Victoria Hosp Bariatric Clinic now open

Well, I had my appt today at the Victoria Hospital Bariatric Clinic. I was quite honored as I was their first patient. I saw 2 nurses (Twyla and Lynn) and then briefly met 2 of the dietitians (Laura and Jillian) who were able to help me get things straight and back on track. As you may have read earlier, I had some issues as to what I was eating and the amounts. They said, everyone goes through stages differently, I may be going through my stages a little quicker, but as long as what I was eating was still in the pureed/mushy stage, I had no pain or nausea and I ate more during my snacks and less in my main meals to even them out a bit more, then I was ok. My problem was I was eating too much at my Breakfast, Lunch and Supper, so then didn't want my snacks between. I need to lessen the portions, and eat more in between. And, I still can have tuna, eggs or cottage cheese, as long as they are pureed which is what I was doing anyways. I feel so much better now. If others are going for appts, let them know of any suggestions you have for improvements. I said I would like to see more pre-op diet/nutrition counselling (even group nutitional counselling) where you go thoroughly over each stage you will be in after surgery and what foods you can eat and how much with several menu samples and variations. In the states, I read they go through 6 weeks of classes where they prepare their own meals for each stage for each day a week at a time. I know we were given a basic booklet, but I think we need more moving forward and the more information they are given that may help others, the better it will become for those waiting to have their turn at surgery. thanks everyone for listening..Barb C

I wonder if the dietician Jillian is seeing patients as well now and if so, I wonder if a person can try and make an appt with her or is she still training?  Do they have a separate number or is it still through Andrea?

and how cool is it to be the first person!!  I wonder who the very first patient was for the program and how they are doing.  I bet they were nervous!

She wasn't supposed to see me, she just so happened to be there and Twyla went and got her because they couldn't answer my questions herself and Jillian was sitting in the next office. When Jillian came in she said she was only seeing me because my appt to see Laura wasn't until August and because I just had surgery 2 weeks ago, they didn't think I should wait that long to get my answers. So, I THINK? that would be No, she isn't seeing patients directly yet. She said they were in the process of filling the gaps, setting up more frequent orientations that would happen pre-op and helping Laura out a bit if needed. Maybe Andrea can fill you in more as to whether you can call the Victoria directly for more help if you can't get in to see Laura soon. Barb C

Great job Barb! By pointing out what you found lacking you're paving the way for future patients. If you had questions, I'm sure that there have been others not so brave to say "wait a minute!". So as someone who one day may come behind you, THANKS! :D