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Hi Karen.. My doctor initially put a referral into the WWise program back in 2005...never heard anything. When I went for my physical in Jan of this year, she put 'another' referral in and I got a call in April with the secretary for the program appologizing and I should have got a call back much sooner. Anyways, I have two appointments July 9 and 16 for the WWise workshop..(and yes compulsory I was told)...then another appointment on July 24 at the Royal Alex with the 'team'. From there they will decide whether I go the surgery route or the WWise program route. I am HOPING for the surgery route. I believe the workshops are with dieticians to determine a menu plan and awareness or healthy eating...(as if we ALL don't know that by now).....and then the appointment with the 'team' is the next step in our long journey. I don't know how many appointments are needed after the initial appointment with the team at the Alex....I guess I will know more on July 24. If you want to to email me just let me know and we can chat back and forth Brenda

I initially was offered the workshops end of May and beginning of June, but I wasn't available, so I opt for July....I heard stories that it takes a year or two after that....hmm....I hope I hear different once my appointment at the Alex is over! My email is [email protected] Nice to talk to you Karen.. Brenda

I know from experience that the Weight Wise program & Dr. Davies in Edmonton Take a VERY VERY LONG TIME!! and its ALOT of hoops to jump thru!! I wish you all the very best!!

Hi Stephanie My FIRST referral was back in 2005...no reponse..it wasn't until my referral in Jan 2007 is when I got the call for the WWise workshops...she immediately booked me into the Alex for the consultation with the 'team'. I phoned and asked her what that meant..she said because they 'lost or whatever' my FIRST referral they put me in right away with the appointment in the Alex...which I am told is where the LONG wait is....so I am hoping (and now that I have complications along iwth my diabetes) that my wait isn't too much longer. Hoops/hurdles I have jumped....and I am ready for more ;) Are you getting banded at the Royal Alex in Edmonton?

No, Im not having surgery at the Alex.. Im having RNY in Medicine Hat this September.. My first refferal to Dr. Davies was in 2003 and then a second one in 2004.. They finally called me in May of 2006 to make me an Appointment.. But by That time I already had an appointment with Dr. Nohr in Medicine Hat.. So I never took their appointment.. I know of several that have gone to Dr. Davies and are now in the Weight Wise Program for a couple of years before they can be scheduled for surgery.. One girl that I know that completed their weight Wise program and is now scheduled for surgery has to wait til 2009 for her surgery.. Its sad that the waits are so long.. -Stephanie

2009????? That's bizaar....well I guess I will find out on July 24....and it is sad that the waits are so long. I was told if you have other complications it speeds things up...I have type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol now. The Weight Wise program I was told consisted of two workshops...but I guess if they feel you don't need surgery, then you have to go the WW program route..I am hoping for the surgery. How long did you wait in Medicine Hat for your surgery? I am still wondering which route to take..banding or RNY Brenda

Hello There! My doctor put my request in a long time ago for the Weight Wise program but I still have not heard back from the program. Maybe they lost my referral like they did yours Brenda. Who knows. I have talked about this at length with my husband and we have decided to go out of the country for surgery. I am going for a pre-op exam with the Weight Loss Institute of Arizona next Wednesday the 27th. We are paying out of pocket (approx. $24,000 US for a RNY) and I doubt I will get any money back from AHC but we might be able to claim it on our taxes. I know this sounds extreme and maybe a little spoiled but I don't want wait anymore. I have been unhappy, unhealthy and disabled by my size for far too long. I just want to move on with my life. You know what I mean? I hope that all of you get your surgery soon and don't have to jump through too many hoops! Feel free to write me if any of you ever want to talk. Cheers! Debbie

just kinda butting in here...I just got a consultation for Dr. Nohr last week..My appointment is not until November 2009....So yes the waits are still long here in Medicine Hat.