new bariatric program in Manitoba

Hello all,

I have some very exciting news!

I know another person (Louise) on this forum mentioned that a surgeon (Dr Andrew) was getting established here in Winnipeg... check for older message Topic: manitoba health

I work at a community health clinic and today a doctor I work with gave me a copy of a letter that was sent to the doctors in the province. 

Here is the information in the letter "Dear Doctor"

Dr John Bracken and Dr Andrew, plan to initiate a publically funded surgery program at the University of Manitoba in the spring of 2010.  They are seeing referrals immediately. The letter states "we plan to perform only a limited number of cases at first, please continue to send your patients to well-established out-of-province bariatric surgery programs" . 

Patients must meet the following criteria:
1. Female
2.  Age <55
3.  BMI <47
4. Miminal comorbidities

"f patients do not need our criteria, we will place them in a queue for when we do expand our patient numbers.  Doctors need to fill out a Bariatric Surgery Referral Form with a cover letter when sending in the referral (asks for age/gender; weight; height; BMI;  Obstructive sleep apnea yes/no; other medical conditions; prior surgeries; medications.)"

Dr C.  Andrew
Tel 235-3902
Dr J.  Bracken
Tel 237-2914
200-400 Tache
Wpg MB

The above info is taken directly from the letter addressed to doctors in Manitoba.  This is very positive news!!!!  .  I would guess that anyone interested should follow up asap....

All the best,
Diane
Wpg MB
[email protected]

 That's Awesome!!  About time Manitoba catches up with the rest of the country.
Thanks for sharing this Diane.  I will make sure I spread the word.

Hi Joanne,
Great to hear from you.  Yes, this is very exciting news for Manitoba... hope that thr program continues...

How are you doing?  Looks like you and Tina are doing great...

I joined a gym, saw a personal trainer for the first time in my life.... I did not believe I could lose so much weight and now actually follow an exercise program... who would have guessed that 2 yrs ago (not me).

Diane

 Hi Diane!

Tina and I are doing quite well, thank you.  We've both had to buy some new clothing due to ours falling off.  In fact, I'm wearing a snug size 16 at this very moment (never, ever would have believed it)

I'm really having issues with exercise though.  The one and only gym we have close by is very small, cramped and not user-friendly unless your goal is to bulk up and look like a gorilla.  I know of many people including men who won't go there for that reason.

I think regardless of the cold, I might just have to start walking early mornings which means getting up at 5:30 and that doesn't sound promising, lol.  Once summer is here, I can take Aqua-fit 3 x a week and I'm so looking forward to that.

I am so happy for you that found a program that is working for you!!  I read your post in the exercise board and it must be almost overwhelming to see how far you've come, and it's very inspiring as well!!

You are looking healthy and happy.  Can't wait to be there with you someday!

Hello,
Hey, you are there with me... you are looking great and always sounding pretty happy in your messages. 

I thought there is no way I could commit to an exercise program and focus on healthy eating all at the same time.  I know lots of folks on this forum can and did do that... but my plan is make this a lifetime change... so one habit at a time.  All we can do is to be active as we can and find what works for each of us individually right?  

Well, thank you for the info. Right now I am at a BMI of 53. I would have to lose 40 pounds in order to be eligble. I excericse but I am on so much insulin its extremely hard for me to lose any weight. I'm going to have my PCP send in my info to them though, cause you never know. Hmm... maybe I can put lifts in my shoes and say I grew an inch.... That way I would only have to lose 30 pounds...

Hello,

The letter stated that if patients do not need  criteria, they will place in a queue"  It is certainly worth sending the referral in.  Good luck!

Diane

 Hi Diane, this is great news!  Do they mention what type of surgeries? I know Manitoba well not cover lap-band!  Just wondering.  Thanks for the info.

Talk to you soon Stephanie

Hello Stephanie,
I reread the letter and it did not state the type of surgery -- the letter states "they plan to initiate an obesity surgery program".     Individuals will have to call their office and ask about that.

Diane

 I would like to say thank you again for this info!!!


Thanks Stephanie