The program with Dr. Sampath/Nguyen is great, and its support for a life time.  I know a few people who have gone to the US, or self pay, and they do not have the kind of support that this program is offering.  It is worth the wait.  Also, at my last appointment with Dr. Sampath, he said they have recently added a plastic surgeon to the team, and the pani removal & breast reduction/lift is covered by BC Medical.   So that's cool too!! :)

Great, flight arrives in morning on the 2nd and got appt first thing. So I'll PM you after we settle into our hotel and we can go from there. 

 That suits me just fine - like I said, I'm in no rush! I live in Richmond, abd will still be on med leave then, so it's good!

Thanks

Hi Heather,

My surgery is also scheduled for April with Dr. Sampath. I had been working so hard for so long at getting a date that when it finally happended, once the shock wore off, I was very surprised to find myself feeling unsettled/unsure.  Was this REALLY what I wanted??  Was I really prepared for all the challenges and changes?!  I started re-reading everything on this site again, as well as other books/materials I have regarding the VSG and WLS.  Refamiliarizing myself with all the information was very helpful.  Also, it helped me a lot to just breathe, relax, and remember what it was that prompted me to begin this journey in the first place. Then, instead of focusing on the the things that I would be giving up/leaving behind, including a certain status quo/comfort zone in being fat,  I turned my thoughts to all the good things, the benefits that I am going to experience as I regain my health and my physical ability.  There is so much to look forward to!!  I'm feeling very confident/reaffirmed now in my pursuit of WLS and VERY excited about all the new challenges and enjoyment on the horizon!!

Everybody's reaction to and tolerance of the surgery and the healing is different and you can't know ahead of time how it is going to go.  Just know that you will get through it, there is a lot of support from the medical team AND the WLS community available to you, and in looking back one day, the actual surgery and immediate recovery will become a very small part of a much bigger journey that I've never heard anybody say they've regretted taking!!  

Good luck to you!!  Best wishes!!

Jillian.  

Definitely adopting/practicing the strategies starting now is a great idea!!  It can feel like a very long, torturous process, but hang in there - it is worth it!!

Good luck to you on your journey!!
Jillian. :)