Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group
Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.
Anyone that has followed my story may know of my trials and tribulations getting to Traverse City Michigan.
Recently my Canadian application at Humber River Hospital in Toronto came through.
I was so frustrated I wasn't going to even show at my appointment to see Dr. Sullivan in Toronto.
However my doctor (who would be ecstatic if I had the surgery in Canada) convinced me to go.
Well I feel like I came out the big lottery winner because the secretary (who was uncharacteristically nice that day) squeezed in my appointments with the social worker and the dietitian who both approved me on the spot.
Dr Sullivan told me to call for my next appointment in a couple days and he will try to schedule the surgery on the March 5 date which is my date in the U.S.
I made it clear that I needed to know their intentions as I would have the surgery in the states otherwise.
As many of my fellow countrymen and women know it is to my to my extreme advantage to have this surgery in Canada.
If I have the surgery out of country and anything should happen beyond 90 days I would have to reapply for insurance and that alone has pr oven to be a big problem for some people.
I have to go back Feb 22 for the mandatory class.
I hope to have my appointment with the surgeon that day.
My friend says I should try to make an appointment with the internist Dr. Glazer (in the same building) for the same day.
Does anyone else know what else I might need to do?
Also where can I get Optifast quick.
I am going to have to postpone my surgery in the states but I am not canceling quite yet.
Recently my Canadian application at Humber River Hospital in Toronto came through.
I was so frustrated I wasn't going to even show at my appointment to see Dr. Sullivan in Toronto.
However my doctor (who would be ecstatic if I had the surgery in Canada) convinced me to go.
Well I feel like I came out the big lottery winner because the secretary (who was uncharacteristically nice that day) squeezed in my appointments with the social worker and the dietitian who both approved me on the spot.
Dr Sullivan told me to call for my next appointment in a couple days and he will try to schedule the surgery on the March 5 date which is my date in the U.S.
I made it clear that I needed to know their intentions as I would have the surgery in the states otherwise.
As many of my fellow countrymen and women know it is to my to my extreme advantage to have this surgery in Canada.
If I have the surgery out of country and anything should happen beyond 90 days I would have to reapply for insurance and that alone has pr oven to be a big problem for some people.
I have to go back Feb 22 for the mandatory class.
I hope to have my appointment with the surgeon that day.
My friend says I should try to make an appointment with the internist Dr. Glazer (in the same building) for the same day.
Does anyone else know what else I might need to do?
Also where can I get Optifast quick.
I am going to have to postpone my surgery in the states but I am not canceling quite yet.
AWESOME>..glad things are going your way.
Optifast- you buy it right at the doctors office. $100 for a week supply. they will tell you how many weeks you need to do. It depends on your weight. This amount is not covered by OHIP and is only purchaseable at the doctors. They only take cash...so go to the bank machine before your appt.
The secretary at the doctors office is almost always nice...its the one at the social worker/dietician office (Dina) that can be kinda crusty...LOL
The states uses a product called Unjury.
A 2 week supply runs about 60 bucks plus shipping.
Since it is the same diet for the same reasons I don't see the difference.
I am kind of ticked that the Optifast is so expensive (although I am prepared to do what I have to)
The secretary has not been helpful (to me at least, until now). She even went as far as to tell me she does not have a computer(as if)
The dietitian had to admit I knew my stuff also we both have Persian kitties so we had some common ground and I found her pretty easy to talk to. However you are not the first person to mention this :)
The social worker was tough as well.
Having now done both the States and Canada I can say there are differences.
The states impresses me as very professional but they are there to do this surgery and pass you through pretty quick.
Had I been a person who they had issues with I don't know how it would have went (I am glad I wasn't)
Canada seems to have an almost antagonistic approach.
This is not the first time I have encountered this attitude in Canada with regard to this surgery.
I see Optifast on Ebay... Hmmm
Did you have to see an internist?
I am just wondering if everyone has to see one.
I did have a stress test for the States because I have high BP and have had a stroke.
My Dr can fax this to Toronto as well as bloodwork done for the U.S. and my recent physical.
I am pretty pumped.
I just don't want anything unexpected to mess this up.
AND....i think I have a case or two of Optifast in the cupboard.
I hated the stuff.
I"m going to go check it and make sure there isn't an expiry....
I know you mentioned you used to live in Oshawa....are you still close enough that I could give it to you if its all good....
(going to check now) BRB
He doesn't have a car so getting around is hard for him.
I could send you some cash through internet email for you to mail it to me.
Wow this would really be a break.
Please let me know and thanks Aey :)
Its been in my cupboard since October last year...
you can still have it if you want...
I live just off Rossland... and I can drop it to him...I drive
just send me a private message and we can work it out there if you want..
Thanks K
I saw a physiologist in the States and a social worker in Canada.
I sent you a message this morning K :)
Dam spell check :)
Thanks