Timelines and consult with surgeon

How did you find your meeting with Dr Birch.  What is the reason behind the tests you have to do. 

My meeting with Dr. Birch was good.  He's very friendly and warm, he's very thorough with his information as well. 

I still feel confused about choice, because I was leaning towards the VSG and he suggested the LapBand.  He did say the choice is mine, they do all three surgeries...but hearing all of the risks and benefits in person and looking at the anatomy of the surgeries with him makes me want to really mentally digest things again.

My BMI is at 40, my age etc...weight left to lose....I think are the reasons he might be leaning towards the band?

I would really like to hear from some people who've had success with their band in Alberta...but I haven't been able to connect with anyone yet.

The tests are precautionary. Many people have to take the tests before a surgery date is booked.  The swallow will rule out any motility issues or hernias in the esophagus.  The scope, will make sure everything looks good.  I'd rather be safe than sorry!

Also because I have previously had problems when eating with food feeling stuck.  Whether this was because my eating was too fast, my food choices were poor back then..or because of a spasm...who knows!  But best to make sure before one goes and makes the stomach tiny!

??  What is a swallow test and what kind of scope?

I have to swallow a liquid while having an xray...while the liquid goes down my throat it will show up on the pictures and 'reveal' any issues or abnormalities.

The scope is where they look down my throat to the stomach with a small camera that is in a flexible tube... it is done with light sedation to minimize discomfort.  I think its called a gastroscopy?  I could be wrong on the term.

The lapband was my first choice but due to it's maintainance I ultimately chose the sleeve,
For me I didn't want a foreign body in my body to have to wonder if it's going to erode into my stomach or slip etc. and filsl...eeeww. lol
The positive side to the lapband is that you will get bypass results over the long term.

He's looking at your best interests and you'll get to that healthy goal weight either way.

Glad you go to meet Dr. Birch. I haven't met him and yet I'm going in for my sleeve in 5 weeks..EEEEKKK!!

Keep us posted on your end choice!

Hi Kim,

He's really nice.  I hope you get to meet him soon!  Congrats on your surgery date...it's approaching soon! Yayyy!

I don't mind the idea of the LapBand, as much as I mind the fact that what if in 25 years when I'm 60...it needs to be removed and bam...all my weight comes back at THAT AGE, OR when it is riskier for me to carry that weight OR need a revision?  Will I even be able to tolerate a revision.  Of course no one can know the future.  I'm just speculating.  If I've kept weight off for 25 years successfully then I'm amazing! 

I will definitely keep you posted on my end choice :) 

Please keep us posted on how you're doing, and how your surgery goes :)  You'll be awesome!

Has everyone who has had WLS had to have this "swallow test" and scope done? 

No they have not. 

It's not an uncommon test though..I was told about it by my nurse right at the beginning of clinic meetings when she talked to me about things that may or may not happen during my weight loss journey.

Hi I have had the swallow test, scope test & a CT scan.  I was not approved for my surgery the first time I met with Dr Birch.  My BMI was to high.  I have 200 plus lbs to lose so I was approved for RNY.  The only concern is that I am 36 and I do not have kids so they wanted to be sure that I would not have kids in the next 2 years.  I was originally scheduled for surgery on June 1st but after a week of shakes I was told that Dr Birch was no longer doing surgery on June 1st and I would be switched to June 15th.  I had my surgery on June 15th.  All went well.  3 weeks after my surgery something went really wrong and I could no longer even keep down water.  I was puking everything.  I ended up with a stricture.  They did a scope and my stoma was closed.  Dr. Birch Stretch my opening to 10mm and I had to take all of this stomach medication.  2 weeks later I had to go back so Dr Birch could have another look  and he could not get the scope down again and had to stretch the stoma a little again.  Things are going better now.  I am still glad I had the surgery but it is not the answer to everything and I still depend a lot on my Nurse, Dietitian and Psychologist.    Food hurts,  I have too chew sooooo much that the food doesn't taste good anymore.  Everything is bland.  I never feel hungry.  I am always in trouble for not eating enough or drinking enough.  Water is very difficult to drink.  I get tired easily.  My hormones are crazy,  I poop only about 1 time per week.
I am happier, I sleep better, I can focus a lot better.  I am really glad I had the surgery and I would recommend it to anyone who is addicted to food but for me surgery must go hand in hand with me getting my head right as well.

Good Luck
Katrina

Wow,  you've been through alot. 

Is everything settling out?  You are three months post op? 

THanks so much for sharing!  It sounds like Dr. Birch is taking good care of you through all of this and that's very reassuring.

I'm very impressed with the whole team at the clinic. 

Thanks for sharing Kat!