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ARE YOU A BARIATRIC PROFESSIONAL?
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Goals

learn to rollerblade

7 People
 in progress, 
1 Person
 achieved this

learn to run

1 Person
 in progress, 
0 People
 achieved this
Surgeon Testimonial

Steven C. Poplawski, M.D., F.A.C.S.
I wouldn't have trusted my life with anyone else other than Dr. Poplaswki! I first met Dr. Poplawski at a Barix seminar that he held in Windsor. I was very impressed with this man. Having previously been a transplant surgeon, I have complete faith in his surgical abilities. He was professional and yet funny during the seminar and I liked his manner about him. My husband said that he feels really good about Dr. Pop, and that he feels that I would be safe in his hands. Dr. Pop stressed the importance of the fact that this surgery is what you make of it, and whatever lead you to overeat in the first place will still be there once surgery is done. He is extremely realistic and expects you to know your facts before the surgery about aftercare. It is not a magic pill and Dr. Pop stressed that you need to deal with whatever has caused you to overeat in the first place. He doesn't fluff off things. He knows what it takes to be successful post op.

One thing when researching this surgery that I was really looking for was that the surgeon do the leak test/ultrasound the day after surgery. My biggest concern is a leak especially since where I live will be a good distance from where the surgery will take place. The other groups that I'd enquired about, Cori and Livlite, do NOT automatically do this test post surgery. Dr Pop does. I feel very safe with this extra preventative measure. The other thing that I really think is great about Barix is that the post-op appointments are covered by OHIP in the agreement with Barix. That means no big out of pocket expenses post surgery. That's a great extra that no one else seems to provide.

I want to also mention that Dr. Pop recently came out to our Barix support group in Windsor. I don't know how many other surgeons would do this for such a small group of post ops. I commend him for showing his dedication to his patients. I highly recommend him to anyone - he is a top notch surgeon!
Member Interests

Weight Loss Survey Responses

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Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by jackie_h1 on 3/7/07 1:46 pm
    Hello Dawn!! Congrats on making the decision to persue WLS with Barix Clinics! I hope all has gone well thus far? All the Barix Staff are wonderful, caring, and can run circles around any other hospital staff. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me. Also, If you would like to join an online, email support group just for Barix patients, please let me know via email. It really is a good support group and helps when you have questions or concerns and wonder if you can get an answer or feedback at any hour of the day. Anyways, if you're interested just let me know and I'll set you up with all the info. I wish you all the best my friend! Hugs and Blessings from your WLS Sister!!
  • Comment by Dana C. on 10/25/06 9:40 pm
    You are looking wonderful! Congrats on the great job you are doing!
  • Comment by Janet Pratt on 7/29/06 3:53 am
    Dawn - you are an angel to all of us at OH. Thanks for all your experiences in words - as it is invaluable to us. Best of luck on your losing journey. - Janet
Click here for the surgery support page

Hello there! I'm Dawn and I live in Windsor, Ontario. I'm a 39 year old teacher and I had roux en y gastric bypass in July of 2006.  I am currently around 3.5 years post op. Life is good.  I really do love to answer questions and share my experiences so I love to hear from Newbies from all over who are starting their journey.  Please do not hesitate to send me an email.

Please visit
my webpage. It documents my first year out of surgery. I run the WINDSOR WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SUPPORT GROUP. EMAIL ME FOR INFO:  diminishingdawn@cogeco.ca


Diminishing Dawn
Diminishing Dawn


Ontario Support Groups as of Dec. 09
on December 23, 2009 10:50 am
Ajax/Pickering/Whitby/Durham
Contact
Nancy 
Web Site: 
Durham Region WLS Support Group 

Barrie
Third Saturday of the month 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
The Church of the Nazarene (in the chapel)
49 Ferris Lane, behind Ferris Lane Community Daycare
Contact Terry B: 705-890-0135; Sharrol: 705-722-0616

Belleville
Meeting is the last Sunday of the month from 1-3pm
Contact
Stephanie at 613-242-5392 or belleville_wls@yahoo.ca  
http://bellevillewls.webs.com/

Brampton
Contact
Cathacus

Brockville and Area
Last Wednesday of every month at 7pm
Tim Hortons on Parkdale Ave
Contact
Patti

Burlington
Second Tuesday of the month
Contact
Laural at (905) 635-7302 or 1cutemom@cogeco.ca

Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo
Last Sunday of the month 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
160 Hillmer Road, Cambridge
Contact
Sharon at (519) 489-0538 or sharonmoody@rogers.com
For a long week-end, we meet the Sunday prior.
Please contact Sharon to advise you will be attending.

