So I only have experience with the weight wise Edmonton clinic.  I have heard that the wait list in Calgary can be quite long so you might consider being able to go to Edmonton.  I have read some other peoples responses and really its a lot more simple than some have stated.   If you want to try Edmonton, the wait is very short now.  (relativily speaking)  Your first step should be to call and book a few modules.  Then go to your family Dr. and have them send through the referall. Having a BMI of 40 or above is reason enough to qualify you for the program.  There is no need to have ultra sounds and blood work done by your Dr. prior treferral.  Once your referral is accepted you will receive a package with blood work requisitions You do not get put on a list quicker or slower depending on your co-morbidities.   You wait time for surgery really depends on you.  If they see you are making progress and making lifestyle changes and loosing a little weight and keeping it off they will refer you to the surgeon.  I am no waiting for surgery.  The entire process from the time my referral was accpeted until I will have my surgery will be aprox a year.  From speaking with other people, this is about average.  Although some people take quite a bit longer.  Again, it is a very personal experience so times vary.  As far as surgeries go.  Edmonton offers RNY, VSG, and the band.   It is strickly a person choice on what surgery you choose.  They dont push you into anything and just give you your options and all the information they can on the surgery. 

There arent really a set standard of qualifications for surgery here.  We have to go through a program called "weight wise".  This consists of about 10 classes we have to take , then you have a team which consists of a nurse, diatitian, physcology, and a dr. that you see aprox 1 every 6 weeks.  After you have shown them you can make lifestyle changes and loose some weight and keep it off they will approve you for surgery.  It is them up to you what surgery you want.  They give us the option of RNY, VSG and the band.  My surgeon explained the RNY is the "gold standard" but it is still our choice on the surgery thats right for us.  The only real requirement to get into the program is to have a BMI of over 30 ...possible 35. 

Hello.

I've had my band removed and am looking for advice or experiences with  revision surgery after a failed lap band.

I am looking at the sleeve but was wondering if there is anyone that has  had their band removed and revised to a different surgery.

thanks so much   :)

Hi,  

So I could have gone through ahc but I was anxious to get it done! My schedule is hectic and for me self paying and going on a specific day was what worked best for me.   I had my surgery in Tijuana and was home again within a time frame that worked for me. 

I was hoping to get some more information specifically in Calgary. From what I have read the bypass surgery is not offered in Calgary. Just the sleeve and the lap band. Can you all confirm this. I also have found out that the lap band has been nothing but problems for many so I really would be willing to avoid this type of procedure.

The sleeve I have also discovered doesn't get coverage by AHS. Which clinics in Alberta would offer the bypass surgery as I think this is the direction I would like to go.

Who in Calgary are on wait lists and with which clinics.

Your continued help is appreciated as we all know what its like to be going through this and the support we can give to each other is a great tool.

Monica