ODSP and Gastric Bypass Surgery

[slideshowstan]

anyone have any info on gastric bypass and being on ODSP? any help
will would be great

[Darren M]

slideshow if you want to email me direct i can help you or my wife.    she had gastric bypass in 2009  in the states. odsp dose not cover it you have to see your doctor and tell them you want it and start the paper work.  My had it in the states because the waiting list was a lot longer in canada. Ohip covered 100% of the surgery.  she started the paper work in feb, there was a prpb and the paper work was sent back.  it was again sent out in march.  took less then a month and she go the okay from odsp and she called the doctor in new york state on the thursday and had her first apointment the  next monday.  then 3 months later had the surgery,   like i said you can email us direct!!!!!

[Darren M]

hey sorry for the bad spelling. I  was rushing because we were going out lol.   

[wheelchairdemon]

My understanding from someone else who went through it, is that ODSP
will not cover the protein drinks and other special diet things that are
needed. She went into big debt and eventually had to declare
bankruptcy. She's now through the surgery, losing weight, getting
healthier, and doing well. She's not bitter about the lack of funding
but she, like the rest of us, have to ask why she had to go bankrupt to
look after her health.

Louise

[Darren M]

My wife didnt have to file for bankruptcy!!!!! when she saw the doctor 2 or 3 months before surgery and  all he wanted her to eat was Michelina's for breakfast lunch and dinner!!!  and fruit and water.   it worked she lost 50 pounds before surgery.  she had to have protein drinks for a month after.  that was it.  she has to take vitamins for the rest of her life.   But she buys them when wal-mart or shoppers has them on sale when they are buy 1 get 1 free.   my wife is getting the special diet but thats only I think $20 a month.  that does not buy a whole lot. 

[corrinna]

Gastric Bypass is no longer covered by OHIP, and as far as I know, has no
relevance to ODSP in an income or provision way.

--------------------------------------------------
From: "slideshowstan" <slides...@gmail.com>

[wheelchairdemon]

When did that change? The person I know who had it, had it done less
than a year ago at the Humber Hospital in the Toronto area.

She had to go there because there aren't many hospitals that do the
procedure, however OHIP did pay for it.

The other challenge she had was that it was only kept in the hospital
one day after it was done. Then she had to stay at the Holiday Inn
across the road from the hospital for a week. ODSP would not cover her
whole stay or that of the church member who had to stay with her because
she could not stay alone and had no family who could join her.

That was another issue that added to her debt. The bankruptcy I referred
to earlier was also careless spending. When she had to start paying for
all these extras to get the surgery she went into debt. Then when she
realized it would be impossible to bail herself out of it, she lost hope
and went quite a bit overboard. Fortunately she's back on her feet and,
as she lost the weight and started to feel better, she's managed to get
other parts of her lift back into control as well.

Sadly, this person has had a rough life and has not had a lot of
support, so I think she can be forgiven for not having a clue how to
handle certain situations. She cannot get a social worker or support
person to help her learn how to do the daily activities of living.

Louise

[Shelley Blidner]

February 23, 2009

NEWS
As part of Ontario's diabetes strategy, the province is increasing bariatric
surgery capacity by 500% over the next three years.

Ontario is investing $75 million to increase bariatric surgery capacity,
also known as gastric bypass surgery, from 244 to 1,470 a year at four
centres of excellence by 2011/2012. Today's announcement will help :

a.. St. Joseph's HealthCare Hamilton provide 450 surgeries a year
b.. Humber River Regional Hospital provide 330 surgeries a year
c.. Guelph General Hospital provide 240 surgeries a year, and
d.. The Ottawa Hospital provide 450 surgeries a year.
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and Hamilton Health Sciences will form the
hub of the centres of excellence.

This initiative is part of the province's comprehensive diabetes strategy
that will invest $741 million over four years to prevent, manage and treat
diabetes. It will also decrease pressure on Ontario's Out of Country
Program, saving approximately $10,000 for every bariatric case done here and
not sent to the United States.

----- Original Message -----
From: "corrinna" <corrinna...@gmail.com>

[corrinna]

Do you mind if I ask what her SDA is for? Is it directly related to the surgery?

[corrinna]

I am very very glad for her though, not that she went
bankrupt, but that she is able to be healthier and find
a better quality of life. It is no easy undertaking to lose
such a profound amount of weight. Good for her. I wish
her happiness and continued success.

