hello!!

 Hi all..

I am new here..and would love a bit of help! I am wondering what the steps are to see about being approved for gastric sleeve?..I have conflicted info that it is done in Winnipeg..and it is not..or that it is covered..and that it is not.

So for those who  might have a bit of advice..please advice me..What, where do I need to go to find out? 

I am so excited over this...I would love to hear how you all are doing, before and after!

Always up to making new friends!

take care..

karen

Hello to you and welcome!

First of all the surgery is  based out of the St. Boniface Surgical Associates, 200-400 Tache Ave. Wpg, MB Fax 204-237-8141, doctors Andrew and Bracken and Vergis. There is a certain criteria that they are looking for right now to qualify. First of all you have to be a female, I believe your BMI must be <47( not sure), age, i think <50. If someone knows if I'm right or wrong, please correct me. They do cover the bypass and the sleeve. They do not cover the band. With the covered surgeries there is an out of pocket expense of about $400, for the 2 week liquid diet, Meditrim(I only have 3 more days, Yipee!!!) and for the dietician. I know the waiting list is getting longer so if you are really considering this I would suggest get your name in now. I sent my referral in Feb/10 and am scheduled for the sleeve on Nov 2. I know just around the corner!!

Good luck and keep us posted!

Dean

 Thankyou country_girl!..I appreciate your help very much!..ack..I am almost 50...I best call on Mon and see what is what., and what to do.

You must be so excited for Nov 2!!..So happy for you! Wishing you all the best in health and happiness!!

Hi,

You have to start with a referral from your GP to St. Boniface Surgical Associates, the criteria is as Dean explained, however I believe the current age is under 55.  Once your referral goes in, you will get a letter if you have met the criteria or not and then wait for an appointment,  I didn't get a letter at all, just got a letter with an appointment a few months after my GP sent in the referral but I was early on in the program.   They are looking for women with co-morbitidites (high Blood Pressure, High cholesterol etc) but no serious illnesses.

I had my sleeve done Oct. 19th, nothing but good things to say.  The worst part is the pre op diet and this liquid phase I am on now.  Weight loss is stellar!  But we still have to educate ourselves on the required high protein low carb healthy eating and exercising, etc.  It is a GREAT tool.

If you are not approved, you can look into options out of province, the States or Mexico has very reputable clinics that many Winnipeggers have used.  Good luck!

Deb

 Hi Deb!

Thank you for the info..I will be calling my GP Mon for an app. 

So, how are you doing in the healing factor of your op? Is the pain managable, or are you given something for it? I guess it is pretty early to tell how long before you are 100% up and around.

But I hope it goes by fast, and you are up and around, feeling fabulas!!!

Yes, I agree, this can be an excellent tool to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

thanks again!@

Karen

Hi Karen,

I am doing great!  I am up and around quite well, driving, shopping.  I just rest when I feel tired and all is good.  No pain at all now.  They control the pain at the hospital and mine was gone within the first couple of days.  I tookT3's the first day home and that was it. I was most afraid of post op pain and that was minor.  Now it's learning the lifestyle and getting through this liquid/mushie food stage.  

The team at St. B Surgical Associates is fantastic!  Loads of support and will answer any questions
This surgery is a gift I won't waste!

Good luck,

Deb! 

 Good to hear you are doing so well!! 

lol, the liquid/mushie food stage might be the most difficult for me, if I get approved!@

You can do it Deb!!

thanks for the luck...I am right now, to excited to think it might be possible for me..if that makes sense..

will keep you posted.