TracyBar

Hello everyone, Today my doctor's office called to tell me that other than the Adult Bariatric Centres in the major cities in my province, there are no self-pay options. The bariatric centres are the long wait programs, dieting, psyche, etc. And about a 3 year wait. So - I'm back to the surgeon I originally was researching (a member on here told me about him and had her surgery by him recently). Dr. Michel Gagner in Montreal. For those that have read my other posts, he's a long way away from home, so added cost of flights for me and my husband, and several nights in hotel. But that isn't the real concern - it's the after-care that is, and to be frank, the before care. Due to distance it would be a phone consult with the surgeon at $250. then a one month wait after that for surgery so there's time to get required medical tests, books flights and hotel, etc. I really don't know how much education prior they provide, but I'm hoping that there will be at least something online. When I told my doctor about the surgeon in Montreal she said "why would you go so far? Why not here in Alberta? And what about the after-care? Who's responsibility would you be if something goes wrong?" I'm sure there are many Albertans not willing to wait so long for surgery and they are going out of province or country for that matter. I'm also sure that should anything go seriously wrong, I just have to turn up at the hospital and I'll be looked after there. I think she is more concerned about dietician, counselling, etc. that I would need. Plus, I don't think she likes the idea of having to go so far for an elective surgery. I'll have to make an appointment to see her again since this is not the outcome I was hoping for - even she thought there would be somebody here that can do the surgery. My other question - it's been weighing on me - I've done a lot of research in the past two months or so, but the one question or unknown that I'm wrestling with is that I don't really understand what life will truly be like after the surgery. The things that I'm most in the dark about are: 1) How many calories do you (or should you) be topping out at once you've lost the excess weight? 2) I've read a lot about the fact that your calories should come from Protein for the most part. But what about vegetables and fruit? what about a balanced diet, with nutrients and Vitamins from lots of different foods? How does one thrive on a diet rich in protein but deficient in veg and fruit and some carbs? 3) I can't quite find the answer to how much food is consumed in a sitting - i.e. if I make a roast beef dinner for my family, (typical beef, yorkshire pudding, potatoes, veg) how much can somebody actually eat in a meal? I know these questions are all about food, but this surgery is really all about food too. I'm trying to envision my life after the surgery and I can't because I can't understand these parts of it. I can envision how it'll feel to be lighter and able to do all the active things I always loved. I can see myself feeling better, etc. I cannot figure out the food part and how you get enough nutrition to be able to do all the active things I'd like to do. The other one is drinking fluids - if it's really hot out, or you've worked out and are very thirsty and just want to drink down Water fast - can you do that? And drinking and eating. Can you never drink liquid with meals anymore? What about eating dryer foods sometimes? Still can't wash it down with water? Thanks for your input - it's really the last piece in the puzzle for me that I need to settle before I make the big decision!

Thanks -I realize that some things in life as I know it now will change - and for good reason. But if it meant that I would have to drop all the good things in my life like parties, friends, etc. then I would have a hard to time seeing the positives of the surgery!

Good for you! There comes a time when we women need to put ourselves first. I'm at that point in my life. I have 3 kids and my youngest just turned 11. But my older kids are 25 and 22 so I've been parenting a long time! And have given over my life for a long time - time for me! (and it's not easy doing it but I know it'll be worth it)

Hi Cape Crooner - great post. One question - when you say drop out of any or all social events - do you mean forever or just in the losing phase? I'm a very social person, especially love hanging out with my girlfriends, so not sure what to think of that advice! As for who to tell - if I can pull it off, only my husband will know I've had WLS.

@@AmiLou - I'm also 54 and looking at getting this surgery. Having a hard time finding a surgeon in my area - the one place that can do it (SmartShape) charges $6,000 more than a top sleeve surgeon in Montreal. SmartShape is mostly Lapband and I'm not interested in that - and reluctant to get the surgery with a surgeon without a ton of experience. Benefits are it's close to home and so post-op follow-up would be better. It sounds like all went well with you at age 54 and having the surgery which is great to hear. I keep asking myself if I'm too old for this now!

I left an email message for Smartshape here in Calgary. My only issue is that they do a lot of lapband and although they say the do the sleeve, there was only 1 testimonial from a person who had the sleeve op - all the rest were lapband. I saw some reviews on Smartshape - some good, some bad - but that's often the case with any place. How much were you quoted (for the sleeve?) - I'm hoping they'll tell me without issue, or without going to see them.

Thank you!