--------------------------------------------------
From: "wheelchairdemon" <wheelch...@gmail.com>

[corrinna]

Yes yes, I did read that, and have no problem with
that, I am glad that my information was out of date.
It is a good thing, and I have no problem with being
incorrect, yet I know without a doubt that the information
I had was also factual, if not out of date. I have already
been privately emailed by members a few times to be
chastised for not being perfect. As with others who have
expressed their views on the group, I will be far more reticent to
share because after all, my imperfection is apparently a rare disease.
This is not directed at you Shelley, I am simply replying to the last post.

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Shelley Blidner" <shelley.b...@sympatico.ca>

[Uppity Woman]

What a shame that they will pay to have your insides rearranged, with all the risks that carries (it's a high risk surgery), yet they won't pay for the gastric banding, which is much safer.   Uppity     -------Original Message-------

From: Shelley Blidner Date: 21/04/2011 8:25:39 AM To: odspfi...@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: [odspfireside: 36472 ] ODSP and Gastric Bypass Surgery   February 23, 2009   NEWS As part of Ontario's diabetes strategy, the province is increasing bariatric surgery capacity by 500% over the next three years.   Ontario is investing $75 million to increase bariatric surgery capacity, also known as gastric bypass surgery, from 244 to 1,470 a year at four centres of excellence by 2011/2012. Today's announcement will help :

To odspfi...@googlegroups.com

[Darren M]

since when? we know someone who got the okay from them weeks ago

[Darren M]

Its still covered. 

-------Original Message-------   From: Shelley Blidner Date: 21/04/2011 8:25:39 AM To: odspfi...@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: [odspfireside: 36472 ] ODSP and Gastric Bypass Surgery   February 23, 2009   NEWS As part of Ontario's diabetes strategy, the province is increasing bariatric surgery capacity by 500% over the next three years.   Ontario is investing $75 million to increase bariatric surgery capacity, also known as gastric bypass surgery, from 244 to 1,470 a year at four centres of excellence by 2011/2012. Today's announcement will help :  To odspfi...@googlegroups.com

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ODSP Fireside" group.
To change email delivery, nickname or unsubscribe from this group visit: http://groups.google.ca/group/odspfireside/subscribe?hl=en
To post to this group via email, send email to odspfi...@googlegroups.com

[Nathalie Girardin]

Shame they did not give us enough money in the first place so we could
afford real food and not get diabetes from eating frankenfood because
that's all there is at foodbbanks or what we could afford. Talk about
closing the barn door after the bull has escaped! While they did not
give us diabetes or metabolic syndrome, the government certainly
provided the environment for it to flourish. So much for "first do no
harm".

[Hope]

Is this like a tummy tuck? Boy I would love that. I need one.

Melanie

[Darren M]

No melanie its not. look up gastric bypass on google.  They cut away most of your stomach.  and then you have a pouch where the food goes. My wifes is the size of her thumb

[Darren M]

who ever said that ohip has stopped funding  the gastric bypass is Not right,   Its still funded.  we took somone to the hospital not too long ago that was approved for it through ohip and surgery will be in toronto.

Ohip has stopped funding the miny gastric bypass in the united states.  Its smaller then the gastric bypass and not as affected like the gastric,  My wife had the full gastric bypass in the states. was 100% covered by ohip.  She had 2 choices  surgery in canada or the states.  her doctor wanted New york state because it was up to (at the time) a 5 year wait,  and she had it done in new york state and only waited 2 or 3 months.  

So anyone thinking about the bypass its still covered. 

[gr]

corrinna

Where did you hear this? and when did this happen? My wife had this
done in 2009 in the united states and was covered by ohip 100%, and
she goes down each and every year for a check up, We know 1 person
who was covered and is awaiting surgery. and many others are also.
Are you thinking of the min=ny gastric bypass? Because ohip stopped
paying for that because the regular gastric bypass is far better and
works a lot better. If you do not believe me call ohip and ask them.
Someone we know called yesterday and ohip said yes infact we still
cover the gastric bypass, if someone wants it and they feel that
they dont need it they would not cover it but I do not think ohip will
ever stop paying for it. why would they? look at all the lives they
have saved and people who have better lives now.

To anyone who is looking to have the gastric bypass please do not let
what Corrinna bother you or upset you, Its not true., and if you
want gastric bypass talk to your doctor and if needed call ohip and
ask them and you will be told yes the gastric bypass is still
covered!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[StarTears]

What a shame that they will pay to have your insides rearranged, with all the risks that carries (it's a high risk surgery), yet they won't pay for the gastric banding, which is much safer.   Uppity

that is completely incorrect uppity.  gastric banding has been made illegal in several countries due to its high risk such as sweden, norway and australia.

star 

[Darren M]

I ment to say please do not let what coriina said bother you

[Darren M]

the gastric bypass is much safer now

[C M]

Bear in mind that there are a few things that aren't covered... just as an example some clinics are predisposed to having you go 2-4 weeks (or more) of a certain fluid diet, and then after the surgery, certain types of chewable vitamins and other supplements, plus other liquid preparations - water and certain protein powders. The money for some of this has to come from somewhere.

