Crystal M.
Don't let them take away our DS!
May 25, 2009
It has been a while since I have last posted, I had my DS done on Feb. 4th of this year and it went great!! I have lost almost 85 lbs so far and I am feeling great with no complications what so ever!! But...... Today I was very saddened to get a letter in the mail from the Ontario Ministry of Long Term Care. The letter informs that "On May 14th, 2009 the newly formed Ontario Bariatric Network Advisory Board responded to a request from the ministry regarding the clinical indications for the Duodenal Switch procedure. The recommendation is as follows: The Advisory Board does not recommend the duodenal switch for approval in Ontario. A special working group is being created to review the literature on this and other surgical variants to make recommendations on indications. Pending completion of this review, the board recommends freezing approvals for Out of country for the DS due to the high complication rate and difficulty of repatriation, high morbidity/mortality and long term requirements for intense follow up." It goes on to inform that due to the fact that I was given prior approval they will follow through with the funding that is owed to my surgeon, but they are encouraging him to halt any further surgeries from being performed for Canadian patients who have received OOC prior approval. I am very SAD, ANGERY, and UPSET by this news. This surgery has saved my life, has changed my life, and has affected me in ways that I am just starting to discover. There are so many people in Canada who can benefit from it or other weight loss surgeries and yet they are taking that option away from us. I did my research before making this life changing decision, the DS has the highest benefits to people who are my size, and assists in preventing or alleviating many conditions which would cost our Health care system much more money in the long run. This "Advisory board" has listed its reasoning behind their decisions yet the studies don’t support what they are saying... It always comes down to money, since in our society that seems to hold more worth then a human life. I am hoping that people will talk to their Doctors, participate in the studies, share your experiences and get the information out there, if we put it right in their face they will have to come up with other excuses as to why they are preventing us from having this surgery, they may even be forced to tell the truth, that it is due to issues of funding. I know that I should be grateful that I have already had my surgery and that it has been paid for but I am thinking about all of the other people who are just like me who can benefit from this; we need to fight for it!!
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Surgery In 1 Day!!
Feb 02, 2009
I am sooooooooooooo excited!! I am here in Michigan and just finished seeing Dr.L for my pre-op appointment! I was able to lose the 20 lbs that he asked me to and he was very pleased as was I. I am going for my surgery this Wednesday and 7:30am. *Fingers crossed* I hope all goes well. I must admit I am a little worried about my pain tolerance, but I know that I am in good hands and I am confident that things will go well in surgery. If any of you have advice or words of wisdom that I can learn from as I go through this life changing process please do share. Mush thanks for all the support!!
*Hugs* Crystal.
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*Hugs* Crystal.
Soooooooooooooo Happy!!
Dec 17, 2008
So I saw my local Dr. today to do some pre-op stuff and I got weighed; since I saw Dr.L on December the 5th. I have lost 16.5 lbs on my pre-op Diet!! Yay! 
I am soooooooo happy about that because I wasn't sure how much weight I would be able to lose.. even though I am super strict on my diet I don't feel hungry all the time so I felt like I was doing bad (I am used to starving on diets) But yesterday was a bad day for cravings though, and in a weak moment I ate 10 baked french fries off my Bf's plate 
But after being weighted today I am back on track and very motivated because now I know that what I was doing is working! I must admit I was not so happy about my Dr. though, he is new for me since I recently re-located and even though he filled in the papers for my OHIP approval ha seems to be against weight loss surgery, and he is not the friendliest man either. I tend to be a bit on edge since most of my experiences with Doctors are not the fondest of memories, I find that obese patients are treated very differently then the average person, and it seems that this Dr. is not so fond of larger patients either. As well his reaction to some of the tests that Dr. L wants me to have was not so positive. I must say that if I were a Dr. I would be Happy that the surgeon requires so much pre-testing, this shows that he wants to be fully prepared about what he can expect during the surgery. I wish I could find a new family Dr. but in Chapleau there are very few options, my only hope is that once I have had the surgery he will be more attentive and actually care about me as a patient of his, right now I feel like I am just a number to him. On a side not I was also a bit miffed because he wasn't even happy for me that I have lost 16.5 lbs I know my last family Dr. would have been so proud of me and all my hard work. Well at least I am proued of how I am doing and I still know that I am making the right choice for me!! 