Cambridge
Meets weekly at 7:30pm (mostly Tues, sometimes Wed/Thurs)
Location Tim Horton's at 275 Water St N, Cambridge
Contact
Lisa at cambridgecoffee@live.ca

Chatham
Meets at the YMCA on the last Monday of the month at 7 pm.

Cornwall
Meetings every first Monday of the month from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location Chateau Cornwall, Amelia Street
Contact
Eileen

Hamilton
Last Sunday of the month 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Sir Allan MacNab Recreation Centre, Community Room
145 Magnolia Dr, Hamilton
Contact
Erin at edatwo@yahoo.ca

Kingston
Usually last Tuesday of the month 7:00pm
Chapters on Princess St.
Contact
Karen or Steacy

London

First Sunday of the month 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
St Paul's Presbyterian Church, Lower Hall (elevator available)
56 Thames St. South, Ingersoll
Contact
Shirley at shirleyhodder@yahoo.ca or Sue teagrannie48@yahoo.com
www.owlssg.com

London and Area (Shapeshifter)
Third Sunday of the month 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Contact
Tova at purplepaige90@hotmail.com

Mississauga
Mississauga Lap-Band Peer Support Group for Surgical Weight Loss Centre Patients
Third Thursday of the month 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Contact Wanda at
http://www.obesitysurgery.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=4201

Niagara

Last Sunday of the month 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Dorchester and Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls
Contact
Jen at (905) 328-4911 or jen.bellinger@hotmail.com

North Bay
Contact
Natasha

Ottawa
Last Sunday of the month 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Tanglewood Community Centre
30 Woodfield Drive, Ottawa
Contact
Cindy at cindyloubear@hotmail.com
www.owsg.ca

Owen Sound
Contact
Alison at owensoundobesitysupport@hotmail.com

Peel Region
First Sunday of every month 1:30 pm
Georgetown
Contact
Jean Tapley-Izadpanahi at (289) 891-9276 or jeantapley@gmail.com

Sarnia
First and Third Wednesday of every month from 7-8:30
River City Vineyard (the old Y)
Contact
Kara O.

Sault Ste. Marie

First Wednesday of each month
Contact Sue at
weewilkins@yahoo.ca or (705) 254-3997

Scarborough
Thursday nights at 7:00 pm
Kennedy and 401 at 20 William Kitchen Rd, Starbucks.
Contact
Chantelle at Greeneyedgirl_24@hotmail.com

Sudbury/Val Caron/Valley East
Val Caron Co-op, 1845 Main Street
Contact
Wendy

Sudbury/Minnow Lake
Every Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm
$10.00 per month
Morning meetings Wednesdays at 10 am available.
Contact
Betty at Bariatric Support & Natural Health
(705) 525-2225 or
wls_supportgroup_sudbury@msn.com

Thunder Bay
Second Saturday of the month 1:00 pm
Slovak Legion, off Pacific Avenue, Thunder Bay
Contact Verna at
amber2oo1@yahoo.com

Windsor
First Tuesday of the month 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County
6038 Empress Street
Contact
Dawn at diminishingdawn@cogeco.ca
Please contact Dawn to advise you will be attending.

York Region
The following Sundays at 2:00 pm 1/17/10, 2/21/10, 3/21/10, 4/18/10, 5/16/10, 6/20/10, 7/18/10, 8/22/10, 9/19/10, 10/24/10, 11/21/10, 12/12/10.
Upstairs at Loblaws, 301 High Tech Road, Richmond Hill
Contact
Andrea at 905-953-0135 or adault@rogers.com


Be the first to leave a comment.

