Wanting to help family member

Hello, I'm new to this site and I'm wondering what I can do as a family member to help my brother improve his health. He's in his late 30s, lives in Edmonton and is in communication with his doctor about his medication, beyond that he hasn't mentioned being in any program or group for help.

I came across the Weight Wise program (www.albertahealthservices.ca/services.asp) and thought it would help, first it says he needs primary care weight management. I included the text from the Weight Wise website below,

"These services support individuals with obesity who have had primary care weight management intervention for a minimum of 6 months and require further tertiary care"

Could someone please explain what this is and how to go about starting him on this, so he can then start Weight Wise? How is the cost covered for this?

I also suggested he attend TOPS meetings but he didn't think it would help. Does anyone have experience with these meetings? Have they helped? I'd really like to see him join a group for support or just meeting and talking with other people.

Any advice or ideas appreciated,
Thanks

What a caring sibling you are :) !  Your brother is blessed :)


Well I am knew to the weight wise program myself but this is how it works now.  
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His first step should be to contact booking (i'll give you the numbers below)  and book himself in for modules.  These are classes we take that are all abut nutrition, exercise, and obesity issues.   The first one will explain all about the program as well.  When he books these modules he can then go to his Dr and tell them to send in his referral.   In order to get into the "weight wise clinic" his Dr has to fill out a referral to the program and fax it in. Some Drs (mine included) are not aware that there is an actual form that needs to be filled out so he might (as I did) print off the referral form from the alberta health site and bring it with him to the appointment.  Once his referral is sent in and accepted right now there is about a 2 month waiting period until you get your first appointment.  In the mean time he would be taking all those modules that I talked about.  Before his first appointment he must have attended four modules ...module 1 being maditory.   From there everything is on a very individual basis.  They want to make sure you are emotionally and physcially ready before they will book you for surgery.  From what I learned from other who have gone through the clinic and also talking with the staff themselves ....its takes about 6-12 months to have the surgery. 


Here are some numbers that you and your brother can call.....

780-401-BOOK (2665)

(Central Access), 780-735-5620

Booking can answer a lot of questions about getting your referral in and what to do ....the central access numbers will put you in contact with the weight wise staff.  Every single person I have spoken to has been so very kind and helpful.  I can not say enough about how nice they are.   Central Access normally dosnt answer but they call you back normally within 24 hours.  

Hope this helps !!

and yes it is 100% covered ...from start to finish :)