New to board and have some questions about Weight Wise

Hello Everyone.

I just recieved my first letter from the Weight Wise adult clinic. I go in on the 11th of September for Module one. I am just looking for info on what to expect from the program and what they are looking for from me as far as requirements to make it into surgery.

Any help and any advice would be really appreciated.

Chance

Hi Chance

I'm attending the 'Module One' on Sept 8th.  I've called them to get answers, but they said any questions can be answered at that time.  So I guess it's wait and see.  I'm flying in from Winnipeg. 

Goodluck
Linda

I can only speak to my experience.  I attended orientation in April '08 then had an appointment for an assessment.  I met with the dietitian and RN regularly and the doctor periodically. 

I had to keep a food journal, wear a pedometer (steps added to the journal) - food journals must be brought to every appointment.  I  also attended the modules but they had just started the modules when I started with the clinic.  At that time, I believe, there were only 3 modules and there are now 8 (LOL could be up to 9 by now as they seem to keep adding on).

As of April this year, we (RN, dietitian and myself) reassessed where I was at with my weight loss and what my health goals were.  It was suggested that I think about surgery as I was not going to reach my goals through diet and exercise (my original goal was not to have surgery).  I am currently waiting to have surgery for the band.  I was approved in the middle of April and it looks like it the earilest that will happen is in November.  In the meantime I am still meeting with the dietitian to ensure that I continue with what I have been doing - if I gain too much weight they will not do the surgery.

They are looking for committment, ability to make change and not being resistant to suggestions.  I think that is why the process is approximately 1 year before they will consider you for surgery.  This also gives us a better chance of long term success with the surgery.

Good luck with reaching your goal.
 

Hi, Ruby here agian
Ok I will sound dumb here, but
what is weight wise? Is this something I should join
if I want to look more into surgery?

Weight Wise is an obesity clinic run by Capital Health in Edmonton and requires a referal from your family doctor.  There is also a long waiting list.

You will not necessarily receive surgery just because you were referred. If you do wish to have surgery and be considered or taken seriously by the clinic, you must attend all the modules, attend all your appointments, keep a food journal, wear a pedometer and introduce some form of extra activity into your daily life. Of course these are the measurable things and working with the RN and dietician are a huge part of the program.

The goal of the clinic is to make you healthy in the long run, not a runway supermodel so they really don't care what size you think you wanna be. If that is all  you are interested in, don't bother.
I have been in the clinic for just over a year and it is the best thing I have ever done. I am relatively healthy right now, but I am very concerned about where I will be in 20, 30, 40 years if I do not address my weight issues now. It is not just a calorie game, it is a mental game and if you do not address why you are obese today, you will be obese in the future, no matter what form of "diet" you follow.

I am not a professional nor do I work for the clinic, I am just a momma trying to get healthier and be here for my grandkids and great grandkids that will come in the future.

So if you want to know what they expect, you may not receive your answers by attending the modules, but you need to attend the modules to be a patient in the clinic.

Chance, see my post below for my take and info/advice on the clinic. Good luck and be patient! There is no better way than what is offered by the clinic for long term obesity management!