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I have no issue with publicly funded WLS, but I'm not ashamed of deciding to take control of my own journey.
Highest 303.4, Surgery 263, Current 217.8, Goal 180
I'm going to hazard a guess that us "out of towners" still net out cheaper to the system. I saved Alberta God knows how much, I'm going to guess minimum $40,000 by self paying and going to Dr. Aceves in Mexicalli. Playing devils advocate now but I could say why should Alberta Health Care cover the cost of elective surgery a person wants once sometimes even twice? It's a slippery slope my friend.
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.
Highest 303.4, Surgery 263, Current 217.8, Goal 180
I totally agree with that. Doing your research and homework is important. Just like the work that was done by each of us when we decided to have bariatric surgery in the first place. A decision that should not have been made lightly.
However, even having done all the due diligence possible, it is still possible to have complications whether it's in Mexcio, Quebec, and even here in Edmonton.
The issue with medical tourism is that people who exercise these option place an undue burden on the medical system when they come back with out of country procedures, as Dr. DeGara mentioned.
If someone wishes to have out of country medical procedures, that is there choice. However, they should also be prepared to pay the full cost of any intervention that is needed back in Alberta. People who get lost skiing out of bounds in the mountains and need to be rescued are made to pay their costs. Why shouldn't medical tourists be made to be accountable for their decisions?
Cheers!
- Alex
I just wanted to write a quick post to say thank you to all of you who post here. I am at the VERY start of my journey... I meet with my doctor this afternoon to discuss and get the referral. I have known about the options out there for years but it wasnt until recently that I found the courage (and hit pretty much the bottom of my tolerance) to take the steps to start the journey towards a healthier me.
Wishing you all a wonderful Valentines day and again, thank you!
Shelly
Dr. Modi is amazing. You will instantly feel at ease with her. She will go over all of your blood work, your medical history, ask you lots of questions, answer questions for you.
Good luck!!
http://chunkygirlkendra.blogspot.ca
Surgery date: April 10, 2012
Starting Weight: 386.0
Surgery Weight: 329.0
on 2/13/13 7:40 pm - Canada
HI !! I can totally relate to where you are. I too am in my early 30s. I do have children but, I stopped at 2 because it would not have been healthy for me to have more children because of my weight. I have anxiety/depression that is treated now thank goodness and I deff have major lethargy. (btw have you had your thyroid tested? if not it will be done in your initial blood work). Like the other lady said it will happen sooner than you think but the best advice is also like she said do EVERYTHING they tell you and things will go smoothly. Im not saying I have been perfect by any stretch of the imagination LOL ....but they are understanding too. As long as they see you have completed or are completing your modules and have made improved lifestyle choices you will be good to go. :) Weight Wise has honestly changed my life ......the biggest thing it has changed in my life is my thought process when it comes to food. I had really bad all or nothing thinking and I had very bad self talk. I still talk crap to myself lol ...but its much better. In anycase, you are in an amazing program that is found no where else in the world pretty much. If you would like to chat you can email me and I can give you my cell for chat or what ever :) [email protected] Also you should join our Facebook group Patients at Weight Wise Edmonton and area.
on 2/13/13 7:30 pm - Canada
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. :)
on 2/13/13 7:27 pm - Canada
Dr. Modi is my Dr. at the clinic as well. I absolutely love her !! She is a VERY personable Dr. and honestly it feels like your talking to your good friend when your with her. Its been a while since my first appointment with her but, Im pretty sure that she just goes over your history, asks a crap load of questions that you have probably already answered 10 times to other people ...lol...but so is how it goes with paperwork. She asks if your are interested in surgery and goes over her game plan for you. I know I was totally nervous but honestly no need....shes great !! :) Good luck !! PS come join our facebook group Patients of Weight Wise Edmonton. Lots of support and people who can help with question.
Kathy S. · 0 replies · 960 views
