Just A Couple of Questions....
Hi All :),
My names Omar and Im 18 and currently living in montreal. I actually am looking to have bariatric surgery and all, and I got a consult here for my government paid surger. I was looking into the sleve. My consult is actually Wednesday of next week.
Why am I here you ask? Well, the answer is kind of simple. My parent are most likely moving out to alberta and since I live with them along with my siblings, I will probably need to join them at some point. The move should happen towards the end of the summer of next year or towards christmas next year. As it now, my wait time is between 6-12 months because I am a younger patient with lower risks and virtually no obesity related health problems (blood pressure, no diabetes, etc). Of course once i heard i might have to move, I eventually came down to realizing that i may get stiffed out my surgery.
My questions are, how is the system for the sleeve in particular in Alberta? Are there many doctors that perform it? Most importantly, what are the wait times? It took me so long to figure things out in montreal and find out who to call and what to do, and then getting the appointment wasn't easy. But I feel my surgery is within grasp. Its VERY close, and if I can't bet on a relatively short wait in alberta, then I really can't see myself moving out, at least until ive had the surgery. I know I sound selfish but I'm sure a lot of people would feel the same way if they were so close to having their surgery and then for some reason had to leave or what not.
Any and all information are very appreciated, i checked out post prior to writing these you guys seem to have a really good support system/ community going on here.
My names Omar and Im 18 and currently living in montreal. I actually am looking to have bariatric surgery and all, and I got a consult here for my government paid surger. I was looking into the sleve. My consult is actually Wednesday of next week.
Why am I here you ask? Well, the answer is kind of simple. My parent are most likely moving out to alberta and since I live with them along with my siblings, I will probably need to join them at some point. The move should happen towards the end of the summer of next year or towards christmas next year. As it now, my wait time is between 6-12 months because I am a younger patient with lower risks and virtually no obesity related health problems (blood pressure, no diabetes, etc). Of course once i heard i might have to move, I eventually came down to realizing that i may get stiffed out my surgery.
My questions are, how is the system for the sleeve in particular in Alberta? Are there many doctors that perform it? Most importantly, what are the wait times? It took me so long to figure things out in montreal and find out who to call and what to do, and then getting the appointment wasn't easy. But I feel my surgery is within grasp. Its VERY close, and if I can't bet on a relatively short wait in alberta, then I really can't see myself moving out, at least until ive had the surgery. I know I sound selfish but I'm sure a lot of people would feel the same way if they were so close to having their surgery and then for some reason had to leave or what not.
Any and all information are very appreciated, i checked out post prior to writing these you guys seem to have a really good support system/ community going on here.
Point blank...your wait time is gonna be LONG!
Some people have been referred to bariatirc programs here in early 2009 and are just getting in to it now and then they are still looking at a yr or more down the road before they are even approved for surgery.
Other parts of the province only take referrals on certain days and the wait times are lengthy.
Some people have been referred to bariatirc programs here in early 2009 and are just getting in to it now and then they are still looking at a yr or more down the road before they are even approved for surgery.
Other parts of the province only take referrals on certain days and the wait times are lengthy.
Omar:
Generally speaking, the wait times for the Edmonton based Weight Wise clinic are up to 1.5 years to get into the program, 6m-1 year to follow the program and be referred to the surgeon, and then maybe another 6-12 months to get surgery. For myself, I was referred in April 2007, got into the program in May 2008, had my sleeve in November 2009. My wife went through the same process and had surgery in December 2009.
The Weight Wise clinich is a comprehensive program that looks at mental, physical, internal, and other issues prior to surgery and prepares you for life after surgery. Yes, the wait times are long, but the amont of support you get prior to surgery is considerable. You will find the greatest number of surgeons at the Weight Wise clinic - Dr. Karmali, Dr. Davies, and Dr. Birch. Dr. Birch is one of the foremost authorities on laproscopic surgery in Canada, from what I understand. Dr. Sharma, is a world renowned obesity researcher and Director of the Weight Wise clinic.
