looking for a surgeon in Alberta

Hi all,

I have been waiting for an appointment with a surgeon, my GP sent the first letter on August 14 2008 to a Dr.Farries in Red Deer but I called and won't even get an appointment time until sometime in 2010, I know there are other Dr's in alberta doing this surgery, I want the gastric sleeve, my brother had it in Feb of 08 and has done great but he had it in Costa Rica, I would prefer it here if possible, any recommendations on who I could contact.

Thanks

Hi there,

I'm not 100% sure but I think Dr. Farries is the fastest to get in to see.  I know there is a Dr. Nohr in Med. Hat but I do not know if he does the sleeve or how long it takes to get in, I think I heard about a year.  When I 1st started this my Dr. sent in a referral to the weight wise clinic in Edmonton in Feb/07.  I was told at that time it would be about 13 months before I would hear anything so in March/08 I called to see what was going on, they told me they were only serving patients in the Capital Health region and would put me on a wait list for another year.  I started looking into other options (self paying, at that time I wanted a lap band) and found out about Dr. Farries and had my Dr send in a referral in May/08.  I had my 1st appointment at the end of Dec so it took about 8 months to get in and now I have decided on the sleeve and am just waiting for a date, should be in Sept. sometime I think.  Funny thing that happened was that just befor Dr. F approved me for surgery last month, I got a letter from the Weight Wise program saying I was finally accepted into their program.  From  what I have read, it takes about another year in the program before they will approve you for surgery.  With Dr. F, he wants you to follow a plan for 3 months or so and loose about 10% before he gives the go ahead, much faster that the Weight Wise Program.  The thing I have found is that once you get started in the program, the time does go by pretty fast.  I've lost about 33 lbs, not the greatest but its in the right direction anyway.  He may be a bit more busy now so the wait time may be longer.  I know he as only done a few sleeves so far, just started this spring but he as done lots of bypasses and quite a few bands. 

Hope this answers a few questions, I know exactly how you are feeling right now.  Been there, done that! 

Marie

Thanks Marie,

Your information is much appreciated, though I was told by his receptionist or nurse whom ever it is that answers his phone that he doesn't do the sleeve and I was also told this by one of his patients that is having surgery in August the same thing.  I will look into it further thanks to you, though.  She, the receprionist, was rather rude and sort of turned me off Dr.Farries office.  I am also looking into going out of country to Dr. Alvarez as he has been recommended to me also. 

I have about 200 pounds to lose and I really need the surgery sooner rather than later.
Hope to keep in touch with you and good luck with the weightloss and surgery will look forward to following your progress via this forum .

Shelley

Hello Shelley--welcome...sorry about the wait...it is very frustrating. I am going through the Edmonton weight wise clinic.. I have learned a lot, even though I have waited a while..
I know you are anxious...but use the time wisely...where ever you go for surgery. You might want to connect with a dietitian to get you started.  I am just waiting for the sleeve now ...I am guessing it will be in October.
Best wishes, Let us know how you are doing
Cheers

Hi Shelly,

I haven't had much to do with the receptionist at the office other than booking appointments.  There have been about four different girls there when I have gone.  The nurse that works with Dr. F is really nice though, most of my appointments have been with her because he is so busy.  I know he has done at least 2 sleeves, maybe a couple more by now, he just started them this spring.  I have about 135 lbs left to loose so I can't  wait to get my sleeve!

I don't blame you for looking out of country, the wait is crazy long.  There are lots of people on the VSG forum here that have gone to Mexico.  I'm sure they will be more than happy to answer any questions you have. 

Good luck with your journey, keep us posted on your progress!

Marie

Thanks for the support I can really use it not much right at home more from my family in other provinces, my hubby is a big guy and I think he is afraid that if I lose all the weight I want to then he will be the next to go which is sooooo ridiculous but ..... he has been slowly coming round to the realization that I am serious and sabatoges me less now but it hasn't been easy to convince him that this is for health and longevity reasons.

I amheading to get my passport tomorrow and once it comes in I will be heading south for my surgery so I am very happy about that.  My brother's surgeon is willing to do the surgery after I follow his requirements and meet his criteria which means I have to go on a liguid diet for 2 weeks prior have councilling and physical and pre-op done here with the reports sent to him so I am on track to haave it done horray.