Getting frustrated and losing hope

As far as I know the first step is to go see your doctor and have them refer you to whatever program is correct for your area. Good luck with everything!

In March 2009, i lived in Calgary and my GP referred me to the weight wise program in Edmonton. They sent me a letter saying there were 7 modules to complete and to do them while I awaited an appt time at their clinic at the Royal Alex.....Fast Forward, life lead my family to moving to the Edmonton area so that made trips to do the module classes easier. Since 2009 the program has extended to Calgary but not the Alex Surgeons. I had my surgery (VSG) THIS Nov. 15/11.....What strikes me being a retired RN after almost 30 years is how impatient everyone is. I know it's exciting to have the possiblity of help but the classes and time are ESSENTIAL to long term success. It takes many years with many experiences and behavior patterns to progress in our obesity, it takes a few years to undo it! I was on 3 diabetic meds as well as bloodpressure and am now off EVERYTHING!!! I do not recommend trips to Mexico (MANY of those folks go straight from the airport  to the Royal Alex) The nurses there told me so while I was in there and exchanging stories. People fly from all over Canada and the NWT to access our Edm. Weight wise management course. You are set up for success by continuous monitoring and contact with the clinics nurses, dieticians, physio, and the dr.'s......With the "instant" surgery options or with no teaching and follow up people don't know things like you shouldn't get pregnant for at least a year AFTER you reach your goal weight due to potential malnourishment issues for yourself and babe..........I lost a friend to suicide who had her's (RNY) done in Medicine Hat  as she had no classes or follow up to help her change her life and examine issues contributing to her weight......I guess I just want you (and everyone else) to be patient (how long did it take to put on the weight, it's going to take a while to take it off) be careful, do research, attend all the classes, learn, change, and enjoy the bumpy ride. It's not an easy option but I know I did the right thing going through it all over THREE YEARS........life is now a size 12/14 and shrinking........feel great!!! Good luck!     

 for me its not the wait of surgery hat is frustrating  its was the wait to hear back about getting INTO the program ad the lack of a public outline for how the system works in Alberta for getting approved for he surgery  I am from Texas and did not have insurance coverage there that would pay for the surgery and have been looking into this ince I was 17 and I am now 30  I  couldnt come up with the 30k that it would have cost m out of pocket to gt t done in Texas and got desperate enough to cnsider getting it done in Mexico for 7k  I dd my resdearch and decided against it and I  glad that I waited but I think fr  lot o people its the desperation of wanting to change your life and going on diet after diet only to regain the weight. It wears on your spirit after awhile ad many give up hope  

Hi Kelly

I just wanted to give you some words of encouragement. I just went through the program here in calgary. I too felt like the process is frustrating, I just want to say how wonderful the weight management clinic was for me. I have made wonderful connections with the ladies in my classes, last friendship and support. When I went to the first class there was 300 people there wanting the surgery, it was very overwhelming, now in November I found out I was one of 50 to get selected for surgery. With that being said there was only 60 people left at the end and everyone that wanted surgery is getting it. Relax let the process work for you. I am 31 and also struggle with fertility, if you are going to do this you need to put a deserve for a baby on hold, they like you to wait 18 minths after the surgery to try to get pregnant.

 When did you start the program? 
I have heard quite a few people say that the program started out with a lot of people but by the end only a fraction were left.  Is there a reason why so many people dropped out or were they kicked out and if so what was the cause.  Im glad that you got approved for the surgery.  Did they give you a date yet? Which surgery are you going to get? 

The Weight Wise Clinic at the Royal Alex is amazing. Worth the wait. I am 10 weeks post op RNY and would do it all again in a heartbeat.

Hi Kelly

Here is what I can tell you, it really takes a level of deciation to make it through the program. For me it was 6 months every other week. I know in the first session when they said most people that have the band never eat steak again a few people just got up and left. When I started the program it was only an option to have that band, since being in the program the dr's have said they will do what surgery is best for the patient. I started for the band and now hoping for the sleeve. I see the surgeon very soon and hoping that he will agree to the sleeve. I think either A people are not waiting to make the commitment for the 6 months or 3 months I think now or they are realizing the surgery is not for them.

I dont have my surgery date yet but I will be getting that also very well, I am thinking the middle to end of February. If I had to do it all again I would in a second worth every second to me especially for the conections I made with the wonder ladies in my group.