Leaning toward VSG in Halifax

Hi guys. I can't believe this, but after researching the VSG more fully, I think I am going to go with that surgery. I go to the info session on Tuesday, so I'll know more then. I am not sure what to tell Dr. B. Should I go to Moncton next week to sign the consent? If I sign the consent am I locked in? Should I ask for a couple of months 'leave' from the process, to see how things go here in Halifax? Here, they said I would likely be done by summer, so that's only a couple of months extra waiting. I feel like I am cheating on Dr. B and gang, and on you guys!

I like the VSG because of the normal way my stomach would function. I won't have any food intolerances (maybe new dislikes), I can eat any food in small amounts. Plus, I won't have any malabsorption issues. I really think I like this procedure the more I hear about it. My husband and I have nicknamed it 'The Banana' because of the way the new stomach looks! 

Also, Dr. B has learned a new procedure (he was away during our info session) and I'm pretty sure it was the VSG, so I know he thinks it's a good procedure. I wonder if he thinks it would be good FOR ME. So much to think about.

You are not cheating on anyone. I can't imagine that Dr B would really care. He would want you to have the right surgery. Which comes first the consent or the info session? I would want to go to the info session first, then go to see Dr B for the consent . Talk it over with Dr B. He might do the VSG on you (provided you are right about it is the procedure he got trained in). In other words, I would do both

The info session come and first after you sign the consent. I signed my consent 3 years ago ( in May 2006) and I think at this moment that I was not ready for the surgery. No problems with Dr Beausoleil. He said that when I will ready to tell them. When I was finally ready in October 2007, I told Nathalie. I had another info session, my papers were already signed, and  I had surgery February 15 2008. I will go to Halifax this week end with my husband for Valentine's day and to celebrate my first birthday!!!

I lost 50 pounds since the surgery day and 80 since the beginning of the whole process. I lost a grand total of 105 lb compared at my heaviest in January 21 2004! I had some problems lately because I had to wait 6 months for a fill so the weight loss stopped. I finally had one last Thursday and the weight  dropped again...finally!

Excuse my French!

The info session is on Tuesday. The consent signing is on Thursday. If I decide to do the VSG, it only makes sense to do it here in Halifax, for follow up reasons. I will then call Dr. B and let them know I am seriously considering doing the VSG with Dr. Ellesmere, but to give me a couple of months to think it over, and I will call them when I know for sure.

Hey Suzanne, for me the VSG is the surgery of choice. I have issues with portion control. In terms of what I eat, I think I eat very healthy. My biggest red light food is potatoe chips. I know I can get a handle on this food. I love salty and bitter so sweets are not an issue with me. I do think that "salt" should be a food group though. Salt is a challange for me but I know I will work hard to reduce it.  I don't think I could limit the a particular food but I do need help through my VSG to limit my portions. Think long and hard at what surgery will make life easier for you as only you know how much you can do in terms of what you are willing to give up or put up with. For me it is the VSG.  I will be at the info. session on the 17th. Hope to see you there. It is less than a week away. I am so excited. I have been waiting for this since 2004. It is almost here. I can "taste" it and it tastes better than anything ever. Chow, Sugarbear

Suzanne, please don't even let it enter your mind that you're 'cheating' on anyone. First of all, YOU are the one you need to worry about. Long long after we are all gone from your life, the surgery will remain. This is not getting braces. This will be with you the rest of your life and it will change the way you live for the rest of your life. You need to research and think about and ultimately decide what is going to work best for you. If the VSG is it, then obviously having it done close to home makes sense. I would still keep your appointment with Dr B and see what he thinks. I am sure he would definately want you to do what is best for YOU. Your life, your choice, make the best one for you. We will all support whatever you decide to do since that is what this forum is all about...supporting each other in whatever surgery we decide (or Dr decides) to have.

Thanks Starr! I know you're right about the not cheating thing, but I have already 'bonded' if you can call it that, with the Dr. B's team. Not him; only met him once for 15 minutes, cute as he is! I feel so comfortable with Caroline that I will feel badly telling her I'm going elsewhere. I have heard the team in Halifax is great too, so hopefully that will help. Listen to me, I sound like it's a done deal! THanks for your support, Starr.

I wouldn't tell them yet.  I would proceed with the Halifax clinic and get as far as you can with that.  I wouldn't bother to tell them anything until they call you for the next phase.  They have told me before that people often move their name down the list because they are not ready for one reason or another.  They won't put you at the bottom, just move you down a bit.  I'd hate for you to lose your place in line, in case for some reason, the Halifax route doesn't go through.  I know you respect them and all that stuff...but its your decision and I think you should keep your name where it is until you are definitely pulling your name off the list.  You don't need to talk to Caroline, you would actually call Natalie.  Don't feel bad.  They understand. 

I'm not sure I can go to sign the consent feeling the way I do. I'd feel like I was keeping a big secret. You're right, Patsy, it is my decision, and I shouldn't feel that way...Legally, if I sign the consent, is it like a contract where I have to hold up my end? Am I agreeing to do the surgery, or can I still back out? 

they told me you can back out right up to the last minute.  Now to be fair, they can book another person in your spot if you give them notice, but they said you don't have to go through with it if you don't want to.  I'd still sign the consent and wait and see when you get the next call.  Again, it's up to you but you shouldn't feel bad.  Someone will still get your spot when you do finally tell them you aren't going through with it.  But for some reason if you go through the Halifax process and then they say, ok your in, and we will operate next November and you dont' want to wait that long you may change your mind and wish to stay on Dr. B's list.