TracyBar

KristenLe - you have a surgery date now??I do!!! Yippee! 11 days - 10/18! Good news! Happy for you - I know you have been anxious to get the date. You seem to be in a good place mentally with the surgery - wish I was too. I had my first appt. with the intake nurse and it was all very surreal to me. "How am I here? How could this have happened to me?" that sort of stuff going on in my head. With all the research and homework I've done she was impressed - but hearing how good of a candidate for the surgery I am didn't really help me feel better about it. I'm happy I went this road and didn't opt for self-pay which means nobody looks after you. I will need this time between now and surgery to get my head right - and decide if it's good for me or not.

That must have been a difficult meeting for you - does this psychologist have specific training in bariatrics? From what I understand there are reasons why one surgery is better than another dependant upon issues a person may have - i.e. acid reflux, etc.

Wow - that amazes me! A doctor can actually promote a sideline business in the states? I take it you mean by 'her new Protein Shake program' that it's her own product? Here in Canada a doctor cannot do anything but treat you. I know there are amazing doctors in the U.S. - don't get me wrong - I just found it so odd to read that a doctor is allowed to do that!

KristenLe - you have a surgery date now??

Monday this week I saw the intake nurse at the Adult Bariatric Clinic. Weight, height, meeting. Weight more than I thought - gulp. Even at this stage, I'm still baffled as to how I got to this weight - so surreal to me. I did all the online lessons and homework and in addition did 13 online nutrition classes which weren't mandatory. Also brought in the required 3 days of food journalling. What really surprised me was her surprise that I had been so thorough. I was made to understand that it was mandatory to do the online lessons and homework and journalling. She said, well yes, but many people don't bother. Hmmm. They told me that my appointment could be cancelled if I didn't bring it in. This baffled me. But anyway, I spent quite a long time on everything and she said that she felt very confident that I was an excellent candidate for the surgery. She said that she's sees many people come in that just want the surgery 'tomorrow' and haven't done any preparation work. Outcomes for these people tend to be poor as they don't usually spend the time to become familiar with the surgery and life after. I've also researched it for many months prior to even seeing my GP and getting the ball rolling. My bloodwork is perfect - nothing out of line. I take only one pill currently - 5 mg Lipitor which is 1/2 the lowest dose and my cholesterol is exactly where it should be. I don't have any health issues - other than obesity of course! So, why am I still SO nervous about moving ahead with this? I asked her "so I appear to be a healthy candidate for this surgery - but does it mean I should have it? Do you try to get people to lose weight with a traditional method one more time so that they can change their mind about surgery?" She said having the surgery is up to me - I'm healthy now, but my weight will most definitely result in serious health issues down the road. Right now I'm healthy so this makes the surgery safer and the outcome better for me. She also said that they do not encourage dieting at all. They'd like people to practice healthy eating habits and journal because those are things I'll need to do for life after the surgery. 2-3 weeks before surgery I'll go on a liquid diet, or some kind of diet to shrink the liver. Also - I asked if they are able to connect me with a past patient that has had the surgery and would be willing to meet with me. I feel strongly that I need a face-to-face with somebody. She said they do have people in their system that have expressed a willingness to meet people that are going through the process and need to speak with somebody. Hopefully she won't forget to ask somebody - I need to talk to somebody as my anxiety about this surgery has only increased after my meeting. I see the Dietician next, Psychologist after that and Nurse again - all by mid November. Then about 3 months after that I see a surgeon. Surgery won't be for another 6-8 months after that! Sigh...but as she pointed out it's quicker than most other surgeries - like knee, shoulder, etc. So - guess I'm really going to do this..... ? (still gotta have a question mark there!)

Thank you Blizair09 - such a nice reply :-) Firstly, I think that although they encourage healthy eating and journalling rather than dieting - I will plan to eat regularly (so bad at that), journal and attempt to lose weight. She said if losing weight is the result of the changes I make then it's a bonus. But as you said, the discipline that you lived for 6 months prior to the surgery was invaluable for your success post-op. Your body and mind were well-trained and well prepared for the surgery and the big change afterward. I see a dietician next so I'm sure I'll be learning more. One thing I didn't mention was with regard to the long wait for the surgery. I said that I worried that my bloodwork may not look quite so good in a year while waiting for the surgery. But there's nothing I can do about it. In Canada, the surgery is free and there is great care before and after for as long as needed. If I were to go self-pay, then it's very hard to get the proper care from the proper specialists. So wait I must! Congrats on your very healthy approach to your weight loss - you've done so well!