[slideshowstan]

after reading her post i called OHIP and was told it is 100% covered
so I clicked "reply to author" and informed corrinna that her info
was
wrong. but she felt i was attacking her cause she told me she would
not
accept rude, uninvited, incorrect, indulgent attacks from anyone.
and
"Emailing me privately because you do not like my information,
just to bypass the moderators is against site policy. and I will be
forwarding this to the mods." like i really dont understand what
her
deal is, i was informing her that her info was wrong, not outa date
but
wrong. i did nothing wrong to this lady.

but anyway i must send a huge thank u to darren and his wife
been a big help to me, very helpful. and i have made 2 new friends
and i belive strong support for wut i will be going threw

i just wish "some people" would make sure the info they have is
right b4 they make a post. i dont want to discurage anyone from
posting
but plzz give 100% info

On Apr 22, 2:19 pm, gr <grasstango4...@gmail.com> wrote:
> corrinna
>
> Where did you hear this?  and when did this happen?  My wife had this
> done in 2009 in the united states and was covered by ohip 100%,

> To anyone who is looking to have the gastric bypass please do not let

> what Corrinna bother you or upset you,  Its not true., yes the gastric bypass is still
> covered!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[abrowne]

Stan,

You initiated the private post.  Next time, just advise

her that you heard differently and don't be rude about

it, just be patient with one another.  Post your reply

to the board.

Angela

---

From: slideshowstan <slides...@gmail.com>
To: ODSP Fireside <odspfi...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Fri, April 22, 2011 10:21:22 PM
Subject: [odspfireside: 36525 ] Re: ODSP and Gastric Bypass Surgery

[slideshowstan]

again i was not rude about it, i just informed her that she wrong in
her info
and thats when she started calling me names and belittleing me
why am i being made to look like the bad person.

On Apr 23, 2:41 am, abrowne <browne200...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Stan,
> You initiated the private post.  Next time, just advise
> her that you heard differently and don't be rude about
> it, just be patient with one another.  Post your reply
> to the board.
> Angela
>
> ________________________________

> From: slideshowstan <slideshows...@gmail.com>

[Darren M]

stan was not rude about it.  he was just tell her the facts that she was wrong.  he she cant handle the truth she should have not said a word till she got the facts straight

[Darren M]

-- cm  do you know how much vitamins are?   you do not have to take the drinks all the time.  I know this for a fact because my wife had the surgery.   and has not one of the drinks in a very long time.  the smart thing to do that most do is go to shoppers or walmart when the by one bottle of vitimens get one free.  and another thing after surgery for life you eat less.  if we buy a steak and I eat half my wife cuts her half in half.  if you eat your dinner on a big plate she eats off a small plate.   Our food bill is less then $100,00 for a month.

We knew before surgery of the costs of vitamins.   what would you rather have healthy life or be unhealthy lif. 

I have never heard of someone going every 2 weeks.   she and friends had to go 2 months after surgery then 6 months and now once a year for life
 

[StarTears]

-- cm  do you know how much vitamins are?   you do not have to take the drinks all the time.  I know this for a fact because my wife had the surgery.   and has not one of the drinks in a very long time.  the smart thing to do that most do is go to shoppers or walmart when the by one bottle of vitimens get one free.  and another thing after surgery for life you eat less.  if we buy a steak and I eat half my wife cuts her half in half.  if you eat your dinner on a big plate she eats off a small plate.   Our food bill is less then $100,00 for a month.

i would not take darren's word on what gastric bypass entails as gospel.  go to an information session in your area on the procedure, they are held likely quite often.  ask at your local curves office or weight watchers about when the next info night for gastric bypass will be or at the hospital.

even a good website for a clinic that does the surgery will tell you that you need a b12 vitamin injection up to once a month if not every other month...this is a non-negotiable injection.  you cannot eat or take enough of this necessary vitamin any longer after gastric bypass.

depending on your metabolism there may be other vitamins that you need to have injected as well and your diet is NOT going to be any solids for at least a month after surgery.  

