Starting the process.....

 Hello ladies (and gentlemen?),

I'm begining serious research into bariatric surgery.  My highest weight has been 275 (I'm 5'4") lowest weight 215 and current weight 235.  I've been obese and struggled horribly with my weight all my life.  I spoke to my doctor this evening and I'm sure he will refer me to whoever need be, but wants me to be sure and consider Cymbalt instead.  I'm not at all interested in the Cymbalta - I want to change my life!! Even coming from 275 to 235 has been an enormous change for the better! I can't afford this privately any time this lifetime so MHSC is my only hope! So I'm looking for some insight into the process and how long I can expect to wait.  My Dr advises it's not as long or as hard as it has been in the past.  

Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the site! I had my surgery done in December 2010 - at that time the wait time for an appointment with your surgeon was 6 months and then about 3 months from the time of that appointment to your surgery. I know that the wait times are about 2 years now, so get yourself put on the list asap. Your gp has to contact the Bariatric program at the St. Boniface Surgical Centre.

Once that is done start researching! In Manitoba, you have three choices. The first is lap-band surgery which costs about $18 Grand (that was not an option for me.) The two surgeries done free-of-charge are the Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y) and Vertical Gastric Sleeve (VGS). Only you can decide which of these two procedures would work best for you.

There are some out-of-pocket expenses. They will make you see their psychologist ($150) and their nutritionist ($200). In addition, you have to buy two weeks of meal supplements for the pre-op diet. For me the cost was about $200. Afterwards, you will have some expenses for medication ($50). As I had the RNY, I now have to take daily vitamin supplements. They cost me about $50/month.

It has not been an easy process. Having to wait to get into the system is frustrating. I had no complications with the surgery itself, but was nauseous for weeks afterwards. At this point, I am close to my personal goal but can't quite seem to get there, though I did pass the nutritionists goal for me. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! It was the best decision I ever made.

Good luck!

Tanya

P.S. If you are even curious, get your name on the list right away. You can always take your name off the list later if you change your mind.

I agree with Tanya - the key is to GET YOUR NAME on the list ASAp, even if you aren't totally sure you are wanting the surgery yet.  You will have enough time to research and think about it - and you can ALWAYS change your mind. :)

I had VSG in Aug 2011 and do not regret it for a moment. I'm living my BEST life and would do the surgery again in a HEARTBEAT.  :)