tndfamily

Thanks Jersrose43! This news makes me feel better. I will wait to see what the doc says and then decide. I was told this doctor prefers the bypass surgery and really pushes it but I've heard so many success stories with the sleeve.

I am still waiting on a surgery date ???? we had a bit of a set back (hiatal hernia). Doctor wants me to really think about whether the sleeve is the best choice for me. He feels that, because many people experience and increase in gerd (heartburn), that I should reconsider having gastric bypass instead. I am feeling very discouraged. Any advice?

This really angers me! I'm 5' tall and weigh almost 190. I too won't qualify for the surgery or help from AB health care so I am considering going to Mexico as well. Did anyone get extra insurance in case you have complications? I have so many questions! I have struggles with my weight for 35 years! Never have I lost and maintained! I eat well, very little sugar only whole grains and lean meats, low carb... Argg , I'm so frustrated. If I keep up the way I am I will soon be over 200. Please help me through this, I honestly feel I don't gave a choice. I will only keep gaining as I get older. It is indeed very frustrating and a very long process to go through in Alberta. My BMI was just a little under the required but I have several health issues as well - high blood pressure, hi lipids and severe joint issues. In order to qualify for the surgery my family doctor made a very strong case for me and has been extremely supportive. Were you referred to the weight wise program for surgery? I had no other option as well. There was no way I could afford going to Mexico. Please contact me tdfamily@telus.net if you want/need support. My name is Donna.

Thought I'd take a stab at spinning this in another direction - I'm looking forward to buying regular sized clothing and having more options. I'm looking forward to less pain and better health. I am loving tasting my food again and not just eating to fill a void. I'm excited to be moving forward with life and making better choices for myself.

I will not miss wearing capris to the beach cause I feel uncomfortable in a bating suit. I will not miss breaking lawn chairs!

Most definitely not - happens to a lot of us ????

I am looking forward to hearing from any Albertans out there who are on this journey to better health. Send me a message please. I'd like to get a feel for where everyone is located. It's a big province I know but we have technology that can and will make it feel smaller.

Alex can we change the name of this thread to Alberta, Canada?

I live 3 hours north of Edmonton Alberta. I have battled the bulge for most of my adult life. My doctor recommended Alberta, weight wise program to me in April of 2011 but I stubbornly insisted that I could do this myself. December 29,2013 I had a major wake up call when my younger sister passed away. I realized I needed to take control. I made the call to weight wise and have been attending classes, dietician appointments and doctor appointments since January 2014. I have finally been moved forward and will see the surgeon in two weeks. I would love to be able to share with, support and gain support from individuals from my area. Our stories are all different, as individual as we are, but our goals are similar - a healthy future.

One of them is for Ontario and the other BC. I don't see anything for Alberta though. Slave Lake is pretty small but I might be interested in co-leading if there are others near here.

Will there be support groups in Canada as well!? I think it's a wonderful idea ????

My appointment is with Dr Birch. I'm a little bummed because I came home to a message saying they have to re-schedule. I am so ready to get going lol!

I am NOT going to miss just starting to feel good, seeing a change on the scale and feeling my clothes get looser, then catching a glimpse of myself in a mirror or window and realizing how much more needs to come off.

I am sooo bummed out! Finally got an appointment with the surgeon and I was getting excited but when I got home today had a message that they have to reschedule. I was so hoping to get my surgery date. I know all the hoops they put us through are worth it and I'm trying not to get discouraged but Yeesh!

How bout being told that you have a pretty face (which in my head says - too bad about all that going on below your neck!). Also will not miss sweating ALL the time! ????

That's how I felt going in as well and now I am sorry I did start this journey when my doc first suggested it 3 years ago. Lol I am really looking forward to feeling better!

Blue moon that's a great one!!

Is anyone else using MyFitness Pal for their tracking?

Not sure if it's because my girls have been watching Frozen so much lately but I've been humming/singing that "Let it Go" song from the movie. Moving forward........

I lost my sister last year. She was only 42 and died from complications due to pancreatitis brought on by high triglycerides and sedentary lifestyle. Our mother passed away ten years ago for the same reason. This has been a huge wake up call for me. Every time my weight went up a bit I could rationalize why - 200lbs! "No big deal at least I'm not 250" year later - oops I'm 258 and it just keeps going. I have two little girls and young grand children who need me to bd here. Now is the time to take control.

Pretty sure I'd have a different song every day. Today it's Happy but most days it's One Day at a Time! Lol

I have lost 16 so far. Seems like such a small number when I have another 120 to go. Trying to focus on the small victories. I can put my pants on without having to hang onto the counter! Yeah me!

Morning! I am from Slave Lake, AB. Been attended many, many, many appointments at the Royal Alex in Edmonton and am finally going to meet with a surgeon on the 12th o May. I'm so nervous/excited! They keep telling me I'm doing great but I am so eager to get this flab behind me.