OHIP does not pay for any reconstructive surgery after the bypass either so if you are well beyond your frame weight, you are still going to be carrying extra skin in excess which can lead to other health problems still.  once it is known you have had the gastric bypass and that is the cause of the excess skin you will NOT get it covered to have it removed.  it can run upwards of $6,000 to have the cosmetic surgery to have it properly removed just from your waist.

this is not a decision to make lightly without proper information.  that pouch that your stomach becomes CAN be stretched out as well with improper diet.  you also have to pass a bunch of psychological tests to get the surgery done as well not to mention the health tests.

this is no easy answer.

star

[Cynthia Philip]

Here is a link to a Barix clinic in michigan on facebook. I have had a couple of people locally that have gone there and had it covered by OHIP. I do not know about ODSP. There is good info on this page however.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=60751226008

 

 

Cynthia

BIN Co-Founder/Executive Director

www.bunniesinneed.net

www.sequia.isagenix.com

 

(\__/)     My Furs Are Not In Storage, Or Draped Across The Bed. 
(='.'=)     They're Hanging around my feet, Waiting To Be Fed."

(")_(") Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened."

         "Pets are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a pet on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace." Milan Kundera

         Live simply. Love generously.  Care deeply, Speak kindly. Leave the rest to  God.

[corrinna]

Ok, first of all, I want to point out that I quite willingly accepted that my info was apparently incorrect. If you don’t believe me, see the 11th post on here. It is excessive to continue to lambaste someone who has already humbly admitted her fault. If a person cannot even do that ( make an error ) and admit it here, there is a great deal to work on regarding ourselves.

 

Secondly, I did not initiate any emails with anyone. I was emailed, and accused of arrogance, simply for having incorrect info. I sent the emails from the OP including my full reply, of which I only sent one, to the mods. I made no effort to fan any flames, but also refused to be spoken to disrespectfully.

 

Third, the 2nd email I received said the program was not being cut until 2014, these were not my words, but does kind of agree with my statement that my info was out of date, not necessarily incorrect. Now, as for my having no idea about this, and this never having been anywhere in the news that I should have such an idea, here is a link to an old ( and obviously outdated ) article that sums up where my info came from ( http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Health/20020923/11p_obesity_020920/ ) . While not entirely correct, it does show that my info came from the news, and thus there was no ill will nor arrogance on my part. 

 

We can either regurgitate this to death or come to a consensus. I had reason to believe what I did, and yet also made the statement that my info was apparently lacking. If it is more important to vent or be right than to reach an understanding, then by all means, enjoy. If several of you seem to feel so deeply offended, perhaps there is more at play here, maybe a carry over of past posts, who knows. Anyway, I decided to think it over before responding, as initially I would have done so according to my reactions and feelings, but that would not have done any good.

 

I guess I just thought I would clarify my position, as some replies were carrying on the negativity. You may do with it as you like, and take it as you will, I cannot do much about that, except to present the facts from my side. What I do find interesting, is that the most active, busy time on this board now, is when there is some kind of argument, criticism or other negativity going on.

[Kelly]

There is an excellent group called, obesityhelp.com . On that group
you will find different forums, one is the Ontario forum where people
discuss various types of weight loss surgeries. Several of those
people are on ODSP. Some have been lucky enough to get approval for
the OptiFast shakes needed by some of the surgeons on Ontario. Well
worth going over and taking a gander at a website full of people that
have had the surgery. Some have also gotten their travel allowances
for their trips up to the surgeons.
Mine was done in August 09 and was done Stateside.
For those that have had gastirc bypass we should now qualify for
'short bowel syndrome' on the special diet.

[Ron Payne]

Hi Kelly would you please clarify = needed by some of the surgeons on Ontario.

Ron

Some have been lucky enough to get approval for
the OptiFast shakes needed by some of the surgeons on Ontario.

On Mon, Apr 25, 2011 at 3:05 AM, Kelly <prinnc...@gmail.com> wrote:

There is an excellent group called, obesityhelp.com .  On that group
you will find different forums, one is the Ontario forum where people
discuss various types of weight loss surgeries.  Several of those
people are on ODSP.  Some have been lucky enough to get approval for

the OptiFast shakes needed by some of the surgeons on Ontario.   Some have also gotten their travel allowances for their trips up to the surgeons. Mine was done in August 09 and was done Stateside.

[Kelly]

Hi Ron, I'll do my best. For those that see it as off topic, our
health and perhaps a future ability to work for some, is not really
off topic.

There are many surgeons out there that do gastric bypass these days.
Different surgeons have different requirements pre-surgery and post
surgery. My surgeon out me on a low fat diet for two weeks before
surgery with liquids only the day before. The main concept is that
the fatty liver needs to be shrunk to make it more possible for
laproscopic surgery to be done. Many surgeons in the Ontario
facilities seem to promote OptiFast, to the point where I think they
must almost get a cut back. It is extremely pricey. I have seen
where ODSP will cover this when a person can provide a written note
from the surgeon saying it is medically necessary pre-surgery for the
patient to be on OptiFast. I for one am glad my surgeon just let me
do a low fat diet.

