Bariatric Surgery Process in Winnipeg

Hello Everyone,

I am a member of the Ontario forum but have a friend in Winnipeg who is very interested in looking into the surgery.  The last I'd heard was that it wasn't even offered in Winnipeg/Manitoba yet but this board seems to indicate that it is now operational.  

Could someone tell me where the program is at and what would be the process to get on the list for the surgery?  Any contact information or web links, and support group information that you can provide would be immensely helpful as well.

Thank you in advance,

Sue 

The program is running at the Victoria Hospital,  The Centre for Metabolic and  Bariatric Surgery 204-477-3540.  The only way into the program is by referral from your GP.  The process is lengthy and the waiting times are I believe around 2 years, if not a bit longer.  It can take 6-12 months to find out if you are accepted into the program.  The program started at the St. Boniface Surgical Centre on Tache but is transitioning to the Victoria Hospital. 

The way to start is to go to your own doctor and ask them to referr you to the program.  This is a great forum for local information and support. 

 Thank you very much for the information.  Time wise it is comparable to Ottawa and some other Ontario locations.

Regarding support, as a member of the Ontario board I know how great the support is on the forum, however the in-person support groups are a great way to truly connect with others in various stages of the process and I was wondering if any had started up in Winnipeg.  Here in Ottawa we've had informal coffee groups that have grown become formal support meetings and had to move into larger halls because of the great attendance.  

I can't say enough about the value of the face to face meetings, plus we have guest speakers with expertise ranging from nutrition, to fitness, to fashion and foundation garments.

Thank you again for the information.

Our forum group tries to do meet and greets once a month or month and a half.  The next one you may notice back a couple of posts is on Oct. 30th.  Yes I agree the face to face meetings are invaluable.  We are a very open and friendly group and the gatherings are not huge but often we have 10 - 15 people out.  We also do a clothing swap!  The Centre for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery has just started doing monthly info meetings.  I believe you have to have been accepted into the program and on the waiting list to attend them.  Not sure how great they will be they have just had 2 so far.

My gp tells me I am on the acceptance list but I have not be contacted by the dr. In Winnipeg how am I to know find out if they have even set a date for my surgery or anything .....I was accepted June 2013 .....still no word.....

 

You probably won't hear anything until you are booked for the information session. My understanding is the wait list is 2 plus years to get to the orientation. Things will go pretty quickly once you get going. You will not be contacted by the surgeon but by the bariatric clinic at the Victoria Hospital. Once you have had your orientation and 2 more sessions at the clinic spaced 2 months apart and you have met their expectations, your name is referred to the surgeon. Having said that some people have had their surgeon's consult before that time period but most often it happens the way I just wrote.

Karen

HI Karen i phoned a few times to make sure i was still in the computer and i just got a letter for the info session i will be 2 years in oct. that i had my name in Kathy

Time will go quick once you have your orientation. I had my orientation last April and my surgery November 13th. I waited 46 months for surgery and I have not regretted it one bit.

I was approved for the surgery in September 2013, and my GP moved to Toronto in January.  Will they contact me?  I'm so worried that they will take me off the list because I have a different doctor and they won't be able to find me (yes, it sounds ridiculous, but I'm still stressing lol)... I have a new GP now, which is good.  Do they contact you personally or go through your doctor when it's your turn for orientation? I live in Winnipeg :)  Thanks!!

I would get your new Dr to contact the Bariatric clinic and give the new contact information just to be sure they have all the correct information. I know for my Dr they were contacted for a new weight just before I was given a date for orientation because I had been on the waiting list for so long.