Getting Started - Calgary

Yes, I asked to be referred to Dr. Nohr (general surgeon) in Medicine Hat.  In 2010 I do not think there was a program yet in Calgary or it was in it's very early stages.  I live in Lethbridge so 2 hours west of Medicine Hat.  I am sure my regular physician would have referred me to the Edmonton program too, but it wasn't feasible for me at the time. 

I was not required to lose any weight beforehand, nor was I put on any type of liquid diet.  Dr. Nohr considered me a lightweight.  But I was able to lose 5 lbs before my surgery date just because I wanted to.  I weighed 272 lbs when I initially saw Dr. Nohr for the first time, then I was 267 lbs by my surgery date (Oct 31/2011).  Now, close to 14 months later I am at 150 lbs.  So that's around a 120 lb loss.  In total I have taken 4 trips to Medicine Hat.  Once for the 1/2 day course at the hospital with the dietician and then the same day appointment with Dr. Nohr where I met him, received my approval, and was given a surgery date.  The second trip was for the surgery itself.  The third trip was for a follow-up routine gastroscopy at 5 weeks post op to check out my healing.  The fourth trip was my 6 month follow-up appointment with Dr. Nohr.  I am due to head down again for my 1-year appt which I am behind on.

I have on a number of occasions contacted the dietician through email with questions.  She was great on getting back to me quickly.  I phoned Dr. Nohr's office once to ask a question.  Again I was responded to very timely.  At my 6th month follow up with Dr. Nohr I had a few weird pains that ended up amounting to absolutely nothing and he was quick to say if they came back to contact his office and he would get me into the hospital for tests within the week. 

So I am very comfortable with how things have gone.  I have had no complications really at all and I feel great. 

This has been my experience so far....

p.s.  I don't think Dr. Nohr does VSG.  His expertise is with the RNY.  But you could double check this...

Giselle

I understand that Dr Nohr recently began doing VSG so he is stool pretty new in that area. He definitely has advanced expertise in RNY with 25 years experience.

There is also a growing program in Red Deer, so you might want to see what they offer as well

Hi Spencerella

Are you from the Red Deer area and can you tell me about the surgeons there? Is there a weight management program there that has to be done before you can get referred to a surgeon?

Monica

I'm from Calgary but had surgery in Mexico so can't speak from personal experience. 

Anyone else in Calgary have some input to share with me. I go and see my family doc on Monday and want to be prepared with who the best doctor is. Where is the shortest wait list and any other information I would need to get an approval for the cost the AHS. 

Is the approval for the surgery done through the surgeons or do I have to fill out some type of application form and request it myself?

Thanks to everyone that has taken the time to reply to my post and for those that are reading please feel free to share some of your own thoughts and experiences and what I should be looking forward to during this exciting and life altering decision.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you.

Monica

Open vs. Laparoscopic.

Hey Guys and Gals,

I have read some conflicting stuff regarding wait lists for bypass surgery. If you are willing to do the surgery open have you found that you get in for surgery faster than if you decided to go with a Laparoscopic surgery?

Also please for those that have been with Dr. Nohr what he is really like and what his most recent wait list is like. I have heard some bad and some great reviews. Mostly that his bedside manners really stinks and that he assumes we've all done our homework and that he shouldn't be counted on for much support.

Again your support is greatly appreciated. Also has anyone been through the clinic in Red Deer?

Monica

 

Again, Im from Edmonton so I cant speak on wait times and the types of surgeries offered down there.  However, I can not urge you enough NOT to do an open surgery unless there is no other way.  Open surgeries place much greater stress on your body and you are at a SIGNIFICANT higher risk for infections and complications.  I am not even aware that any Dr. would do such a surgery unless it was medically needed over the scop.  I have no idea why one surgery would have a shorter wait list?  That dosn't  really make any logic as the open surgery would take longer and be more complicated surgically speaking than a scop. Please please please do research and DO NOT opt for an open surgery unless there is no other way.

Could not agree more with Nicole79

I just saw the surgeon in the Edmonton Program...... they only do laparoscopic surgery for all the surgeries (RNY,Sleeve, Band) but with the understanding that if there is complications like severe bleeding that they can't control they may have to open you up fully

If the surgeon only does open surgery I would find a new surgeon!!