Ask to be refered to the Richmond bariatric clinic or Victoria Bariatric clinic, if there are none in Kelowna...I know there is a private clinic there but I am not sure about an insured clinic

Hello,

I am on Vancouver Island and considering VSG. I am wondering where you went to get your surgery? Who did you see on the Island for follow up care?

I'm having a heck of a time finding info about being referred for VSG or the Gastric Sleeve Surgery. I was in my GP's office and asked if he could refer me or if I was even a candidate and he's like I don't know. He gave me the number of another doctor, whom told me he only does the surgery occasionally and pretty much picks and chooses who he does the surgery for.

Is there a form my doctor needs to fill out to go to one of the Bariatric locations in BC or do I just ask him to send a referral to one of them?

Someone please help my head is hurting from trying to hunt on the internet.

Was it not ordered for you by your doctor? When I was attempting a very low calorie diet with liquid meal replacements, my doctor ordered Optifast by the case for me, and it would have been delivered to my door except that the delivery people here are [fill in the blank] and I had to pick it up at the depot. But at least it was delivered to a place close to me.

And if that isn't possible, could you get an alternative like Premier Protein? It is FAR more palatable than Optifast, in my opinion, anyway.

Hope this helps.

MM

I am sorry for your experience....I know its hard....I am hoping all this waiting and all the struggles will make the end experience even better. I know for me I will stick to the program just to never ever be back in this place where I need it so bad