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Surgeon Testimonial Steven C. Poplawski, M.D., F.A.C.S. Dr. Poplawski was very friendly, and super happy when we met for our group consult. He seems sincere, and I can tell he enjoys the type of surgery he does. He had a very cheery sense of humour, and sympathized with all of our situations. It's as if he were moridly obese himself! -laughs- His office staff at the Barix Clinic were non-judgemental and polite. some of them had even gone through the surgery themselves, and spoke one-on-one for additional support. There isn't much to say that I /don't/ like, but I will tell you one thing about Dr. Poplawski; He doesn't sugar coat anything, and really hates it when people get hung up on small details, such as reverting to open surgery if 'scopic can't be done. I can't say as to blame him though. People should know all the risks involved, and if you're not willing to put up with something small, then perhaps surgery is not for you. So far, I would rate Dr. Poplawski an 8/10. I wil know more after my surgery goes, of course. "Doc, you've got a date with my innards!" -hands them to you, beaming- -Carleen LeBlanc BA Psychology, Honours. Member Interests
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outwit's Blog
My Steps Taken To Out-Of-Country WLS
Some folks may have stumbled upon this page and may be wondering how I came to be approved for WLS Surgery outside Canada. Therefore, here is a brief summary of how I came to be where I am today. -------------------- 1. Research! Decide if WLS surgery is really for you. It is a LIFE CHANGING experience. Some see it as the 'easy way out', but don't be so easily misled. You will still need to eat properly, exercise, and overall manage your health. Find out if you are even eligible for Bariatric Surgery. Ask others who have undergone WLS questions; find out their experiences. I find the best way is to lurk the forums here at ObesityHelp. You'll find almost every answer to any question. Also, come up with a list of questions about surgery that you may have. Here are some examples: Will it hurt? Can I still eat (insert food item here)? Can I still go swimming/go on Amusement Park Rides? Will I have to take any kind of supplements for the rest of my life? What is 'dumping syndrome' Save these questions and research them. Better yet, if you get a chance to meet with a Bariatric Surgeon, ask as many questions as you need. There IS no stupid question. OFten, they've heard it before and will gladly help. Another great resource is a local WLS Support Group. There are often several in locations near you, and for me, it was the swift kick in the rear I needed. The support was wonderful, and you get to see LIVING PROOF that these types of surgery are effective. Once you've decided which surgery is for you, you'll need to go about getting approval if you plan on having surgery outside the country. Most people will ask, "Can I get this surgery in Canada"? Yes, you can, however, wait times are ridiculous. Not only that, but I'm sure some will agree when I say our health system is a 'bit shabby'. It IS a personal choice however. You can decide to have surgery wherever you like. For me, I decided to have my surgery at a clinic that ONLY does Bariatric Surgery. 2. Getting Approval You'll need an application form. You can print it off here: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/ohip/bulletins/4000/bul4459a.pdf This is THE ONLY FORM YOU NEED TO BE APPROVED FOR SURGERY. (You do NOT have to send any additional paperwork, however, some decide to send pictures, letters, and other pieces of information.) Take the form to your doctor. He/she will need to pre-approve the surgery. My doctor pre-approved me on the spot. Though I do not have any co-morbidities, I do have a BMI over 40, so I pre-qualify for the surgery. (To find out more about requirements for surgery, ask on the forums) You mosty likely will have to have a physical and/or bloodwork done by your doctor to confirm any co-morbidities, etc. This may take several doctor's visits, so don't be discouraged. My doctor then faxed all of my information to OHIP. (He faxed my letter as well as proof of my gym membership) Two weeks later, I called OHIP To check on the status of my application. It was sent back to my doctor for 'missing information'. The missing information was my height and weight. It can be common for OHIP to send the application back, but as I have been told, this is a good sign. It means that they are seriously considering you for surgery. If they wanted to deny you, you'd be denied. Plain and simple. It took a month to hear back from OHIP, but I was approved for surgery. This also meant that I was free to go to consultations with surgeons. Consults are covered by OHIP, if there is a fee for doing so. 3. Meeting With A Surgeon I met with my surgeon in Michigan about two weeks after I was approved for surgery. The consultation is for the surgeon to see if you would be a good candidate for surgery. You will be asked about any previous diets, as well as health history of both you AND your family. The surgeon will also answer questions, and give you a rundown of how the surgery works. 4. Booking A Date And Pre-Tests A week or so after your consult, someone will call to book your PATs (Pre Admission Tests). The tests last a few hours and are manditory. They will take x-rays, bloodwork, have you sign paperwork, urine tests, gallbladder ultrasounds, etc. It's very painless and is fairly routine. You must pass the tests, or your surgery will be delayed. Then, if your surgery has not been booked yet, it will be booked again over the phone. They will tell you what you need to do before surgery, such as not eating 6-12 hours beforehand, etc. 5. Surgery Day You will be admitted an hour or so before surgery. They will dress you in a gown, give you an IV, as well as any medications you need before entering the operating room. It is considered the most stressful time, but staff should work hard to make sure that you are at home and comfortable. One put under, you won't wake up until a few hours after the surgery. Waking up is pretty easygoing. If you are feeling pain, they will attend to it immediately. Most of your 2-4 day stay will go by in a blur thanks to pain medication. They will also give you oxygen to make sure you have a smooth recovery. On the 3rd or 4th day, you will be released. Your surgeon will give you a final look over, some medications, and a package of information to take home. Please do all you can to read it and make sure you follow it to a T for your best interests. 6. Home Life - The First Few Days The first few days at home will probably be the worst. You'll feel gassy, bloated, and may have some pain. You MUST move around to get rid of gas pain. Try to keep your liquids and protein intake up if nothing else. Rest, rest, rest. Have someone around to do most of your work for you, such as preparing protein drinks, medicines, bedding, etc. 0 Comment(s)
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