laceemouse - I hadn't even thought to compare stats of WLS vs C-section. I had a terrible recover from c-section (planned) with my 3rd child 11 years ago. As luck would have it, I had my baby during a baby boom and being a mom 3rd time around I was basically ignored while in hospital. But it was my first section - I got a terrible infection, SO painful and not one nurse was trained well enough obviously to see the infection spreading. On day 4, release day, the surgeon came in and said 'you have an infection!'. Ah yes I do! Raging fever, sickening pain. Laprascopic surgery is less invasive, but the stomach IS being mostly removed. I wonder if the number of deaths is related to the General Anaesthetic...It's scary to hear those stats - but even more scary to read that being 100 lbs. overweight shortens a life by 10 years. I feel sure that I'm going to get many of other diseases and all because of weight....

Great video! Very inspiring. I need to see these as although I'm pretty heavy (about what you were and your height - but NOT your slender legs ever I'm sure!) - I am still scared of the surgery. I struggle with the humiliation. I know it's better for me to get my weight in control, but I still need to know more about life after surgery I guess. Good for you - you look amazing :-)

I'm not a big overeater either - but I do recognize now that when I do eat my portions are much bigger than they should be. And not eating regularly has caused serious weight gain as well. I can eat Breakfast and go hours and hours until I eat again - sometimes right until dinner. Then I'm starving of course, and eat too much for an evening meal. My choices aren't always good either. Over the years the pounds just came on and didn't leave! Good luck to you - I go to my first clinic appt Oct.3 but since I'm going through our provincial healthcare (free) that means I will wait awhile for surgery. If it's going to be too long, I won't do it. I'm 54; what would be the point if I can't get it for years from now?

Have you had your surgery now KristenLe?

Hello all - I would ultimately like to meet with somebody who has had sleeve surgery prior to going ahead with mine. I think it would be very beneficial. I'm hoping that the clinic I'm going through is able to provide this. Did any of you have this opportunity? If so, did it help you with your decision?

Hi Diana74- what meds do you mean? Or do you mean Vitamins??

That's great you got to speak with somebody - how did the subject come up? Just wondering - not something commonly discussed on a cruise of course! lolShe was sitting at the next table talking to a friend about how great she felt after the surgery. I had been researching for a while and thought this is a great opportunity to get an unbiased opinion. I figured if she didn't want people to know she wouldn't have been talking about it quite as loudly as she was. Maybe she did it for my benefit Either way I am glad she did because it gave me the final reason to go and see the doctor, and it is one of the be decisions I ever made, other than marrying my darling husband, am just loving life now!I live about an hour north of Sydney. I had to wait 12 months for my private health insurance to cover me, and I found that to be great. Gave me lots of time to make sure that this was the right decision for me. I can honestly say that I have not had one single regret. I had some nausea and gas pain in my shoulders for about a week after the surgery but that was really all. The incisions healed really well and caused me no pain at all. The first two weeks after when you are on just liquids (well I was) I thought would be hard, but they really weren't, what people say is true (again for me) you have no appetite or hunger, it's a really strange feeling for someone who has always been completely food focused, especially bad foods, to not be even the slightest bit interested was odd. Even now 3 and a half months post op, food doesn't have the hold over me that it used to.I love this new me, and am happy to answer any questions you might have. I think that's the one fact I can't really understand - the loss of desire for food! And what I've heard as well, the fact you could dislike something you really loved to eat before. Maybe it's one of those things that's not only hard to explain, but something you need to experience to really truly get it. I've also read on here that some people have their appetite return at 6 months post-op. Everyone is different of course. I have a recurring thought about food right now - food is often what brings families together - special occasions, kids move out and come home for dinner (and you cook them their favourite meal!), dinner out with spouse to a favourite restaurant, etc. My husband and I have been raising kids for 25+ years now and our youngest just turned 11. The one thing that's always been a common thread with my husband and I is our love for really, really good restaurants, and it's been the only thing we really do together as a couple. I keep thinking that I'll lose that connection between us. Does that sound silly? lol Honestly, I'm trying to think of every eventuality while making this decision to have my stomach (radically) removed! What am I going to lose that I wish I hadn't? Will I feel completely deprived when I can't go out and look 'normal' around the dinner table, or a neighbour's Christmas party? When I can't have a glass of wine, etc.? Do you have any wisdom to share on these points? I keep thinking I have 'one more question to deal with' and then I'm going to be ok with the surgery decision. But then I think of something else! Thanks so much - you've been a great help and inspiration :-)I felt the same way. Me and my husband's whole relationship has always revolved around food. I was nervous. 5 weeks post op. We have had family gatherings. Did not bother me. My husband is so supportive. We had two dates out this weekend. He had same meals as I. Chilli last night and seafood chowder tonight. I gave cup he has bowl. It's all so much better than I ever imagined. Food issues I worried about after never were issues. Denise~Macon, GA that's great to hear - how is your weight loss 5 weeks out? It's great too that you are able to eat regular food just 5 weeks past surgery too. I'm sure I'll be fine - it just still gives me a funny feeling when I hear things like "got sleeved", etc.!