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I am soooooooo happy about that because I wasn't sure how much weight I would be able to lose.. even though I am super strict on my diet I don't feel hungry all the time so I felt like I was doing bad (I am used to starving on diets) But yesterday was a bad day for cravings though, and in a weak moment I ate 10 baked french fries off my Bf's plate But after being weighted today I am back on track and very motivated because now I know that what I was doing is working! I must admit I was not so happy about my Dr. though, he is new for me since I recently re-located and even though he filled in the papers for my OHIP approval ha seems to be against weight loss surgery, and he is not the friendliest man either. I tend to be a bit on edge since most of my experiences with Doctors are not the fondest of memories, I find that obese patients are treated very differently then the average person, and it seems that this Dr. is not so fond of larger patients either. As well his reaction to some of the tests that Dr. L wants me to have was not so positive. I must say that if I were a Dr. I would be Happy that the surgeon requires so much pre-testing, this shows that he wants to be fully prepared about what he can expect during the surgery. I wish I could find a new family Dr. but in Chapleau there are very few options, my only hope is that once I have had the surgery he will be more attentive and actually care about me as a patient of his, right now I feel like I am just a number to him. On a side not I was also a bit miffed because he wasn't even happy for me that I have lost 16.5 lbs I know my last family Dr. would have been so proud of me and all my hard work. Well at least I am proued of how I am doing and I still know that I am making the right choice for me!!
Pre-op Cravings ~So Evilllllllllllll
Dec 16, 2008
So here it is, I am just over one week into my Pre-op Dieting and I have been doing good, but I am starting to have the cravings BIG TIME! I will be going for the DS Surgery on Feb.4th My Surgeon Dr.L wants me to loose 20 lbs. But I am shooting for 30 if at all possible. I have been tracking all foods I eat and drink nothing but water and green tea, I am also getting myself in the habit of taking pills (Ie. Vitamins, calcium, ect.) three times a day. I have been getting more mobile (although not doing as much as I could in this department) But I do not have a scale to check my weight loss progress (none which will go high enough for my weight). I have a Slim fast optimal to start the day at around 9am. at 1pm I eat a small lunch (Meat and veg.) or I have another Slim fast, and for supper I have a meal which consists of meat, veg. and usually a carb (Potato, pumpernickel bread, rice). I do not let myself eat between meals, If hungry I drink more water or tea. I find that now that I am over a week in I am starting the cravings hard core though! I am worried because my family is coming to stay with my bf and I this holiday and I know they will be eating things that I will want, I feel weak right now, and although I have not done anything to feel bad about yet I am worried how I will hold up over the next little bit. I wont give up!!!
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~Self Esteem~
Dec 14, 2008
I have been going through a lot of emotions now that I know I am having my surgery on Feb. 4th and I have been a little worried about some of the things that other post-op WLS patients have mentioned; if I am not happy with who I am right here and now, that wont magically all change as the weight comes off, I am still me, so I have been working on learning to love myself. It has been hard lately because I used to surround myself with people I could help (My job was as a Peer support Mental Health worker) and in a sense that lifted my self esteem I felt that I was doing good in the world, but now that I am not working I find my self esteem has reverted back to several years ago when I was agoraphobic.. it has been one big roller coaster ride. I will admit that since meeting my surgeon and starting my pre-op diet I have been much happier as of late, and I have a lot more energy *Yay* One of my fears though is that I will still want to hide my body. I am with a very good and loving man but I make excuses for not wanting to be "Close" to him because I have gotten so big and I feel so ugly, but I fear that it wont change after surgery as I get the inevitable sagging skin, my excuses will just change to suit the situation, not sure what I am going to do about that, but I keep working on it!