I assume you mean June 2017 for surgery? (wasn't sure if this was an older post). I haven't had it done yet - but seriously looking into it. Throwing up - I was going to ask this question in here somewhere - vomiting is violent and comes from the stomach so I'm feel squeamish thinking about it should it happen right after the surgery!

Hi - it's helpful to read your message - simply because I haven't had the surgery yet - still looking for a surgeon - and knowing that you must stick to a plan after is important - and is a good thing. You had told me about the surgeons in Richmond (I'm orig from Vanc) and I did contact them but have to be resident of BC and 2 year wait. I finally saw my doc last week and she referred me locally - but referral was declined due to the fact the surgeon doesn't do sleeve - just band. Not interested in that. So until I hear back from my doctor about other possibilities I may have to go to Montreal after all. She didn't like the idea as no after-care and I agree. There are topics online about all the people going out of province or country for this surgery and then coming back home and having to fall on the system without having a local surgeon to help if there are issues. Quite confused now - I don't want to wait 2-3 (and that's the lowest wait, Alberta has longest waits in Canada I believe) so want to do self-pay. I don't think the Richmond clinic does self-pay. How are you doing with the surgery now? Do you feel back to normal? Has it been difficult?

Hi Leebick - really sorry about having to delay your surgery but I understand why. Family is worth it. Are you in Canada? And if so, where do you live and where is the surgery? The surgeon in Montreal prefers out of town patients stay 2 days in a hotel after discharge from his clinic (there for 2 days). It's in order to make sure you are not experiencing issues and because it's also more comfortable to fly at 4 days out. I do want a surgeon that has a lot of experience with this surgery. I'll have to wait until I hear back from my doc I guess

For a couple of reasons. Mainly, the stomach tissue that is removed generates a number of "hunger hormones" and with it gone, those hormones aren't there to tell your brain that you're hungry. The stomach is smaller and gives signals that it's full faster as well. Also, for reasons we don't know yet, the surgery seems to re-set the set point. When you gain weight, your body decides that the new weight is the one it should keep, and it will flood your system with hormones and other things to make you crave high fat, high calorie, high sugar foods in order to maintain that weight. That's referred to as set point. When you lose weight normally you are fighting against this, and it gets worse and worse the more you lose. Theoretically, through just diet and exercise it will eventually reset, but it's an uphill battle. Surgery seems to short circuit this somehow. I learned about our body set-point not too long ago and spoke to my doctor about it. She said "yup, pretty awful isn't it". It is - it's why we lose and gain it back with an extra few pounds each time, the body fighting to get up to that new set-point. I knew that the reduction of the stomach removes the grehlin hormone (although not sure if there is still some left?). It's a good thing though to have this gone and love the fact that the set-point is re-set with surgery :-)

Well now I'm feeling pretty crappy. My doc's office called me today and said that this particular surgeon doesn't do Gastric Sleeve! I can't believe it. When my doc recommended him and referred me to him I expected she knew he did do sleeve. He only does lap band and I'm just not interested in that. She said that I can go through the 'system' and get it for free - in about 3 years+! I said, no, I'm self-pay because at 54 I'm not waiting for years to get this done. So she said my doc isn't back until next Tuesday (she wrecked her back on her holiday) so she'll spend today and Monday trying to find another option. There are two other big cities in my province that may do it - don't know yet for sure. If not, I'll be flying to Montreal where I know a surgeon will do it and pretty fast - 1 month from phone consultation (Montreal is a long way away from me so it'll be a phone consult for $250.). My doctor didn't like the idea of me going out of province and I don't want to either - but if it's my only option then I will. She said - "who will take care of you post-op? It's better to see the actual surgeon". I agree. But a lot of people go to Mexico and they have to do long distance post-op - and I'd rather stay in Canada if I have a choice. Sigh... this is a big let down for me....

Why is that? Why do people have no cravings (or a lot of people) after this surgery? That's something I don't understand as yet. I don't know why, but it's sure been helpful! I'm amazed by some of the immediate outcomes of this surgery: I was on lisinopril for my hypertension, came off of it the day before surgery and haven't had to start it again. I have fibromyalgia and my trigger points are GONE. This is huge for me, as I was taking meds AND going for acupuncture once a week with only some success. And I'm not hungry, not envious of what others are eating, and I'm not at all inclined to eat more than my sleeve can handle. I have a ton of energy and have since about 2 weeks out...it's been marvelous! Well! You bring me so much hope! :-)

You are all so smart! I actually did find the joke funny - but then started feeling uneasy about it. I'm pretty sure that after you all have brought me back to reality, that I was feeling overly sensitive. I had just faced my doctor with the idea of Gastric surgery, thereby admitting fully to myself that I'm pretty overweight and have no control over my weight gain. I was shaking when I told her so I think my feelings were a bit raw. thanks to all of you!

that thought did cross my mind of course - there were pictures of him with friends, etc. and I told myself he has a life outside of work. It just made me feel uneasy. Good point - and I know that he wasn't the send but the recipient - it's just i would have expected him to just ignore a Tweet like that? Anyway, I will be going to see him. Just wondering how long it'll take!

