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Surgeon TestimonialSteven 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
- Animals - I have 2 dogs, a cat and rabbit.
- Books & Literature - I read a cross section of literature and junk!
- Travel - I like B&B's and travelling in Ontario.
- Dogs - I have a golden retriever and a border collie.
- Teaching - I teach young children.
- Cooking & Baking - Just learning how to cook.
- Teachers - Kindergarten is my life
- Baton Twirling - Not really. I just thought this was funny ;)
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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
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.
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