Questions to ask at last follow up prior to my bariatric sugery

OK here's the deal... I'm off to Edmonton for what I assume will be my last in person follow up prior to having my surgery. I'm assuming things are going well...I've reduced my weight by 65 lbs since last August  when I was first accepted into the Alberta Bariatric Surgery program (more than that from my peak weight). I've been attending all of the workshops available, increasing my activity level, staying true to my calorie goal and improving my nutrition (90+% of the time), getting more sleep, finding local support, had my gastroscopy, blood work, etc done... and they like me in Edmonton. 

So I expect to be given my surgery date this trip.

I will be attending Alberta Health's Preparing For Bariatric Surgery class  and meeting with my dietician, nurse case manager and possibly with the Internalist and surgeon (not sure of the surgeon as I already met him last time and he was satisfied with my progress).

Are there any suggestions as to specific questions or concerns I should ask about? 

Thanks, Mike

Mike why are you going to Alberta for your surgery when they now offer it in Winnipeg?  And did you have to lose the weight before they did the surgery? I don't understand if you were able to lose the weight on your own why are you getting the surgery?

Thanks

Brenda

Brenda, when I started my bariatric journey I did not meet the criteria for Manitoba's program. I am male and at the time (March 2011) Manitoba was only accepting women into the program.

As well I was over the BMI limit. Manitoba also limited eligibility by age and I was concerned that once Manitoba began accepting males into the program, by the time I reduced my BMI - I would be too old.

So as bariatric surgery is an insured service, I had my doctor refer me to Edmonton's bariatric program and was accepted as Alberta Health had/has different criteria. I did have to reduce my  weight to remain in the program and to approved for surgery as you have to show commitment. They expect you to make entries into MyFitnessPal religiously and increase your activity level. You are monitored by the bariatric team assigned to you.

I'll add that there are many pre surgery consultations and follow up that you have to attend and some by phone/teleconference as well. If you miss appointments you will be cut from the program - there is a high demand for bariatric surgery in Alberta. They won't accept you wasting their time if you are not committed.

Even after my weight loss my BMI is still in the obese range. Imho bariatric surgery is not something that people who are slightly to moderately overweight should do. Its for obese individuals who even with some weight loss, remain obese and are at risk of serious health issues with possibly other co-morbidities.

I know that I would meet the criteria now in Manitoba but I am receiving excellent care in Edmonton. Alberta has been doing bariatric surgery for some time now and has more expertise. Plus their education programs (nutrition, stress, activity, meal planning, eating during special occasions, Craving Change etc) are community based not program based so I can attend any seminars offered when I am in Edmonton for my appointments. 

Hope this answers your questions. If you have more just ask. I'm in Edmonton as I type this but am returning to the 'Peg this evening. Say hi at the next M&G.

Good for you Mike.  It's not easy to lose weight without surgery and even though you've done some, it's good to see you are still moving forward.  I too had to lose weight to qualify in MB but since I'm female, that was my only limitation.  Now that I had surgery the weight loss is better, my energy is up and I enjoy exercising and don't mind passing on the desserts.  Before surgery I wouldn't have passed on ice cream - EVER!  Now I don't touch the stuff.  I think that having the surgery is such an investment in yourself that you pay more attention to what you are doing.  Sorry I didn't check this post before your Edmonton appointment but I don't think I could have given you any questions to ask anyway!