need input please

Hi, my name is Edith and I am fairly new to all this. I have an appointment with Dr. DeCoteaux in Calgary this Friday to discuss surgery but I am really worried about being able to stick on the diet plan follwoing surgery...it seems so restrictive. Any feedback? Thanks

Hi, I am brand new to this site and am just wondering how long you have been waiting for your appt. in Calgary? I have been waiting for an initial appt. in Edmonton for half a year and don't know if I can wait another 3 before the possibility of actual surgery! I don't know what to do anymore...

Hi Chris ..nice to meet you! I started seeing the psychologist at the weight clinic in the old Colonel Belcher last summer and have my appointment with the doctor now...will let you know what happens next after my appointment Friday. I really don't know how things progress after you first see the doctor but I have been told that it takes a couple of years. I know that they want you to lose 10% of your body weight proir to being seriously considered so that they know you can follow a regime. Keep in touch, it helps tp talk things out with someone else. Edith

Hi Chris and Edith, My name is Betty, I live in Calgary and I'm booked for lapband surgery next Friday with Dr Kuri in Tijuana Mexico. I decided I need to do this before I develop any of the diseases associated with obesity, and I'm too old to wait for it here in Alberta(I'm 55).I'm really excited about getting on with the rest of my life. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best. I'll let you know how it goes as soon as I feel up to it. Betty

Hi Betty , nice to meet you too and I sure wish you well with your surgery. Please let me know how it goes. I know what you mean about the age thing. I am almost 57 and have diabetes and high blood pressure as well as diabetic complications like neuropathy in my feet and legs and retinopathy in my eyes. I have a grandson who is turning 1 in July and I sure want to be here to see him grow up...so, scared as I am about all this, I need to do something and soon. I keep yoiu in my prayer and look forward to hearing from you about your surgery experience. Edith

Saw Dr. DesCoteaux today and he thinks I am a good candidate for the surgery as I have so many secondary complications like diabetes and high blood pressure. He says that the Calgary clinic will do about 100 surgeries this year and that I will probably get in this fall , maybe September. I am still not sure that this is the right thing to do so any imput would be great. I am going to attend the weight loss classes in August. He says that you have to go on a very strict diet of some kind of shake for two weeks prior to the surgery to help decrease the size of your liver which makes the surgery easier. This is a big decision to make but he says that I would probably be off all my meds in 6 months which would be great ! He also said they only recommend a weight loss of 1-2 lbs per week which is a bit discouraging as you can lose that on weigh****chers...the difference he says is that you can keep it off. Big difference !!!!! Off course you can gain the weight back even with the small stomach if you eat the wrong kind of things and eat too often, so a commitment to changing your eating habits is essential. Edith

Hi Edith, How long did you have to wait to see Dr. DesCoteaux? I'm just starting to look into everything and trying to find out where to start. Thanks. :afro:

Hi W Thomas, nice to meet you. I waited about a year to see the surgeon but I was away travelling all winter in our motorhome, so I may have been able to get in quicker. Also I hadn't decided for sure if this was the route I wanted to go (still am a bit unsure!!) It is not a magical fix, you still have to control your eatiing , exercise and have a life long commitment to the life style you will have to lead for the rest of your life ,and the food thiing is quite restrictive both in what you can eat and in how much...usually not more than a 1/2 cup of food per meal according to the girl at the clinic (remember this is for life...not for two or three months). I think the way to get started is to get your doctor to refer you to the weight management clinic at the old Colonel Belcher Hospital' Ny first appointment was with the psychologist but that's not always the route taken. They have a lot of things to offer including weight management classes which are now compulsory if you are considering surgery. I am signed up to attend them in August. The clinic offers other help as well as the surgery thing and the people I have dealt with are very nice. Dr. DesCoteaux was great but he says it may not be him who does my surgery as there are four surgeons working out of the clinic. Hope this helps and please feel free to talk to me again...I will share what knowl;edge I have and I am still trying to make up my mind about this life changing surgery and if I can cope afterwards. Edith

Hi Edith, Thanks for the response! I haven't made any decisions, and am just starting my lengthy research process. I live in Edmonton, so I don't know where to go or how to get a referral. Dr. Descoteaux is a name I've recognized from before. It would be nice if I didn't have to travel very far for assessments and such. I know what you mean about coping with it afterwards. That scares me too! I'm not a big eater so, I'm hoping I can handle it. I just feel like WLS is a last resort for me.

Hi Edith, my name is BJ and I am from Airdrie, I too am taking the weight management course in July, then will be seeing Dr. Debru. Like you I am still on the fence about the surgery and the finality of it all. I know that I can't do it on my own anymore it is just too depressing. But commitment is a big issue with me. But I have to look at the big picture, I have two beautiful small kids and I really want to be around for them. Sorry to butt in on your conversations but felt I had to vent. Would love to hear how everything works out for you. Sounds like you have a lot of great info to share which really helps out.