Hi Scomeau83, I am new to this process myself. I just got my referral 2 weeks ago. I had made an appointment with my new doctor cause my other was leaving. When I got there I explained what I wanted to do and he said he had no problem. Asked me to start doing the Weight Wise modules and by the time my next appointment with him for my medical I had all but 4 left to do. (Just over a month from appointment to appointment.) I spent 2 hours there and just as we were done with everything else I asked for my referral and he said no that the weight wise modules would do me just fine. I told him at that point that I wanted to still go and e answer was no. Went home with smoke coming out me ears. The next morning I had gone to the Primary Care Network that just opened up in Drayton Valley the day before and that wasn't much help cause you need a referral. Felt hopeless. She asked if I wanted to see a dietician and yes because I was willing to try anything. But needed a referral. She said she was going to make some calls and find out for me. So back to my truck I went and called the Bariatric clinic I wanted to go through and explained to them what happened. The lady was so sweet and said to give her a bit and she would call me back. It wasn't even an hour and she called back to tell me that I could even go to a walk in clinic to get the referral. I was also told to report the orginal doctor as he was asked for the referral and we as patients are allowed to have what the health system offers. Right after that call ended the dietician called and because she works out of the hospital I didn't need the referral cause I was taking the weight wise modules.  I called and got into a walk in clinic that takes appointments the next day. I was in that doctors office for 15 min with my referral. He told me to call the office in a week or so and make sure it got done. Last Friday I did that and the referral was in with a response that they wanted blood work done. Had to chase for that paper work a little bit but got my blood work done yesterday! 

Please feel free to private message me.

Andrea 

Only a panni is covered by Alberta health

Hello!  What a welcoming group - I've been reading of the threads but I'm hoping to get a bit more details on my questions...

1.  I weigh 260 lbs - multiple attempts at weight loss, once success where I lost 30 lbs and then gained 50 over the next four years.  It has been devastating.  My doctor is a health nut marathon runner and I'm scared to ask about the referral.  Do you have any tips on speaking to your doctor about the referral?

2.  I live in Fort McMurray and am prepared to travel for surgery.  Is my preference to stay in my own province to explore this surgery.  Do you have to pay out of pocket when going through the referral process?  How much does this cost?  How do you know if your insurance covers this?

3.  I am 32 years old - has anyone noticed if your age affects the referral process?

I appreciate your detailed answers and hope to get to my next stage with your support :)

Thank you!

Oh that's good to hear! Congratulations! Did you have any issues controlling your sugars after the surgery? Do you think you will eventually be off all of them as you progress? 

hi  yes I had my medication reduced a lot actually even  come off one of the other diabetic meds I was on so now im on just one med twice a day instead of 2 meds  4 times a day  many people do get taken down on meds  after surgery if your sugars remain lower then  they used to be and im only a month out from surgery