health4life

My name is Ani. I had VSG in Mexico last year, and I have had wonderful results. It has cured my diabetes, and I am only 14.5 lbs from goal!!! Woohoo!!!
I am inquiring about this surgery in Alberta for my son. He is 25, has type 2 diabetes, and has a BMI of 41.
We are in the Red Deer area, and just had an appointment with his PCP who agreed to a referal. We are getting a consult with Dr Ferries...but I know he does not do the VSG, (not yet anyhow). I am suspecting that the consult is going to take about a year, and I am wondering...should we just stick with seeing him, or should we look at the cities, Calgary or Edmonton. Someone told me that the Weight Wise clinic in Edmonton does do the sleeve, but it can take up to 3 years for a consult?? Does that sound right? That seems a bit rediculous doesn't it?
I wish we could afford to self pay for him, but it just isn't feesable at this time.
Any info you can pass along will be helpful, and I thank you in advance.

Tmac

Welcome, Ani. I wish I could offer advice, but I'm not in your part of the country. It always perks my interest when I see a posting about a VSG. I plan to have the same surgery, so I'm always seeking out people who have been through it. Did Dr. Alverez do your surgery in Mexico? I've been to his web site a ton and it looks like a nice clinic. I'm still trying to figure where to get this done, as I'll also be a self-pay. Good luck with your son.

Tmac

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Tmac
Surgeon: Dr. Trace Curry
surgery date: June 1, 2009

health4life

This surgery has truely saved my life...and personally I believe that before long it will be known as the "golden standard" for bariatric surgeries. No worries about future health problems because I don't have any malabsorption issues!! No problems with taking any medications, including NSAIDS. 5 year studies have been published showing that there is considerable regain after year 4...but back then they used a much bigger bougie, a 48 I believe, which is the same size they use for the DS. Now they use a 32-36 bougie(most commonly), so I am sure the studies to come are going to show just how magnificant this surgery really is!!! I didn't use Dr A...but I would highly recommend him! I went to Dr Joya in Puerto Vallarta, and I also highly reccommend him as well. It was the best care I have ever received in my life! 2 patients to 1 nurse...You NEVER will see that here! The hospital was kept immaculately clean!!! It was an amazing experience! I only wish I could afford to take my son there for his surgery, but I can't. Well, thanks for replying anyway! It sounds like, from the research I have done, that my son is just going to have to wait, and wait and wait...but eventually we will get him healthy too!