Why is that? Why do people have no cravings (or a lot of people) after this surgery? That's something I don't understand as yet.

I saw my doctor yesterday and asked her about possibility of Gastric Sleeve. She seemed ok with it - hard to tell her real feelings. But she is a GP and has seen a lot in her career. She has patients that have undergone the surgery and she seems to understand the battle obese patients have with weight and the issues that accompany it. She knows me well - I've been her patient since about the time she began her practice. I think she 'gets' me. She referred me to this doctor in my city. Can do self-pay, so can bypass the very long waits for surgery paid by our provincial healthcare, and the surgery is done in a hospital, not a clinic. She said this guy was a GP originally (so she said he has a good bedside manner), but decided to pursue surgery after a number of years as a GP. She said she highly recommends him. His office is close to home for me, as well as the hospital he works out of. Here's the clincher: I looked him up on RateMD and there are mixed reviews, although I have to say his support staff gets very low marks compared to him. Some people were very happy, one guy wrote the worst review as he had a terrible outcome (he doesn't just do WLS - other surgeries too). Some say he thinks he's a god and acts like it, some say he is great at explaining things. Perhaps it depends on whether or not the patient is obese and there for bariatric surgery as to how he treats the patient ??- just going by the following tweet I found on him… what do you think? It's the best option I have in my city - and I'm going to go see him and get an opinion for myself - but this tweet made me VERY uneasy. Even more so than the bad review or two on him. https://mobile.twitter.com/kristalK55/status/403369637087178752/photo/1

Thanks ChaCha77 - that does help! How long are you on purees before you can add regular food? And are there certain things you can and can't eat when you do go on regular food? Is chewing thoroughly a new lifelong habit to gain?

Hello all - I'm probably at the 80% sure I'll get this surgery so I'm starting to think and prepare for Protein powders for after surgery. I've discovered that egg white Protein Powder is an option for those that can't have soy or dairy. I also read that whey protein is low in lactose and could be an option. Is there anyone here that has tried the egg protein powder? Is it good? And if anyone is lactose intolerant has whey protein been tried successfully? Thank you! (I'll be self-pay so I believe that I may not have to wait as long to get the surgery - therefore preparing ahead of time)

@@chicagorocks - they're so little - you can say that Daddy has a boo boo and a nice doctor is going to fix me up. I'll be in the hospital for 2 sleeps and then be home again. But Daddy won't be able to lift you up or hug you too hard until the boo boo is all better. Keep it simple and don't say anything to worry or frighten them - and you'll be golden!

Just want to say I love your post! If you have kids one day, you're going to be awesome at it :-)

@@ChaCha77 - surprised you are back to work so quickly after surgery! I was planning on 2 weeks off, but perhaps I won't need so long off.Today was my first full day back and it was perfect. I am finally rested enough to come back full day strong. Tomorrow is a 12 hour day though, so I may have a different story tomorrow night lol Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App @@ChaCha77 - 12 hours! what do you do? that's a long day….how are you doing with fluids/food etc.?I work for a non profit, but tomorrow we have to work a normal day, then we have a fundraising event in the evening, so yeah, long day. Today, I had about 45 g of Protein and about 60 ounces of Water. Not quite where it needs to be, but it was my first day on purees and I think it will take a little practice Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App My nerves around this surgery are the afterward. I can't wrap my mind around the difficulties drinking fluids, and eating. Is it supposed to be so hard? I get so lightheaded and ill if I don't get protein even now. So I'm worried about being able to work and be able to think straight if I'm barely able to drink or eat....

@@ChaCha77 - surprised you are back to work so quickly after surgery! I was planning on 2 weeks off, but perhaps I won't need so long off.Today was my first full day back and it was perfect. I am finally rested enough to come back full day strong. Tomorrow is a 12 hour day though, so I may have a different story tomorrow night lol Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App @@ChaCha77 - 12 hours! what do you do? that's a long day….how are you doing with fluids/food etc.?

@@ChaCha77 - surprised you are back to work so quickly after surgery! I was planning on 2 weeks off, but perhaps I won't need so long off.