Some of the nutritionists will say you have no choice, others will say
if you really can not tolerate it or afford it that there are other
options available.
Does that help?

Kelly

[Ron Payne]

Thank you Kelly

This works for me!

Ron

 I have seen where ODSP will cover this when a person can provide a written note from the surgeon saying it is medically necessary pre-surgery for the patient to be on OptiFast.

Does that help?

Kelly

On Mon, Apr 25, 2011 at 7:48 PM, Kelly <prinnc...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Ron, I'll do my best.  For those that see it as off topic, our
health and perhaps a future ability to work for some, is not really
off topic.

  Many surgeons in the Ontario
facilities seem to promote OptiFast, to the point where I think they
must almost get a cut back.  It is extremely pricey.  I have seen
where ODSP will cover this when a person can provide a written note
from the surgeon saying it is medically necessary pre-surgery for the
patient to be on OptiFast.  I for one am glad my surgeon just let me
do a low fat diet.

Does that help?

Kelly

[Darren M]

My wife was put on a diet from mid may till her surgery date.  all she could eat 3 times a day was Michelina's.  then 3 or 4 days before surgery all she could eat was clear liquids.   Her doctor is in ny state and she didnt have to do opitifast.   

she had it done laproscopic,  a lady that was going for the surgery with the same doctor a month before was on the same diet and they she did not follow the diet and thought why bother I will loose the weight after surgery. they called off the surgery. 

she was on shakes but not optifast after surgery but for only 2 weeks to a month/  and we bought them in the states when she was there,  and the vitamins. 

The gas was paid there and back by odsp. and we found out later they would have paid for our hotel room for the week!!!!!

[Lorene]

Wouldn't eating Michelina's 3 times a day raise the salt content and
high blood pressure? Did she have high blood pressure? I am wondering
about that.

Lorene

On Apr 26, 12:17 am, Darren M <grasstango4...@gmail.com> wrote:
> My wife was put on a diet from mid may till her surgery date.  all she could

> eat 3 times a day was *Michelina's.  then 3 or 4 days before surgery all she
> could eat was clear *liquids.   Her doctor is in ny state and she didnt have
> to do opitifast.
>
>

[Darren M]

the reason he wanted her on Michelina's was because they have fewer calories, fat, sodium, and less cholesterol.  and giant  tiger has there own brand that has even lesser fat!!!

She had to have her blood work done and her heart rate checked. all were good.  my wife did say after my last comment that some doctors in the states also do the opti fast.   but not all.

The surgery if done by laparoscopic is a lot safer these days. 

[StarTears]

> Wouldn't eating Michelina's 3 times a day raise the salt content and
> high blood pressure? Did she have high blood pressure? I am wondering
> about that.
>

exactly lorene. it'd be the same as saying going to a fast food place
is okay as long as you eat off the kids menu.

no gastric doctor would EVER prescribe a microwave meal pre or post
surgery. darren and his wife have garbled the diet restrictions to
what they can pay for food.

you can use google to look up several guidelines for the surgery, meal
plans and such in NY state and in canada. you can call tele health
for the information as well.

NOW has this subject been beaten to death yet? the more
misinformation about the diet alone that gets put in here is
astounding. out of date no big deal, but this diet itself stuff is
perpetuating the myth that gastric bypass is an easy solution to a
very serious and life consuming epidemic.

star

[Darren M]

star see now you are putting words in my mouth you could call her doctor who did the surgery and ask him for your self,   and you could email my wives friends who had the surgery in the the same doctor.  

Star you have no idea how much we spend on food.   if i was you I would STOP saying that we only eat what we could afford.  Too tell you the truth we always ate well.   How dare you come on here and tell that "darren and his wife have garbled the diet restrictions to
what they can pay for food."   you do not know us from jack!!!!!  my wife went from eating regular home cooked meals to microwave meals.  the doctor who did the gastric bypass told her he wanted her to eat them and she did.   and she lost 50 pounds before surgery.  star are you a doctor?   all this started when stan asked if anyone had had the surgery!!!!!  I thought it would be nice to give him info.   and glad that we now talk private email and phone.,   

So star if you want to contact the Dr. send me a private message and i will give you his number and then when you find out that thats the diet he puts people on before surgery.  Then you can say sorry to my wife!!!!!! 

if my wife did not have the surgery she may not be here today.   its helped 1000's live and loose a lot of weight

[Darren M]

Ment  to say

and you could email my wives friends who had the surgery with the the same doctor.   not in

[Darren M]

On Tue, Apr 26, 2011 at 11:21 PM, Darren M <grassta...@gmail.com> wrote:

Ment  to say

and you could email my wives friends who had the surgery with the  same doctor.   not in

[Kelly]

Star, do you have any idea how out of line that post came across as?

