From Edmonton

I am from Edmonton and looking to connect with people that have had VSG. Appears most have had the surgery done in Alberta. I am pursuing having it done in Mexico but if it can be done in a timely fashion through medical in Alberta, I should investigate this further. Any advise or suggestions would be appreciated. Have a good day.

Azure..depends on what you consider timely. I sent in my referral for the Weight Wise clinic in January 2008. I had my first appointment in March of 2009. Surgery in July of 2010. So total that was about 2 and a half years. And to the best of my knowledge, the timeline hasn't gotten faster.

BUT even with the long wait, the support I have gotten from the clinic is uncomparible and I personally wouldn't of done it any other way.

That is a long wait though. Was this covered through AB healthcare or did you pay it yourself? I have a feeling if I was referred they would say my health was not enough at risk to pay the surgery. Just waiting fo my house to sell so I can liquidate some funds. Still investigating Dr. Aceves from Mexicali. Thank you for your comments. Have a good day. Julie

Hi just read your post and I was wondering if you did go to Mexico, or if you are still waiting. I am thinking of going to Mexico, but I would like to have the sleeve plication. I'm not sure if that is available in Canada yet or not.

Thanks

Alberta Health did the paying....all the paying.

I was referred to Weight Wise in April of 2008, had my first initial consult in June of 09 and had my sleeve surgery in September of 2010. Look back at it, well lets say it went by so fast that it's all a blur. Everything was payed by Alberta heath for me as well other than the 2.5 hours driving time but I was able to claim all my travel and meals through my taxes at the end of the year.

From what I've heard the program has changed drastically and you have to be under a Doctor care for obesity and following a plan through a dietitian for 6 month prior to being referred and before you can go up stair to the clinic you have to have all the required modules completed.

I had no co-morbities when I went to the clinic other than being considered obese. My blood pressure was fine and no diabetes, no sleep apnea and I was still able to have the surgery done so I'm not sure why you would think you wouldn't be able to have it done through the clinic if you were willing to wait that long.

There is a Mexico forum that might be more helpful when it comes to questions regarding traveling to Mexico and the cost and stuff. Otherwise hopefully we can answer some question here for you.

Good Luck.

Kee.

Good luck! It took me 1.5 years from referral to surgery, completing all the modules and sessions for emotional eating etc., and I needed all that preparation in order to be mentally ready for the VSG surgery that I had.
I have similar stats for a start weight to you. Good luck, I don't regret anything about the process I have gone through to date, and still am amazed at how lucky I was to be treated at the WW clinic, which gives pretty wholistic care (mental, physical, emotional, psychological) for obesity. I am still surprised and glad that Dr. Sharma decided to set up the clinic in Edmonton because as an international expert he could have done so anywhere in the world.
In your position I would recommend following everything they require you do to based on your care plan, as not everyone is recommended for surgery. If you go for a surgery performed in Mexico I would really check in advance about your resources in case you have complications when you return.
~mtrai

Thank you some very good pointers. I did not know there was a WW clinic in Edm. Where is it? I was concerned about  the followup aspects.

Go to the main VSG board and a lot have gone to Mexico for surgery there! They will be able to answer a lot of your questions!


Donna

The Weightwise clinic runs out of the royal alexandra hospital.

The referral can be filled out by your GP and the forms and information can be found on the alberta health services site here:

http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/services.asp?pid=service &rid=1008784

The care at the clinic is worth the wait, and yes, completely paid for by Alberta Health Care.