Ontario Forum

2by4’s Posts

2by4
on 2/16/24 6:08 pm

I know you can't just walk into a pharmacy and purchase Optifast. I went on the Nestle website and they have a list of clinics who will prescribe and sell The Optifast to you. When I browse these clinics online, they "seem" to have quite an extensive pre-screening system and tons of practitioners (physiotherapists, nutritionists.... etc) on board and I'm worried it would be a long involved process to just do the 6=week Optifast program.

Does anybody have any good reviews about any of these clinics? One where I can nicely be in and out with my purchase?

2by4
on 11/5/13 3:32 am

Topic: RE: Updates. Just a couple quick ones...

I have been wondering about you.... glad to hear from you and congrats!

VBG: Dr. Abawi (Bowmanville) Jun-2004. Weight Loss: 237 ⬇ 164 = 73 pounds loss in first year.
Bariatric Network Registry: 19-Aug-2011 Orientation at HRRH: 17-Aug-2012
Consult with Dr. Hagen (HRRH): 29-Aug-2012 Doctor ordered Gastroscopy: 10-Oct-2012
Meetings with Nurse, Vampire, Registered Dietician and Social Worker (HRRH): 24-Oct-2012
Consult with Internist Dr Glazer: 29-Oct-2012 Ordered Cardiac Ultrasound 12-Nov-2012
Met with Dr. Hagen: 12-Nov-2012 Surgery date 19-Feb-2013 (07- Jan-2013 date revised)
Pre-Admission Tests: 10-Jan-2013 Started OptiFast: 14-Jan-2013 Starting Weight: 233
Conversion Surgery VBG ➜ RnY with Dr. Hagen: 28-Jan-2013 Weight day of Surgery: 216

2by4
on 10/19/13 4:00 am

Topic: RE: I think I'm ready!

I added Benefibre to my Optifast shakes... really helped!

You might want to have some Milk of Magnesia and/or stool softeners on hand too.

2by4
on 10/18/13 7:59 am

Topic: RE: Humiliation....Your Experiences?

We must have the same father!

2by4
on 9/16/13 12:48 pm

Topic: RE: still looking for left over Opti....

My friend (receiving Worker's Compensation) is in the approval process for WLS. She won't have any coverage for her meds, vitamins or Optifast. I told her I'd put out a note here because sometimes people have a wee bit leftover.

Please let me know if you do and I will gladly make a pickup for her!

Thanks ever so much.

2by4
on 9/12/13 9:49 am

Topic: RE: I Gotta Ask...

Dr. Hagen from HRRH told me OptiFast does NOT shrink the liver (that would be dangerous to shrink a liver), but it helps to shrink the FAT around the liver. Because they're doing the surgery laparoscopically, the liver is in the front of the abdomen - the first thing they have to do is pull the liver out of the way and they want the liver to be soft and floppy so they can retract it without tearing it.

You can watch a live video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_-Rmk8Mfwk

2by4
on 8/28/13 8:18 am

Topic: RE: Let's Talk Harvest Crunch

That is such a nice response Laurie. Good for you!

2by4
on 8/24/13 3:12 am

Topic: RE: Leftover OptiFast

A friend of mine has just started her WLS process - her surgery date is in late October 2013. She doesn't have a computer so she isn't on this forum.

She is also on social assistance... money is tight for her at the best of times.

If anybody has any leftover OptiFast, could you please let me know. I'll be doing some Back-to-School shopping on Labour Day weekend and I'll be travelling through London, Kitchener/Waterloo, Guelph and Orangeville areas... and all points in between. I'd be more than happy to arrange a pickup with you at a mutually agreeable time and location.

Thank you, thank you!

2by4
on 8/8/13 7:38 am

Topic: RE: Eating for Health after Gastric Bypass Surgery

I just came across this very informative booklet produced by the University Health Network in Toronto about "Eating for Health after Gastric Bypass Surgery"

http://www.uhn.ca/docs/HealthInfo/Shared%20Documents/Eating_for_Health_after_Gastric_Bypass_Surgery.pdf

2by4
on 8/5/13 11:01 am

Topic: RE: Strange head space

Krista and Gwynn.... I'm in the same boat as you! We are survivors. And slimmed-down survivors.

2by4
on 7/29/13 10:55 am

Topic: RE: Garcinia Cambogia

Interesting..... http://www.bbc.net-go.us/?240485

2by4
on 6/27/13 7:56 am

Topic: RE: Interesting - Is it possible to be addicted to carbs?

Dawn...

What do you mean by "a huge sugar response"?

2by4
on 6/23/13 1:55 am

Topic: RE: Clothes donation - Sizes 20/22 XL XXL 1X 2X

I have cleaned out my closets and have a ton (no pun intended) of clothes to donate to a fellow OHer, with the understanding that you will also pass them along to someone else on the bench.

Mostly casual wear: shirts, pants, shorts, belts, summer, winter, fall. Sizes 20/22 XL XXL 1X 2X.

I frequently go to London and Barrie, and I have up-coming trips to Guelph, Brampton, Newmarket and North York. I'm happy to drop the clothes off somewhere.

Perhaps there's a Support Group meeting that's having a clothing exchange that could use a donation?

Please send me a message and we'll make some arrangements!

2by4
on 6/11/13 3:48 am

Topic: RE: Newbie Questions

Welcome!

To help answer a few of your questions....

