manitoba questions?

when i go see my doctor i want to know do i have to take him info on what to do and where or should he know the next step to reffer me? where am i suppose to be reffered to? is it a general referral to all surgeons or what i am so confused!!

 You will ask you doctor to be referred to teh bariatric program at the St Boniface Surgical Associates. 200-400 Tache Avenue.
You might also want to discuss other options for weight loss surgery and out of Province options as this current protocol is very specific in what they are looking for.

Hi, I'm new here, a male in late 30's. My GP sent St Boniface a letter and they replied that I didn't met the criteria for the Bariatric surgery . They only accept women. Why is that? I've read in this forum that Maples Surgical Centre only accept out of pocket payment, but the post was dated last year, any news if the MB Health already approve payments for private clinics? Many Thanks!

wow...
well you hit on a question that has made me angry for some time. the province will NOT pay for the lap band procedure at Maples. I really think we need to start making lots of noise about that, cause it is wrong.
the program at St B is new (think its about 3 years old, that's new for surgery) and they have pretty tight criteria, although there is talk that this may open up.
They only accept women, under age 55 with a BMI under 47 and minimal co-morbidities.
the reason for that is they are attempting to have the surgery go as smoothly as possible, with as few complications as possible. when it first started, i think it was to let the doctors get practiced at the surgery, but from a funding stand point it makes sense too. The more successful procedures that can be completed, teh easier it eill be to persuade the government to fund.
the reason it is women only is that womane tend to carry their weight more evenly, as opposed to men who tend to carry it in the mid-section. The more weight in the mid section, the more difficult the surgery.
if I answered any of that wrong, I hope someone will add to or clarify my answer.

what are co-morbidities?

 sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, asthma..basically any condition that can be brought on or worsened by being obese.