Exciting!!!

When you go to the orientation they'll explain all the options, benefits, risks etc. Then they'll tell you to call and make an intake appointment with the nurse. I called the day after my orientation (because that's when they said to call) and met with the nurse a week later. They'll tell you to track your food every day and bring it in and once you've lost 10% of the weight they take that day you'll qualify for surgery. I had my orientation April 1 and surgery Nov 12.

Hi Tracey,

I had the same thoughts early on!  I've been following these boards for months and there's a definite theme.... losing the weight is hard work, but it's even harder to maintain it! The pre-op diet is very restrictive, and sticking to an 800 calorie diet for more than a couple months with a full-sized stomach would be highly unlikely.  You'd always be hungry and it would be very easy to have a 'cheat day'... which leads to an extremely slippery slope.  That's why this surgery is so beneficial, you'll have this 'tool' for life of a very tiny/narrow stomach that limits your intake and also reduces (or eliminates) the sensation of hunger.  

I am currently waiting for my orientation letter from Red Deer, but wanted to prepare myself for success.  Since my referral at the end of April I've lost about 15lbs per month, just by tracking everything on MyFitnessPal with a limit of 1600 calories.  Due to my high starting weight it seems pretty easy to lose right now, but I know it's going to start to slow down and become harder and harder to lose on my own.  Reducing the calories to 800 will be very tough when the time comes, but with the support of the clinic and knowing there's an end goal of surgery will definitely help!

My husband is extremely supportive, to the point where he's actually following the same diet as me to help keep me on track.  He of course has had questions/concerns about the whole process/surgery, and this site has been an amazing resource for us!  I recommend using the search or cross-posting your question on the Vertical Sleeve and/or the General Discussion board, as you'll get amazing support and answers from the people there :)

Best of luck!

Phoenix

I just received my letter today with my orientation date for August in Red Deer. What happens next? How long before I know if I am actually accepted for surgery? When do I meet the surgeon? I'm so excited sorry if I sound like I am rambling

Well I finally made my way to the losers bench!  everything is going pretty great,  I mean it's not all sunshine and roses, it's major surgery after all, but all things said and done I'm feeling pretty good and there was no complications.  I had my Surgery on Thursday July 16th with Dr. Menezies at the Red Deer hospital.

I'm on the losers bench!   Came home yesterday and I'm feeling really good.  Getting my boosts down good and working on other fluids.   And as long as I stay up on my pain meds I'm feeling pretty normal.