$ Home Hunting $
Dec 13, 2008
So I am going to look at a few homes today with Chapleau's local realestater. I am a bit nervous though... I like Chapleau well enough, nice small town, a good place to raise a family I suppose.. but there is something nagging in the back of my mind. I am content to live here right now because I can easily hide away.. I have sort of reverted back to my old patterns when I was agoraphobic; I don't leave the house much, and I have yet to make new friends here. When the locals see me out and about they all stare at me, of course in my head I am telling myself this is because I am so big and I tend to stick out a bit, Literally & figuratively. But my Boy friend tries to reassure me that they are only looking because they don't know me, I am still the "New person in town" and of course what does a small town have to do other then talk about local gossip. I am worried that once I have had my surgery I will want to start Living again! I mean I am on my pre-op diet, one week in, and I already have so much energy! I am happier and I want to do more things, but I am limited by my imagination and my body still.. what is there to do in a small town such as this??? I love living close to nature, but in the past I have always been on the outskirts of a town which was great! I was able to have the peace and quiet of "cottage life" so to speak, but when I did want to do something or to see friends I knew that it was only a half hours drive away. Now if I want to do anything I have to plan for 5 hours of driving! 2.5 there & 2.5 back from Timmins (which is a problem for me right now because I tend to fall a sleep at the wheel on long drives, not a risk I am willing to take!!) I want to have a home because it is the smart thing to do in Chapleau; the homes are fairly cheep, but the cost to rent is high (comparable to some City prices because of the lack of accommodations available), so it just makes sense to make this investment rather then throwing away all that money, but what happens in a few years once I am an all new and improved me and I want to go out and explore the world?? I am not sure how it would be to sell a home, they don't move fast since no one wants to move to Chapleau, rather people are leaving because of the Lumber mill closing. My Boy friend has a great & stable job though which pays really well and he wants nothing more then to set up shop and live here for the rest of his life, I am just not sure if I am ready to pack it all in yet and become the content little house wife who is borde out of my mind... Hmmm decisions, decisions.
Ontario Forum Post: Don't Give Up if you want the DS!
Dec 12, 2008
Recently it seems that many people in Ontario are starting to get denied for Out of Country Weight Loss Surgery, more in particular for the (DS) Duodenal Switch. I find this very upsetting because in my personal opinion and after much research and after seeing first hand the results of friends who have had this procedure, I feel that the DS is one of the Best weight loss surgical options currently available. Here is a comparison table: http://www.oaklandbariatrics.com/table.html
Of course everyone has their own thoughts and ideas about what will work best for them, but I am frustrated when I hear about people who Choose the DS as their Best option then are denied and told that they will only have funding approved for a different weight loss procedure provided within the Country. This is a very big decision and one not to be taken lightly. It is very hard to try for years to resolve our issues with weight and then to be denied on top of that, some people may choose to settle on a different surgery because they feel that is their only option, but I have to say DON'T GIVE UP!! Fight for what you want, this is your life we are talking about and no one can decide what is best for your life other then you! I was recently approved to have Out of Country DS surgery. On the 4th of February of the new year I will have my operation performed my Dr. Marek Lutrzykowski in Michigan. I was lucky enough to have friends who had just had the procedure and they helped walk me through the application process. Here are some helpful tips: Make sure Prior Approval Application Form for out of Country Surgery is filled out correctly by yourself and your family Physician. (Very Important). Send a letter along with your application forms, list what you have been living with, all of your Co-morbates, any aches, pains, joint problems, depression, anxiety, and so on. It is also good to get tested for Sleep Apnea, because if you suffer from this condition it will Greatly improve your chances for approval. If you are able to, obtain a copy of your medical records, go through it and make a list of all of the weight related issues you have experience throughout the years, and state how long you have been struggling with a weight problem, include this as a Summery of your medical chart. Finally to add icing to the cake ~ Include one page which lists the benefits of having the DS Surgery rather then other weight loss procedures ( I just added the chart which I linked above) and if you are comfortable enough to do so, add current Pictures of yourself. By doing all of these things you will be showing that you have done your research, that you want THIS surgery, and that you are willing to put in the time and effort that is required. I hope that this will be of some help for any of you out there who have been denied or are thinking of going the DS route, remember Don't Give Up! Here is a link to Dr.L web site it will explain about the DS Surgery and answer some questions you may have, it's a start. http://www.oaklandbariatrics.com/home.html
~Best Wishes~ Crystal
