I have spent the last 13 months in a debate with myself, and have cancelled my surgery twice already. I read posts of people that are happy and doing well, losing weight quickly and keeping it off. But I also have read horror stories about people that had terrible experiences, pain, suffering, regrets, hungry, un-satisfied with meal portions, post op complications etc. I am a person that believes in being prepared, but can't seem to get any consistent information. Each site and each blog seems to contradict the other. I want to hear from Canadians, preferably Albertans that had VSG surgery, and learn from their experience, just because I am from Alberta, Edmonton to be exact. I have been over weight for 16 years, and probably severe the last 10 years (BMI 47). I have Type II Diabetes and take 2 types of insulin to manage it, I also have sleep apnea, high blood pressure and high cholesteral. My back and knees ache, I hate looking in the mirror, and when My sweet wife takes out the camera for a holiday or family picture I run! I want to believe VSG is the answer to kick start my ass in to getting healthier again, I know it's not the cure, but maybe a good motivator. I need to know if I can have a normal life after VSG surgery, I want to know that the chances of post op complications long and short term are minimal. Please help me, as I really want to do the right thing. I have never been for obesity counciling, my Doc has tried setting this up, but I work in construction, and travel continually to survive. I have tried dieting, and yes have lost weight in the past, but only to put it back on, because of several reasons, family tradition (we love to eat, drink and be merry!), comfort because of stress at work, because I am happy and celebrating, etc. In closing I think I have found the best surgeon in Mexico, his name is Dr. Aceves, his people do not push, they are one of the few that work out of a hospital, perform 3 leak tests before releasing their patients, and really seem to care. They are not cheap, but offer what I think to be a complete service, I could wait and have it done for free in Canada, but that could take a few years if they think I qualify. Please tell me about your experience, your honest feed back is really important in my final decision to go. I am scheduled for surgery next week, Sept-20-2011. God bless all that take the time to read this, I look forward to your replies.

Dwayne

Oh and my wait for surgery in Edmonton was only about 6 months and I didn't go through weight wise clinic either. Plus it's free.

Hello fellow Edmontonians and surrounding areas!

TaniaB,

I was wondering how you went about getting your surgery. I tried calling a surgeons office and he directed me to weight wise and then they told me I need a note from my physician (I actually have that appointment tomorrow). I want to get this under way ASAP as I am committed to getting this surgery as a weight loss tool and don't want them giving me the run around. In fact I was sad to hear that in Canada we don't offer self pay because I don't want to fret about being denied approval and would rather just pay myself and have it done sooner.

Sorry for rambling, the point I'm trying to get across is just asking what steps you took towards your sleeve if not through weight wise. I'd much appreciate the information

Did u self pay? Or how did u pay?

So how do u rate your experience with dr almanza? Where did u stay? Were u self pay?

Hi ' date='

I am from Calgary. I got sleeved here in Calgary on October 28th. Through the program with Alberta Health services.

Glad to hear we have other sleevers in Alberta.

Thanks[/quote']

So how much was it? Did Alberta health pay for it? And how do u do that? Great job

So how did u get the sleeve done for free? Would love to do that

Hey There! Im in Alberta also, Grande Prairie Area. I had my Surgery in Mexico and I paid for part of it myself and the rest I got a loan. Im down 52lbs since surgery May 20, 2013. Its still a daily struggle but over all Im happy and its been totally worth it

Hey There! Im in Alberta also' date=' Grande Prairie Area. I had my Surgery in Mexico and I paid for part of it myself and the rest I got a loan. Im down 52lbs since surgery May 20, 2013. Its still a daily struggle but over all Im happy and its been totally worth it [/quote']

Have you attempt to get any reimbursement of the cost through healthcare? Which doctor did you go to?

Have you attempt to get any reimbursement of the cost through healthcare? Which doctor did you go to?

I think I will submit my receipts for my taxes and I might get a break there! No hassle and was booked for surgery 1 month after deciding to do it!

I went through Weightloss For Eternity... I believe I had Dr.Lopez and I've had no complaints

Hi everyone,

Im from Fort Saskatchewan (just outside of Edmonton) & hadVSG surgery in Mexico with dr. Ponce de leon last Monday...would love to meet others whove gone through the process

Hi

I'm not meaning to be nosy but how did your procedure cost. I have the lapband however within a few years will probably go to sleeve

And the dr was great?

Thank you so much for your time

Ashley

What is the dr name that does it in Edmonton? From what I read there are some good ones. And would you be able to tell me the approx cost

Thanks everyone

I'm having my done in March 19 (2 days from my surgery now!). I am doing it in Calgary. I can share my experience with u if you like.

Edmonton April 9th. But I went thru weight wise

Hi all

I am new here, considering the gastric sleeve. Trying to decide between Mexico (OCC VS Ready4achange) and here in Alberta. Going to get referral sent to weigh wise next Monday. May try and get a referral to Dr Doug Davey who I heard takes referrals without going through weight wise.

I would like to know how long it took you from referral to surgery in Alberta. Thanks

Super happy to see some fellow Albertans on this thread! I am supposed to go to a meeting July 8 in Red Deer regarding a bariatric sleeve. People are telling me its a 6 year wait!!? Is this true?

The wait is making me look at the Mexico route. Its $6500 plus airfare so of course Id rather see about the Red Deer option but a 6 year wait is so unrealistic!

Thoughts? PLEASE HELP!