Surgery is Booked!! WOW

So I have to say this is the best forum EVER. Not only did I get a ton of information here, but I also met one of the members her for coffee, and not only did she answer all my questions and give me a real look at living with the sleeve, she has agreed to accompany me for my trip!!!That has put my mind at such ease. I am scheduled for March 1, 2013... YIKES... But I am ready....ready as I will ever be!!! Now to organize my life !!! LOL

You are going to be in good hands!

Hi there,
How lomg were you on the list from when you were approved to when you got your date?

Im thinking shes going to Mexico for her surgery ....because she said her friend is coming for the trip.  Could be wrong but, thats what it sounds like to me :)  Depending on your Dr., the weight period is aprox 6-9 months from approval.  :)

 

Yup. She's going to the same surgeon I did. (Average of about 3-4 weeks between approval and surgery)

While I think Mexico is a great choice for some people (it certainly was for me!) it can also be very bad if you don't do your research, read reviews, check the stats of the surgeons you're interested in, talk to people who've gone to that surgeon and get your GP on board for your aftercare.

I did all of those things before booking my surgery 7 months and 65# ago. I had a great experience and am very happy with the decision I made. (And my GP is totally delighted)

The only real downside at this point is that I no longer look much like my passport and driver's license pictures, but I'm not ready to pony up money for new ones. Now that I fit in any chair or aeroplane seat and can walk for hours I've developed itchy feet. I'm lobbying for Jamaica next fall... I figure I should be close to goal by then and will cave and get new ID.

Since Alberta Health will partially reimburse the costs of out of country surgery and it's also tax deductible, (Both the tax refund and reimbursement are MUCH less than the cost of having it done here) I think it'd be neat if they did some research themselves and had a short list of "approved" out of country surgeons. I know the chances of that ever happening are low, but reality is that there are a LOT more people needing WLS than the system can afford to pay for, which means there are also a LOT of people being denied that would really benefit. I understand public money being spent on the sickest, but some guidance when it comes to self-pay options for the "less sick" would be great.