Weight Wise Orientation

I was just wondering if anyone was at the Weight Wise Orientation in Edmonton on
March 04th, and I was wondering if anyone else was as put off as I was? Apparently
our referals no longer go directly to the surgeons themselves, but are redirected
through Dr Sharma's weight management program, (Weight Wise).  I really did try to
keep an open mind, but found that I was struggling to keep my eyes open 5 minutes
after I got there. I think we're all pretty much aware that obesity is a chronic disease
and that learning how to manage it is equally important. I just dont need someone trying
to shove "their" weight management program down my throat, and making it encumbant upon
whether or not I even get in to see a surgeon. Thats just wrong, period! And Im still upset
by the whole ordeal.

I UNDERSTAND YOUR FRUSTRATION BUT i REALLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO PHONE UP AND TALK TO JEAN JAQUES LOVELY WHO IS THE COORDINATOR OF THE PROGRAM AND VOICE YOUR CONCERNS TO HIM.  THE WEIGHT WISE CLINIC IS ONE OF VERY FEW OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO US IN ALBERTA, SO DON'T GIVE UP ON THEM . I HAD MY SURGERY (REALIZE BAND) THERE IN NOVEMBER AND HAVE HAD SOME FRUSTRATING EXPERIENCES TOO BUT I FINALLY REALIZED THAT I HAD TO WORK WITH WHAT IS AVAILABLE AS I COULDN'T AFFORD TO GO OUT OF COUNTRY FOR THE SURGERY.

i WISH YOU GOOD LUCK AND PLEASE FEEL FREE TO TALK WITH ME WHEN YOU ARE DISCOURAGED OR JUST WANT SOME SUPPORT.

EYDIE

Thx Eydie, and in light of all the pple that are out there looking for a quick fix, I can almost understand why they are trying to shove this "weight management" program down everyones throat. I guess my complaint is that I havent been sitting on this 2yr waitlist doing nothing. I knew from the beginning I was in for a long wait, and I also knew that I needed to make some serious changes in my life to even "qualify" for this particular surgery. I just want that to count for something as well, you know. Going through that program means having to do everything over again, and this is where Im so conflicted. Plus, I have some serious health issues popping up that I need to be concerned about. For me I really do feel like my life is in serious jeopardy. I actually feel like Im on borrowed time as it is. And, its quite possible I may go in for my assessment on April 6th, and they may acknowledge everything Ive done and send me in to see the surgeon right away. If not then I dont know....I guess I'll have to cross that bridge when I get there as well.

Hey Sweet Insanity--I wasn't there but I went late last year. You are not obligated to accept the information...you can book a trip to Mexico and get sliced and diced in a heartbeat. Many people have had amazing experiences and don't mind being a self pay. Some have remorgaged their home, took a loan etc.

Some people have the info...some don't. It is a voluntary program ...so they tell us the info :)
Once I saw the nurse for a bit I saw the surgeon. It takes time...and they want to make sure that you are committed to the whole program for the long term and not just there for the surgery. Many people I know have seen it as temporary and 5+ years later they gained most of the weight back. Don't let be you.
Sharing my thoughts :)

Well Im certainly NOT one of those people, nor am I afraid of doing the work. I knew I was in for a long wait from the beginning, and I also knew I had to make some serious changes to even "qualify" for the RNY surgery. But some of us out there have worked very hard in making some serious lifestyle changes, and I just feel (strongly) that it should count for something, whether you've done it through Weigh****chers, Tops, the Zone, or the Hour glass program. Im just saying that no matter how you get there, it should count for something.  And when somebody tells you that you either go along with "their" program or you're out...Im sorry, thats just wrong, period! And making you sign a "consent to commit" still doesnt make it right. 
                                          

Hi Sweet, Just so you know there is an alternative! I just had a RNY down in Medicine Hat with Dr. Carl Nohr. I was referred to him in 2004 and so it did take 5 years to see him but I didn't have to go through any hurdles other than traveling to the Hat. But I do have a documented history with my personal physician which shows I had tried everything to try to lose weight so I think that might have helped get me approve. Don't give in! and try to keep positive.

Kelly