Dr. Blackstone

Anyone out there had surgery with Dr. Blackstone at the Scottsdale Bariatric Centre?? Sure would like to hear from you.  Eydie

Maybe try asking on the main forum or the State where he resides if you haven't already.
Good luck.

Take care,
Sim
 
RNY June 26, 2007 Seattle, WA- Dr. Hunter-Virginia Mason Hospital,
HW 323 lbs; SW 313 lbs; CW 168 lbs, GW around 150 lbs

Hi everyone.  I'm new to BC, from Ontario.  I had made arrangements there to have gastric bypass surgery, sent in all the health forms from my family doctor to OHIP for approval.  My doctor, who had been my GP for 30 years heartily approved of the surgery.  Then he retired before the paperwork was all finished and OHIP rejected my request based on the doctor who was supporting me had retired.  I had even gone down to Detroit and got approved there to have the surgery. Everything was done except OHIP approval which I needed to get a new GP for.  My new GP did not approve of WLS and said there were too many forms to fill out so she would not do it.  Then I had to move to BC for family reasons, and here I am.

I am 54 years old, and after I got here I was diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and I have a family history of diabetes, heart disease and all the above.  I need to have the surgery.

A couple of questions:
1)  What is this new "sleeve" surgery I hear about in the posts here?
2)  Has anyone had gastric bypass surgery?
3)  How long is the waiting list  here?
4)  Does BC Health approve having surgery south of the border if the wait times here are too long?
5)  What doctors names should I give to my family doctor as those who could perform WLS, and contact info if you have it.
6)  Is there an age cut off here for the surgery if you are otherwise healthy but just very heavy?
7)  Anywhere I could get some specific info re. BC WLS or that in Washington State if that is the place they send you if the wait here is too long.  I'm not getting any younger and I'd hate to leave it too long and then be disqualified because I'm not younger.

Thanks to anyone who can help me.  I really need some guidance.
Ruth

Hi Ruth

Surgery times can run anywhere from 1-4 years depending on the surgeons you see.   I would also suggest you go on the www.victoriabariatricsurgery.com website also a members login which is free to join and a lot of people on there with great information as well.    Dr Amson does surgery in Victoria , Dr. Tang same office as Dr. Amson , and Dr. Rusnak who has a shorter waitlist I believe.   There is an out of country form that can be filled out but it has to be filled out by a specialist encrendonologist or bariatric surgeon, not a gp,  and there are those who have had the surgery in Seattle and not sure where else but if Sim comes on line she will be able to tell you she knows a lot about this.   A good book to get is WLS surgery for Dunmies, I got mine at Indigo had to order it in took few days.  Also if there are support meetings in your area these are a great source of information as well.  Hope I have been of some help

Suzanne North Van

Thank you Suzanne, you have been very helpful.  That is exactly the info I was looking for.  I'll be sure to check out the book and the website you suggested.
Ruth in Prince George BC

Hi Ruth,
 
I went out of country to Seattle for WLS last June. I have lots to tell you so maybe it is easier if you email me and send me your number privately and I can try and answer questions for you.

Take care, Sim

RNY June 26, 2007 Seattle, WA- Dr. Hunter-Virginia Mason Hospital,
HW 323 lbs; SW 313 lbs; CW 168 lbs, GW around 150 lbs