Sugarbear is baaaccckkk from the City

Well, I am back!  It was quite an interesting consult. There were two colleagues of Dr. Valis. One named Natalie did all the talking and asking questions. Rhom (the guy) was very quiet and listened intently.  Diana and Janet were their usual nice selves. I did feel like I was on trial though with the questions and suggestions. Almost like a kid who failed their exams. I didn't loose the recommended weight and that was disappointing as was the fact that I only did 4 days of liquids. So, they said I should get another appt. in 6 weeks or so with Dr. Klassen and by then should be down 20lbs and be ADDICTED TO EXERCISE. Seriously, can one get addicted to exercise?? I will do it, I have to do it, especially the liquids. So they offered suggestions on how to be successful at this. Janet is awesome and Natalie had some great advice. Talking to Diana is like talking to your fav sister. They were impressed that I heal so well and all my other scars from other surgeries were barely noticable. I have to see my dietician immediately as well as my personal trainer. I have alot of work to do in  6 weeks and I really want to do it.  I have to track my protien intake, my liquid intake and journal everything I eat. So that is it in a nutshell. I was in for 1.5 hours. Not soo bad as I was expecting 3 hours. Long drive back, maybe they felt sorry for me.  Thanks for all your kind words of encouragement and thanks for thinking of me today.

Love to you all,

Carmenb

So glad you got to meet with everyone. I know - I know its a long hard road but this is so important and Carmen this is what is missing in my WLS journey/program- I dont have a clinic to work with - no one made sure I was addicted to exercise before surgery and no one is concerned about my mental health now at the other end but me - Dr Christou is fab but the follow up from being out of province and a plane ride away is really difficult.

Yup I have lost the weight but I am out here on my own -you have that amazing team for support - my family dr has twice tried to refer me to the clinic for follow up - she wants me to have a local contact - nope no way no how! My surgery was not with them and they wont let me see the dietician or Dr Vallis - its like I am an alien in my own province - I dont want them to open me up - just some support from the experts - hey I paid the bill upfront ya would think my taxes I pay could cover an appt or two- sorry to vent!!

Carmen this is so worth it and you can do it - I know you can and you have a very special angel looking down on you and cheering you on- you are gonna do it and be healthy and lose this weight and get to goal after your surgery.

I cant wait to meet you next trip down!

hugs & more hugs
deb

Thanks so much, Deb. And, you are right. Thanks for putting things in perspective for me. For a moment, I actually forgot my sister was looking down on me and protecting me and cheering me on. Thank you for that. I guess we are very lucky to have the clinic. Diana said today that there would be a follow up every 3 months for the first year. Every 6 months for the second year and every year after that up to 5 years. Also, Diana expects an email every week tracking my progress and Janet will be in touch with my local NUT to follow up on me. So the support is definitely there, it is just me questioning me again. Sometime I am so full of confidence and somtime I am just so hard on myself.

I so appreciate all the encouragement I get here though. I know everyone has either been through it or waiting.  I am honored to be a part of such an awesome and you folks deserve nothing but my best efforts.

Luv Carmen

Hey Hon
I question myself everyday - and same thing full of **** and vinegar as they say and think oh ya I can do that and then I retreat to my "perch" (my bedroom) and tell myself who the hell are you trying to fool!

And I think being overweight/obese and being cruel to ourselves- or lack of self esteem go hand in hand! Hey when all else failed "food" was always there and never let me down - didnt judge me - made me feel so much better - it was my go to or "wing man" in all my times of need and hey it even was there in times of celebration!!!!!

I know that you can do this and you know you can do this...... believe it and tell yourself that you are deserving - Carmen you deserve this and nothing like this comes easy so girly get your butt moving!!!!!

Email me anytime !

loves ya
deb

I feel something like that too Deb. I had a stenosis dilatated way back in March and Dr. B. said he'd see me in 6 weeks for a followup/ That was on a Friday. I called Natalie the following Monday but she said she would call me with an appointment when she got my chart . Long story short, I still haven't heard from them.  Ifeel fine now so I don't care either way. I just think I've fallen through the cracks.

Stay on top of the contact Maggie - scream - call -jump up and down - do what you have to do to stay in the loop- Even though you arr no longer having that issue- I think regular follow ups are the key to long term success.

I have not given up and I am still fighting for my right to the proper care in my home province- I may be physically smaller but I am still really LOUD! :0

hugs
deb

You are another step closer my dear.....it will be here before you know it!

Hugs,