Self Pay Folks (VSG) Questions!

Hi All :) 

I recently had my surgery as a self-pay in Montreal w/ Dr. Gagner - no complications to date! Praise the lord. 

I am wondering if there are any other Mexico/Montreal self-pay folks here from Ontario and how you've dealt with issues like strictures?  How do you get a referral to a GI - is it through your family doctor? I am concerned that they the GI specialists may not be familiar with WLS such as a VSG and may cause more damage...not sure if this is even a rational fear lol.

I have a great support system with my family doctor, therapist and my own family and its not been an easy three weeks psychologically but with lots of meditation and prayer the anxiety over relearning to live and accepting the possibility of complications long-term is coming slowly. 

I would love to hear back from folks. It's a bit harder for us without the support that our counterparts receive through the OBN. But we're tough!

Yikes, I guess I am certainly in the minority....feeling like there aren't many self-pay folks out there in Ontario for the sleeve. I called the OBN and they mentioned that they don't actually get many calls from self-pay folks. Kinda scary to be among the few but hey this is life now :) 

Good question.  I was self pay with dr. Christou in Montreal (I chose rny).  If I had issues I'd either drive back or have him refer me to someone local...I know he is well connected.  

Are you close enough to Montreal? Its quite far for me - I am in Toronto so driving back won't be an option but I would certainly consult with Dr. Gagner if I had complications. Kinda curious what's the post-op care like with Dr. Christou? 

I'm in toronto too.   It was good, handouts with food options, guidelines.  Appointment with the dietician at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months and a year (and the doc if I want..I didn't need to.).  They now provide everyone with a Fitbit I think and do step tracking as part of their follow up.

I did self-pay VSG in Toronto with Dr. Neil Orzech of Smartshape. I haven't had any problems but if I did I would likely consult with him for a referral to a specialist or ask my family physician for a referral. I'm sure everything will be fine and there are specialists in Toronto you could access if you needed them.

That's great! 

Hello,

If you are getting pain and worried about it I would go to an emergency fepartment of a hospital where they perform gastric bypass....like St Mike's, TWH or Humber....indicate you had surgery in Montreal and when.  They have enough surgeons there who are very familiar with the procedure.  You can't get refused help and I would go to where they know.

Hope you get help.

Glad to see other self pay folks :). I guess I am very fortunate to be in Toronto and access to several hospitals that perform wls. 

There are many great options in Mexico, I had my plastics there.   

There are so many horror stories.   If you really need help to decide, I can send you the info on safe ones. 

Bonnie