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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

Well Hello to you to fellow Edmontonian, how are you doing? I'm still trying it on my own and slowly making some progress. How are you feeling, any regrets? Cheers, Dwayne

Thanks for that, my brother is western regional manager for a surgical supply company, he know's most of these doctors quite well, .... and speaks highly of Dr.Sharma and his work, so I'm praying he can help me. Just need to get my family doctor to get me a refferal when I get home, as I work in Northern Bc. Thanks again! Dwayne

Hi Lily, I have had way too many sleepless nights and feel something just isn't right about this for me, call it karma, second instinct etc,...I've gone againt this second instinct in the past, only to have my ass kicked really hard,.... so I am reluctant to go for the VSG right now. I'm going to see a weight loss doctor by the name of Dr. Arya Sharma, he helps people get to the root of their disfunctional eating problems, then if the problem can't be resolved with therapy and education, he will advise taking it to the next level which is WLS, and he supports what you all have done very strongly,... so be proud for staying strong, and getting it done, I'm proud of all of you, it's just not my time right now, and I hope it never will be, but !!!,.... I am a realist, and have read all the stat's, I know most don't keep it off, but who knows, maybe I will get lucky and catch a break, if not you will see me back on this forum again! Thanks to all I did not have a chance to respond to personally, your kind words meant a lot to me, God Bless you all !! Dwayne

Hi Lily, Thanks for the info, I'm still on the fence, but leaning towards getting it done, just a little scared of being miserable after it's done, I love to eat and drink, but that's what got me here. Good to hear it worked out for you. were you happy with Dr.Aceves?