Looking for info..

Hi all. I'm a 24 year old mother of 2 from Edmonton. I've always had a problem with obesity, but my major issue is undereating. I don't know which weight loss method I should be looking into. I feel like I'm stuck like this because I can't afford anything. I don't have any of the health issues usually related to obesity, but I don't want to get them. I'm at about 315 right now, after losing 30 pounds during my second pregnancy. I'm looking for any advice anyone would have to offer regarding, surgery vs. non-surgery, doctors I should look into, ANYTHING! Please help. :type:

Hello! The Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton has a Weight Wise program, which is completely free of charge. There are two parts to it...the Adult Weight Management program and the Bariatric Surgery program. In the Adult Weight Management program, you can work with a dietitian (and a social worker and/or physiotherapist if you need one) and they can help you lose weight in a non-surgical route (mostly based on the Canada Food Guide). If you qualify, you can also go the Bariatric Surgery route. They (Doctor Doug Davey & Doctor Daniel Birch) do two procedures...RNY (gastric bypass surgery) and the Lap Band surgery. Both surgeries are completely covered by Alberta Health Care and cost nothing to the patient whatsoever. You do need a doctor's referral into the program, but that's pretty easy to get! Good luck!

Me again! ;) Just wanted to give you the url for the Weight Wise program: http://www.capitalhealth.ca/weightwise

Hi Pam, Thanks for all the info! I'm going to contact my doctor on Tuesday and ask for a referral. Are the surgeries performed at the same hospital? I'm not looking to go for surgery if I don't have to, but I'm looking out all the windows of opporunity! Wendy

Hi Wendy! Yes, the surgeries are performed right at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.