Speed trap has covered a lot of the basic about getting into the Weight Wise program. Their program is amazing and it's much more proficient that when I started, I waited longer to get into the clinic than I did to have surgery but the program has changed a lot since I started it in 2009 and had my surgery in 2010.

Taking the module are a requirement but also I feel like they help so much in moving forward with a positive outlook about obesity and weight loss surgeries.

When tracking your food intake, also track things like moods and your hunger levels so that you can be more aware of why you are eating. Are you truly hungry or is it stress eating or eating out of boredom. Practice not drinking any liquids with your meals and then eventually change it up to be for 30 minutes before and after you eat. Also stop drinking pop or liquid calories. All these little changes will make for a bigger success once into the clinic.

Good Luck,

Kee.

Hi,

I am just over 1.5 years out of surgery, and want to start looking into some procedures.  I've read many wonderful things about Dr Toy in Edmonton, but when I called his office I was advised they aren't currently taking any new referrals, and don't anticipate being able to see anyone new for a year.

Although I would have really liked to deal with Dr Toy, I don't want to wait a year just for a consult.  Are there any other Albertan plastic surgeons that anyone has dealt with and been pleased with their results?

Thanks!

Well I can speak about the WW Program in Edmonton.

For me it was just over one year from the time my referral was sent in to the time I had Surgery (13 months).  I did go through the program very quickly.

It will speed things along if you are logging all your foods, as that is a requirement, as well get a good pedometer and start working your way up to 10,000 steps per day.  Taking the modules helps as well, there are several that are required for the program and getting a head start can only help, I had 9 done when I had my first appointment at the clinic and it helped because I had a good grasp on what I needed to have done.  You do not need to be approved to go to the modules, anyone can take them and I found most people I took them with were not in the weight wise program.

As for the Clinic itself you will usually get a call within 3 months of your referral to set your first appointment and then will have regular appointments over the next few months with a Nutritionist, Nurse, Physiologist, and the wight wise Doctors. After you have met the requirements they can approve you for surgery.

One thing to note, I do not think any insurance companies in Canada cover WLS, but If you go through the Edmonton or Calgary Programs, there is no charge. It is 100% covered by Alberta Health Care.

Sometimes it seems like there are some hoops to jump through and I know a year seems like a long time, but it takes time to break old habits, and discover the root of the problems that got us to where we are. Embrace the time to make healthy lifestyle changes and to learn, I can tell you if you stick to it is is worth it!

 

Karmali told us that the sleeve was designed as step one of a two step process...step two being the RnY...for super morbidly obese patients.
I had the sleeve. I rarely have "hunger". My husband alsohad the sleeve, still had hunger. Ghrelin can be produced in areas other than the stomach. He also had the RnY, as it was always planned that he would do two steps.

As for NSAIDs, that totally depends on your surgeon. WWC is 100% against them in all surgeries, at least from my and other's experience.

The loss, or at least reduction of physical hunger is the huge plus of the sleeve when compared with RNY or Band. I was always hungry and had no full signal. Any of the 3 would help with restriction to small portions, but not being hungry is magical.

The other benefit (for me - may not be an issue for you) is that the sleeve is the only WLS that allows occasional use of NSAIDs. I have arthritis and chronic bursitis - and had severe sciatica before my surgery. The thought of having to get by without pain meds gave me a strong push toward VSG.