up up in the Holliday inn. They pick you up the morning of the surgary and take you across the border which only takes 15 min to get to the hospital from the hotel. He has a newer clinic right beside the hospital that actually has a breezeway conecting to the hospital on the second floor. You have a privite room in the hospital with a computer & internet, free phoning to anywhere and TV of course. There is a extra bed if you have someone going with you. His clinic is newer looking where as the hospital is older but very clean. I would have no problems what so ever going there again or sending a family member there. Im not exactly sure where the operation took place because as soon as they gave me the "happy juice" as nurse called it , it was lights out for me.They took me about 9:15 I think and my wife told me I back in the room at 10:15 am. I didnt come to till 5:15 pm .

So monday they picked me up in San Antiono. Tue morning they picked me up again at 6:40 and we were at the clinic at 6:45. X rays and stuff. Out of surgary at 10:15 . Wensday they get you walking. I was walking outside around the block wed. On Wed night the Doc was showing me how to Ride his Segway. On thur they took us back to San Antion and put us up at a hotel and friday we flew home.

I dont mind what so ever talking about it so if you have any more questions feel free to ask. I dont mind emailing or talking on the phone either :001_cool:

The coffee reason is debateable-

My doctor said it does not count towards your Fluid consumption, and it is a stimulant and could make you want to eat more.

I didn't drink coffee for the first 6 months, but now I have a few cups in the morning with my Protein in it.... That is all the caffiene I have.

I don't drink soda.... and yes, told it can stretch the stomach... but believe me.. I use to drink a 12 pack almost everyday!!

( welll........ maybe not THAT much. but ALOT )

I'm and addictive personality- I KNOW this about myself... so I stay away from my addicitons...... I should NEVER have tried chocolate........ found out I can eat it and I never really liked it like most do........NOW....... I can't stop.

My biggest demon!!!

Do you find that you no longer crave the soda? I used to really crave it..I needed it..... Now sometimes I might have a sip or to but I dont crave it and just a little sip is all I want

Cheryl, best of luck with your surgery! I hope everything goes well for you and then you'll be working on the new you. :confused1:

Bigdd congrats on your awesome weight loss!! You must be so pleased! I can't wait for March 1 so I can start losing.

MJ:biggrin2:

I tell ya if someone told me 2 months ago that I would feel this good after 60 lbs I would have thought them crazy.......I feel like a million bux compaired to what I felt like in the fall....Good luck to you in march....I would do it all over again if I had to:thumbup:

Elkford B.C. here.....9 weeks post op 60 lbs lost...... The Dr. I saw said he does 2 canadians average per week