Are people allowed to come that are trying to get in to have surgery? I haven't had it yet, but hoping to in the future.

Hi Gone, GERD is gastroesophageal reflux disease aka acid reflux or plain ole heart burn and it sounds like it is affecting you.  Bland foods won't hurt but this is a very common side effect of VSG, sometimes it gets better with time, sometimes it stays with a person for the long term.  Antacids are a good quick fix but not really recommended for the long run as they can contribute to gallstones (which we are at a greater risk for).  You should contact the clinic and they will probably recommend either a script of Nexium (or similar) or even to try an over-the-counter med like Zantac or one of the NoName brands.  My understanding is (and I am open to correction here as I am not a Dr. and it has been awhile since I played on on TV) that the part of out stomach that secrets the acid is not removed and keeps secreting for a "normal" size stomach.  It can be harmful if not treated as it can erode your esophagus in extreme cases, not to mention painful and annoying. 

About the abdominoplasty,  the MB government will cover a pannulectomy (sp?) IF it is deemed necessary from a health point of view ie: skin breakdown and infection in creases.   I heard you had to have lost 100 lbs and have kept if off for more than a year but when I seen Dr. Islur he didn't mention any of those figures.  Let's face it, 100 lbs is different on everybody but he did say that I should be at least 3 months at my goal weight but preferable 6 months for best results.  The part that is covered is only removing the skin from the bellybutton down to the mons and from hip to hip.  It does not included relocating the BB (which can get dragged down to your lower abdomen).  He thinks a full tummy tuck would be better as I have "horizonal excess as well as the vertical" lol.  It does contour your abdomen much better, if his fat pulling technique is accurate (hey - ouch)   He said the price for the extra would be between $3200 and $4000, depending on how much OR time is involved.

I have alot of heartburn, and If memory serves me well, it started around that time.  it can be like traditional-chest-on-fire heartburn or sometimes it is kinda like a "pressure".  I also used to think it was hunger pains (but it would happen shortly after I ate so I knew it wasn't that)  I tried using an antacid and it all went away.  I was given a script for Nexium in case I did get any reflux but apparently my Blue Cross doesn't cover it and it was $90/month - yeesh!  I tried Zantac and voila! it works fine.  I take one in the morning and one in the evening.  It used to wake me up at night really bad, I try not to take too many Tums but I do have some on my sidetable just in case.