Cindy F.

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This was a quick appointment, only about 15 - 20 minutes. I was down 13 lbs and for someone who hadn't been weighing at home, it was a nice confirmation that I was staying on track - no cheating - and the scale reflected that. The appointment consisted of the weigh-in, taking vitals, a nose and rectum swab (you can do this yourself or Monique will) to test for MRSA, and just a last run through of pre-surgery instructions. Monqiue is as excited for us as we are which is fabulous, what a resource. She'll go over any final questions you may have and is so reassuring.

A couple of things she did share with me is that if us sleevers need to take antibiotics in the future, we'll have to take Tecta (prescription) or Zantac with it. The antibiotics are too hard on our stomachs so the Zantac will coat it. She also reminded me that we should only use acetaminophen, ie, Tylenol, not anti-inflammatory's, ie, Alieve.

She mentioned that two people who had been scheduled to be sleeved that morning had to be canceled as there were no beds available the ICU. She said that only happened maybe 2 times last year so hopefully the odds are on my side!

I also stopped by Medical Records, which is located right across from where the check-in / admissions desk is (where you register and get your yellow paper bracelet) to request a copy of all my appointments for last year. They'll have you fill out a form, show two pieces of government issued ID, and let you know they'll mail it out to you in a few days. This will be used for tax purposes. Monique let me know Dr. B. will give me a doctor's note for time off work when he comes to check in with me the morning after surgery.

My next posting will hopefully be post-surgery!

I got the call on Tuesday, January 15th, that my surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, February 5th - in 3 weeks!! Pre-admission testing was scheduled for January 17th, so a very fast turn-around time.  I was told my surgery was 9 am but Monique clarified that I have to be there for 9 am and the actual surgery is 11 am.

When you arrive at the hospital, you go to information, they direct you to pre-admission testing, they'll sign you in, give you your hospital bracelet like when you visit the bariatric centre, a list of tests and send you to see Monique. I was with her for about an hour and went over many forms, again, getting vitals taken. The respiratory therapist came in to show me how to use the device they use after surgery for clearing your lungs (one of those clear plastic machines with the balls in it, that you blow into and make the balls rise).  Monique went over many of the risk factors and signs of trouble you may encounter after surgery (fever is a sign of a leak, and a warm red lump on your calf is a sign of a blood clot in your leg that can travel up through your body, and laboured breathing a sign of one in your lungs). She reviewed the do's and don't's after surgery and what to expect.

I then met with Rinette who went over the diet plan pre and post op. This was more interesting then when it was reviewed during the all-day info session. She talked about the importance of the various stages and why doing the pureed stage is needed to help the stomach adjust to some consistency. Some try to go right from liquids (and do liquids during the pureed stage) to soft foods and their stomachs don't always adjust or handle it well.  She gave me the information for the shakes and gave me a sample. She noted that it's easier on your body if you can start decreasing calories / meals in advance of the 2 week pre-op diet. It's not such a shock to your body when you drop down to 900 calories (I think that's what the count was) per day.

From here, I went for blood work, x-rays (which took an hour and a half! the wait was crazy) and ECG (literally only 5 minutes with maybe a 5 minute wait). I began with Information at 10:00 and ended my day with the ECG at 2:00. It was a full, intense day!  I ordered my shakes before leaving and the vanilla was back-ordered (which I wasn't happy about!!) so I ordered chocolate shakes and some bars. They assured me they should be here on Monday, in advance of starting on Tuesday.

My appointment for the pre-op weigh-in (to confirm I'm losing weight and following the shake diet) is Tuesday, January 29th, one week after starting the shakes and one week before surgery. I figured out that it will be 5 trips to Moncton (from Charlottetown) in the next 9 weeks!

