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Hi Everyone,

I am just starting out on my journey and hope that you can help me along the path. I live in Calgary and am starting out with the Weight Wise program in Edmonton. As anyone done this from Calgary? Just really looking for support to keep going and not give up because I'm scared.

chinook

I started the process while I lived in calgary and have since moved closer to Edmonton (lucky!)....If you are from out of town, ask to book as many modules as you can in one day to cut down on your trips up the highway. People I have met in this program come from NWT, MB,SK, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge........I understand it's the only one of it's kind (comprehensive!) in Canada. It sets you up for success by helping you change thought patterns, coping mechanisms, eating habits over a period of time. This forum can be helpful, always defer to your physician for serious issues........Welcome and enjoy the ride (it's a crazy one!!LOL!!!)

Thanks for the information. Were you working when you started the course? Are the 10 clinic appointments in addition to the Weight Wise Education Modules? About how many trips did you make to Edmonton? Did you stay over night or come back the same day? Where did you do the Craving Change series? I was told I could do them in Calgary but can't find any info about them here.

I too have met people that are from all over Alberta and British Colombia. The weight wise program is the best thing that  had ever happened to me. You will love it. iI will change your life in a very positive way and thats with or with out surgery.
You can ask to have your appointmetns grouped together, it might mean you see the team every 8 weeks instead of 6 but it's worth it in the long run especiallly with winter approaching fast.
Also you will find lots of love and support from the OH members, they are all truly an inspiring group.
Wishing you all the best.

Kee. 

 Hi Kee,

Thanks for your reply. Where are you from?

I live west of Airdrie (N.W. of Calgary) and have been going to the Edmonton clinic since 2005.....had lapband surgery 2006....band removed 2010 and revision to sleeve May 31 2011.  The clinic will work your appointments to keep the trips to a minumin but its so worth the effort. The clinic is the best.....can I ask why your scared??hang in there see were this journey takes you...

May I ask why you had the lapband removed and a revision to sleeve done? I am scared because I don't have the support of my husband, so I would be doing this alone. Where did you do your Craving Change series? I heard there was one in Calgary but can't find any information about it.

Thanks

The lapband did not work for me....the inconsistent restriction and constant "throwing up" whenever the band was filled were the main problems.....I didn't do any of these classes that are now part of the program.....there were no classes "in the old days".  You just went to the clinic and saw your NUT, nurse or surgeon.......usually all three in one day or at least nut and surgeon.....things are a lot different now but some of the newer guys are better able to help with info on classes etc...

Sorry to hear about the lack of support at home...that will make it a little tougher but you can get support here. The info and support from the clinic will help as well....weather you end up with surgery or not....

im over 2 hours away and they are great, ' check to see if you can 3 modules in a day, 2 days in a row, ( or more) see if this can work into your craving change.  they have all the modules on line for their time frame. stay at the chateu louie and ask for their corparate rate, its around $100 with breakfast for  one person, not much more for two people, they also take dogs.  time will fly by

Like "bonnietuck"said, the clinic is awesome for support and the booking people will try to pack as many modules as possible into a couple of days. The "Craving Change" module is in 2 sessions as she mentioned. I agree with the Chateau Louie mention. My cousin stayed there while her hubby was in the Alex Hosp and the cab ride might be cheaper than the parking fees at the hosp!!!As for taking time off work. Yes, I did. Fortunately, I ran my own business so it wasn't too much of an issue,  To me it's something personal. I have a friend who didn't want it getting around her workplace so her G.P wrote her notes (after her appt's were booked) just saying she needed certain days off for medical appt's. It was then given to her boss. It's against the law for them to ask "Why?" If co-workers found out (they didn't) then she would know her boss was blabbing but she didn't so that was good. As far as co-workers knew, it was a sick day.....  Make sure when you make any app'ts they know you are from out of town and everyone does their best to consolidate your trips! believe me, it's worth it!!!