Ontario support Groups
on December 13, 2008 7:21 am
Ont WLS Support Groups
Updated:  August 5th, 2009


Ajax/Pickering/Whitby/Durham

Contact
kholcroft@hotmail.com

Barrie (this is a new location effective Jan 17, 2009)
Third Saturday of the month 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Army Navy Club
7 George Street, Barrie
Contact Terry at
tbrienesse@rogers.com or Kris 705-437-3430

Brampton
Contact
Cathacus

Belleville

Contact
Sandra at (613) 968-9849 or sandymay@cogeco.ca

Burlington
Second Tuesday of the month
Contact
Laural at (905) 635-7302 or 1cutemom@cogeco.ca

Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo
Last Sunday of the month 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
160 Hillmer Road, Cambridge
Contact
Sharon at (519) 489-0538 or sharonmoody@rogers.com
For a long week-end, we meet the Sunday prior.
Please contact Sharon to advise you will be attending.

Chatham
Meets at the YMCA on the last Monday of the month at 7 pm.

Cornwall
Contact Carla at
carla_normand@sympatico.ca

Hamilton

Last Sunday of the month 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Sir Allan MacNab Recreation Centre, Community Room
145 Magnolia Dr, Hamilton
Contact
Erin at edatwo@yahoo.ca

London
First Sunday of the month 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
St Paul's Presbyterian Church, Lower Hall (elevator available)
56 Thames St. South, Ingersoll
Contact
Shirley at shirleyhodder@yahoo.ca or Sue teagrannie48@yahoo.com

London and Area (Shapeshifter)
Third Sunday of the month 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Contact
Tova at purplepaige90@hotmail.com or
Jenn at jenandrich@rogers.com

Milton
Third Sunday of the month 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Contact
Tammy at tammypatterson@cogeco.ca

Mississauga
Mississauga Lap-Band Peer Support Group for Surgical Weight Loss Centre Patients
Third Thursday of the month 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
For info, go to The Surgical Weight Loss Centre patient support forum and contact
Wanda under the section for support groups.

Niagara

Last Sunday of the month 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Dorchester and Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls
Contact
Jen
at (905) 328-4911 or jen.bellinger@hotmail.com

Ottawa
Last Sunday of the month 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Tanglewood Community Centre
30 Woodfield Drive, Ottawa
Contact
Cindy at cindyloubear@hotmail.com
www.owsg.ca

Ottawa - East
Second Sunday of the month 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Ottawa Public Library North Gloucester
2036 Olgilvie Road, near Blair and Olgilvie
Contact
Angus

Owen Sound
Contact
Alison at owensoundobesitysupport@hotmail.com

Sarnia
Sarnia Bariatric Support Group
 meets : 1st and 3rd Wed of every month from 7pm-8:30 pm
 @ River City Vineyard Mitton St Sarnia Ontario 
 For more information , contact :
 Becky 519-332-4132 rperry4@cogeco.ca
OR Sylvie 519-344-8959 slaframboise4@cogeco.ca

Sault Ste. Marie
First Wednesday of each month
Contact Sue at weewilkins@yahoo.ca or (705) 254-3997

Sudbury/Val Caron/Valley East
Val Caron Co-op, 1845 Main Street
Contact
Wendy

Sudbury/Minnow Lake
Every Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm
$10.00 per month
Morning meetings to begin in the New Year
Contact
Betty at Bariatric Support & Natural Health
(705) 525-2225 or
wls_supportgroup_sudbury@msn.com

Toronto East
For info contact
Joyce at
joycewilds@yahoo.ca or (647) 669-5099

Thunder Bay
Second Saturday of the month 1:00 pm
Slovak Legion, off Pacific Avenue, Thunder Bay
Contact Verna at
amber2oo1@yahoo.com

Windsor
First Tuesday of the month 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County
6038 Empress Street
Contact
Dawn at diminishingdawn@cogeco.ca
Please contact Dawn to advise you will be attending.