I was excited to sign off on my surgery papers. It began with a visit with Monique, who took my vitals and went over my information again. I then met with Dr. B. who flipped through many forms, filling in what he needed to. He asked me what was the worst thing that could happen in surgery and I said death which was correct.  Leaks are also a risk.  The only thing I'm on is the pill and he advised me to stop taking this in advance of surgery as it increases the risk of blood clots. He had me initial / sign in a few places but it was over in about 5 minutes. He didn't have much to say so it was sort of anti-climatic but yet exciting because it's all signed and official!

Now I just wait for my surgery date.

It's been a test of patience waiting for the Psych part of the process to be dealt with! We were told at our all-day session that it would be 2-3 months before we got in to see Julie. Jump ahead to October and I find out that the process is changing slightly because Julie isn't keeping up with the demand (probably because she's making most patients come twice instead of once as per the previous practice). The questionnaire is being created to replace the one-hour first meeting with Julie where she gathers information about you and your history. This process was put in place to speed it up but it doesn't appear to have worked.

I received my questionnaire the following week and returned it (mail) that evening. Four weeks later, I call because I've heard that someone in my same all-day session, who returned his questionnaire the day after I did, heard back from her 10 days later and received an appointment the next week to sign off his consent forms. I found this whole process very frustrating as there was no rhyme or reason to it. Mine should have been received at the same time as his yet I'm a month behind?! I'm having a hard time moving past that.

I finally heard back from Julie on Thursday, November 8th and she's put my name forward for surgery approval but would still like to see me before surgery.  That's fine, I have no issue with that and she let me know she'll try and arrange her visit with my consent visit to save an extra trip.  I called Dr. B's receptionist on Friday, November 9th but they're not open on Friday's. I called to book my appointment for surgery sign-off on Monday, November 12th but was informed she's off for a week and no one else books these appointments. Yet another delay! Ugh.

Today, Monday, November 19th, I got through to Nathalie and was FINALLY able to make an appointment for Friday, November 23rd.  She'll let Julie's office know of my appointment and see if they can schedule me for that same day. I'm excited to finally have my appointment!

I was excited to finally attend the all day info session at the George Dumont Hospital.  I was told that it was from 8 am - 4/4:30 pm but it actually didn't start until 8:30 am. You register the same way you did at the first consult and then Monique (sp?) the nurse takes you all to a small meeting room (next to the waiting room when you first register).  There were four others besides myself, one male, one sleever who was getting the by-pass. Having someone who already had the sleeve was helpful. She has been successful with the sleeve but is moving onto the next step for her, the by-pass.

The nurse and dietitian distributed handouts (PowerPoint 3-page Notes format). Monique gave an overview of the surgeries, the causes of obesity, the pros and cons of surgery, what happens the day of surgery, outlines visits expected prior to surgery, pre-op testing, reviewed complications related to obesity and surgery, and discussed plastic surgery realities post surgery.

She stressed that we should consider getting healthy habits in place before the psych visit and making small changes to our diet (at the least).  She noted that surgery will take place approximately 2 - 3 months after the psych visit. The psychologist resident explained later that her wait time now is approximately 3 months. So I'm expecting to have surgery in December as the best case scenario.

Rhnette (sp?) the dietitian explained the reasons for avoiding concentrated sugars and high fat foods (dumping syndrome for by-pass patients), that surgery will allow us to lose weight and maintain but only if we change our habits and make healthy choices. She explained why some people regain their weight, went over the pre-op diet and the products we can use at that time. The products are designed for bariatric patients and the shakes / bars are approximately $190 for the two week supply - 4 servings daily. They are ordered using a credit card but there is a Plan B (Boost?) for those who don't have a credit card. She went over the reason for the pre-op liquid diet (shrinking the liver as it has to be lifted out of the way during surgery), what to expect the first couple of days after surgery and the reason for the post-surgery diet (to let the sutures heal and wait for the swelling to subside).  She explained that you should NEVER drink carbonated drinks after the surgery as it expands your sleeve, leaving little room for food, plus there's no nutritional value to it. A multi-vitamin, B-12, Calcium, and iron supplements will have to be taken daily for the rest of our lives to ensure we're not vitamin deficit. This and a protein rich diet will help cut back on hair loss post-surgery. Those who smoke, will have to quit 3 weeks pre-op.

