manitoba health

I know this is a long shot, but I was wondering if anyone knows if the gastric sleeve is covered by Manitoba Health. Thanks in advance for any and all info!

Hi it's Karen from Winnipeg and as far as I know my Dr. Amson in Victoria is doing mine and my husbands gastric sleeve hopefully next year some time we don't have a date yet but our consult was this year in May and MB health is paying for it, the surgery, the flight there and back and if we need escorts as well. I haven't heard any different about it. Maybe we should all try the getting together again for a chat I know it's been hard for all of us to find time but I think its importantthat we make time for us we're worth it. Talk to you soon.

They really cover it? That's great! I wonder how long the wait lists are for it. I have already been accepted into the weight wise program so I think I will just go with them. But, I know its a year and a half wait time to get in for surgery. That stinks!

Weight Wise is a very good program.  I went for module one in Sept 8th/09.  I would encourage to stay with it. :)

Just a little heads up for Manitobans.  I had a gastroscopy by Dr. Chris Andrew from 400 Tache.  after the procedure he told me that he is waiting for two surgeons from toronto who are moving here and starting up a bariatric program here in winnipeg.  He is the same physician that attemped to start a program a few years back but was stopped by manitoba health.  I was on his list for two years only to find out he was only going to be doing the lapband at the Maples surgical center, which i might add is a private clinic and the fee is $18.,900. The first surgery he will perform is the gastric sleeve!!!! I asked him when he is expecting to start this program and he said in the new year.  He told me he will let family docs know by sending letters out to each and every one.  This is wonderful news for manitobans.  My sister has already had our family doc send a referall so she can be one of the first on the list.  Lets pray Manitoba health doesnt stop him again!!!!!

OMG!!!!! That would be amazing! Please please please send me the information so I can have my doctor send in the referal right away.Super exicted!!!

Hi there

All i know is that his name is Chris Andrew and he works out of 400 Tache ave clinic. His office number is 235-3902.  Like i said he told me he was looking to open the bariatric clinic in the new year.  I am seeing him again on January 20, 2010.  I will definately ask more than.  At the time he told me i was out of it due to the sedating meds they give you for a gastroscopy.

good luck, i know this would be great for you.

Louise

Just a little piece of additional info about Dr. Chris Andrew.  My sister who is already connected with the weight wise program in edmonton has already had our family md send in a referral to his tache office.  She hopes to be one of the first on the list.  I talked to his secretary today just to confirm my upcoming appointment and i mentioned to her what Dr Andrew had mentioned to me and she said she is aware and that he was just talking with his staff the other day about this new program.  I tried to subtlely get more info but she was preety evasive.  Dont worry all, when i see him in January i will get the full low down for all manitobans on this site who are looking for the VSG.  I know what a hassel it is to go out of province, lack of support at home, no physican here to help us after, but now i have Dr Andrew, he has already done his training in the U.S and and was ready to start this program years ago but was shut down by manitoba health.  This program will run out of SBGH.  Good luck and keep your ears open for his name. 

take care

Louise

Hey there!!

I called to get more info....Here's what figured out so far and Yes its subject to change.

BMI acceptable max is 47

No...
Drug or alcohol problems!!
Eating Disorders....
History of any Cardiac disease or Pulmanary hypertension......a couple other factors too but
I was interuppted by another important call...Sorry!! 

Anyway...

Have your Doc send a referral by mail to:     Dr C. Andrew
                                                                              200-400 Tache Avenue
                                                                              Winnipeg, MB
                                                                              R2H 3C3

Not sure exact date of program start.. but ideal range could see patients being contacted Jan/Feb '10

Too bad about the BMI thing. I have a BMI of 54. So, I would have to lose 50 pounds to be accepted into this program. Since I have started taking insulin I have been able to lose nothing and not from lack of trying. I will have to stick with the Weight Wise program. Good luck to everyone!