There are other surgeons in Alberta like Dr. Farries in Red Deer, but he only takes patient referrals once a year and for 1 day only. There is also Dr. Nohr in Medicine Hat and his waiting list is around 3 years. My brother had an RNY with him about 4 years ago or so.
So, the wait times are long in Alberta. If you are already in a process out there in Montreal and you are only a year away from surgery, I would recommend sticking it out there.
The other thing that you should ask about is the the transferrability of medical records from Quebec to Alberta. The Weight Wise clinic is relunctant to take on patients who did not recieve surgery at the clinic. Most notably, the medical tourists who go down to Mexico for quicker surgeries and then return back to Canada with complications. Granted, complications can happen anywhere, but it's the availability of medical records that is key.
So, when you have your consult, you may or may not want to mention the potential of moving to Alberta. If your province's funding for bariatric surgery is anything like Alberta, it may hurt your chances. However, you do need to keep in it mind. Don't blindly believe that you'll be able to walk into the clinic and get help. The Weigh Wise clinic is overwhelmed with patients and can only handle as much as their resources will allow.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.
Cheers!
-- Xcalibur
Generally speaking, the wait times for the Edmonton based Weight Wise clinic are up to 1.5 years to get into the program, 6m-1 year to follow the program and be referred to the surgeon, and then maybe another 6-12 months to get surgery. For myself, I was referred in April 2007, got into the program in May 2008, had my sleeve in November 2009. My wife went through the same process and had surgery in December 2009.
The Weight Wise clinich is a comprehensive program that looks at mental, physical, internal, and other issues prior to surgery and prepares you for life after surgery. Yes, the wait times are long, but the amont of support you get prior to surgery is considerable. You will find the greatest number of surgeons at the Weight Wise clinic - Dr. Karmali, Dr. Davies, and Dr. Birch. Dr. Birch is one of the foremost authorities on laproscopic surgery in Canada, from what I understand. Dr. Sharma, is a world renowned obesity researcher and Director of the Weight Wise clinic.
There are other surgeons in Alberta like Dr. Farries in Red Deer, but he only takes patient referrals once a year and for 1 day only. There is also Dr. Nohr in Medicine Hat and his waiting list is around 3 years. My brother had an RNY with him about 4 years ago or so.
So, the wait times are long in Alberta. If you are already in a process out there in Montreal and you are only a year away from surgery, I would recommend sticking it out there.
The other thing that you should ask about is the the transferrability of medical records from Quebec to Alberta. The Weight Wise clinic is relunctant to take on patients who did not recieve surgery at the clinic. Most notably, the medical tourists who go down to Mexico for quicker surgeries and then return back to Canada with complications. Granted, complications can happen anywhere, but it's the availability of medical records that is key.
So, when you have your consult, you may or may not want to mention the potential of moving to Alberta. If your province's funding for bariatric surgery is anything like Alberta, it may hurt your chances. However, you do need to keep in it mind. Don't blindly believe that you'll be able to walk into the clinic and get help. The Weigh Wise clinic is overwhelmed with patients and can only handle as much as their resources will allow.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.
Cheers!
-- Xcalibur
Wow, there are A LOT of complaints going on in the Quebec/Montreal community in particular regarding the system and how underfunded and ridiculous it can be. But based on what you've told me... I guess in perspective the system here is much faster.
I guess the main difference is that in Quebec, their goal is to get you in and out of surgery in a relatively quick time (as compared to other places in Canda), but in Alberta it looks like its more about changing the person and really working one on one to get to the bottom why you are obese to take their sweet time undoing the harmful habits we've acquired over the years as obese individuals.