Gastric Drs are surgeons, they are not nutritionists. They give the
best advice they can for differing patients, and differing surgeons
would then again give different advice. For instance, one day I
mentioned to my surgeon when he was ordering blood work that maybe we
should check my vitamin A levels. He asked why. Well the area of our
intestines that absorbs vitamin A is removed and many folks end up
with eye troubles down the road. It was the first time he had even
thought of it in several, several years of doing gastric bypasses,
even though several of his patients were coming in with eye troubles.
They do not know everything, and they are but human. We are our best
advocates. We often need to do our own research and talk to one
another to learn. This is why I pointed people to the obesityhelp.com
site.
The nutritionist who works for my surgeon held a class that basically
said we could eat cereal after surgery and she used many kinds of
microwave meals for her examples of good meals for both pre and post
op. Educate yourselves people... and one thing you are right on star,
this is not the easy way out. One must consume large amounts of
protein after surgery and very low carbs. It seems easy at first, but
try and get in 120 grams of protein in a day on what ODSP pays.

On Apr 26, 10:34 pm, StarTears <starte...@gmail.com> wrote:
> no gastric doctor would EVER prescribe a microwave meal pre or post
> surgery.  darren and his wife have garbled the diet restrictions to
> what they can pay for food.

> star

[StarTears]

On Thu, Apr 28, 2011 at 2:50 PM, Kelly <prinnc...@gmail.com> wrote:

Star, do you have any idea how out of line that post came across as?

Gastric Drs are surgeons, they are not nutritionists.  They give the
best advice they can for differing patients, and differing surgeons
would then again give different advice.  For instance, one day I
mentioned to my surgeon when he was ordering blood work that maybe we
should check my vitamin A levels.  He asked why.  Well the area of our
intestines that absorbs vitamin A is removed and many folks end up
with eye troubles down the road.  It was the first time he had even
thought of it in several, several years of doing gastric bypasses,
even though several of his patients were coming in with eye troubles.
They do not know everything, and they are but human.  We are our best
advocates.  We often need to do our own research and talk to one
another to learn.  This is why I pointed people to the obesityhelp.com
site.
The nutritionist who works for my surgeon held a class that basically
said we could eat cereal after surgery and she used many kinds of
microwave meals for her examples of good meals for both pre and post
op.  Educate yourselves people... and one thing you are right on star,
this is not the easy way out.   One must consume large amounts of
protein after surgery and very low carbs.  It seems easy at first, but
try and get in 120 grams of protein in a day on what ODSP pays.

i said gastric doctor when in reality, its a TEAM.  they do not work alone as you are pointing out very clearly kelly.  if the registered nutritionist, experienced gastric surgeon, endocrinologist and gastro-intestinal specialists that all work in tandem for your gastric bypass are not educated or experienced enough to give you a specific clear healthy diet or prescribe b12 and A injections with your monthly blood and urine screening to ensure that the surgery isn't off course.....which i am finding darren's posts are predominately are; off course...than that team should not be permitted to be doing gastric bypasses.

after surgery, high protein low carb is not the prescribed diet.  high protein will cause blockage and you can only eat a 4 ounce portion of lean protein in the first place a year after surgery not before that.  2 ounces is the most you can consume in the first year and not likely before the 6 month mark...its protein replacement before that.  this all depends of course on how small your pouch is made but they have changed those dimensions in the past year as well...they will go as small as only holding 4 ounces of food at all at a time now in the USA... which is ridiculous.  [canada is still at 6oz which is reasonable].

anyways, i still think that this topic should be closed.

star

[Darren M]

