Questions...

Hey everyone I am spending a lot of time considering getting a RnY and I have lots of questions, but I am hacing trouble finding some answers and was wonder if y'all could help me out!

1.Does MSP cover this fully?
2. What does it take to get covered if above is yes?
3. How do you get an appt with a bariatric surgeon?
4. What are wait times like in B.C.?


Thanks to any one who can help me out!! :)

1.Does MSP cover this fully?

YES if you qualify

2. What does it take to get covered if above is yes?

You have to see the Surgeon and I think it is have a bmi over 40 or 35 with other health issues.

3. How do you get an appt with a bariatric surgeon?

You have your Dr refer you to  http://www.westcoastbariatricsurgery.com/

4. What are wait times like in B.C.?

They vary... but the sooner you get in the program the better...

I had my surgery in less than a year

 Th ks so much, that helps a lot.

Hi Mermaid,

Welcome to the forum! I'm relatively new here myself and the veterans are often the best source of info; however, I think I can answer these questions easily.

1. Yes, MSP does cover the RnY and the VSG but not the lap band.

2. If you have MSP you can be covered but must have a recommendation from your bariatric surgeon.

3. To see a bariatric surgeon, you must get recommended by your GP, he/she sends in the referral and the surgeon's office contacts you to set up a consultation.

4. Wait time varies, depends on the surgeon. My surgeon is Dr Nguyen and he's partnered with Dr. Sampath out of Richmond. My doctor has a waiting list of at least a year, just for a consult. ( That's what I heard, last time I was there, however, that may be incorrect.)

Hope this answers a few of your questions, and never be concerned about asking anything. We're here to help you too.

Best wishes.  Heather

Hello, I'm 2 years post op, with Dr Malik of Victoria. West Coast Bariatric just started doing the surgeries in the last year I believe.
My son is trying to get in and was told it would take a year to SEE the doctors there.

The main doctors who are (started) doing this surgery are Dr Amson in Victoria - he's the #1 doctor and his wait is four years or so. There's also another doctor in his office, can't think of his name off hand and Dr.  Malik.

My total wait time was about four years.

Go to www.blazeonline.com and see the different doctors, and see the testing you'll need done. There are several specialist you'll need to see. Also pick up "weight loss for dummies"

Good luck!

I had Surgery with Dr Malik Dec 2011 and I waited about 2 years altogether, I have serous health problems and I got in sooner. Dr Malik is an amazing surgeon and I am happy and healthy girl now. He will send you for every test you need ( or any Dr of your choice).
I read In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction by Gabor Maté. It is well worth reading, and I read everything on this site and Wls site at blaze on line, there is a ton of info on these sites . but the Question you really need to ask your self is do you want to change, I work out every second day and I will for the rest of my life, I hated it, I cried, I got depressed, I got angry, but I agreed in writing to myself that if I was given this chance that I would work it and change my life. The surgery only gives you help with the food if you don't work at being healthy, it will come back. I am so grateful for my new life and I slowly started to like working out, I really can't go with out now, I have energy, and I can wear a great pair of jeans now. I am no longer on an meds, no insulin.......NO Insulin OMG amazing I think .... I am 54 years old , if this old lazy dog can do it anyone can. hope this is helpful