Newbie

Hi Everyone. I'm Jen. I started the process of trying to get approved for gastric bypass surgery Oct 2006. In July 2007 I was told that the referral was not sent...an error. Well I was not a happy camper. In August I decided to explore the option of paying for this procedure myself. I do not have a choice. I can not wait 5-7yrs for this surgery. My physical health is not good for a 38yr old woman. Soon I will not be able to do my job because of physical limitations. So I contacted Dr.Christou's office and this has been the best decision I have made. I saw Dr.Christou for the pre-op on Oct 15, he is amazing. I have a surgery date for Nov 13. I am so excited. I truely believe this is going to safe my life....I would love to hear others thoughts and experiences......cheers

Hi Jen Nice to meet you.Where are you having the surgery done? I had my surgery July 17 / 07.I got along great. No complications or anything.Do you have to follow a pre-op diet?With Dr.B it is mandatory. Please keep us updated on your progress. There are a great group of cheerleaders on this board!! In my experience so far it soo wonderful to be able to share your questions,frustrations and accomlpishments with people that can totally relate to your situation. Cheers Donna

Hi Donna. I'm having my surgery done in Montreal @ the private hospital. Congrats on your surgery and its nice to hear it went well with no complications. And yes I have a pre-op diet, 2 wks of Optifast prior to surgery. Dr.Christou has a website weightlosssurgery.ca. You can check out his program there. I'm so glad I have found this site.....Cheers Jen

Hi Jenn, Can you give me an idea on how much this is costing. I dont think i can wait 8 years as well. i am persuing out of country surgury but still need to wait for refferral from a specialist which is a bg wait as well. Anyways i appreciaye any info you have. Thanks Paul

Hi Paul, It is $18,500 for the surgery all inclusive. The whole process with Dr.Christou started in September and my surgery date is Nov 13. You would be able to start the process yourself and you only need a referral from your family physician to see Dr.Christou. Mary (receptionist) will arrange all your pre-op assessement for the one day. So plan a day or overnight trip to Montreal. You will see a family physician, psychologist, exercise psychologist and the dietician. Get bloodwork, Chest x-ray and ECG and see Dr.Christou in the same day. I became so desperate that I was willing to sell my house and truck and move into apartments across from the hospital where I work. I have not had to do this, however I will do it if I need to.With my health going down hill fast, I won't have to worry about my house and material things because I will most likely will lose everything. In 10 years there is no way I will be able to nurse, my body is breaking down now. The Lap-Band is less expensive by a few thousand, however, if you live out of province it will be more expensive because you will have to go to Montreal for so many follow-up visits for adjustments. With the gastric bypass you have the pre-op visit, the surgery and a 4-6wk followup visit. Check out his website @ weightlosssurgery.ca. Cheers Jen

Thank you so much Jenn. I am also chatting with a girl that is now in Peurta Vallarta after she went there for surgery. She actually moved down to work for Dr.Joya. She said it is about 12,500 all inclusive there and i think he is pretty good also. So much to do and so little time. Thanks again Paul

Hi Donna, Nice to meet you. I'm having the surgery done at CMCP. A private hospital in Montreal. Dr.Christou's website is weightlosssurgery.ca, good site. Yes we have a pre-op diet as well. I'm in the hospital for 2 days, patients from out of province are asked to stay in the city for a few days after the surgery. So I have family coming with me, they are going to see some of the sites....Montreal is beautiful. I'm so glad to hear that you had no complications. I would have loved to meet Dr.B, however I am not able to wait 5-6yrs for the surgery. I'm not sure about this, someone told me this, but I think Dr.B trained with Dr.Christou. I could have dreamt that though....lol....I've got so much going on in my mind right now from reading, I could have got this all mixed up. I'm so glad I finally found this site. I've been looking for support. I don't know anyone who has gone through the surgery......Cheers Jen

Hi there! Welcome! I thought I would pass along some info to you. My Sister-in-law had Lap-band done by Dr Christou 3.5 years ago. She loves him and still goes to him for fills and check ups. She had very good success. She was at goal by the 2 year mark and has been holding strong for the past 1.5 years. ( started off size 22, now size 4-5, same size as when she got married!) She says it is the best money she has EVER spent, and would do it again in a heartbeat. No complications either! I would love to go to him myself, but financially it is not possible. Beleive me when I say you are in good hands with him....my sister-in-law is VERY fussy! Best of luc****ep us posted! Krista Cook

Hi Krista, I love hearing these success stories. Congrat's to your sister-in-law. I have no doubts that this is the best decision I have ever made. I'm taking control of my life. Thanks, I'll definately keep everyone posted.....Jen