I am Darren's wife....I had my surgery 2 yrs ago this August and I have lost over 240 lbs...so i'm pretty sure my surgeon knows what he is doing!!.
  I was told to eat lean cuisine type meals 3 times a day before surgery, that was all I was allowed to have besides veggies with no dips or dressings and water..Sure it was probably high in sodium and calories, but it was obviously significantly lower than what i was eating at the time because I managed to lose 50 pounds in less than 3 months
  I do not have to have b-12 injections monthy, I take a b-12 vitamin daily as well as calcium, 2 multi-vitamins, iron, and vit d. I do not have to have blood work month either. I have blood work every 6 months before my appointments with the surgeon or whenever there is a problem, which I have never had.
  I do not have to take protein supplements anymore. I only had to do that for the first couple months after my RNY surgery. Every surgeon is different, just as ever patient is different. When I first had surgery I DID have  a specific diet that I had to follow, which I did. If I hadn't followed that diet I really don't think I would have lost the 240+ lbs that I have lost so far.
  High protein is very important after surgery, protiens are the foods that make you feel full and keep you satisfied...eggs..fish..cottage cheese, greek yogurt..etc. Carbs are nothing but empty fillers.
  Have you had weight loss surgery Star??? If not, maybe you should do some more research before you start bashing people who are only telling others about their experiences!!
  I dont appreciate you telling people that i "garbled the diet" to make it fit what I can afford...you have no idea what I can afford, you don't know what my bills are like, you have no idea how much I pay for groceries or rent.
  My surgeon has been doing this surgery for years with a very high success rate. Without this surgery I would have been dead by now.
As far as this not having anything to have to do with ODSP, again I think you are wrong....someone ON odsp asked the questions, therefore, it does have to do with odsp, if you don't like the topic....don't read it...there is a delete button and a scroll bar!!!!

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[Darren M]

[Lorene]

This story was in today's London Free Press (LFP) (Apr 29) when I got
the newspaper. However I couldn't find the story in the LFP website. I
went by finding the journalist's name and the name of the story by
putting a search and found this article that matches the story exactly
as it says in the LFP. It was interesting about gastric bypass surgery
and how it affects anyone who go thru it. Here is the link and the
story below it.

Lorene

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110427/hl_nm/us_diabetes_surgery

Study probes how surgery makes diabetes disappear


By Julie Steenhuysen Julie Steenhuysen – Wed Apr 27, 4:24 pm ET

CHICAGO (Reuters) – Weight loss surgery appears to change the body's
metabolism in a way that dieting alone cannot, helping to explain why
diabetes often disappears after the surgery even before much weight is
lost, U.S. researchers said on Wednesday.

Understanding how gastric bypass affects metabolism could shed light
on treatments for type 2 diabetes, a global epidemic strongly linked
with obesity and too little exercise.

Weight loss surgery is becoming increasingly popular as obese people
struggle to lose weight and avoid the health complications that
accompany the extra pounds -- including diabetes, heart disease, joint
pain and some cancers.
In research conducted at Columbia University in New York and Duke
University in North Carolina, researchers studied two small groups of
severely obese diabetic patients who either had gastric bypass surgery
or went on strict diets.
Both groups lost about 20 pounds.

For the study, the teams measured metabolites -- chemical byproducts
of foods in the body.
They found that unlike dieting, gastric bypass changes a person's
metabolism by significantly reducing levels of circulating amino acids
-- compounds linked with obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance.

"What we were trying to do is cast a very wide net," said Christopher
Newgard of Duke, who worked on the study published in Science
Translational Medicine.

"What we caught is a very clear difference between bariatric surgery
and dietary intervention."

He said patients in the surgery group had lower levels of molecules
known as branch chain amino acids.

"These dropped much more precipitously in people having bariatric
surgery than people having the dietary intervention," he said.

People in the gastric bypass arm of the study underwent a surgery
known as Roux-en-Y, in which doctors surgically reduce the size of the
stomach to prevent people from eating too.

Newgard said it is not clear why reducing stomach size might have this
effect, but it is clear that bariatric surgery results in significant
metabolic changes.

The team is now looking to discover ways to develop drugs that could
replicate this effect.

Newgard said the results might not apply to Allergan's Lap-Band weight-
loss device, in which doctors insert an adjustable silicone band
around the upper part of the stomach but do not surgically reduce the
size of the stomach.
Up to a third of U.S. adults could suffer from diabetes by 2050,
according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

[Darren M]

Lorene,

thanks for posting that.

I do remember after my wife had surgery we drove back down for a follow up visit and that went well for her but I was talking a man I would say in his mid to late 50's and he was from Ottawa and he had the surgery in I think june and had done great.  He was telling me he had Diabetes and was needing this surgery to save his life.   He was on daily medications for his diabetes and high blood pressure,  And 4 months after surgery he was pretty much off all his meds for diabetes.  and he was on odsp.  he said that all meds were paid by for odsp and after having surgery instead all the meds he was taking he was taking 3.  and said he felt great.  he said that he never went out for walks before sugery.  he said he wanted to but because he was so big that he couldn't and now he can,  and My wife could not walk down to our kitchen because she would be out of breath.,   and almost passing out. 

