Need to find a Canadian Bariatric Surgeon

I have decided, on the advice of my doctor to explore the possibility of getting the surgery in another province. He had referred me to Dr. Andrews at St. Boniface Hospital, but they haven't made any progress on getting their program started. The best they could do for me is to put me on a waiting list... I suspect with the current political will in Manitoba, this list will just be an exercise in futility. I am aware of the surgeons working through the lap band clinics in Toronto, but I also understand there are surgeons in Regina and Alberta as well. I will continue to search, but would be interested in hearing if anyone has suggestions. Thanks

Hi Maggie, I visited Dr. Andrews 1 1/2 years ago for a follow up to my gastric bypass which was done in Medicine Hat by Dr. Carl Norh. At that time he (Dr. Andrews) was fairly new to Winnipeg and MB Health had not approved the surgery here in Manitoba. I know he was taking names at that time too. I agree with your doctor....look else where. I know with Dr. Norh, there was a 1 year wait for the consult, and then almost another year for the surgery. That's a total of 2 years. Keep your name on the list with Dr. Andrews, who knows when MB might approve it, but get your doctor to refer you else where. Your doctor should have a list of names who is accepting referals. Good luck! Dorothy

Hi Maggie, Not sure if you are still looking for some doctors name in other provinces. Dr. Nohr's wait time is now 3 years to see him. There are 3 other doctors in Alberta. Dr. Farries is in Red Deer, AB takes referrals once a year on May 1, 2005 however, you have to see him once a month so that may be too much travelling for you. There are also Dr. Birch and Davey in Edmonton who run a Weight Wise program. I do not know much about this program. I do believe that they have a website maybe do a search online for weightwise..I hope this helps you. Good luck in your search. Belinda

I'm also looking for a canadian bariatric surgeon. I saw the website from the Edmonton Royal Alex clinic with Drs. Birch and Davey. Does anyone know what the wait list is like for them? Margaret

Margaret, The only I know is the reason they started the weight wise program is to determine who was a great risk and who was not as a great risk. I have no idea how they determine this. From I have heard the weight is about 1 year. I hope this helps you. Belinda

I've found the website for the Missisauga private clinic ($16,000) with Dr. Cobourn. I've also found a website for a private clinic in Montreal with Dr. Christou. I don't know th price of the Montreal clinic. But the wait for the public medicine clinics seems to be up to 3-4 years. and the only way to get any quick attention is to go the private clinic route. I've also looked at the USA bariatric surgeons and there are quite a few in ND, SD, and Montana --al places that are within driving distance from Winnipeg whereas Toronto and Montreal have to be fly-in places for me. anyone have experience with any of the USA clinics? and do you know whether Man. Health would cover the cost of surgery in a private clinic? Margaret

Hi Margaret: I live in Ontario and the wait time there is so long that they now send us out of country to have our surgery done. Our insurance for our province pays the tab. I had my surgery in Detroit Michigan and OHIP covered every penny of my surgery. They will only cover the RNY or the DS Switch not the lap band. I would check into going out of country and having surgery done because the wait time is much less that way. http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/leavingmanitoba.pdf That is where you get the forms. You will need your doctor to fill it out and you will fill parts out as well. Then you will have to write a letter and tell your BMI and weight then explain how weight loss surgery will impact your life. You have to explain why you need it sooner rather than wait for the long waiting lists in Canada. If you need any help with any of this I can send you some information. just drop me a not to my e-mail and I will send you some information. You will have to be a pioneer in your province but it is worth the fight. melanie [email protected]