My appointment is on Tuesday, where I will be told my wait time. From the looks of it, it seems as if I will wait it out. I do want to address the point you said Xcalibur, about being a medical tourist. I know you didn't mean it regarding myself, but I would think they would realize that I had my surgery in Canada. I've been here for over 2 years and i was obese the whole time so it make no sense or patronize me over it. The time frame for my move are not exactly in place yet but I know for sure that i can have my files transferred, i know many who have done so.
Based on what you've told, i'm most definitely going to have my surgery in montreal because i am insured here 2012 and i will be most likely having it some time next year. When I do move out I would love to meet some of you and talk and join some support groups to keep my morale up as I really don't know a soul in all of Alberta.
Thanks all :)
The info is much appreciated :)
I guess the main difference is that in Quebec, their goal is to get you in and out of surgery in a relatively quick time (as compared to other places in Canda), but in Alberta it looks like its more about changing the person and really working one on one to get to the bottom why you are obese to take their sweet time undoing the harmful habits we've acquired over the years as obese individuals.
My appointment is on Tuesday, where I will be told my wait time. From the looks of it, it seems as if I will wait it out. I do want to address the point you said Xcalibur, about being a medical tourist. I know you didn't mean it regarding myself, but I would think they would realize that I had my surgery in Canada. I've been here for over 2 years and i was obese the whole time so it make no sense or patronize me over it. The time frame for my move are not exactly in place yet but I know for sure that i can have my files transferred, i know many who have done so.
Based on what you've told, i'm most definitely going to have my surgery in montreal because i am insured here 2012 and i will be most likely having it some time next year. When I do move out I would love to meet some of you and talk and join some support groups to keep my morale up as I really don't know a soul in all of Alberta.
Thanks all :)
The info is much appreciated :)
Omar, I am not sure where I was patronizing in my original response. It was certainly not my intent. I'm just telling you what the reality is here in AB based on my experience and I think others in this forum would agree with me. My delivery may have been abrupt, but that's just my style.
To be candid, I wouldn't make the assumption that just because you had the VSG in Canada that it makes a difference. I've heard a story by a patient who did exactly what you are comtemplating. She had a procedure done by Dr. Christou in Montreal. She moved to Alberta (not sure if it was Edmonton or elsewhere) and had complications after the fact. The Weight Wise clinic wasn't willing to take her on as she didn't have her surgery at the clinic. Now, things may have changed since then and I've heard that the program is expanding their revision clinic, but I don't know whether that would include outside patients. The only out of province patients that I am aware of are the ones who travel into Edmonton from BC, SK, and MB to go through the program.
If I had my choice, I would take the AB "comprehensive program for the QC "in and out" program any day. The surgery is just a tool. not a magic bullet. It doesn't guarantee success. One has to address all the underlying (medical, psychological, physical) issues before getting surgery or you may be doomed for failure. I personally know of patients who have had surgery and not lost very much or regained since. A clinic staff member once said that they have patients who have had surgery and lose nothing.
With that said, the whole person needs to be treated, not just the disease. This is particularly true with overweight/obese patients as there are always contributing medical factors/comorbidities such as emotional eating, psychological depression, lack of mobility, hypertension, and asleep apnea, just to name a few. Nutritonal counselling and education is a key part to the program because let's face it -- If we all followed proper nutrition and eating guidelines, none of us would need bariatric surgery.
In closing, if someone is going to have their internal organs rearranged to treat their obesity, why wouldn't they want to do everything possible in their power to make sure they are successful? In and out mentality just doesn't seem to be in the best interests of the patient, in my opinion. I think others would agree that in the long run, the comprehensive WW clinic program is a better route and don't regret putting in the time. It took years to bring each of us to become obese/overweight and it can't be fixed quickly or easily, IMHO.
Finally, there is a Edmonton Bariatric Peer Support Group that is located on Yahoo, if you are interested. You can find it at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/EdmontonBSG/.
Cheers!
