Place to stay in The Hat?

Hi! I'm traveling from Manitoba for surgery with Dr. Nohr, scheduled Dec 8/08 and was wondering if anyone could recommend a good hotel that is is clean, cheap and close to the hospital? I'm told I'll be in hospital for 3-4 days, but have to stay in the city for a week to 10 days, I'm not sure that I'll have anyone who can come with me...how difficult is it the first week or so? Do I really need someone with me at all times? Or can i pretty much take care of myself? Any advice would be greatly appreciated... Christine

I was wondering what you wait time was for your surgery.. I'm just starting and trying to get as much info as I can. I live in Vancouver and cant find anyone that will do it, Unless I pay.. So I'm just hoping someone out there may know anyone or something that could help me start my journey. thanks kelly

Hi Kelly! I waited 3 years from my referral (with my family doctor) till my actual appointment(with Dr Nohr) , that was in Jan /08, and i have a surgery date of Dec /08. Good Luck on your journey! CHristine

Christine: I presume, because you are seeing Dr. Nohr, that you are having gastric bypass surgery rather than lap-band. Yes you definitely will need someone with you for a while.. Recovery from bypass is much more complicated than with lap band as your have had your insides rearranged and you don't bounce back as quickly as with lap band. I am scheduled for gastric bypass in Arizona on Oct , and have researched and talked to lots of people , especially on the bigger forum and the ARizona forum (specific to bypass) and they all will tell you that you do need some one with you. In fact most surgoens will refuse to do the surgery unless you do have someone who can be with you for a while. MY friend who had it done in Las Vegas had to have someone with her for a week after and had to stay in Vegas for that week in order to make sure all was well before she returned to Canada. Wishing you luck and I encourage you to look at the other forums as well as Alberta for lots of advice and comments but remember no one who talks on these forums in a doctor and everyone has different experiences so use your common sense on what you believe etc. LOL Eydie The Dr. office should be able to recommend a good motel close by for you.

Thanks Edith! That's lot of good advice. I was wondering what influenced you to go to arizona for surgery rather than stay in canada?

Christine. I chose Arizona because we usually go there for six months in the winter anyhow and then I can stay and get the folowup sessions and care that they have at the Scottsdale Bariatric Center, it is a really great program for after surgery. The other reason is that Dr. Nohr does not take patients over 50 years old and I am almost 58 . I tried for over two years to get a lap band here and failed to get chosen . The dovtor in AZ recommended bypass as a better choice for me because of my diabetes. I wish you lots of luck with your surgery, lets keep in touch Edith

Hi Christine I underwent Gastric Bypass Nov/07 with Dr. Nohr & have had great success, having lost a total of 136 lbs as of this morning!!! I also happen to live in Medicine Hat!!! I had no difficulties after my surgery & didn't require that anyone be with me, but everyone is different. I would like to offer you support in anyway I could be helpful, so feel free to ask. As for hotels, I am not so sure, since I live here, I have never had the need of a hotel in the city, however, the Best Western is fairly close ( a couple of blocks) to the hospital. my email is [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns Rosalie

First of all... CONGRATULATIONS!! 136 lbs, that is truly inspiring! (i looked for fotos in your profile...soon?) Thanks for the suggestion, i think that is where i stayed when in came in for my consultation, and one night at the super 8 over on the east side, near the galaxy theater. I'm hoping to bring my mom with me, so we'll see how that pans out for me. Thanks for the advice and keep us updated! Christine

Hi Christine, If you are having surgery done by Dr. Nohr you will be going to Medicine hat, Alberta not Manitoba lol. Anyway what you might look into is a convalesent home ask your health care for information and if they will pay for your care in that kind of facility. Honestly the first week is living hell. I won't lie to you. I am one tuff lady and let me tell you over the first month I wished someone would have taken a gun and shot me lol. Hopefully your experience will not be as bad but I would suggest a convalesent home because then you are still being cared for. Hope this helps. Good luck, Donna

haha, that is funny! I meant i am travelling FROM manitoba, to Medicine hat, i needed a laugh!! So, a convalescent home...i have nevr heard of that...is there one in the hat? How are you doing now that your past that first week? Still wishing for a bullit? Or are you loving life again? Hopefully loving life! Thanks for the info, I will definately look into it! Christine