How long?

Hi guys,

I'm totally new to this forum and I have a question that has probably been asked a million times.

Does anyone know how long the wait is approximately for the RYL or sleeve procedure in Victoria?

Thanks :)

Hi and welcome

What is an RYL, did you mean RNY Roux-EN-Y gastric bypass. I believe that with all the cutbacks to bariatric surgery, there are only 60 surgeries being done in a year. The wait depends on which surgeon you go to, as some are less than others, you are looking at a few years. There always is the out of country option if you get approval through MSP, your gp needs to send you to a bariatric surgeon or I have heard that an encrendonologist can sign your out of country forms. Your BMI body mass index should be at least 50 with two comorbidities. Lapband is self pay and thus faster to get surgery. There is a place in Vancouver tht does the lapband surgery.

Ask your questions

Suzanne

Sorry, I meant RNY. Thank you for your info. My BMI is 45 so I probably won't qualify anyways by the sounds of it.

 Hi There,

I too am just starting out on the research journey.  I have called Dr. Amson/Dr. Tang's office and their outright answer is 'over five years' wait list.  I just called Dr. S Malik this morning and they told me if I was referred today my apt. would be Sept. and then it would be a year from Sept.

HTH,
Danielle

Ahh, thank you! I wonder why Dr. Malik is so much faster? Does he require a BMI of over 50 because mine is 45?

I just had my RNY with Dr Malik May 4th and I think they're estimate is pretty dead on.
Why is his list shorter? A few reasons, I have found through experience....
1) He just started last fall, he took over Dr Rusank's practice
2) He does NOT give you false hope and say your ready to go and then you wait another 2+ years like Dr Amson. ONCE he does say your ready to go, you get your date within about 3 weeks (this was the case for myself and anyone else I've heard who's had surgery with him)

Dr Amson is a great advocate but I think overly optimistic. He likes to *herd* people through as quick as possible, then tell them they're ready...meanwhile, no tests, no specialist etc (Again, this has been MY experience.

Sorry I don't know anything about Dr Tang.

I went to Mexico because I had a lower BMI (around 40) and I knew if I waited longer then I would have a higher BMI but I wanted to enjoy my life and get the weight off not just gain weight so that I qualified. I know I was fortunate to have been able to go self pay. In the end with the travel for myself and my Mom (she supported me) my surgery cost a bit less than $10,000. It has been almost 4 years and my BMI is now 19 and I feel great. I have loved this surgery and I am so thankful for it.

Dianna

Congratulations on your weight loss.

Suzanne

A BMI over 40 qualifies you for WLS in BC.  I just had my surgery on May 20 with Dr. Malik.  I have to agree with Suzanne (BBWVixen), Dr. Malik does not lead you on.  You have to do your part with him, however.  His expectation is that you are making an effort to lower your caloric intake and exercise as well as you can.  He likes to see you lose 10% of your body weight before surgery.  I would honestly get a referral to him.  I waited for over two years to see Amson, then it would have been another two or more years to surgery.  I would still be waiting for at least another year or more.  Frankly, I couldn't wait.