A whale of a tale...

[khorne 6]

Hello, My name is Kathy and I am a whale (sorry but that's how I introduce myself, I say it before anyone else says it)

I have been obese all my life. I have tried every diet and eating plan I could afford to try. I also tried several medications like Dexedrine and I am currently on Victoza to try to lose weight (I am not a diabetic...yet). My doctor sent a referral to a surgeon here (I am in Nova Scotia, Canada) and we were told it would be a 10 year wait before I would even be seen in consultation. Well, after one year I was having a very low day and I wrote a letter to the surgeon and two months later I got a call to attend a weight loss surgery group meeting. They take 50 people off the wait list who qualify for the surgery and start with a group meeting. The surgeon Dr James Ellsmere told us about the surgery he performs, the Vertical Sleeve. We heard from the nutritionist, the physiotherapist and a patient who had the surgery one year prior. It was very informative.

But now I wait...they told us it would be 3 to 6 months before we get called back to meet with the psychiatrist and have a one on one consult with the surgeon. I feel I am ready for this but I do have a few questions for the surgeon before I make my final decision.

I am hoping I can also get some information from this forum to help me make the decision that is right for me.

[KristieAtkinson 589]

Congratulations on making this decision. What would you like to know?

[shoopaie 26]

Sorry to hear you have to wait so long...i have to wait 3 months, and i thought that was bad! yikes. Good luck to you.

[LovetoDeath 93]

This site was extremely helpful to me. Any questions you ask I'm sure you will get great responses. The search tool is also very helpful for FAQs.

[Ms.AntiBand 2,984]

Any wait is worth it. Glad you're on the way!

[measureofme 175]

Welcome to VST. This place is full of information and we can be a passionate bunch! I can so relate to how you feel right now, my heart goes out to you. I'm so glad that you took the feelings you had and made that plea for yourself and got pushed to the head of the line. You didn't know it then maybe but you made a giant leap forward! I know that the wait can be discouraging, most of those here in the states that go insurance routes have a similar wait time, doing all kinds of tests and "medically monitored" diets before they're giving the green light for surgery. However, it's time that you can look at and know you're on a path to doing something positive for yourself. Use this time to think and dream and study and learn and really be prepared for the new life ahead of you.

You mention wanting information, how can we help?!

Peace and good wishes to you. Soon, your self introduction will be a thing of the past. You'll have to find a new creature to identify with!

[Tink22-sleeve 528]

Good luck with your journey. it will be worth it. the sleeve is a wonderful tool. i think this site has a wealth of info that will help you along the way, as well as some really great people that dont mind answering any questions.

[Webchickadee 716]

(I am in Nova Scotia, Canada) and we were told it would be a 10 year wait before I would even be seen in consultation.

Hi Kathy. Welcome to VST!

I was in a similar situation. I live in Ontario and at the time of my research (a couple of years ago), they didn't even perform the Vertical Sleeve in this province. It was pretty much only Gastric Bypass, and you had to go through a long referral, assessment wait that could take 5-7 years as well. Even now, it's very rarely performed.

Last year I decided that I didn't want the Bypass, and I wasn't going to wait 5-7 years for something I didn't even want in the first place. I started researching "private pay" alternatives where I could get the VSG, and the only one I could even remotely afford was to go to Mexico.

I found a great surgeon after months of research (lots and lots of help from people here with great posts about their experiences; their surgeons in Mx; the facilities; their pre- and post care; etc.). I paid about $5500 U.S. for my surgery (all inclusive) plus my flight.

It was the best decision I ever made.

I'm happy to chat with you directly if you have an interest in knowing more.

Good luck in your journey. There are a lot of great people on this site who can give you facts, motivation, support, and humour!

[awifeinmichigan 233]

Hello, My name is Kathy and I am a whale (sorry but that's how I introduce myself, I say it before anyone else says it)

I have been obese all my life. I have tried every diet and eating plan I could afford to try. I also tried several medications like Dexedrine and I am currently on Victoza to try to lose weight (I am not a diabetic...yet). My doctor sent a referral to a surgeon here (I am in Nova Scotia, Canada) and we were told it would be a 10 year wait before I would even be seen in consultation. Well, after one year I was having a very low day and I wrote a letter to the surgeon and two months later I got a call to attend a weight loss surgery group meeting. They take 50 people off the wait list who qualify for the surgery and start with a group meeting. The surgeon Dr James Ellsmere told us about the surgery he performs, the Vertical Sleeve. We heard from the nutritionist, the physiotherapist and a patient who had the surgery one year prior. It was very informative.

But now I wait...they told us it would be 3 to 6 months before we get called back to meet with the psychiatrist and have a one on one consult with the surgeon. I feel I am ready for this but I do have a few questions for the surgeon before I make my final decision.

I am hoping I can also get some information from this forum to help me make the decision that is right for me.

Hi Kathy. Welcome to the Forum. I too have a little over 3 months before I am sleeved. Just some advise I am using this wait time to become more knowledgeable in WLS and changing my mindset. It helps pass the time away. Lots of luck to you.

[Rycherchick 147]

You are not a whale, you are a woman. Stop doing that.

[ElaineB 207]

I have had a long wait too. I started last year around this time. I get frustrated at the wait , but as others have said, it's a good time to get information. Learn and ask questions, get your questions for your surgeon ready. And don't be so hard on yourself. You have to do this out of love and respect for yourself and with love and respect for yourself. Negative self talk is harmful. We probably all do it, but it's not good. Treat yourself as you'd treat a friend. We are here to support you.