New Here With Lots Of Questions :)

Hello ladies!
I'm from Calgary Alberta and just at the very start of this journey.
I was wondering if anyone had any tips / advice for getting this started
in Alberta?
I went to see my GP last week and briefly broached the subject with her.
What are the weight times you guys are experiencing in Calgary / Alberta?
My GP seemed less than enthusiastic, but hopefully with perseverence on
my part it might just take a little extra time and effort :)
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone :)

Are you going through weight wise in edmonton. or just stayin in calgary??

food journaling, using your pedomiter, stop drinking coffee,, if you smoke you have to quit.. change your milk to 1% or SKIM. Drop out your pop intake. Cut back your EATING OUT to 0-2 times a week *this is hard for me *

that  is what i got so far from the weight wise program.

sarah

I think that if you feel you have a weight problem and you have decided to seek help your GP should be supporting your decision and getting things on the move for you, not being enthusiastic to me would mean getting a new GP.

Anyway the Weight Wise program in Edmonton is awesome. There is quite a waiting list to get into the clinic, about 12-14 months but once you are in things move fairly fast. You'll meet with Nutritionist, pschologist and the nurse. You'll have sessions with all three, there are modules on different aspects of weight lost, exercise and  healthy eating you have to take.Eventually you'll meet with the surgical staff and team. Over all you will not be disappointed with this clinic.

Sara mentioned some of the other important things to do while waiting to get into the clinic and while doing the program. Calorie counting is another big thing, along with weighing and measuring your food. 

Come back and check this forum often. There is lots of advice and support here.

Kee.

Thanks very much for the replies!
Unfortunately in Calgary trying to find a GP is a lot like fishing in the atlantic with your bare hands.
I found a new Dr. that had started working out a clinic in Cochrane and snagged her, so I hope
it works out.
She didn't really say much about it, moreso sending me in for a whole kaboodle of blood tests for my insulin resistance (from PCOS).
I have an another appointment with her in 2 weeks to go over the test results.
*fingers crossed*
She wants to try tweaking my Metformin before anything else.
It seems like everywhere I've been researching it seems 2-3 years from start to
finish is about an average wait time in Alberta.
My sister lives in Ontario and she had GPS in 2008 through OHIP and can't say enough great things about it - she went through the system in about 6 months and said she hasn't looked back since.
Anyone know if they have anything in Calgary, or does all of Alberta go through the weight centre in Edmonton?
Thanks again :)

Hi,

I went through Dr Nohr in Medicine Hat. 

Not everyone goes through Weight Wise in Edmonton. The program there isn't for everyone. By that I mean that not everyone wants to go through their program.

*hugs*

It would be wonderful to not have to drive to Edmonton, and even Medicine hat wouldn't be that bad.
Is it a really long wait to get into him, or the same as the program in Edmonton?
Is it the same deal - I'd ask my GP for a referrel and cross your fingers?
I'll wait to see what the doctor says in 2 weeks. I hope HOPE hope she is supportive and
we can get the ball rolling. My sister had GBPS 2 years ago and hasn't looked back, but she is in Ontario and went through OHIP' so it was much easier for her.
Thank you ladies so much again for responding to my questions, I really really appreciate it
and I think it's fantastic everyone here is so encouraging and positive. :D

 Hi again.

It's about a 2 year wait to get in for a consult with Dr Nohr, but you can always call in and ask if there are any cancellations for the consult. I did that and got in much sooner than January 2011! lol And yes, you just ask your GP for a referral to Dr Nohr. 

Having the surgery with Dr Nohr was the best thing I ever did for myself. I have so much more energy now, my hubby doesn't recognize me (he LOST me in the Farmers' Market) lol, I use a lot less insulin than I had been, I joined a gym (!!!!!), I just feel better PERIOD!

Good luck!

*hugs*

Wow Lori!
Congrats!!! :) Thanks for all your knowledge and help - it's wonderful to hear from someone in the same boat in the same province! :D
I'm also a little worried about being "bumped" to the bottom of the list because
I have a BMI of 35/36 but I have PCOS so Insulin Resistance (as a co-morbidity I've learned they're called) and pre-diabetes.
I've got my fingers crossed for my next appointment in 2 weeks.
Would you recommend just asking for the referral to Dr Nohr?
I've been investigating self-pay's through Mexico but if at ALL possible would like
to have it done here in Alberta.
*crosses fingers*
I really REALLY hope my GP supports it! 
Thanks again, ladies
Any other advice you have or words of wisdom?

I'd say go for it. Ask for the referral to Dr Nohr. 

Advice? Be persistent. It's your health you want to take control of. 

*hugs*

Weight Wise isn't a length process but in order to advance through you have to be accountable and apply all the tools you've learned to make the best choices you can to have any sort of success.
Weightloss surgery in any regard is no quick fix and there will be a lengthy weight really no matter where you go.
I staretd Weight Wise in August 09 and am on the waitlist for surgery . The booking clerk said likely September but I could get the call at any time now. Yes I waited 1 yr from the time my referral was sent to the time I was accepted but we don't need to sit and wait for that- we can make lots of little changes in the meantime.

From my research- you have a low BMI. 35 is the lowest on the accpetance on the BMI scale. Or atleast that is what I read at the clinic and heard from the doc. Mine was 54 when I began and it's now 42

I too was diagnoised with Pcos but losing 10% of your body weight will help improve your chances of stable periods and fertilitty. I struggled for 2 yrs to conceive my 2nd son. I do not however have insulin resistance and when I tried to take Metformin- couldn't handle all the trips to the washroom.

Your  GP needs a kick in the pants. If a patient comes to them wanting to better their life they should jump at the chance to steer them in the right direction.

I wish you much success in whichever direction you plan to go in but you are going to wait in Alberta and self-pay out of country is not recommended by any surgeon in this province ( due to complications and then having to come back for them to fix you and have really no idea what the Meixcan docs did. Also, surgical complications from Mexico ( even some american spots) take time away from the OR for Albertan patients who've been waiting on surgery here and our tax dollars are used to fix these issues. )

Best of luck and ress your doc for a change! YOU ARE WORTH IT!!