Newbie, recently reffered to Edmonton Weight Wise

Hello,

I am 23 years old and i have recently (2 weeks ago) been referred to Edmonton as they are the only place that seems to take care of BMI's over 45. It has been a lifelong struggle for my whole family to loose weight and my mother and i have decided to take the plunge. I am extremely excited for the journey ahead, i am just unsure of the process as my doctor seems new to this as well. I have decided on the Roux-en-Y route.

1. What are the steps i should take before i receive my first appointment?

2. My doctors receptionist seems to think i need to complete modules before my complete referral can be processed and i can meet with any of the professionals, what are the procedures to follow for the modules and can i do any in Winnipeg, or my hometown of Brandon, or do i have to travel to Edmonton to take these courses? I am currently in my last few months of school and am afraid that if i cannot get away to attend these modules, that i will prolong the wait for my end goal.

I am new and if there is another forum i should go to ask these questions it would be great if anyone can refer me or has any helpful information that i should know about the Edmonton Weight Wise program.

Thanks again!!

I'm pretty sure they are doing bmi's up to 55 in Winnipeg now, so you may want to try that instead if you are in the peg or close to it. Be forewarned, the wait is long, my friend, but worth it. Good luck!

Hi there

I went to Edmonton and after my first appt, I had to take at least 4 modules in total, they prefer more. I always coordinated them with my Dr, nut, nurse appt.

I would suggest trying Wpg too since its expensive and hard to always take off work to go to Edmonton. Even after surgery, you have to follow up in Edmonton

Thanks and good luck

Alvina

Thunder Bay is only an eight hour drive and we will soon have our own surgeon can you say try to be referred to here ....... Not sure what our wait list will be once the surgeon starts but hopefully less than it has been for those that had to travel to Hamilton.   Good luck with what ever you try , the Ontario site has a mother , daughter that both had the surgery

I'm currently going to Edmonton, Alvina's right, it's expensive.  I would encourage you (if you're not already) to get a pedometer and track your steps as well as journal whatever you're eating.  It's helpful for the team to know where you're starting and what you need to work on.  So even if you only walk 1000 steps a day and eat 3 pints of Ben and Jerry's, document it so they can provide you with constructive feedback!

My next appointments are in June, I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.  How fast you move through the program is up to you.  I try to look at the schedule of modules and book my appointment at a time that I can take 1 -3 courses when I'm there.  Doesn't always work out but I'm trying!

Kristin