The secretary told me to read about the surgeries and choose which one I'm interested in. I'm neutral about all of them so I'm going to go into the office with knowledge of the surgeries but not set on one or the other. Whichever one the doctor recommends and is a bit less risky for me is the one I'll decide on.

 I've already spent many months researching the surgeries. I've taken the testimony of previous patients with a grain of salt though. I've been reading either glowing reports of how the surgery was complication-free and that it was the best thing they've ever done and then I've read page after page of people saying the surgery almost killed them and they spent years battling infections. There's an awful lot of websites that I've stumbled upon that seem like their goal is to scare the heck out of people; showing images of how stomachs look with staples in them, how fast you age after losing weight, "eat diary free and you won't be fat anymore!" messages everywhere posted by people *****ally shouldn't be posting those messages...  

I'm happy to say the image of the staples was nothing new to me. I've seen a lot worse in my own body.  

My body works a bit differently than the average person (genetic disorder that makes everything smaller) so I think the only true facts I can get are from the doctor. I also have to ask some more serious questions that I really hope he can answer. My thyroid isn't working either (my levels are too low) but my family doctor refuses to do anything about it until I show complete signs of thyroid failure. Maybe Dr. Sampath can push for treatment since it is connected to weight issues.  Anyways, I guess I'll just wait to see Dr. Sampath and go from there :) 

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

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

YES  you are very welcome to attend.. the meetings are for anyone and everyone interested in Weight loss surgery.. some are post op and some are pre op.. and some are support people

you do not need to bring anything cept your smile...

sometimes they haave themes and ask people to bring stuff if they have and want to share,, but if so it would be  included in the reminder message

hope you go and have a good time

I was hoping to make it ,,

but it doesnt look like I can make it this time

www.blazeonline.com

has a listing of all the meetings in the province.. I think

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!! :)