Thinfarmer

On 2 March 2017 at 4:50 AM, Darcia said:

Best of luck to you on your journey. The first three months are the most challenging but I think after that it's pretty smooth sailing. It takes a lot of time for your brain to catch up to the body! Remember to be patient with yourself.

Hey again Darcia,

Well, upon your recommendation, I switched to Dr. Gagner and had my telephone consult with him this morning. The face to face consult that the other clinic wanted was over the top for me, especially since I'm so low-risk. He was also able to discuss a growth on my liver since he is also a liver specialist!! That part was extra cool.

Hoping for a date in April. Thanks again SO much for your input. Hope all is well, no problems or complications with you. I'm excited, but have the dreaded Surgery Fear as well. Are you on 'Gastric Sleeve, the New Me' on FB? Love seeing the pictures on there, the changes are dramatic. I wonder if I'll finally start to look like the person I imagined I was...

On 26 February 2017 at 0:38 PM, Darcia said:

I went to Dr Michel Gagner. Google Clinique Michel Gagner for info. I did NOT have to go in person pre op. I had a telephone conference / consultation call w Dr Gagner. I had all test results faxed to him prior to surgery. I met w him day of. He is amazing and one of the pioneering doctors for this surgery. You would b in exceptional hands. My fee was $13,750.00. It included procedure, anesthetic, one night in clinic and one night in hotel w a nurse. It includes all inquiries that U may need with the doctor for 90 days post surgery. Also includes 2 telephone consults w a nutritionist. One before and one after. I went into surgery at 210lbs. 3 months later - today Iam 40lbs down and sitting at 170.0. This is exactly on track to what Dr Gagner predicted would happen. He said the next 20 should b off by June. Honestly, I HAVE ABSOLUTELY 100% NO REGRETS.

That is excellent, I looked him up and and am considering switching surgeons because of the face to face requirement..thank you so much for the info! Can't wait!

On 23 January 2017 at 4:32 PM, Darcia said:

@"Thinfarmer" I had my surgery In Montreal but at a different clinic than where you are going. I had it on November 29. Started at 210. Today weighed in at 8 weeks post op and am down 31 lbs. Iam 179 today. post op: I had to get blood work, X-rays, and an endoscopy. The only pre op diet I had was the day before. I could have Breakfast then after that only liquids. I also had a nutritionist telephone call prior to surgery -which the doctor set me up with. It was included w my fee. Also, one nutritional consult after. I had an initial telephone consultation with the surgeon in planning stage. The communication has been fabulous so far. The staff was great and the clinic pristine. Vitamin regime is impt after. They will tell u all about it. BTW - I self paid. Didn't want the hassle of waiting. This journey is NOT easy. There may be a case of buyers remorse after the first day BUT that goes away. Each day is challenging for the first month. However, each day also gets easier. And the scale victories help on the hard days. It's an emotional roller coaster at first bc your brain has no idea what u did to your body and it needs time to adjust. It thinks u can eat. You can't. The best part was after surgery YOU ARE NOT HUNGRY! At least I wasn't. Iam still not really. Water is the hardest thing to get enough of. You will feel like all you do is sip sip sip. But IT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY. 100%.

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Which clinic did you go to, Darcia? One of my issues is that Rockland has asked to do a face to face consult before they even set a surgery date...did you have to do this? It means getting on a plane from Vancouver just for a consult, which is not cheap, then returning for the surgery. They have all my test results. When viewed in context of the entire price, I suppose it isn't much, but this is already clearing out my savings. I'd love to know your surgeon so I can check the various options. And how are things now, 3 months post? Any regrets? How was christmas dinner!

@Darcia. How did your surgery go?? I'd love to know! I'm in your exact position from November, flying to Montreal to get the surgery at Rockland Md. I 'm in Vancouver. Would love to hear your story. Starting BMI is 38. Was there much pre-op stuff? Any problems? What's the follow-up like when you're from out of town?

Would appreciate any info you have!!