We then broke for lunch (on-site in the cafeteria or there's a canteen that serves sandwiches, sweets and a few meals, with tables and chairs in the lobby) and resumed with Julie, the psychologist resident.  She went over why we should be clear on our motives for surgery as these will help us succeed long term. She talked about the emotions linked to eating, the importance of sleep and exercise, developing healthy habits, ways to maintain positive changes, our self image / esteem, and social relationships.

Nancy, the physiotherapist wasn't available but did supply a handout. It notes that an initial evaluation of our general condition will be assessed at 6 - 8 weeks post-op.  The physiotherapist, psychologist, dietitian, and nurse are all available to patients for as long as they need their services post-op (as long as it's related to the surgery) which was nice to hear / know.

The day ended with a visit from a patient who was sleeved in September. She was initially 380 lbs but was down to 330lbs by surgery (I think I have those numbers right). She is now under 200 lbs........in 10 months!  She was a fabulous speaker and her experience was invaluable. She explained what worked well for her and what didn't. The emotions she went through, she had a lot of anger for a period, she noted that she has exercised very little to date, that she has a lot of loose skin but that she feels amazing. She noted that she's done well because she's stuck with the post op diet (high protein, vegetables, fruits). She has a friend who's also had the surgery but hasn't done as well because of her food choices (she still eats poutine).  She no longer takes medications and has vast amounts of energy.  She noted that her husband has lost a lot of weight because of the healthier meals being prepared. She had such a positive, happy energy, it was the perfect way to end the session.

Although a full day, I'm really glad to have it behind me, and over and done with in one day.  I'm glad I took a lot of notes as
I know I wouldn't have retained it (ie, I thought the psychologist said surgery would be 2- 3 weeks after her visit but looking at my notes, it 's 2 - 3 months, which is quite a difference!).

My next step is to wait for an appointment with the psychologist. She makes her own appointments, so the nurse, dietitian, etc, have no access / knowledge of Julie's schedule and shouldn't be called for info.  I'm expecting the appointment to take place in October.

My appointment was made for the all-day info session! It will be from 0800 - 1600/1630 on July 10th at the George Dumont hospital, the same admitting process as the consult. I'm looking forward to this next step in the process and am surprised at how quickly (relatively) things are moving along. 

I finally had my initial meeting with Dr. Sylvain Beausoleil at the George Dumont Hospital in Moncton NB! Although it's only been 2 months since I first received the call to make the appointment but it seemed to take forever to get here.

I met with Monique first. She was on time and as sweet and kind and fun as everyone says. She took my weight, height, temperature, blood pressure and pulse. She asked me about which surgery I was interested in and showed me a plastic model stomach with a line on it that would represent what mine would look like with the VSG (sleeve). She explained that it would start out the size of a pen and after a year or so of stretching, end up the size of a highlighter.  She did due diligence and explained that it was a tool but that I was expected to change my lifestyle habits and do the work to get the results I wanted. I have to give up my diet cola addiction before surgery!

She went over the process of next steps. She explained that there would be a mandatory all-day information session that patients would attend and herself, the nutritionist, and psychiatrist (and possibly someone else, I forget) would provide information and answer any questions we had. There would be a T/F test at the end of it to document that we understood the information. This would be kept on our files. 

We would have an appointment with a psychiatrist after that to make sure we're prepared for surgery and the new lifestyle it brings. After that, I understand there would be another meeting with Monique and the doctor, another trip for pre-surgery testing and then the surgery. I may not have that exactly right though.