Hi - I'm in Calgary and was looking to self-pay - wanted to stay in Canada and found out about Dr. Michel Gagner in Montreal from somebody on this board who had the surgery with him (she's in Montreal). $13,500 approx. But for me, $250 for phone consult, flights and hotel (me and husband) and no follow-up close by. So - back to the drawing board and saw my GP - in the end, and to make a looong story short, my doc referred me to the Adult Bariatric Clinic here in Calgary. I was referred and accepted immediately. Then I screwed up! Just discovered today that I should have sent in the intake assessment forms BEFORE I started on all the online programs that I need to do. Frustrated that I made that mistake as it has now put me back a few weeks (saw my doctor Aug.11). I sent it all in today so hopefully will hear something back from them next week. I have no idea what the actual wait times are. I've heard up to 5+ years and I'm certainly not doing that! When I spoke to the clinic here I told her that I just don't want to wait years - I'm 54. I said even a year is just too long - she said she knows some people have had it done in less than a year. I do think that the time to educate myself is important and I really do need the support close to home. So I decided to go this route and see it through to at least find out what I'm looking at for time frame. They are getting strict on who they look after in the clinic. Sept.30 this year is the cut-off for non-bariatiric patients and for those that get surgery out of province or country, it's difficult to find proper care. At least if I go through 'the system' I have nutritionist, psychology, etc. and all free as covered on provincial healthcare. Good luck with your research. Keep at it - it took me about 4 months to get to where I am now - and although I've learned a lot - especially on this board - I have a long way to go still - never stop learning as they say!

thank you kloneil818 - he's supportive, yes. He'll love it - he'll get to eat his meal and a lot of mine too! (he's never had a weight issue in his life so he'll enjoy these extra benefits). lol

You're only going to feel this way for a very temporary time early out. In the grand scheme of things, literally a blip on the radar of your life. I'm 2 years out, went to dinner last night with friends and had a glass of wine before dinner, ate my portion of halibut with veggies and asked for a doggie bag for the rest (about half) and felt completely normal. Nobody would even know I've had WLS. I just seem like a "light" eater now. It's just my husband and I, too, and we eat out all the time. As long as you're making smart choices, no worries! And early out you have leftovers for lunch AND dinner the next day! Thank you - as always the wisdom from all of you is the best!

That's great you got to speak with somebody - how did the subject come up? Just wondering - not something commonly discussed on a cruise of course! lol She was sitting at the next table talking to a friend about how great she felt after the surgery. I had been researching for a while and thought this is a great opportunity to get an unbiased opinion. I figured if she didn't want people to know she wouldn't have been talking about it quite as loudly as she was. Maybe she did it for my benefit Either way I am glad she did because it gave me the final reason to go and see the doctor, and it is one of the be decisions I ever made, other than marrying my darling husband, am just loving life now! I live about an hour north of Sydney. I had to wait 12 months for my private health insurance to cover me, and I found that to be great. Gave me lots of time to make sure that this was the right decision for me. I can honestly say that I have not had one single regret. I had some nausea and gas pain in my shoulders for about a week after the surgery but that was really all. The incisions healed really well and caused me no pain at all. The first two weeks after when you are on just liquids (well I was) I thought would be hard, but they really weren't, what people say is true (again for me) you have no appetite or hunger, it's a really strange feeling for someone who has always been completely food focused, especially bad foods, to not be even the slightest bit interested was odd. Even now 3 and a half months post op, food doesn't have the hold over me that it used to. I love this new me, and am happy to answer any questions you might have. I think that's the one fact I can't really understand - the loss of desire for food! And what I've heard as well, the fact you could dislike something you really loved to eat before. Maybe it's one of those things that's not only hard to explain, but something you need to experience to really truly get it. I've also read on here that some people have their appetite return at 6 months post-op. Everyone is different of course. I have a recurring thought about food right now - food is often what brings families together - special occasions, kids move out and come home for dinner (and you cook them their favourite meal!), dinner out with spouse to a favourite restaurant, etc. My husband and I have been raising kids for 25+ years now and our youngest just turned 11. The one thing that's always been a common thread with my husband and I is our love for really, really good restaurants, and it's been the only thing we really do together as a couple. I keep thinking that I'll lose that connection between us. Does that sound silly? lol Honestly, I'm trying to think of every eventuality while making this decision to have my stomach (radically) removed! What am I going to lose that I wish I hadn't? Will I feel completely deprived when I can't go out and look 'normal' around the dinner table, or a neighbour's Christmas party? When I can't have a glass of wine, etc.? Do you have any wisdom to share on these points? I keep thinking I have 'one more question to deal with' and then I'm going to be ok with the surgery decision. But then I think of something else! Thanks so much - you've been a great help and inspiration :-)

