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

I got my sleeve in March through AHS. I'm in Calgary and my wait from the very first intake session to my surgery was 15 months. During those 15 months I was working with my wonderful dietician, psychologist and nurse and the time passed by flying. I am really happy with the support I've have from the program. I can't even imagine how hard it would have been to do this on my own.

Hey everyone!

Im so happy to hear from fellow albertans! im from just outside of edmonton. I just finalized my surgery tonight! I will be having the gastric sleeve on july 25, 2014 in Tijuana with Dr. Almanza! Im excited and scared all at the same time. I started the process here through the weight wise clinic but at the time i was not considering surgery! i know that weight times are becoming less but i want to get it over with and start my new life! Im glad to hear that some of you used dr. Almanza as well! i had family that used him and highly recommended him! Its only costing 4200.00 plus flights! If anyone would like to keep and contact and share our experiences feel free to message me!

I went through the Weight Wise prog in Edmonton and was sleeved on May 14th. Couldn't be happier. I am in Edmonton