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Thanks Rosalie! Nice to hear from someone else that has seen Dr Joya. I'm nervous to even go to my family doctor. I already know what she's going to say. So needless to say I won't go. LOL.
Hi Stephanie
Dr DeGara told me two days as we'll, but they kept me for an extra--no idea why. They were even running out of beds on the surgical unit and transferred me to another unit on the second floor. I started out in a semi private but then a ward. The ward was okay as there was only two of us there. I totally understand, though, not preferring a ward for all the reasons you've noted!
Very best east wishes to you for a complication free procedure. I hope you find it better than expected too!
PS. I would suggest you trim your nails (finger and toes) before surgery unless you're used to having manicures and pedicures as mine grew so much while in hospital. I suspect it had to do with optimum humidity. Just a thought!
Wow that's great to know. Thanks for all the info. How come you had to stay 3 days....he told me 2 days. I didn't think I had staples either....just dissolvable stitches. I work right next to the home care offices so know the nurses quite well and they will be taking out my drains....not looking forward to them. I hope I'm in a room at the hospital with just 1 other person....last time I was in a room with 4 other people that was meant for 4....it was very cramped and noisy. My surgery is the 17th so only a week to go.
Stephanie 
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; a optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty"- Winston Churchill
Hi again, Just thought you would find it interesting that Dr. DeGara did my surgery too. He was very nice to work with and did (in my opinion) a great job. Unlike some of the American surgeons's pannis, which I've read about, he re placed my belly button to an appropriate location. I also have Home Care coming in to assist with wound care--very appreciated. The nursing staff at the RAH were also incredible. All the best of luck this coming week!!! 
A panni is covered by Alberta Health care. A tummy tuck is not. I saw Dr. DeGara and he did not recommend a tummy tuck so that's why I'm getting the panni. I also think it less invasive. Dr. Toy also works with the WW clinic but his waiting list to see him is very long...my friend has been waiting almost 9 months to see him.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; a optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty"- Winston Churchill
I have my first consult at the weight wise clinic this coming Friday.
Is reconstructive surgery covered by Alberta Health care after WLS? Or does it depend on doctor's recommendation it's medically necessary?
Hi there. I went to Mexico (Tijuana) & had vsg surgery 4 weeks ago and it was a great experience. Language was a barrier with the nurses but they could understand the basics...you may want to downloal google translate on your phone so that you can communicate more " extensively". I would highly recommend booking your return flight home with a seat with a bit more leg room...it was quite uncomfortable for me flying back 3 days later. When u fly home...ask for an attendant and a wheelchair...even if you dont need it it gets you fast tracked through waiting lines. Take a ho****er bottle and a small firm pillow...these to me were my essentials.
Anyways...best of luck to you!!
Hi there
I had this surgery done ten days ago and was in hospital for three nights. The pain was surprisingly minimal but the drains are a bit of nuisance. I just had the staples removed today with an expectation of the drains being removed on Monday. There is also a binder which I've been told to wear for six weeks.
Based on what I'm able to determine now, the results are amazing. I can't honestly remember having such a taut tummy even as a child. I'm so looking forward to having things fit me better within a few weeks.
I, too, was somewhat nervous about the whole procedure so hope this is of some help to you. If you have any other questions that you think I could answer, please feel free to ask.
My surgery is booked for April 29th and I am getting excited already. Even have my protein shake mixes ready! I have the pre and post op diet information. Completed tonnes of research on the doctor and clinic -- going to A Lighter Me. Even waiting for a quote on medical tourism insurance to cover me for any complications there. Now just waiting for my passport... So I am feeling pretty good.
If anyone has gone though this has any other tips for me, that would be great.
My husband had laproscopic RNY with Dr. Joya, 3 yrs ago in May! He lost 140 lbs, & has maintained that to date! Dr. Joya & his team are magnificent! Although language might be an issue with some of the nurses, it can all be worked out! He suffered a blockage about 10 days post op & was treated in Medicine Hat Hospital with no problems or concerns. We had consulted with our AB Doctor prior to going to Mexico & he was over the moon supportive! Dr. Joya will give you all your medical records & x-rays, in the event there are problems. When my husband got sick, I immediately called him, left a message & he returned my call within 10 minutes!
Kathy S. · 0 replies · 1131 views