Star i know you want this topic to end.  saying its not an odsp topic.  It is.   you would be surprised how many who are on odsp have the surgery or how many want it.  just think how many lives its saving? and you also said that Its no easy way out!!!!!  But some people like my wife have tried every diet that is out there.  and nothing worked.,  

Like she said if you do not like the topic? its pretty simple just do not open it.  throw it in your trash.  But think how many this could help getting this info.  Not the info saying oh darren and melissa just garbled their own diet because thats all they can afford!!!!! like i said and she said you do not know us. you do not know what we pay for rent, hydro and other bills.  So please stop face slapping and punching below the belt.

[corrinna]

I do not think that Star was face slapping or punching below the belt as you say. I think your extremely sensitive to the issue

and because of that, maybe cannot see that Star is also sharing information. While I agree that it has helped innumerable

people to lose weight, it is not a great deal different than willfully only consuming 1/2 cup of food or so 3X a day and taking

supplements. So it is the reduction of food intake that effects weight loss. I did not understand her statement that it is not the

easy way to mean that those who have the surgery are looking for a quick fix, but I interpreted that to mean that choosing

the surgery involves a lifelong commitment to the changes done to your body and the long standing effects it brings. This is

where I think sensitivity is clouding reason. At the same time as you keep saying others should just hit delete if they do not

like what is being said, rather than feel the need to reply, the same can be said of you. If you don’t like her replies, you don't

have to read them. Her information is equally valuable to those who are looking for alternatives to such a drastic method.  I

found her information helpful, among others who have shared. There is more than one side to this, simply put.

 

Finally, I do hope your wife is finding a better quality of life, regardless of how her weight loss has been achieved.

[Darren M]

corrinna

 

this darrens's wife I'm doing awesome!!!!!! I have droppe a lot of weight about 240 or more and counting.  I tried  :) thank you for asking!!!!!

 

My wife also thinks that star talking down about me and her  and saying that we we garbled Our own diet.   I tried every diet there is, tried supplements and lost 5 or 10 pounds and thats it.  the docotors all said I needed the surgery.  and I'm sorry but when star starts running her mouth off and saying that me and darren cant afford to eat proper food thats a slap in the face and a punch below the belt.  how would you feel if some lady that dosent know you and said you eating microwave diets is not the doctors wish but ours?  she has no idea what she is talking about.  I have had surgery and many many many friends have also had it and there doctors aslo wanted them to eat microwave foods to loose weight.  and all have and since surgery have lost a lot of weight.  and sorry Corrinna when someone tells everyone here that we are doing this diet our selves because of money I will never hit the delete button.  and when start ends her emails its like okay end this as she wants the last say.  sorry but me and darren will not stop if star runs us down.  she talks about looking at websites well many of us have and not only that had the surgery,   has star had the surgery?  I have and me and darren have made friends with stan who is having the surgery.  we were only trying to help stan and anyone who wanted to read.  if star cant send a normal email with out jumping down my throat or darrens and dosent want this topic on here its pretty simple delete or leave the group!!!!!!  pretty said that when star dosent like a topic star wants it off.   what about some here who are saying "i may want that surgery"  and start please stop saying that me and darren or making our own diets and stop with saying that we are doing this to save money. 

 

Gastric bypass is not the easy way out.  But it has made me a lot more healthy and many more

[StarTears]

I do not think that Star was face slapping or punching below the belt as you say. I think your extremely sensitive to the issue

and because of that, maybe cannot see that Star is also sharing information. While I agree that it has helped innumerable

people to lose weight, it is not a great deal different than willfully only consuming 1/2 cup of food or so 3X a day and taking

supplements. So it is the reduction of food intake that effects weight loss. I did not understand her statement that it is not the

easy way to mean that those who have the surgery are looking for a quick fix, but I interpreted that to mean that choosing

the surgery involves a lifelong commitment to the changes done to your body and the long standing effects it brings. This is

where I think sensitivity is clouding reason. At the same time as you keep saying others should just hit delete if they do not

like what is being said, rather than feel the need to reply, the same can be said of you. If you don’t like her replies, you don't

have to read them. Her information is equally valuable to those who are looking for alternatives to such a drastic method.  I

found her information helpful, among others who have shared. There is more than one side to this, simply put.

 

Finally, I do hope your wife is finding a better quality of life, regardless of how her weight loss has been achieved.

thank you corrinna.  i agree that the sensitivity is the larger issue.  i only started reading again when i saw you chimed in.

From: Darren M

 

Star i know you want this topic to end.  saying its not an odsp topic. 

and no darren, i have NEVER stated that.  i want the topic to end because i feel that misinformation is being given and the wrong impression of this drastic method of weight loss is being presented.  has nothing to do with on topic stuff or the like.

star