Not sure what the nine appointments mean..... but I have definitely went to way more appts than nine...... its more like 1 visit every 4-6 wks for each of the staff you need to see.

Every 4-6 wks for nutritionist, nurse, psychologist, and OT if needed

1-3 Visits for Internal Medicine

1-2 Visiss for Surgeon

1-2 Visits for Psychiatrist if needed 

I was referred to Clinic by Doctor in Jan 2012.... 1st appt in Apr 2012...... approved for surgery by Dr Karmali Nov 2012..... on wait list now and looking at a surgery date of July/Aug 

Its a long time and can be very frustrating..... but trust me you need that time to sort out all the issues around food, mental, emotional,  ect...... most other clinics are even longer, unless you pay for it yourself out of country.

I have been told several different timelines from the clinic though out this..... that is probably my biggest complaint is the inconsistent wait time info.

But the best advice I can give you is take in all what they say, follow the program, work on your problems and the time will fly by even though it will feel like forever (if that makes sense lol).  And you will only get an accurate wait time after you have seen the surgeon and are approved..... until then if the clinic tells you a certain time (and this is just their best guess as they really don't know the doctors schedule or OR times), to save yourself the disappointment I felt a few times when that date came and went, then double what ever they say lol it will save you some tears lol

Hope all goes well, and before you know it, it will be all behind you :)

For me, I had my Doctor refer me to Dr Nohr in Medicine Hat. (I live in Calgary) I wasn't so much interested in a program to help me lose weight, but was set on my decision to have WLS. Being referred right to the surgeon himself sped the process up for me, although it required travel to Medicine Hat.

Try this link

http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/services.asp?pid=service&rid=1008784

I am not sure where you are located, but there are several options, there is a Clinic in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer and a few others, but they all start with a referral from your family doctor.

There are guideline you need to meet to get into the programs, you can google them depending on what clinic you want to get into.

I can advise that you will need to deal with the depression first, they will most likely not offer you any surgical options until that is being treated.

YAY!!!!!! And that is so fast! That is great news!