response to Wpg Free Press article on obesity

Here is the email I sent to Lindor Reynolds with the Wpg Free Press Sept 25, 2010

Hello Lindor, I would like to comment on your article "Obesity takes an increasing toll on all of society" in the Free Press Sept 25, 2010.  Your article commented on the OECD Report on the toll of rising obesity rates. First of all, thank you for writing the article, this is an important health issue faced by so many Manitobans.   You also mentioned about the Plus Size Living Catalog and the innovative products designed for plus-sized customers.  As a former plus-sized customer, I appreciated that these products are available for clients.  Have you ever sat in a chair and thought it could not hold your weight?  I have .... weighing in at 280 bs (highest weight was closer to 300 lbs).  I tried countless ways to lose weight, spending hundreds of dollars on weigh****chers, diet pills, hypnosis, acupuncture, gym memberships,  at times losing up to 80 lbs and then gaining it all back (and more).   The only tool that worked for me and countless others is gastric bypass surgery.  This tool is an effective way for the obese to lose weight.  It is only a tool but it helped me to lose 130 lbs. and gave me a chance to start life over.   Now 130 lbs lighter (for over 2 yrs now) I can walk, go the gym and continue with a healthy diet.  Most family doctors do not know about this type of surgery and most people that I talk do not know about this as an option.  I had to go to Alberta for surgery and had to wait 3 years.  I know of other Manitobans that had to travel out of province as well.  The costs are covered by MB Health.    As of this year, gastric bypass surgery or weight loss surgery is finally available here in Manitoba and is covered by Manitoba Health.  However, it is just a new program and there is limited criteria.  You have to have a BMI less than 45 and be less than 55 yrs old and be female.  I know there are Manitobans who have BMIs over 60 that do not quality and are told they have to lose weight... isn't that crazy.  If they could lose the weight do you think they would have the surgery?  I know there are males who do not qualify and say is not fair!    For more information on this life saving surgery, check out the Obesity Help web site, the Manitoba Forum has stories from Manitobans that were given a second chance in life.   http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/MB/4110905/new-bariatric-p rogram-in-Manitoba/   This is not the only way beat obesity but it is one effective way and Manitobans need information on this as an option and all Manitobans need access to this.   Thanks, Diane Gagnon

Diane

You're letter to Lindor was well written and to the point. I don't understand the female only criteria or their BMI, as I didn't meet their criteria.  Hey! maybe boycott the clinic as sexist and unfair! just a thought

Linda

Hi Linda,
Thanks for your feedback on the response.  It is not fair that we Manitobans have to travel out of province still for this surgery. 

Diane

You go Diane!   Great letter!!
Hopefully the powers that be will listen.

I can hardly believe that they have banned male surgery candidates!!!
I think that's got to be unconstitutional or something!

I am down about 150 lbs from my highest weight and so close to goal now that I can almost taste it.
I am healthier than I have been for at least 20 years, WLS has most certainly saved my life!!

Again congrats on your success and keep spreading the word!!

Hi Joann,
Thanks ...... this surgery helps so many people....

we should not have to travel out of province .... it should be accessible to those whose health is affected.... originally I had to wait almost 3 yrs for an appt then go to another province to see a surgeon then wait another year then travel again.  At least now in Manitoba there are some surgeons available but the criteria is too strict.....

Keep up the great work. 
Diane

Hi,
First of all great email and thanks!!! Second of all I am on the list for surgery in Manitoba, met the criteria and am seeing the nutritionist on the 13th of October and a friend of mine has already had it. My surgery should be late November or early December, and my referral was received February 24, 2010. I am very excited and wi**** was already done and I was on the loser bench, but I know that it will come! Unfortunately for those people that have not met the strict and unfair guidelines they will have to wait and wait and wait, and I know first hand.... you start to feel like you are running out of time. I really don't understand why this program has to be proven first, the Manitoba Government is already paying for this surgery to hospitals out of province, plus they are paying for airfare and not sure but possibly other expenses. Seems pretty straight forward, if they are paying they must already believe in it!!! I don't believe it is the surgeons decisions to have this criteria but the government, I could also be wrong on this one.

I hope that they broaden the criteria and when I had my appointment with the doctor he said he hoped by spring it would. My suggestion would be to have your doctor send in the referral even if you don't meet the criteria they have now, because if they do change it your name will be there already!!!

Dean

Hi,
It's great that you are scheduled for surgery so soon and here in Wpg.  I was nervous about the lack of follow up after my surgery as my surgeon was in Alberta.  I have been telling everyone to try and get their name on the list even if they do not meet the criteria.

How did you find out about the surgeons in Winnipeg?  I can not really remember when I first found out about the ObesityHelp Forum but I am really happy that I found it... I like the support and information and I think "how could I have done gone for surgery without this support".  I did not know a single person who had the surgery, but now of course I know lots who have gone and are sooo happy.

I've had no regrets.... best of luck to you!

Diane