York Region
The following Sundays at 2:00 pm 1/18, 2/8, 3/8, 4/19, 5/17, 6/14, 7/12, 8/9, 9/13, 10/18, 11/8, 12/3.
Upstairs at Loblaws, 301 High Tech Road, Richmond Hill
Contact
Andrea at 905-953-0135 or adault@rogers.com
1 comment | Leave a comment.

*sigh*
on August 1, 2008 2:38 pm
I talk about it all the time - about how we need to get our heads into this surgery. Lately it seems that it is more and more prevalent - people having surgery that have no intention of changing their ways.  They are headed only for failure even after giving this wonderful chance to change their lives.

There's a lady who I know and met once who has had this surgery. She was quite large as well - probably 350 lbs if I were to guess before surgery and when I met her the first time, I kind of had the feeling that she didn't seem to be in the know about the surgery. I didn't say anything of course because I have to have some understanding that not every one is as fact-oriented and as analytical as myself, right? 

Well sure enough talking to a friend of hers, I hear that she is pretty much just ignoring the rules after surgery completely. One friend ran into her shopping and her cart was loaded with sugar crap, snacky foods and the like.  She is not doing well and she is less than 6 months out.  That's really scary to me.  I've invited her out to the Windsor support group meeting and she has yet to come.

Today while reading the boards, I also came across a post from a 3 week post op who decided to binge last night and ate popcorn, fruit loops and an ice cream sandwich within the course of a half an hour - and is questioning "Gee, how come I don't dump?", "Did I stretch my pouch?". etc.  Okay, I am TRYING to be understanding as I can but I mean REALLY what the HELL is she thinking? 

We are talking THREE WEEKS OUT.

She doesn't seem to have a clue about the permanent damage she could do to herself. There is the story of course about the lady who cheated and had steak and killed herself a few days out of surgery (Theoretically it could be not much more than an urban legend...but I suspect that it is also a possiblity that one could easily stretch out and burst the pouch very early out). I mean I was TERRIFIED to even eat and drink early out and here is someone who is ready not only to undo everything but to possibly kill herself in the process. I'm horrified for her. I'm appalled at her. I'm trying not to judge but it is very, very difficult because this action is beyond stupid to me. 

Again, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR HEAD IS IN THIS SURGERY.

Dawn
4 comments | Leave a comment.

Don't Stretch the Pouch
on July 31, 2008 5:04 am

#1. At others have said, do not overeat.  I am one who never ever vomits if I eat too much, but I will get an uncomfortable feeling.  I'm pretty sure that's the part where stretching the pouch comes in. If I try to stuff too much in there and it's waaaaay uncomfortable/bordering on painfulness. It happens rarely as I usually know my limits.

#2. Eat slowly.  I've talked in our weight loss group how sometimes if you eat too fast - say cereal with milk, after a while that uncomfortable feeling comes in which I *think* would probably be the stretching.  What happens with certain foods - especially grains, pastas and so forth, is that once they get wet, they expand right? Well, if you eat too fast, you'll eat more than you probably should thinking it fits...once it starts expanding you'll get that *very* uncomfortable feeling of having eaten too much.  Of course, you might also just be one of those people that vomits too if you eat too much.

#3.  Some people are hard core measurers.  There are guidelines typically from your surgeon (or available from the internet) about roughly what you should be eating at certain points. I know of people that measure their portions like crazy. I know that at two years out, I am getting back into that "clean your plate" club -- so I highly suggest that people measure their foods- not so much early out, but just watching that they don't eat too much, too soon.

#4. Always remember in your head "EAT TIL SATIATED, NOT STUFFED".  This is huge as we are stuffers.  You need to always eat til you feel satisfied, not stuffed. Do not expect to get that "full" feeling for quite some time, so when you are eating, eat til you feel that you are not hungry anymore (if you have physical hunger) and not til you feel that "I'm going to explode" stuffed kind of feeling.

Just my two cents,

Dawn
1 comment | Leave a comment.

