New to this whole process...

Hello, My name is Lori and I am seriously considering Gastric Bypass or Lap Band Surgery. I am trying to find a surgeon in Calgary who preforms this type of surgery. Can anyone help me with this. None of the search engines I have tried have come back with anything. Thanks so much for your help. Dazed and confused in Okotoks (small town south of Calgary).

Hi Lori, There are surgeons in Calgary and Edmonton that perform the Lapband surgery, but you can't access them directly. You need to visit your family doctor and get a referral to the 'Weight Wise program', undergo some consultation and if they think your a good candidate you go on a waiting list. I believe that Edith is going through this process now. I've heard of wait lists up to 2 years but I don't know how accurate this is. I believe she has some posts in this area. If you want to pay out of pocket, there are a couple of places in Ontario that will do it ($16,000 to $20,000), or make a visit to the states or Mexico. For myself, once I made up my mind that I was going to do it, I went to Mexico. The cost ranges from $8000 to $9000 USD (some prices include flight) and is generally all inclusive. Good luck on your search.

Hi Lori, I too am new to this process, I am currently taking the weight wise clinic in Calgary, I have one more class to go then can start my journey. This class is basically all the options available out there. They touch on a bit of nutrition,it basically is up to you what you want to go with after the class they recommend seeing a dietician and WM Psychologist plus alot of other things are available, after you go to the three mandatory classes. Next week the psychologist is coming in to give a talk. Dr. Debru is the surgeon and I think he only does the Lap BAnd, I am hoping for Gastric, so will see. Anyway had my referal in Jan from my family Dr. and couldn't get into this class until July, so be patient, They say good things come to those who wait. Hope this helps, BJ

There is 4 or 5 doctors in Calgary (below is the link to their names). http://www.minogue-med.com/index.cfm?CFID=156329&CFTOKEN=283728&fuseaction=whatsNew.articl e&newsID=30 I asked for a referrel from family doctor back in April. As I understand it, you are seen at the diabetic/blood pressure/weight management clinic first and if you are a candidate for the surgery then eventually you would see one of the surgeons.

Hi Tami thanks for th info will go to the Link. BJ

Hi Lori,

My name is Barb and I live in Calgary, and there are NO Bariatric Surgeons in Calgary. Not knowing that at the time it took almost a year to find a surgeon in Edmonton, who then referred me to Capital Health who then directed me to the WeightWise organization who set everything up. After a 10 month wait with them I finally go in for the Orientaion on March 4th at the Royal Alex Hospital. The only downside is that I have
to travel back & forth from Calgary to Edmonton, so Im hoping after the orientation I can do the ground work here (pysch assessment, nutritionist, and support group)  Ive talked to a few pple about this and they all said it took approximately 3 months after the orientation before they finally had their surgery booked, so Im kinda hoping its the same for me. Given my age, health, and BMI (66.0) Im thinking I wont have too many problems getting booked. 
                                                            Dont Give up!