Somewhat New here.

Hi Everyone.  I've been reading the forums for the last few weeks and there's a few questions I have that I can't seem to find any answers to.

Firstly, I'm 41.  BMI is 40. I'm 5'8" and 270 lbs. I have constant stress fractures in both my feet, due to the fact that my bones just can't handle my weight.  I have knee and hip issues, and it's not getting any better! I'm at the point of going on disability because I can't walk with these stress fractures.

My questions are:

Even though the wait for the pilot project at St. B is a year, do I have to wait a whole year to find out if I even qualify? 

How does it work? If you've got more health issues, you're denied? or less health issues is better? (I don't have diabetes - yet... and I don't have sleep apnea, or a heart condition.  Pretty healthy except for my bones)

If I don't qualify for the St. B project, can I still go out of province and have MB health cover it? (like Regina etc.) and if I do go out of province, do I have to do all my follow ups at the same place? (meaning traveling out of town for all the follow ups)

Are there any factors in which St. B puts your surgery earlier?

Am I supposed to start an excercise program now? Or wait for the time I'm told to start a journal. (can't exercise due to the fractures in my feet, really, swimming is all I can do if I'm not casted)

Also, what is involved in the psychiatric evaluation? Do they say, hey, we don't think you've put enough effort into losing weight? or hey, we think you're too unstable, cause you can't follow a diet?

I'm so happy for you all who have undertaken this huge life changing task.  Seeing all your results posted, just inspires me so much! 

Have a happy and HEALTHY New Year!

I try to answer as best as I can.

Even though the wait for the pilot project at St. B is a year, do I have to wait a whole year to find out if I even qualify?
No, You get a letter in the mail within a couple of months to let you know if you qualify.

How does it work? If you've got more health issues, you're denied? or less health issues is better? (I don't have diabetes - yet... and I don't have sleep apnea, or a heart condition. Pretty healthy except for my bones)
You do need to have at least 1 co-morbidity, but they want minimal co-morbidities. If you have too many they won't take you.
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If I don't qualify for the St. B project, can I still go out of province and have MB health cover it? (like Regina etc.) and if I do go out of province, do I have to do all my follow ups at the same place? (meaning traveling out of town for all the follow ups)
MB health will pay for you to go to a different province to get the surgery. I do not know what all they cover when it comes to follow ups etc.

Are there any factors in which St. B puts your surgery earlier?
There are no factors that wil get you hgiher up on the list.It is first come first served.

Am I supposed to start an excercise program now? Or wait for the time I'm told to start a journal. (can't exercise due to the fractures in my feet, really, swimming is all I can do if I'm not casted)
I was asked to strt exercising before surgery it is wasn't (at that time) manditory, I do not know if it is now but I sugest to start journals now if they want it (then you have it)


Also, what is involved in the psychiatric evaluation? Do they say, hey, we don't think you've put enough effort into losing weight? or hey, we think you're too unstable, cause you can't follow a diet?
I was one of the first 25 people to have WLS done and didn't have to see the shrink.

There are many great people on this site and I know all your questions will be answered by these great girls. Good luck on your journey.

Mich

 Hi there, 

I am one of those that are going out of province so I can answer..

" If I don't qualify for the St. B project, can I still go out of province and have MB health cover it? (like Regina etc.) and if I do go out of province, do I have to do all my follow ups at the same place? (meaning traveling out of town for all the follow ups)."

Yes.. MB Health will cover surgery and follow ups out of province.. you require approval for each visit. 
 
Yes.. it is almost certain that your follow up visits will need to be done where you WLS program is located. For example my WLS program is in Vancouver(Richmond) BC and all my follow ups will be done there.  

Most programs are now requiring psych assessments, starting a journal, daily exercise and attending special nutrition classes. 

Remember that any exercise is still exercise.
Don't wait to start journalling it does help to point out and find ways to make changes in eating habits even in just a few small ways.

I think most of your questions were answered, this is the right place for that, great group here.
Welcome

Hi there Im new here too and I am seeing the Maples clinic on the 3rd? did I hear that  MB Heath Cover this? and a psychiatric on the same day...do i still wait a year to get in?

Hi!  Yes Manitoba Health covers certain surgeries, but nothing at the Maples Clinic.  They have 2 types of surgeries performed here in Manitoba - Through the St. Boniface Bariactric Clinic.  But the waiting list is a year long.  However Manitoba Health also covers your surgery and basic expenses for different proceedures out of province, only within Canada.  From what others have said on here, The Maples Surgical Center  charges as much as $15,000 + for these surgeries.  I'll wait a year....

Also Manitoba health does not cover the Phychiactric appointment.

As I'm finding out, this is a fantastic site for information.  Everyone on here is amazing!