Thanks Teena! I see you've just had your surgery - hope you're feeling well :-)

So I bounced between looking at Mexico for surgery. Then decided I'd rather stay in Canada since I was self-pay and looked all over for a place. The only surgeon I found was in Montreal which is far from home. Lots more searching then off to my GP to talk with her about it. I'm reluctant to have it elsewhere as it's difficult to have follow-up if I go out of province, or country. My GP felt I should stay here and get it done at no cost (I just don't want the LONG wait). So in the end I had no choice - I had to go through the Adult Bariatric Clinic here and I'm slogging through all the initial lessons before I can submit them and then get an appointment to take this further. If it's going to take more than a year then I don't think I'll be interested in waiting. However, having the resources to help me (for free) would be so nice. Nutritionists, Psychologists, surgeons, doctors. So we shall see - need to get these lessons done and in for an appointment! My gut tells me it's the right thing to do....

That's great you got to speak with somebody - how did the subject come up? Just wondering - not something commonly discussed on a cruise of course! lol She was sitting at the next table talking to a friend about how great she felt after the surgery. I had been researching for a while and thought this is a great opportunity to get an unbiased opinion. I figured if she didn't want people to know she wouldn't have been talking about it quite as loudly as she was. Maybe she did it for my benefit Either way I am glad she did because it gave me the final reason to go and see the doctor, and it is one of the be decisions I ever made, other than marrying my darling husband, am just loving life now! That's a fantastic story! And it's so nice to hear so much positivity around this surgery. I just hope I don't have to wait too long to get the surgery - I've decided not to do self-pay as it means not having any support before or after - so going through our healthcare system means possible long waits. I'm going to get all the courses out of the way this weekend - taking me ages - then I can set up an appt. with the clinic. I've been referred and accepted - but that's just a tiny bit of the journey! Thanks again - really helped to hear your experience. And feel free to tell me whatever you think of regarding the surgery, pre-op and post-op, good and bad. You can message me here too. What city are you in? I spent about 8 months in Australia in the 80's! And loved it :-)

Thank you DebSmiles - it was sure a long road to get to this point! lol But I have to trust my gut or I won't feel comfortable with any decision I make. The other roads (Mexico or cross-country) were self-pay and quick decisions; in other words, they could do the surgery in literally a month - it made me uneasy as I feel this would leave me very unprepared, and without any resources to fall back on. Onward.... :-)

thank you laceemouse - it would be nice to hear what you take away from speaking with them. I'm doing my courses online rather than attending sessions. Trying so hard to get through them quickly, but on the other hand I want to focus on what I'm reading, listening to, etc as well. Long weekend coming up and hope to be done in one day (supposed to rain!).

Good to hear you're home and resting/recovering well. That drain sounds nasty! I've read other posts in here about the drain. Seems some surgeons use it and others don't. Perhaps those of us that haven't had surgery yet can hope our surgeon prefers no drain! Speedy recovery!

This is a big concern for me - I didn't realize the connection between acid reflux meds and kidney disease. My son was diagnosed with acid reflux disease at age 10 (a 24 hour probe into his stomach resulted in 320 episodes of reflux in 24 hours!) Since it was, for the most part, controlled with meds, surgery was shelved. The surgery lasts about 7 years before it can fail. The specialist at Children's decided this. His pediatrician however was not on board at all and wanted us to see a different surgeon for another opinion. Looking back, we probably should have, but as a mom, meds were gentler than surgery so I declined. I will be looking into this more....

That's great you got to speak with somebody - how did the subject come up? Just wondering - not something commonly discussed on a cruise of course! lol