Information Session in Calgary

I got a letter the other day from AHS telling me I was accepted into the Calgary Bariatric Specialty Clinic program and now I'm attending an information session on April 12th. Anyone else go through this information session?

I know a lot of people are going to Mexico to get the surgery done, but I just can't afford to travel to get this done, so I'll be playing the waiting game with Alberta Health. Unfortunately from what I've read, it's going to be a loooong wait. Anyone else in the same boat? 

Hi! I'm just starting the whole process in Calgary. I'm waiting to hear....how long did it take for you to hear from them? Do you know anything else about the process here?

I first went through the program 8 years ago. waited almost 2 years and didn't get anywhere. Back then they were only doing 25 surgeries a year and because I didn't have any comorbidities I wasn't considered as high on the list as others.  I only wanted lapband back then. Then late last year I decided to give the program another try as I now had osteoarthritis in my hips. My first information session was March 6th. After sitting in the class for two hours hearing about the same thing I did before and learning I'd have to do all the things I did before I went home dejected. After a few days of wondering if I wanted to wait a few more years with hopes of getting surgery or just paying for it myself I decided that I was going to Mexico to have it done. A few days later I was booked and my gastric sleeve surgery was performed March 18th. 

I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Now I look back and I'm so thankful I didn't have the lapband as it seems the success rate isn't as great as gastric bypass or sleeve and there are so many issues with it. Since starting the 2 week pre op diet I have lost 33lbs, a little on the slow side but I have PCOS so slow weight loss is normal for me. 

I've heard Red Deer or Medicine Hat is easier to get into with a faster surgery time but that's only what I heard. Not sure of the actual time frame. Good luck to you both. I know it can be frustrating waiting but its worth it in the end. 

I had the information session and now I have had my intake appointment as well. This is going to be a bit of a process but I hope it doesn't take too long as they're now able to do 50-75 surgeries a year and it's no longer based on how many complications you have or how urgent it is needed. It's all about your position on the wait-list. I have to do the 6 classes, i signed up for 2 optional ones and then I need to meet the phsycologist and nutritionist, then final assessment... and THEN I'm on the waitlist... whew... long roads ahead. :D

I'm going to talk to my doctor about this very soon.  after years of working my butt off and eating right and never able to break the 250 mark I'm just in need of a different solution.   How long did it take them to contact you after your referral?  and is the whole process and classes covered by AHS?