I think we all would be ok to wait the 1.5-3 years if we knew something was happening.  This waiting in the dark is ludacris.  I mean why not have them work with the physician to get diet and eating in control.  Psychiatrists etc.  Look at the pt more holistically rather than as a number in a list. It would be nice to know if they even received our referral.  They would also get less calls if they answered the basic questions and updated them on their web page. Just my $0.02

three years for a consultation, ridiculous!!!

Today I met with my GP and asked her for a referral to see Dr. Sampath for a VGS...she said yes :) I am very excited about this! I've read that wait times are long so during that time I will read the books and start my food diary...

To all of you BC posters "Thank you"...I'm learning a lot :)

Thank you!

I waited 6 years so 3 sounds pretty darn good

Hi there! I had gastric bypass surgery a few years ago in Ontario. I was required to have a breathing machine to address my sleep apnea. I have a wonderful and expensive machine I would like to offer to someone who is in the position I was in. If you're interested, please email me: csampson@hotmail.ca

All the best to all of you who are contemplating surgery. My best decision ever. 

Christy

Hi..I'm not in Abbotsford..but would think West Coast Bariatric in Richmond about an hour away.

http://www.westcoastbariatricsurgery.com/contact-us/

Hi Cindy

Congrats on your decision!!!!!  I am 5 months out and have only good things to say.  I did this for my health, and the benefits I see are telling me I made the right choice.  And it's the little things that make me smile the most.  I was really excited when I could touch my toes LOL!  Walking used to be a chore for me and now I can keep a steady pace and barely break a sweat.   My weight is coming off slowly but steady.  

I really rely on my family and friends for support.  I do have one friend who had the sleeve done 2 years ago.  He is a great support for me.  I found him online.  I see that there is a support group in Victoria.  I  may have noticed the mention of them on this site or perhaps the Vertical Sleeve Talk site.  I did read the forums a LOT when I first had my surgery.  If you have a question, you can bet that someone else has talked about it..  

How did your doctor respond to your decision to have surgery.  I hope you have had support!  My doctor was very supportive of my choice.  In fact, when I found out how long the wait in BC was going to be, my doctor mentioned that a friend of hers went to Mexico.  My initial response was 'I don't know about going to Mexico!'  But I did lots of  research before making my decision. I haven't had any complications since surgery.  My co-ordinator offered a nutritionist that I could talk to after getting back home.  I really didn't need to use them but appreciated that it was there if I needed it.  My doctor also offered a nutritionist that I could contact.  

 I did pick up the Weight-Loss surgery for Dummies book that is recommended by the Dr. in Richmond but I found another book that I thought was way better....http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/books/the-complete-weigh t-loss-surgery/9780778802730-item.html?ikwid=weight+loss+sur gery&ikwsec=Books&gcs_requestid=0CLDvyuGj2LYCFUoi5wodRiUAAA

Where are you having your surgery? And which Dr. did you choose>  Keep me posted!

Patti

Hey Cindry I am planning on going to Mexico on May 15 th with Dr.Aceves.  I live in Courtenay and would love to share this journey with you ! How is you surgeon and where are you getting it done? Tracy

Hi All,

Just ran across this thread, and I do realize that it is several months old now,  but I am THRILLED to hear the encouraging reports.  Patti S - good for you!  I was fighting back tears when I read this quote from you:   "I haven't been had any head hunger.  I don't struggle with "should I, no I shouldn't" conversations in my head anymore.  There is no more "I'll start the diet tomorrow".  I have no problem baking goodies for Christmas.   I am so glad I had this surgery.  I have no regrets."   I want to be sharing that same story a few months from now!

I am having VGS in Mx two weeks from today.  I thought about this for 6 months,  researched this for 4, and then woke up one day a few weeks ago and booked the next available surgery date ... thinking, feeling, "I'm ready" and it's time to "just do it". I am 110% secure in my decision. 

I am writing to you because I have only one "gap" so to speak in my process.  I neglected to consider post surgery support here in BC.   Of course I have a GP,  but other than my family,  it has occurred to me that a support group of some description would be incredibly helpful.  I am wondering if any of you set anything like this up in advance?  Where did you find your post-surgery encouragement, information and support upon your return from Mx.  I live in Victoria BC - haven't found anything that seems to fit this for me. Also,  did you require much follow up here in BC upon your return.  My understanding is that we do not need any special care.  Anything you can share would be so appreciated.

CIndy