Well, I have a date.  I am having lap DS with my hero, Dr. Gagner, in Paris France on Oct. 2/09!

Self pay, of course, thanks to dent and ohip.  Big fat loan - but it will be worth it in the end - I will have my health back - and Hughie and I will be able to start living life to its fullest.  You can't put a price on your health and happiness.

You guys have been great supporting me over the last 1 year 8 months, so just wanted you to know.

Wow!  We fly to Paris on Tues. Sept. 29th - it will be here before I know it!
Excited and relieved my time is here.


Ruth

Hey OHIP and dent - did I tell you yet today you guys suck?

congrats to you!!!! you deserve this and more!!!!:)

I'm so happy for you Ruth. I've been reading your story all along and it's about time that something is going right for you. Is Dr.Gagner, the one in Canada or a different guy?
I think self-pay is the only way it's going to happen for me too. Good luck!!
Nadia

I wish you all the best!!

Hi Nadia - Dr. Gagner was born in Montreal but performs his surgeries in U.S.  He has operated in 48 countries and 60 institutions all over the world.  He is also the very first in the world to perform lap DS and lap VSG - yet the Appeal Board states he doesn't carry as much weight as dr. dent - an md in ottawa - who runs a weight-loss management clinic - because Dr. Gagner is not from Ontario!!  Yeah, right.

Anyway, yep I am bitter.  But I am now more happy and excited that my day is here.

Ruth

Was thinking of you the other day and wondering how your journey was going.  So excited for you and proud of you for sticking to your guns on what you knew was the best surgery choice for you!  You are going to rock your DS girl!

Hi Ruth

Sorry you have to self-pay and travel so far to get it done.  But hey like you say if you wan it done, you will have to do it your way

Good luck with the trip and surgery and hope you have a speedy recovery

Take care

Eileen

Hi Ruth,
Self-pay totally sucks!!!! Paris does not suck!!! The surgery that you want... priceless!!
Wishing you all the very best as you achieve the life that you want.

Jackie

WOW! Paris!!! I hope you are going a few days early to see the sights...Paris is an amazing city.  HOw are you paying for accomodations? Or do you need them?  If you do let me know I have a timeshare that you could probably use from me, cheaper then paying for a hotel.  I'm sure I could part with a week of it.  If you need it.

Good for you for sticking to your guns... but why is Dr Gagner in Paris? I thought he was in florida?

Hi Cindy - wow, you have a timeshare in Paris - lucky lady.
My surgery is in Troyes, which is about 1.5 hrs. east of Paris.
We are looking for accommodations - looking around for very cheap rates - sure don't need any thing special.  Dr. Gagner is checking with the hospital tomorrow re any spots they recommend close by.  We would like something that is walking distance for Hughie to come see me.
We will arrive early on Wed. Sept. 30th - needing accommodation that night (Hughie says he can easily do hostels while I am in hospital - not me - I would want something a bit fancier - but still cheap) - then I am admitted to hospital Thurs. Oct. 1, surgery Fri. Oct 2 - and discharged Wed. Oct. 7th - we are staying then til Fri. Oct. 9th.

Is your timeshare near Troyes?

Thanks for the offer.

Ruth

Hi Ruth,
Congrats on getting your date.  It's too bad that you have to self-pay, but you are right- your health is worth it!  Can't wait to hear about your progress.

Jeanetta

Oh RUTH!!  Words cannot express how happy I am for you at this moment.  You deserve the best and everything that your improved life will offer you. I am absololutely thrilled for you.  What an incredible journey this has been for you thus far - so happy that it's come to fruition.  You'll be in my thoughts and prayers always.  XOXOXO

Hi Ruth

I am sitting here  with tears in my eyes. I am so happy for you. It really sucks that you have to do it this way, but I am so proud of you for doing what you believe in. You will have such a happy healthy life.

Please keep us posted.

Do you have an angel? Do you want an angel?

Huge hugs my friend  

Hi Joyce, dear friend.
Yes, I have an angel but thanks for the offer.  In fact, I have lots of angels - my hubby is one - he is coming with me - I will have to teach him how to post on this site and let all know how I am doing.  Each and every person I have met on this site are angels as well.  I am so excited about all this - and so friggin' excited it is happening soon soon soon!

This time next year you will be at goal, healthy and happy...the next two weeks will fly by and before you know it you will be on the bench.  WTG woman!

Sorry it has to be self pay, but onwards and upwards.

Wow France with Dr. Gagner  maybe you'll come back with a little je ne sais quoi or a little less je ne sais quoi.

Congratulations!  I hope you get to enjoy the sights a little!  I look forward to hearing all about it and getting you on the bench finally!

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations Ruth.  WOW  -  finally, you are going to get what you want (sorry about the self pay - but I am very happy for you).
I know that you've waited a long time for this, and we are all here to support you!!

All the best to you, and say "bonjour" to all the hunky French guys in Paris.

(((Hugs)))
Margaret

Wow!!  Congratulations!  You will do great.

Hi Ruth

That great news and a great date - hopefully you will be back home for Thanksgiving maybe? REgardsless of when - I wish you the best and a safe journey

Barb