Gastric Sleeve. NEW WOMAN! - Mount-Royal, QC

Ok so my journey started with a chance discussion with our new receptionist that I had just hired. I was overweight, diabetic, had high blood pressure and had trouble catching my breath going up the stairs. My weight at the highest was 220 lbs and I only know that because I had to weigh myself at the surgeon’s office.

I started all of this because no dieting or pills or anything was working. I kept losing and gaining and when I gained, I gained more than before.

After speaking with the new receptionist, she urged me to make an appointment with her surgeon. Concerned about the cost I was hesitant. But she said that if my BMI was over 40, it may be covered by our Medicare system in Quebec.

I made an appointment in June of 2011. I believe that the appointment was only in December 2011 where I met with Martine (Dr.Garneau’s amazing nurse), who weighed me and explained to me procedures and details. I was psyched!

My next appointment was with Dr.Garneau, who said that I was eligible to get the surgery done via our Medicare system (instead of paying $22,000.00! which I did not have). He said that a Gastric Sleeve was my best option since I was healthy other than the issues that I had.

The next time I heard from anyone was the hospital who requested that I attend a meeting with the nutritionist. There were many people who were there. We were all given information relating to pre and post nutrition. It really seemed unreal. There was a very specific diet that had to be followed pre surgery which included Optifast shakes and basically vegetables. Being an enthusiastic internet browser and (what I consider to be) gourmet, I started doing my homework. This was not going to be easy.

In June of 2012, I finally got a call that my surgery date was going to be mid June. I arranged with work to have the necessary time off (assuming 2 weeks was enough). Unfortunately there was a mix up between the hospital and the medical clinic where the procedure would take place and so my surgery was postponed.

Then I got a last minute call on Sept 1, 2012 from Martine. She said that my surgical date was going to be on September 6, 2012 (6 days away!). Did I have enough time for my pre op diet (they asked that we did it for 2 weeks)! Nothing would stop me from doing this and Martine said we were a go!

I got to the clinic (which I may say was amazingly modern and clean) and I was ready for surgery. Upon awakening I was a little sore and asked for pain medication, but otherwise felt fine. Actually I think I was annoying because I kept joking and just waiting for my husband to pick me up. They said that I should leave at 7:00 PM but left at 4:00 PM.

Well I paid for it! At around 7:00 PM the anesthesia wore off at home and pain set in. I have to say it really wasn’t too bad but the meds made a big difference.

My mother-in-law stayed with me for a couple of days since hubby had to work and I had no idea what kind of shape I’d be in. I had heard horror stories online. Actually I felt well pretty quickly. The hardest part was eating jello with Beneprotein (really nasty stuff). The post diet is very strict to make sure that you do not over do it. Even if you want to you could not in any case!

I had my book from the nutritionist meeting that I had which told me exactly what I was to eat. Bread, I think, was week 4 or 5. Meat was week 4 as well (I think! I’ve slet a few time since then!).

A few things that is important to note:
• Constipation – you need to get suppositories for it and have someone help you with that since you will not feel well enough to bend over and do it yourself.
• Medication malabsortion. Medications I was taking were no longer as effective as they were, in order for them to work properly, I need to either chew (yuk!) or get liquid meds (including liquid laxative! double Yuk!)
• Fainting or “losing you legs” as I call it. For no apparent reason I would faint or almost faint. Not sure why exactly but it was 6 weeks into the surgery when it subsided, but still happens here and there. I believe the initial reason was due to the medication for my high blood pressure and diabetes. As I reduced these meds my fainting spells subsided. There are still times that I feel that way but I can feel when that is about to happen and I sit myself down.
• Buffets – not worth it anymore.
• Either developed or accentuated a gluten intolerance that I was not aware of which means I’m now gluten free (kind of sucks)!

PROS:
• I can actually shop anywhere now, not just in PLUS size stores
• Halved the diabetes and blood pressure pills
• 70% (so far) of the excess weight is gone (current weight 148). Doctor wants me to lose 20 more lbs.
• Able to walk up the stairs easily
• Doing some exercise (first in my book!)
• Able to keep up with my Grandson!
• Compliments (although I have to say that is a double edge sword. )

Anoyances:
• People keep asking me if I’m happier… no I’m not. Just smaller. I loved my husband and have a good family life regardless. It’s a little insulting to assume that this has made me a happier person.
• My insecurities with my body. Still feel fat, still see the back fat when I wear something too close to my body.
• Gluten intolerance sucks. Probably was just accentuated with a smaller stomach
• Wanting to eat more but throwing up if I do (Good and Bad). Keeps me clean
• Metabolization of drugs and alcohol is completely different and still trying to adjust to not overdo either.

I found that the best pre-post nutritional information is on the site of the place where I had the surgery. You may want to see this http://rocklandmd.com/CLINIQUE%20MEDICALE/files/pdf/Guide%20alim-anglais.pdf for more information