Length of time before surgery

 I am eating a lot of protein...I know it was vague for me too.  I would like a definite list of what I can't have and what i can have. I see the doctor on the 16th then the RN in Feb. and the dietian in march.

Hi.  So I had my first appointment today and yes you do have to lose 10 percent of your body weight.  They would like to see you lose and get used to the one cup of food because that will be all that you can eat after surgery.  They don't want it to be a shock to the body.  

My spouses friend had gastric bypass surgery a few years ago.  He did not have to lose or do the one cup diet.  He now has gained a lot of it back.  

So I am kind of happy that we at least get trained and used to the lifestyle change.

They set up an appointment for me to see the dietician in March. I agree with you...it is weird that we see the dietician after we start the one cup diet. I hope to get some meal ideas from the dietician.

I really worry about feeling hungry and lightheaded.  I worry about struggling for meal ideas. 

My appt with the surgeon is on the 16th as well but it is at 1:00pm so I must be in a different group than you. Perhaps they have a morning group and and afternoon group. I think it will be interesting.

Do any of you know which surgeon you will have? Are any of you with Dr. Menenzes?

 I am on the 16th at 1:00 to, with the same doctor. I will see you there.

Mona

Yay! I can't wait to meet you Mona!  It is nice that there are so many of us to share our experiences.  This is great. I am so relieved to be able to talk to people about this.
 
I haven't mentioned to anyone that I plan on doing this other than my husband so thank you all for sharing!

Hi Ladies,

It's nice to see some more activity on the Alberta board!! I was so greatful for the info from some of the other members on here who were ahead of me in the Red Deer program so it's my turn to pay it forward!!

Here is my timeline:

May 2011: referral sent in to the clinic by my doctor

Aug 2011: first app****ched a short video, met the nurse Christine, and had a brief meeting with Dr. Gregg

Sep, Oct, Nov 2011: just had my monthly weigh-in appts.

Dec 2011: gastroscopy and psyche evaluation

Jan 2011: had my appt with Christine today to weigh-in She said they are pleased with my progress so far (I am down 20 lbs since August. My starting weight was 324 and I am 5'5)

The 3 cup diet has been a huge struggle for me. I find most days I'm eating closer to 5 or 6 cups, but the weight has been coming off steadily. I found the diet plan to be very vague also, but I'm just sticking with what I know works for me which is an Atkins-ish-low-carb type eating plan.

I am now scheduled to meet Dr. Gregg next week to make the final decision about which surgery I want. (although I know for sure that I want the sleeve) Christine said after that appointment, it is usually 1 to 2 months until the actual surgery. I am also scheduled for my Pre-Admission Clinic in February. (it's a 2.5 hr info session to prepare u for surgery and life after surgery).

In the beginning it felt like things were moving so slowly but now it feels like the ball is rolling fast!! It's hard being patient with the whole process, but I keep telling myself that I have to keep my eye on the prize at the end....

I'd be happy to answer any other questions, just send me a PM if you don't want to post it on the board.

P.S. I live in Airdrie too beccathenewme!

That is so awesome that you live in Airdrie too!!! I also have Dr Gregg,  I'm so excited for you! I'm sure that it has felt slow in the beginning. I haven't really started the 3 cup diet yet, but I have lost a few pounds. I found a high protein diet worked for me before, so that's what I'm going to concentrate on when I eat my three cups a day.

I weighed 304 when i started and I'm now 300, and I'm also 5'5 as well. We should get together for coffee sometime and discuss everything!

Talk to you soon!  Rebecca

Hi.  Thank you for your timeline.  Congrats on doing well.  You were at the clinic today? So was I...at 1 pm.  

What was the gastroscopy and psyche evaluation like?  I am glad that we are put to sleep for the gastroscopy however I have never been put under before.  I am a little nervous for that.

Thanks Mel!  My appt was at 9 am so I missed you by a few hours.
The gastroscopy really wasnt bad at all.  I don't remember anything except I think I woke up just as they were taking it out and I gagged a little  My throat was a bit sore for a day or so but nothing major. 

They told me I have the hiatial hernia also, but sounds like that is pretty normal and they will fix it when they do the surgery.

The psych evaluation was only about 20 or 30 min long.  I saw Dr. Dua.  She was very nice and just asked a bunch of questions about me, my family, my history of weight loss/gain. 

Rebecca: wow! our stats are really similar!!  Coffee sounds great! I'll PM you.