-- Xcalibur
To be candid, I wouldn't make the assumption that just because you had the VSG in Canada that it makes a difference. I've heard a story by a patient who did exactly what you are comtemplating. She had a procedure done by Dr. Christou in Montreal. She moved to Alberta (not sure if it was Edmonton or elsewhere) and had complications after the fact. The Weight Wise clinic wasn't willing to take her on as she didn't have her surgery at the clinic. Now, things may have changed since then and I've heard that the program is expanding their revision clinic, but I don't know whether that would include outside patients. The only out of province patients that I am aware of are the ones who travel into Edmonton from BC, SK, and MB to go through the program.
If I had my choice, I would take the AB "comprehensive program for the QC "in and out" program any day. The surgery is just a tool. not a magic bullet. It doesn't guarantee success. One has to address all the underlying (medical, psychological, physical) issues before getting surgery or you may be doomed for failure. I personally know of patients who have had surgery and not lost very much or regained since. A clinic staff member once said that they have patients who have had surgery and lose nothing.
With that said, the whole person needs to be treated, not just the disease. This is particularly true with overweight/obese patients as there are always contributing medical factors/comorbidities such as emotional eating, psychological depression, lack of mobility, hypertension, and asleep apnea, just to name a few. Nutritonal counselling and education is a key part to the program because let's face it -- If we all followed proper nutrition and eating guidelines, none of us would need bariatric surgery.
In closing, if someone is going to have their internal organs rearranged to treat their obesity, why wouldn't they want to do everything possible in their power to make sure they are successful? In and out mentality just doesn't seem to be in the best interests of the patient, in my opinion. I think others would agree that in the long run, the comprehensive WW clinic program is a better route and don't regret putting in the time. It took years to bring each of us to become obese/overweight and it can't be fixed quickly or easily, IMHO.
Finally, there is a Edmonton Bariatric Peer Support Group that is located on Yahoo, if you are interested. You can find it at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/EdmontonBSG/.
Cheers!
-- Xcalibur
(deactivated member)
on 11/10/10 11:10 am - Canada
on 11/10/10 11:10 am - Canada
Hi Omar,
You don't say where in Alberta you may be moving to, but it makes a big difference in terms of what your wait time will be like. In any case, if I were you, I'd wait out your time in Quebec if at all possible rather than starting over again here in Alberta.
The Weight Wise Clinic is absolutely fantastic (I'd give my left arm to be able to attend it), but it requires a fair amount of regular participation in modules, visits with the clinic staff, etc., so if you are not within a reasonable driving distance from Edmonton, it's not really feasible.
The surgeons outside Edmonton all have their own processes and wait times as well. Personally I was referred to Dr. Nohr in Sept of 2006, and I am finally scheduled for surgery in December of this year - over a four year wait. If your family is coming to Southern Alberta, I'd do everything I could to stay in Quebe****il your surgery can be completed. I really can't see Dr. Nohr acknowledging the time you've spent waiting for a different surgeon - I'm guessing you'd go to the bottom of his wait list like any other new (to him) patient.
Best of luck - and welcome to Alberta when you get here !
Denise
You don't say where in Alberta you may be moving to, but it makes a big difference in terms of what your wait time will be like. In any case, if I were you, I'd wait out your time in Quebec if at all possible rather than starting over again here in Alberta.
The Weight Wise Clinic is absolutely fantastic (I'd give my left arm to be able to attend it), but it requires a fair amount of regular participation in modules, visits with the clinic staff, etc., so if you are not within a reasonable driving distance from Edmonton, it's not really feasible.
The surgeons outside Edmonton all have their own processes and wait times as well. Personally I was referred to Dr. Nohr in Sept of 2006, and I am finally scheduled for surgery in December of this year - over a four year wait. If your family is coming to Southern Alberta, I'd do everything I could to stay in Quebe****il your surgery can be completed. I really can't see Dr. Nohr acknowledging the time you've spent waiting for a different surgeon - I'm guessing you'd go to the bottom of his wait list like any other new (to him) patient.
Best of luck - and welcome to Alberta when you get here !
Denise
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