Cost, coverage, wait times.... questions

Hello, I'm new here.... and I"m sure these questions have all been answered a zillion times... but for my own perusal... if anyone could help me out, that would be HUGE!!!!

wondering, what the wait times for lapband, slimband or gastric bypass surgery is?
Is any of it covered by any private insurance that anyone has ever qualified for? I"m covered by Alberta Works
what is the average cost of these 3 procedures? Is there a payment plan? if so, how do you qualify?
I noticed a few have gone to Medicine Hat for surgery.... did you specifically go to that doctor from Calgary ... i.e. quicker surgery time?
thanks for any comments.

Average wait times are approx 3 plus years. They are doing lapband in Calgary and I hear the wait is a bit shorter. I am unaware of cost as it is covered by alberta health care.your family doc will need to refer you to your desired place. The most support is thru thr wgt wise program out of Edmonton. Welcome to the site, Arlene

Thanks for your reply!  I didnt think Alberta Health Care covered such a surgery... thats good to know!!! 
thanks so much! 

Welcome!  I don't know much about lapband or slimband but gastric bypass is covered under AHC.  You need to get a referral from your family doctor.  There are doctors who do the surgeries in Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary and Medicine Hat.  I can only speak for my situation.  Currently, I am waiting for my surgery in Medicine Hat with Dr. Nohr.  Once the office receives your referral you must wait for a call for your consult with Dr. Nohr.  At the same time you will attend a dietician course (about 2-3 hours).  Then after the consult they will give you a surgery date.  My referral went in the fall of 2009.  Consult was April 2010 and my surgery date is Dec 2012.  So it is a wait and from what I hear it's a wait for most doctors.  All you can do is research and find out as much info as possible.  Be as informed as you can be. 
Giselle

I've decided to get the VSG through Mt Zion Medical and the cost is $4500, some of which will be reimbursed by AHC.  I didn't want to wait so that's why I decided to pay for it myself and go out of country.

Pink....
You will love your sleeve. I had mine done just over 4 months ago and it's my new BFF. No regrets on my part.
As for cost here in Canada, I don't know of any province that ha a self pay plan. There are lots of people going to Mexico and to Las Vegas for surgery and they self pay.
I did the Weight Wise program in Edmonton and my referral went in to them April 2008, I had my first consult June 2009 and surgery September 2010. It was definitely worth the wait. The program teaches you so much in emotional, physical and mental aspects. I would have never done it without the clinic.
Good Luck.

Kee.

I share the same sentiments as Keelan with regard to the Weight Wise program at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton.

I waited about a year to get into the clinic 2008, started clinic in 2009 - 2010, complemented with the educational modules and meetings in the clinic with various staff.   I didn't want surgery right away so my approval was done in October/Nov of last year (2010) when I finally made my decision.   SO really October and by January 18 I was in surgery. (three months).
Of course I had already met with all of the professionals, done hard work, lost almost 10% of my start weight, and was doing well.  Every one was just fine with my progress and when I made the decision I had to meet with the surgeon a couple of times for his consent, do endoscopy and barium swallow to make sure things were good, a bit of lab work....

I don't think I would have made the decision to have the surgery if it were not done here.  Some of my bandages JUST came off this morning and I can tell you they did an amazing job, the scars/incisions look GREAT.   I have complete faith in the surgeons at the clinic. 

My treatment in the hospital was absolutely excellent and my nursing staff very kind and attentive.  (of course nursing staff changes and this is variable, one can always end up with a nurse they don't like).

Hi I'm was wondering how your procedure went and if you would recommend mt zion? Was the cost only $4500? I do not want to wait years. I would rather pay to.have it done sooner. However I do have a budget. I would like to hear of your experience. Thank you.

I had my VSG done in Mexicali last June, had an excellent experience, an easy recovery, and have been very happy with my results so far. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have.

Kelly-Anne

Im really interested in going a similar route, Do you think you could give me more information about your experiance getting weightloss surgery through a private surgeon? And some more information on getting some of the cost reimbursed by AHC.