Anyone have Dr Walid Abawi in Bowmanville Ontario????

Hello, i am having surgery the VBG Oct 26th 2005. i do my second appointment and my preop testing at the hospital sept 25th.. ia m getting soo excited. i have a few questions to those that have had this doctor, i really liked him, he was informative and helpfull. but i fogot to ask if he does open or lapasopticly (sp) is it like having open heart surgery or is it down in the groin area were they open u up. secondly i was wondering how u are doing with the VBG and weight loss. I have been reading up on it almost everyday. I did a lot of research before i went to see the doctor.. but now " i know" i am having it and have a date, i am reading more..... always great to get as much information as u can to know what to exspect. Thank you for your answers. I am in Windsor Ontario by the way. Paula surgery schedualed 10/26/05 334 wanting to be 160

Hi Paula... Dr Abawi was my surgeon. I had my VBG on July 5, 2005. I have to tell you that I think so much of this man... he has given me another chance at living a great life. Not to mention the lovely staff at the hospital. They were all awesome. Dr Abawi does Open VBG, my incision is approx 7-8 inches straight down my middle. I too did a lot of research prior to surgery and i have to say that I am so glad I did. There were no surprises when I woke up. The Ng tube is not pleasant but would do it again in a heartbeat... the catheter was not pleasant either but with the super duper morphine pump that you control, you really wont care too much. I have to say that the hardest part of the hospital stay was not being allowed to drink water as soon as I woke up. But like I said, I would do it all over again. I have lost 46 lb since surgery and feel awesome. My blood pressure meds have been decreased and am able to walk without legs, knees, hips hurting. I have been able to tolerate different foods except beef...which seems odd. I do however eat a lot of salmon, fish, cheese, etc. I like breads too much to start eating those again. Plus, when I do, it seems that I am not getting the proper amount of nutrients... not sure. Feel free to email me any time to chat or if you need some enncouragement or just need someone to help calm your nerves Paula, I had points where I stopped and said "what am I doing?" It seems kind of extreme, yes, but what scared me the most is the unknown.... that is why I did lots of homework and talked and lurked on this site. There are so many awesome people here to help guide and walk with you during this amazing time in your life. It is by far the best decision I have ever made. Take care and I will be thinking of you, Melanie