Of course everyone has their own thoughts and ideas about what will work best for them, but I am frustrated when I hear about people who Choose the DS as their Best option then are denied and told that they will only have funding approved for a different weight loss procedure provided within the Country. This is a very big decision and one not to be taken lightly. It is very hard to try for years to resolve our issues with weight and then to be denied on top of that, some people may choose to settle on a different surgery because they feel that is their only option, but I have to say DON'T GIVE UP!! Fight for what you want, this is your life we are talking about and no one can decide what is best for your life other then you! I was recently approved to have Out of Country DS surgery. On the 4th of February of the new year I will have my operation performed my Dr. Marek Lutrzykowski in Michigan. I was lucky enough to have friends who had just had the procedure and they helped walk me through the application process. Here are some helpful tips: Make sure Prior Approval Application Form for out of Country Surgery is filled out correctly by yourself and your family Physician. (Very Important). Send a letter along with your application forms, list what you have been living with, all of your Co-morbates, any aches, pains, joint problems, depression, anxiety, and so on. It is also good to get tested for Sleep Apnea, because if you suffer from this condition it will Greatly improve your chances for approval. If you are able to, obtain a copy of your medical records, go through it and make a list of all of the weight related issues you have experience throughout the years, and state how long you have been struggling with a weight problem, include this as a Summery of your medical chart. Finally to add icing to the cake ~ Include one page which lists the benefits of having the DS Surgery rather then other weight loss procedures ( I just added the chart which I linked above) and if you are comfortable enough to do so, add current Pictures of yourself. By doing all of these things you will be showing that you have done your research, that you want THIS surgery, and that you are willing to put in the time and effort that is required. I hope that this will be of some help for any of you out there who have been denied or are thinking of going the DS route, remember Don't Give Up! Here is a link to Dr.L web site it will explain about the DS Surgery and answer some questions you may have, it's a start. http://www.oaklandbariatrics.com/home.html
~Best Wishes~ Crystal
Doing Good on Diet But Bouncing Off the Walls!!
Dec 12, 2008
Ok so I have been doing the diet thing for a week now, and other then the fact that I am not doing a lot of exercising, I am eating really healthy and in moderation. I must admit though I did not think I would have this much energy!! I mean I am bouncing off the walls!! I never realized how much my poor food choices where effecting my day to day life, I was so tiered and grumpy, and just plain depressed, but now I am feeling so much better and it has only been a week! I can barley sleep though.. and I am a little worried.. My friend who just had her surgery a few months ago said she has a lot more energy too but now she doesn't know what to do with herself. I live in a very very small Northern Ontario town and there is very little to do here. I don't have kids, am currently not working, have not made any local friends (Since I moved here not too long ago and am a tad anti-social because I don't speak french and everyone else does), and I don't watch TV. Since I don't have it hooked up. I am an artist and that does use up some of my time, but doesn't let me move around.. I am also a big Internet geek girl who plays on-line games, but I find myself getting so bored with all that now that I have more energy. I am just not sure what to do with my time??? I am Pre-op and can't do many winter activities since I don't own a winter coat only a flimsy fall one, Hmmm I know excuses excuses... I must say I am looking forward to all of the things I will be able to do Post-op! I want to snowmobile, go skiing, be able to go ice skating again, and all that fun stuff. What was I thinking moving to the middle of the bush where the Winters are long! I am a City girl at heart.. ok well small Cities if I can live on the outskirts by some greenery. But I mean really, what was I thinking! *Giggles* I have to drive 2 and a half hours just to go to the nearest mall, movie theater, clothing store, ect. Well I guess that's my little pessimistic rant for the day 
Hmmmmm what to do now???
Hmmmmm what to do now???
Met The Man Who Will Change My Life Forever
Dec 11, 2008
So I Met Dr. L Last Week On The 5th. of December & It has finally struck me! This Is happening!! I am approved and going to be having the DS Surgery. Dr. L Is not what I expected.. he was so nice, and down to earth, I was very comfortable with him and the staff, I couldn't stop smiling and I did not feel judged for even one second. I know what's in store for me and I have been following a strickt diet for a week now, doing good but I hope I will lose all the weight he wants me to before my surgery, I must be honest I have not been working out much :( I am Due for my surgery on Wednesday February 4th. at 7:30am. I am trying to lose 20lbs. before that, *Fingers Crossed* I am starting my New Life!
*First Apt. With Dr. L on December 5th. 2008 Fingers Crossed*
Nov 12, 2008
So the date has been set for my first official appointment with Dr. L I am both excited and nervous. I always seem to sweat the small stuff and as of yet I have not received the official letter from OHIP stating that I have been approved for out-of-Country funding. I am keeping my *Fingers crossed* that everything will go smoothly. I just got my Passport in yesterday which is one less stress. For now I am doing as much reading and research as i can to prepair myself on what I can expect post-op.
About Me
Chapleau, ON
Location
51.3
BMI
Nov 12, 2008
Member Since