My OH Philosophy
on July 11, 2008 5:06 am
Here are my philosophies when posting on OH and well, about surgery in general.

1) I would never tell you what surgery to have.  I believe that everyone must make their own decision based on their needs, lifestyle and level of comfort. I don't think there is a "one size fits all" when it comes to surgery.  You might feel comfortable with a surgery that has little reconfiguration of your body parts, you might not want to permanently change your body parts, you might not want to worry about this or that.  So I would never even remotely tell you what to consider. This is YOUR body and you need to make your own decision. There is no perfect surgery.  What we choose and what we put into the surgery (following rules, being compliant with supplementation etc) is what matters.  OHIP currently covers roux en y, duodenal switch, vertical sleeve gastrectomy and mini gastric bypass. I know success people who have had all these surgeries. Another option is Lapband (and other surgeries too) but you will have to pay totally out of your pocket.

2) I would always encourage you to do  your research.  If you have done lots of research and you are still not convinced, then to me you haven't done enough research.  Until you are 100% comfortable with your choice and even with having surgery in the first place, do not enter into a surgical intervention.  This is a procedure of last resort.  People that go in with blinders on, not having done their research or not having researched life post op enough are often given into moods of depression after surgery. Your head must be ready for surgery as well.

3) I suggest that you pick your surgeon well.  I know that I was very, very picky about picking my surgeon.  I read the stats about a doctor not being proficient with this surgery until they had 150+ surgeries under his belt. I am a worry wart and was very, very adamant that since I could choose whatever surgeon that I wanted, that I was going to pick someone with a crapload of experience.  My surgeon was not the closest one to my house. In fact out of the 5 or so different places I was looking at, my surgeon was the furthest of all three.  Well worth the extra time. Remember you are honestly putting your life into this surgeon's hands. Make sure you have done your research!  Oh and if you don't feel really satisfied with your surgeon at a consult, how do you think you will feel the day before surgery? Honestly, be sure about this.  Be comfortable on who you pick and never let anyone else (your own doctor included) pick your surgeon - you have the choice.  Use it well.

4) I don't believe in drama.  I am here to support people on OH and on the boards I visit frequently. If you notice, whenever drama comes up on the board (it does from time to time) or there is a "surgery battle", I am not there. I believe in freedom of choice.  I believe in giving people information, pointing them to different sources of information but  letting them choose for themselves.  We make decisions for us and no one else about our religion, our lifestyle etc.  so no one else should even attempt to make decisions for us (not even your surgeon!).  If I can help you in anyway, let me know...but as for the drama...I won't be there continuing the thread. I believe in moving on as quick as possible and not putting time and energy into fights, name calling or drama of any kind.  I think there is enough negative in the world that we don't need to fight about our surgeries. I believe in support. 

Email me anytime if you wish to chat!

Dawn


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My Story

How did I become fat?

I think I know the reasons why I became an obese adult.  First of all, I grew up in a house that did not have normal meals.  My mother did not like to cook at all and growing up, to be quite honest, I was fed on a diet of overprocessed foods.  Things like hot dogs, bacon sandwiches and kraft dinner were staples of my typical diet.  We did not have "family meals" - my father worked shifts and so we all ate on our own.  As well, my father is a very picky eater.  I can be honest and say that growing up, the only vegetable we ever had was corn because my dad did not like other vegetables.  So I grew up on a diet of basically junk food.  If it wasn't processed crap then it was typically fast food.  I did not establish healthy eating habits as a child at all.

Secondly, growing up, money was extremely tight and my father was often laid off.  Things were often financially difficult for my family when I growing up.  Despite that, my father always made sure to give me a really generous allowance.  In high school, it made me feel that somehow purchasing french fries in the cafeteria was like a "status symbol" to me.  I always could afford to buy my lunch instead of brown bagging from home.  That was an early association for me - buying lunch (or any food) was a pleasurable thing for me.

I think these two issues have a lot to do with how I got fat in the first place.  As an adult, it seems that trying to undo these habits and associations are difficult.  I have always been overweight as far back as I can remember.  

My highest weight was 288 lbs.