New to the Forum and the Proces

Hi Everyone! 

Well I live in Ontario Canada and hoping to get the VSG - I've just made the very scary decision to get WLS after many years - but at 37 I am ready to move on. 

Having been obese since I was born (12 lbs-9oz) - I feel like this is the next step in leaving that child behind and moving forward in my life. 

The VSG procedure is not routinely performed in Canada- however - I would love to know if anyone has had experience in Ontario or at the Cleveland Clinic as that is my second choice. 

I am on fb at EmmVsg toBe stop in and say hello! 

I don't have any experience in Canada but I just wanted to say welcome.  We have a great support system on Obesity Help.

Oh thanks sooo much! I really appreciate it! It i quite scary going through the process - sort of feels like I am quite alone in thi part of the world ... but glad to know I can reach out and someone will be there :) 

The process is scary (because we think of all the what ifs or the negatives) but the surgery is so worth it.  It really helps to have this forum to communicate with people who understand what you're feeling because they have been there.  Sometimes our friends and family cannot understand certain things we are feeling because they have not gone through it. 

Thanks for your reply MPG- YES! Exactly- so many people have no clue what it means - that is why I have only discussed it with my husband- I feel like it is a very personal decision and one that does not need to be defended nor explained to anyone else. 

The What if's are slowly moving on and the reality of a new life and not being trapped in my body sheds (no pun intended) a new light on the future. 

I've never had surgery before so I really am terrified about the whole process- but - it's temporary pain. :) 

I'm not from Ontario either, but there is an Ontario forum listed under the International Forums. You might get some great advice there from people with experience in Canada :) Best of Luck!!

My experience is having the VSG in Montreal with Dr Gagner. Best thing I ever did for myself. He is an excellent surgeon. I am 15 months out, almost at my goal weight and zero complications or issues. I feel absolutely normal and healthy and soooo happy! Are you self paying? I would think Montreal would be worth exploring with Dr Gagner, best of luck in the process!

Welcome! Congrats on your decision to have WLS! It's a really tough decision to make. I struggled with it for a few months before deciding that it was the best thing for my health. I am young with no major no morbities as of yet, but I want to do something before that happens! My husband has diabetes (type 2) andI'm afraid I will be there soon if I dont so something. Anyway, welcome, and I hope you get some helpful advice!

Welcome! I don't have much experience in Canada, but I did just make my decision and get my referral from my PCP for bariatric surgery. Best of luck to you on your journey!

Stay blessed,

Jessica

Saying hi from down the road in Ottawa!

Like you I've been overweight since infancy and at 43 years old, it's past time for me to do something about it. I was referred to the registry last year and my surgery will be in one month. It's taken approximately one year to get through the process, but depending on where you are, some centres are getting people through a bit faster than that.

The VSG and RNY are both covered by the provincial health care plan (OHIP) and while RNY is the "gold standard," there are reasons why VSG might be performed. I have psoriatic arthritis that requires NSAIDs and that was enough for my rheumatologist to recommend VSG for me. That was given the green light by my surgeon, so I will be getting the VSG and yes, it is covered. Most surgeons in Ottawa (possibly at other centres too) are skilled in both VSG and RNY, it's just a matter of rationale to have the VSG done rather than the RNY. Essentially, based on what I know, unless there is a valid reason to do the VSG, it'll be the RNY for most people in Ontario, unless you choose to pay for the surgery yourself.

We are very active on the Ontario forums; come on over and say hi if you haven't already. (http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/on)

Welcome to the forums! There's a lot to learn here and some very knowledgeable folks to learn from!