New Member Here - What Steps to Take?

Hi,
My name is Derek and I am a new member here. I'm 23 years old and finally hit the 400lbs mark last week (down to 395lbs this week but who's counting) so I decided I really had to do something before it gets too late. I am fortunate enough right now (touch wood) to not have any serious health problems other than a bit of high blood pressure and a mild case of sleep apnea. The thing with me is that no matter what I try or do, I always seem to gain weight. I am a fairly active guy who still plays hockey twice a week and I also coach a Junior team here in Gatineau so I'm on the ice with them two times a week as well. I have tried many other diets in past such as the South Beach diet, Bernstein diet and Weigh****chers. The one that worked the best for me in the past was the Dr. Bernstein diet. Within 4 months I had lost approximatly 80lbs down from 360lbs to 280lbs. The thing with Bernstein is once you cut it and regain your old habbits it comes back and bites you in the back. Ever since I left the Bernstein clinic I've been putting back on the pounds at a ridiculously fast rate.

Anyways enought talk about me. I've been reading the boards a bit and have researched a bit in between the Roux-en-Y surgery and the VSG surgery and I've been hinting towards the VSG a bit more because there seams to be a little less complications and the recovery time is somewhat better as well. My question is, how the heck do I get started here? I read a lot of good reviews about Dr. Henri Atlas' VSG surgery results and people seem to be please about the results. The thing is, if I can, I would rather not have to pay for the surgery and be covered by the RAMQ but if it comes down to it, I would take the money out of my pocket and get it done privately. Can you guys help me out? How and where do I get started on this search for a healthier me?

Derek

Hi Derek,

Sacré-Coeur hospital where Dr. Atlas is, offers several different types of surgery. 
Their website is http://chirurgiebariatrique.com/.  I'm not sure what the waiting list with Dr. Atlas is via the public way. 

Dr. Christou at the Royal Vic only offers Gastric Bypass & Lap Band.  I attend the English support group and believe the waiting list for Dr. Christou is 5-7 years, at least that's what I was told last year when I submitted my application.  It might be even more now. 

However I have now decided to have the Lap Band done by Dr. Leclerc and my surgery is going to be May 27th.

Hope this helps.   Good luck in your searches!


Lisa

Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your prompt reply. I'm glad you were able to find a solution for you and that you have a date set and everything. I wish! LOL

Although I am contemplating between the VSG and the RNY, I still have no clue how to go about this. How do I put in a request to get approved? Do I go through my family doctor first or should I go directly through the surgeon himself?

Let me know where to start as you can tell I am a bit confused.

Thanks,
Derek

Hi,
I've just been approved for VSG at the beginning of the month with Dr. Atlas.  I first went through my dr. to get a recomendation and went on Dr. Atlas' s site to ask to meet him.  He e-mailed back saying I should call him to set up an appointement and I did.  It took about 3 months to have my appointment, met him Dec. 17, and got approved immediately...  Or you could just call his office at 514-331-4322.  He is very nice...  The waiting list is 16 to 18 months the Dr. told me.   I weigh 290 lbs and my BMI is 46.6 at 5'6" and I am covered by RAMQ, i won't have to pay a dime.   Hope this helps...
Anne

Hi Anne,
This is great news and it was exactly what I was looking for. I weigh 400lbs and am 6' with a BMI of 52.4 so I am pretty sure I would get covered too. Do I need a recommendation from my doctor or should I just call Dr. Atlas directly? My doctor is away for the next two weeks and I would like to get the ball rolling on this.

Thanks and please keep the info coming.

If I were you, since we know it takes a couple months to get the appointment, if the nurse asks, fib and say you have the referral already - that is if you think your doctor would refer you.

If you find the wait too long, there are local doc's who do the VSG for around $18000 (I think, don't quote me!) and there are cheaper (but still fantastic) doctors you can see in the U.S. and Mexico.  If you're thinking about getting sleeved, check out the main sleeve board, there's TONS of info there about the procedure, doctors and so on.

PM me if I can be of help :)

T :)

Hi again,
I do know that you need a recommendation from your dr. but I would call anyways to have an apt. and ask your dr. later when he comes back.  That's what I did, got recommendation the day before my app. with Dr. Atlas and all went well for me.  Good luck
Anne

I guess that hardest part here is just picking up the phone and calling. I'm nervous just thinking about calling. What will happen on the day of the surgery? LOL I'll call on my lunch break so I should let you guys know sometime around 1pm this afternoon.

I haven't been sleeved yet, but I've done extensive reading, especially of people's experiences.  If you have questions, feel free to PM me or post on the VSG main board, it's MUCH busier than the QC board.  I hope you called and got your appt!

T :)

So I just got off the phone with the secretary at Dr. Atlas' office and she told me to call back at the begining of February to book as they are booked solid until April. Here's to hoping they find me a spot in early April for the appointment.