a brief overview of my context: i am seriously contemplating getting the vsg; the tentative surgery date would be mid-october. lots and lots of doubts and guilt and fear and literally months of research, some of which has inspired me, some of which inspires anxiety am starting this journey around 260 lbs bmi around 42.5, and would ideally get to a goal of around 145/150 ish. i am self-pay, so this decision has alot of levels. any encouragement welcome, and i would Love to hear more about the experiences of my fellow sleevers this is a pretty isolating subject, and it would be a relief to talk with people who have an inside, tangible understanding of all the implications. i guess my biggest reservation at this point is how little we know about the truly long-term health ramifications, as this is such a relatively recent wls choice, and almost everyone more than a couple of years out tend to drop off the boards and forums awhile after reaching goal. while that is completely understandable, it makes me a bit uneasy; this is irreversible, after all, so the more we can know, the better, right?

my surgeon will be dr. michel gagner, practicing in montreal. does anyone have experience with this surgeon??

Many many thanks for taking the time to read

xo

shimmer

A question re Dr Gagner - what is the wait time from initial inquiry to surgery with his office? I'm in Ontario and although I expect I would qualify for OHIP, I don't want the long wait. Have been researching Mexico but am curious re Dr Gagner!

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I waited one month. He was awesome. Recommend Canada. If u run into any complications I'm not sure what hospital fees or care is like in Mexico.

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@"TrishFB" read my thread above for my experience

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Thanks so much for replying!! I can deal with a month. and the cost difference really isn't significant given the CAD to USD exchange rate. Thanks again!

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Best of luck. I have NO regrets. Would do it again. First month was the worst. Once my brain got caught up with what I did to my body it got easier. Iam down 31lbs 2 months in. Great feeling.

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Saw my family doctor today. She was in favour of surgery at this point and wants to register me for the Ontario program. She was very anti travelling to Mexico for surgery (not surprising for a Canadian doctor) and did not know of Dr Gagner's clinic. Not prepared to wait for a year +, I've taken the plunge and have booked a consultation with Dr Gagner later this week!

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Hi Trishb!

I wanted to share my experience with you - one month post op, the good, bad and ugly (sort of so far)

The Good.

Dr Gagner is a consummate professional, and so are his staff. He takes the time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. His staff are responsive (within a couple of days at the most). To date, I healed well and only faced my first test today with nasty acid reflux...hopefully its not a recurrence.

The Bad.

I didst realize the clinic in which the operation was performed was in a commercial building with a shopping centre. That threw off , but I was pretty determined to go through this. I think in another lifetime I would have run away lol. Its a major surgery and you should ideally be in a hospital.

I didn't receive any post-op/discharge instructions re warning signs of complications. Dr Gagner discussed them with me over the phone, when I returned to Ontario - but I had to intiate the request for information...

It's rather expensive when you start piling on the hotel costs/travel costs/and other expenditures - considering we can be completely covered through OHIP for the same procedure.

The Ugly.

Long-term aftercare, or heck even short term! There is mental health side to weight loss surgery and I can't stress how important its for you to feel that you can schedule an appointment with your surgeon, and his team and meet him next week/month or whatever the case. I can only speak to Dr. Gagner on the phone, and I didnt' realize how important after-care is...the OHIP program offers weekly support groups managed by psychologist and nutritionists and follow up for five years!

You can't join these support groups if you had the surgery has self-pay. So we're kinda on our own.
Second, I started to really be concerned about how I manage complications long term - such as strictures..I am lucky to have a family doctor familiar with the procedure...but there are untold advantages of going directly to your surgeon and his capacity to refer you to a known professional for whatever treatment is required. .

I am very lucky to live near a Bariatric Centre of Excellence (Humber Hospital) so if I have a complication, I will head to the ER. But I will have to always explain my story and lack that team based support.

I completely understand your need to jump in! and not wait - but there is something precious about that wait-time that I only understood afterwards - this is a significant permanent change in your life. That wait-time prepares you for the challenges ahead and it can get very intense!

I found that Dr. Gagner, explained the procedure well, stats on the main complications - however, there was no mention of the fact that GERD (acid reflux) can be so bad for some patients who acquire it post-op that they need to be revised to Gastric Bypass. I heard several stories on Facebook groups and instagrams. He essentially told me that a few # of people develop acid reflux, but you can easily take meds for it and generally resolves it self. I am finding that's not always the case - because its not diet related...its the mechanical problem - the sleeve is a high pressure system and folks either immediately get severe acid reflux or develop it over time.

There were no mention that most surgeons now recommend that you do not take NsAIDs - advil etc w/ the sleeve as it can cause ulcers and damage the stomach. There was no mention that long-term some people suffer like teeth decay due to the body's incapacity to absorb Calcium appropriately. I am not sure he's Vitamin list is necessarily the most extensive...most surgeons recommend B12 supplements, but his nutritionist does not...and calcium is on a as need basis.

I wish you the best on your journey, and I urge you not to discount the importance of local medical support

Hi All - wanted to add a quick update for anyone looking into surgery with Dr. Gagner.

I had my vsg procedure on Feb 23rd - so am 2.5 weeks out. Everything went well and I truly can't say enough good things about Dr. Gagner, his clinic and everyone associated with the clinic! I went back to work after a week (part days for 2 days, then ft after the weekend) and am feeling great. And, I'm down 21 pounds!

If you're considering vsg, I can't say enough about my experience with Dr. Gagner!