I then met with the doctor and he's how others described him. Lovely but a little shy at first. He went over a few of the complications that are possible when I asked and agreed that the sleeve surgery would be his recommendation for me. I was happy we were in agreement!  He talked a little bit about his history and how the program has evolved to what it is today. When asked, he noted that he performs a size 34 bougie sleeve. He said he does this because the surgeon he trained with (I think that's what he said) in Florida, performs that. He's a best practice size and this surgeon has been widely published so he's comfortable with this size.

I didn't have a lot of questions for Monique or the doctor because a few local ladies have done such a great job of answering my many, many questions. Please review the NB forum's as there's so much information on them. One thing that did surprise me was that he doesn't do a leak test. He said he can clearly see when he's performing surgery whether there's a leak or not. That the staples should be lined up in such a way that it's evident. he double checks the seam before exiting. He does not use a drain which I've heard some believe, speeds up the healing / recovery time.  Staples are used on the laparoscopic incisions that are removed 3 weeks later (by Monique) and follow-up appointments post-op happen at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and then annually. An overnight stay in the ICU is standard after surgery and Dr. B. will check on you in the morning and release you if there are no complications.

My appointment was at 2 pm and I left the hospital around 3:10 pm, so it was a quick process with no waiting. Now I wait for the all-day info session.  June's sessions are full and there's only one scheduled so far in July, with trying to coordinate everyone's summer holiday's, I don't suspect I'll get to one until August. Monique figured my surgery would be around the holidays, possibly right after. Although do-able, it would be quite a test to have to do the two week liquid fast over Christmas!  So December or January will be a time to look forward to, a good way to start the new year and a new me.

I have an appointment with Dr. MacLean, the plastic surgeon, on July 5th to remove a small spot on the back of my hand. While I'm there, I'm going to ask him what is needed to get plastics approved for after weight loss. Ie, what documentation and timeframe is needed to build a case for provincial coverage. I'd probably get it done in Moncton but hopefully he can give me some direction on this matter. I have an 'apron' on my stomach and a lot of fat on the front of my thighs / legs and the back of my arms so it's definitely going to be required.

I have to say, I feel much more at ease now that I've gotten my initial consult out of the way. I'm happy that the doctor supported my surgery choice and now this is now just a matter of time. I know I will be able to do the work required and will success, this is without a doubt within my power. I'm looking forward to what future holds.

My referral for surgery was sent in 2004. I had a consult with a Dr. MacDonald in Halifax in the spring of 2005. At that time the gastric bypass was the only surgery available. Dr. MacDonald did not recommend the surgery for me because I didn't NEED it. I didn't have any health issues or anything holding me back from losing the excess weight on my own.  Because there are so many complications possible with the surgery he didn't encourage this option. The lap band wasn't covered or available in this region yet. The closest hospital was in Montreal and I'd have to pay for the actual band, only the surgery would be covered. This would be a 12 hour drive one-way. I told Dr. MacDonald to keep my name on the list and when it came time for actual surgery for me, I'd make my decision then.

Fast forward to 2012. I've dieted and exercised and lost weight a number of times since 2005. I've been on a medically supervised drug trial with Pfizer, have tried Atkins, Herbal Magic, and my own willpower. I've had limited success with losing and then keeping it off (about 70 lbs each time). 

I received a call from the bariatric clinic  in NB asking if I was still interested in surgery? Since I'm back up to the weight I was in 2004, I said 'yes' and asked what surgeries were now available (lap band, gastric bypass and VSG).  My initial consult with the surgeon was scheduled for June 04, 2012. Needless to say, I was estastic for this opportunity!

I'm 40, 5'6", low 300's, not married, no children, work full time (M-F, 8-4), and, knock on wood, continue to have no health issues nor take any medications.

I wanted to document my journey but moreso the FAQ's side of it, as opposed to a personal blog. Many ladies who have had this surgery in Charlottetown / PEI have been a wealth of information for me and have truly been a blessing. I'm hoping to pay that forward with blogging about the VSG journey in NB.