Guelph is known to be notoriously slow at processing paperwork. In fact, sometimes they just lose it. Despite being in constant touch with Guelph, after 11 months (and still no action) I asked to have my file transferred to HRRH - then things happened quickly. Orientation was within a week....and after a multitude of appointments and scheduling conflicts, I had surgery 6 months later.

There will be lots of notice for you. You will have to do the OptiFast stage, which is a minimum of two weeks before surgery - - so, they schedule all this into the big plan for you. Not to worry... with each step along the way you will be inquiring about dates and you'll have plenty of time to notify your employer. In the meantime, save up your pennies!

I have had multiple abdominal surgeries - that is not a concern at all. The doctors do this procedure laprascopically, so there is no open wound....just 5 small "stab-like" incisions.

Compared to a C-Section, the recovery is much easier. There are no muscles cut through. And, there's no demanding baby waking you up and needing to be carried. It's not a "walk in the park" by any means, but the pain is very manageable.

2by4
on 6/10/13 12:40 am

Topic: RE: Prevacid FasTab 30mg

Does anyone know the price for a prescription of a 30-day supply of Prevacid FasTab 30mg.

2by4
on 6/1/13 1:29 am

Topic: RE: Arm Shapers??

Sleevey Magic looks interesting!

https://www.sleeveymagic.com

2by4
on 5/22/13 10:05 am

Topic: RE: The age old adage "If you don't have anything nice to say. Then don't say anything at all!"

If perfect's what you're looking for, then just stay the same.

2by4
on 5/11/13 3:37 am

Topic: RE: Bowel Movements

You could get pureed prunes in the baby food section or prune juice.

2by4
on 5/4/13 12:06 am

Topic: RE: Where to stay

They recommend you stay nearby for a few days, simply because their Emergency Department is better equipped to serve you, should you have any difficulties.

There is a Holiday Inn Express right across the road. When you call them, let them know you are a patient at HRRH and you will receive a discount. I think you can get a standard room for $99.

30 Norfinch Drive

North York , Ontario M3N 1X1

Canada 1 877 660 8550

2by4
on 4/24/13 11:15 am

Topic: RE: how bad is a starbucks....

Hi Leslie,

Interestingly enough... the Starbucks website doesn't reveal much. The calories aren't tremendous, but I'd be more concerned about the amount of sugar and carbohydrates.

MyFitnessPal has some Starbucks items listed (hopefully you don't need a membership to preview this link):

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/nutrition-facts-calories/starbucks-canada

2by4
on 4/20/13 2:59 pm

Topic: RE: Sugar free juice

The Crystal Light Pink Lemonade with crush ice is fabulous!

2by4
on 4/20/13 1:36 am

Topic: RE: Cheap date! first adventures in a restaurant for social occasions

I have had very similar GOOD experiences at Kelsey's Restaurants. I was "stuck" at a Mucho Burrito the other day and they had no problem customizing a kid's meal for me for $5.

2by4
on 4/11/13 1:02 pm

Topic: RE: Antibiotic resistance or malabsorption issues?

I hear ya! Unfortunately, with an inner ear infection there's no "external" discharge to be captured to send for a culture. It's a "best guess" situation for them to prescribe an effective antibiotic.

2by4
on 4/11/13 7:28 am

Topic: RE: Antibiotic resistance or malabsorption issues?

No, I'm not on antibiotics regularly. So, I don't think it's ME that's resistant.

The only thing that's consistent about ME, is when I get a cold (once per year) I usually get a secondary infection - and I get an antibiotic for that.

2by4
on 4/11/13 3:39 am

Topic: RE: Antibiotic resistance or malabsorption issues?

Does anyone have any experience and/or knowledge regarding antibiotic usage after RnY?

I have a compromised immune system and I'm not able to fight off common colds very well - typically, I end up with a secondary infection, such as a sinus infection, ear infection or pneumonia. In the past, my doctor puts me on a round of antibiotics and I've always responded very well to treatment.

Not so fortunate this time!

I had my RnY 10 weeks ago and I'm progressing very well (weight loss is slow, but steady). About 4 weeks ago I wa**** with a very nasty cold - which was quite unexpected, because I'd already had my "yearly" bout of the common cold. I just figured that because I was further weakened with the surgery and because I'd been exposed to a ton of germs, so I treated my cold with the usual TLC.

A couple of weeks ago my ear started to ache and then the pain radiated to my jaw. When I noticed the lymph node on my neck quite swollen, I went to a walk-in clinic and presented my suspicions to the doctor. He checked my ear and said the ear drum looked clear, but it was obvious I was fighting something, because of the swollen gland. He prescribed Zirthromax (take 2 now, 1 each day for remaining 5 days) and I took them all without fail.

A week later... the ear infection and sore jaw got worse! The swelling on my jaw and lymph gland were unbearable. I went to the Emerg at the hospital and the doctor said the same thing - ear drum looks clear, but by this time my throat was red and (former) tonsils were swollen. He said our community "bugs" are quickly becoming antibiotic-resistant and Zithromax just doesn't work as effectively anymore. He prescribed Cefuroxime Axetil 500mg (2x daily) for me.

Today is day #4 of the treatment and I'm still NOT getting any relief. In the past I have found antibiotics usually start to work after 2 or 3 days.

I did some googling-around today to see if there's any information out there regarding malabsorption issues with some antibiotics. I did find a couple of articles about Zithromax not being absorbed well enough (because it passes through the digestive track too quickly), but I'm not having any luck finding info on Cefuroxime.

Has anyone got any experience with this?

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