Beyond Ho

Hello all, I'm new here. I'm interested in beginning the process required for bariatric surgery, and I've got a bit of a question. Do any of you live outside of the lower mainland or Island? If so, how did the distance/lack of immediately available services impact your experience? I live in Prince George, after many years in New Westminster, and since I've moved here I've been surprised by how few specialists practise here! I still travel back to Vancouver several times a year to see a rheumatologist and a dermatologist (pretty severe psoriatic arthritis, oh joy) and am hoping for a referral to the Richmond facility. I'm afraid that I would be refused just on the basis of location alone! 

Whoops! That was meant to read "Beyond Hope!" ?

Hi there! 

I'm from out of town as well - I live in the interior and I'm part of the Richmond program ( I'm actually having surgery this morning - wish me luck!). They take patients from all over the province as the only two places  are Richmond or Victoria. They try their best to group appointments and do telephone consults when they can. 

Best of luck and I hope that helps! :)

Kyla

This is good news! When you're feeling a bit better, would you be willing to share more about your experience? Did you have to travel to Richmond often, or were most consultations done by phone? I wonder if they'd do Skype or similar...? How long is the consultation process? Or does it vary for each patient based on test results, etc? 

Congratulations on your surgery - speedy recovery!

Hi there :)

Sorry it took so long to get back to you... I am an open book and found it hard to find BC related info so ask away. 

The first time I came down was for the initial group orientation. From there they order some tests (blood work, sleep study) and I could do all of those locally. The next time I came down was closer to surgery and they grouped all of my appointments together. I'm pretty sure I did 3 in 2 days (OT, dietician, surgeon). I then came down about a month later for more tests (bone density, ultrasound, scope, and dietician) I have had regular phone appointments through the process, and both my surgeon and endocrinologist have agreed to do phone consults. Do keep in mind that you have to come several days before surgery for appointments and they ask you to stay a week after surgery to make sure there are no complications, so plan to stay on the coast about 2 weeks. 

I do feel like I have to mention that I was told by the team that my case was atypical in that the appointments moved so fast. I was very ready and did extensive work in the 2 year wait for orientation to make myself a better candidate. If you want to know more, let me know and we can chat :)

Hope that helps!

Kyla