May 29, 2008
Jun 23, 2008
I've been doing a great deal of research about WLS, including the different procedures and locations. I went to see Dr. Dent at the WLC in Ottawa yesterday. I was a patience from 11 years ago when I did Optifast. Appartently, I'm still considered a patient. I remembered that we were asked at the time to stay in touch and update on how we made out in the future. Of course, I didn't do this! But, when I did remember this the other day, I called to let them know what I was considering and they asked me to come in the next day. I was lucky to get a cancellation and got to see Dr. Dent himself. I really like him and respect his opinions. He agreed with my analysis of what type of surgery to go for (RNY), but suggested that I consider a location closer to home. I was thinking of a couple of options in Detroit. I would have to fly there, but if I go to Utica, I can drive. This would be a much better solution for post op appointments and if there were any problems that required my returning to the hospital, I could get to Utica much quicker than Detroit. I made an appointment with Dr. Graber right away and have it scheduled for July 22. I wish it was sooner! When I mentioned to Dr. Dent that I wanted this operation sooner than later, he just laughed. I asked what I was supposed to do between now and date of surgery and he just laughed even harder and said "what have you been doing for the last 20 years!". Good point! Anyway, I've decided to wait until I can get this done by Dr. Graber, even if it means I have to wait several months. In the meantime, I'll just work on being more concious of what and when I eat and prepare for the BIG changes in a "little" me.
May 15, 2008
Jun 23, 2008
I really don't know where to begin. I've been on several diets over the last 30 years without loosing the weight permanently. Oh, I can loose weight, but I can't keep it off. I feel like such a failure. Like my sister said to me the other day, I just don't try hard enough. I'm always looking for external help. Those comments made me feel really bad. I'm now at the point where I'm seriously considering surgery. I recently tried to join 2 different programs and was rejected by both. The one that really hit home to me was a program at a Bariatric Medical Institute that has a program to help you with a diet plan, exercise and therapy. A bariatric specialist told me that he didn't think I would be successful, since I haven't been in the past. It's not that I haven't tried - I just need a tool to help me. That tool was gastric by-pass. I was shocked! I asked about lap-band and was told that I really needed the bypass at this stage in my life. OH BOY!
I’m sure that I won’t have any problem getting insurance approval since I have some health related problems directly related to obesity. (Sleep apnea, GERD, hiatus hernia, depression, high cholesterol and arthritis) I have researched 3 different alternatives and will be meeting with my GP shortly to review my findings. I was able to arrange a free consultation with one place in Detroit (I’m in Ontario ). I have an appointment for 2 weeks from now. I could have attended a consultation this coming Monday, but I just couldn’t arrange the travel on such short notice. If all goes well, as soon as I get back, I’ll get in touch with my GP and start the process. Once I have OHIP approval, I’ve been told that I can have the surgery in about 6 weeks.
Keeping my fingers crossed that all will be approved! 
