I'm taking MY LIFE back!!!

I have decided to self pay for Gastric Bypass with Dr Nicholas Christou in Montreal.  My surgery date is booked for March 2nd at 6am.  I have to do 4 weeks of optifast liquid diet and lose at least 32 lbs before surgery.  I'm scared to death but I WILL do it. 



Thank you all for your kind words and support through these months of struggle for me.  I truly appreciate it!

So happy for you!!!! CONGRATS

That is great that you are having your surgery in March...I know it has been rough for you it is never easy but it is time for you to take your life back...We need to get together some time...five me a call


Hugs
Beth

Three cheers for you!!

Why are you going to self pay? I knoe Debbie (nsgallivingbythe sea) went to Dr Christou and self paid too. I think you will be happy bwith the RNY. I know I am and Debbie is. If you have any questions, either oif us would be happy to answer them. You will do great. Best of luck to you and here's to a healthier happier new year to you!

Wow I am so proud of you for not losing hope and being proactive! He is supposed to be amazing and has lots of experience. That is so fast, I guess money does talk!! You will do wonderful on your liquid diet, might as well get used to less food as apparently we will be eating much less after surgery, I to am getting gastric bypass and am now looking forward to surgery this year. We can do it and it will be great to have someone to compare notes with.

How much it that cost? Just curious.

Good luck

Congrats Angela! Can I ask why you are "scared to death"?

Thanks for all your kind words and support.  To answer a few of your questions....I am self paying because my doctor feels as well as myself that I cannot wait the years for surgery in NB on the public waiting list.  My mobility is deteriorating every day and I do not want to become any more dependant on my family. My knees and feet are giving out, I started using a cane yesterday as I cant take the pain anymore.  The cost of the surgery if $19,500 plus I pay for a week hotel stay for my mom and myself, airfare return for both of us is $832 plus taxis, food etc.  I'm trying to rework my mortgage for the money and if not I will cash out my RRSP's line of credit etc if I have to.  I feel NB Medicare and the politicians have let me down so I will need to do this on my own.  I have been pleading for help from many resources with just alot of ***** footin around, I didnt realize how little the medical and political world care...I do now.  The reason I am scared to death is ...it's really going to happen, I never thought I could get better from this. I'm excited for the surgery but so scared of the 4 week liquid diet....I cannot fail and I am afraid of the withdrawls I'm going to go through.  I'm afraid of all the emotions I know I'm going to go through coming off sugar, carbs, pop etc.  I told my family they may have to keep me in the basement and throw down my shakes to me lol. 

Did you family doctor contact Dr B to plead your case? You can be moved up on his list if you case is more urgent than others. Is your surgery going to be in a clinic or hospital? If it is in a hospital, you an apply to Medicare to cover some or all of the medical costs.  Also these expences are tax deductable, that is somewhat of a break in the out of pocket.