Here to learn!

Hi,

Weight Loss Surgery was recently suggested to me by a specialist here in the province.  I have tried everything and when she mentioned it, I almost hugged her!  I know it isn't for the faint at heart and there is a lot of work before and after the surgery, but I feel like I'm ready to at least really learn about it. 

I have to get my BMI under control (it is currently 61) and I know they will not look at me until it is 59 or lower.  So that is my first goal.  I do have a few questions though, really hoping some of you can help me out:

1) How long are you generally on the wait list?

2) How long is the recovery?

3) Have any of you had a baby since going through the surgery?  Is that even possible?

4) Are there different types of Weight loss surgeries here in NL?  Or just the Gastric Sleeve?

5) Truthfully, do any of you who have gone through the surgery have any regrets at all?

6) Can you eat normal (healthy) food after the surgery, or is it all liquid and soft?

Please forgive me for my ignorance.  I just have NO idea what to expect.

Thanks for anything you can offer!

 The wait is about 1.5 -2 years now.   There are about 3-5 referrals going in each day.   It will not take long for the list to grow to 3-5 years.   Even though you are above a 60 BMI have your referral sent in NOW.  The team will give you guidance in your efforts to become eligible for surgery.   And if you wait the list is growing exponentially.

 

2)        Recovery – providing there are not any complications and you are able to get in sufficient fluid you will be released from hospital in two days.  In on a Monday, out on a Wednesday.   You should plan to be off work for a min of three weeks depending on what type of work you do.  Heavy labour will be more an office job could be less.

 

3)      You can have a baby after going through surgery.  It is recommended that you wait a min of two years post surgery.  There are people who are looking into the possibility.  Check out the other boards on here – they speak to that more!

 

4)      Only Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is preformed in Newfoundland.

 

5)      I am still pre-op so I can’t offer any personal thoughts.  But I have been going to the support group meetings.  Many people who have had the surgery have some moments or even days of regrets.  But all seem to agree that over they are happy they had the surgery.

 

6)    You can eat healthy foods after the surgery – you just have to take your time and build up to normal foods.

 

Pre- op you will have to complete a two week trial liquid diet.  You will be required to journal and track this and then meet with the nurse practitioner and dietician.  Then for the entire week before your surgery you will be required to do the liquid diet again.   This shrinks your liver and makes the surgery safer.   The day before your surgery you will only be allowed clear liquids.

 

After your surgery you will not be allowed ANYTHING by mouth until the next day.  The morning after your surgery you will be have a leak test.  Once you get the green light you can start with some liquids.   You will progress to the full liquid diet again, and stay on that for another four weeks while your stomach heals.  After that you progress to mushies, and then slowly progress to other foods.

 

Click HERE to see the link to Nova Scotia’s diet for VSG.  It is very similar to ours.

 

There is also a facebook support group – its a secret group so only members can see or post in it.  If you want add me as friend and I can ad you to the group.   There are both post –ops and pre-ops in the group.   Click HERE for the link to my facebook page.

 

Hope this helps and congratulations for taking a huge step to a healthier you!!!!

Trina

 

Thanks Trina!  I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions!  I have SO much research to do!!

We'll be in touch I'm sure! :)

Thanks!

I agree with everything Trina just said.

I am post op.  I had surgery in October and I am down a total of 74 pounds including 28 I lost before surgery.  This is a lot of work but worth every bit.  I would recommend this surgery to anyone who is willing to put in the effort.  In four months I only had one moment of regret.  I was having a bad day a couple of weeks after surgery.  I had a little tiff with my husband and I really wanted to emotionally eat.  I couldn't of course because I was still on liquids at the time.  At that moment I regretted getting the surgery.  The next morning I was soo glad that the surgery had stopped me from overeating the night before.  I have not had a moment of regret since.  There are times when this process is frustrating and difficult but I know in my heart that if I did not get it done I would not have lost the weight.

Here is another website to check out.  www.verticalsleevetalk.com.  It is a US site but very informative.