Trying to decide

Hi there!

So, I've only just recently started to consider WLS, so this is all very new. Been reading here for a few days before joining today.

I'm in my early 40s and I guess I'm lucky - although I have other health issues (most noticeably Rheumatoid Arthritis and a constellation of things associated with that) I don't have any of the major comorbidities associated with weight loss. My blood pressure is normal. My blood sugar is normal. No cholesterol/triglyceride issues.  I have developed a touch of Osteoarthritis in my knees and hips, and am sort of pre-sleep apnea (I chuckle, the sleep test said I was "mildly disturbed", but didn't have apnea).  The osteo is getting noticeably worse fairly quickly, however, raising the spectre of disability...*shudders*

My BMI is outrageous. I need to lose at least 200 lbs...basically the equivalent of another morbidly obese person. After a lot of years of being overweight and obese I think I might finally be ready.

without going in to all the details, I've never really put a lot of effort into weight loss - I was warned about the health consequences of yo-yo dieting, and I did at least take that to heart... *rolls eyes*

I'd never considered WLS - first, I didn't think it was covered in BC. Second, I thought it was kind of a cop-out...I know HOW to lose the weight, I just haven't done it (yeah, if it was only that easy, right?).  However as a science-minded person and promoter of science-based medicine, I started to realize that more and more doctors, especially bariatric specialists, were saying "hey, if you're morbidly obese, it's a fabulous option for a lot of people".

So, here I am. A couple years of counselling with a registered psychologist who specializes in eating disorders has been helpful in addressing the problems that led to the weight gain, and I have recently started caloric restriction with some success so far (about a pound a week right now, but it's early stages, and my osteo makes exercise difficult, while my psoriasis and RA-related edema make swimming really unpleasant).

Given what I've seen about waitlists and what not here in Richmond (where I live), I guess I should get the referral now, huh?  If I am successful in losing weight on my own during the wait for the first appointment I guess I can postpone or back out of the surgery...but if I don't get in there now, it'll take even longer, won't it?

Frankly, all the WLS options kinda freak me out.  Surgery itself doesn't worry me - but making the right choice of surgical option, and then the short and long term issues that they all have, whether its 'dumping' or nutrient malabsorption or the flippin' permanence of a tiny stomach...

*hyperventilates*

The two most important people in my life are supportive of the idea. I'm kinda worried my other morbidly obese friends might not be supportive. Although I *think* my supervisor and close coworkers would be supportive, I'm not sure I'd tell them about it.

My GP has never mentioned WLS to me. I'm worried he might not be in favour of a referral. He's been my GP for 30 years, since I was a kid, and I adore him, but he's never brought it up.  Only things he's ever mentioned were WW, exercise and a dietician (he sent me to a dietician when I was a kid - I GAINED weight).

So - if you've made it through this novel I've written (and if you have, thanks!), do you have any words of wisdom? Advice? Should I go for the referral now? Should I keep doing my program independently or should I get my butt to the Garrett Centre now?

Hi Nikkal:
Start by getting a referral to see Dr. Sampath or Dr. Nguyen in Richmond (the wait for first consult is about 1 year).  Next, phone Garret Centre to start a program called "Winning at Losing" ($90) which is required before surgery.  When you finish that, you will be ahead of the waiting game which could speed up your surgery date.  Good Luck with your journey,

I had my first appointment with Dr. Sampath in mid March/11.  I lost 54 pounds with the help of "Winning at Losing", before my RNY surgery on October 3/11.  As of today, I have lost a total of 113 pounds, and am feeling great.  I have had no regrets, and still feel that this was the best thing I have ever done for myself.
Barb Friesen

Thanks Barb!

If "Winning at Losing" is required, I guess I'll call them after I talk to my GP.  From their brochure online it doesn't look like there's much there I don't already know, but your loss of 54 lb between March and October of 2011 with their help is pretty impressive.

Is there a reason to get the referral to one surgeon over the other?  According to the current stats on the BC Surgical Wait Times listing (which is deceptive because it includes December, with all its holiday time) Dr. Nguyen's wait list is a wee bit shorter, but Dr. Sampath cleared more cases...Dr Sampath's bio looks more comprehensive with bariatric training, but Dr. Nguyen has been a surgeon a bit longer...


(you should have seen me when I was picking a plastic surgeon for my carpal tunnel surgery...*lol*)

Hi Nikkal,

It isn't an easy thing to decide on. I went self pay as I didn't want to play the waiting game. My health was to important. I had a Lapband from False Creek Medical 1 year ago. Now I am down 100 lbs and a size 12. I feel amazing & normal again!

Cheers,
Kristi

Hi

I understand as I felt that way too...but as of today I am 10 days post op and 35 lbs lighter than the day i walked into that operating room. I had little wonders even after but now that I weighed in post surgery I am not looking back, no regrets. I am only a little tired most days but that will pass. I can eat without problems only smaller bits.

the internist said it best to me when I questioned it all "I believe it is better to get this done now while your up moving about and it is still manageable than to wait and be higher in weight suffering greatly in pain when legs, other joints give out limiting your success forcing this to be a choice of life or death rather then a overall best solution."

I say get referral in...  you can always change your mind later down the road if decide to 

Hi,

I researched this for about 3 years before I decided to go ahead with WLS. My doctor never mentioned it to me but I mentioned it to her and she thought it was a great idea so she gave me the referral. I waited about 4 months for the appointment (I hear it is about a year now) and met with Dr. Nguyen. That was May 10/2011, my surgery is booked for March 26/2012. I believe that this will be the best decision I have ever made for myself and after chatting with a few ladies on this blog I know I am doing the right thing.

I figure if I am a little tired after surgery so what, I am tired all of the time now anyways! A little pain after will only remind me of what I let happen to myself so I just have to bear with it.

My hubby was the only person not on board with my decision everyone else in my life including co-workers are my support system and I feel very lucky for that. Every day my hubby is slowly coming around, he really has no choice.

If you are like me, you have always put others first....now it is your turn make you the number one priority.

I never had to do the program at Garratt Wellness, it was never brought up at all but if it will help then why not.

Please remember, this is a long journey to get to the point that I am at now. You will have many appointments with at least 3 different doctors and a nutritionist.

I hope that you take the step forward in your decision, after all you only get one kick at the can and why not make it as long as you can?

Good luck with whatever you decide!!

Karen

 Thanks all - I've got an appt with my GP next week to ask for the referral.

If it takes so long to see the surgeons, then I've got lots of time to change my mind, right? But if I don't get in there with the referral now, it'll just take even longer if I do decide to go for it!

and in the meantime no reason to not do the Garrett centre and try to work even harder on new behaviours and techniques that might help both pre and post op!

In the meantime, I'm glad I found the BC board - its nice to have locals or almost-locals to talk to!

Definately get on the list now!!!!  You say you live in Richmond so why not also ask your dr. for the referral to Nooshin (the dietician that works with the 2 surgeons) and get started with seeing her.  You could also contact the PAL line and they can help you with suggestions for exercise.  Any of these things that you can do before you see the surgeon will go a long way to showing them your commitment to lifestyle changes that will be especially important after surgery.