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Hello everyone :)
My name is Danielle, my BMI was 38 and therefore I was just to small to be considered for the MB program. So with that being said I made the trek down to Mexico and did the self pay option and got sleeved. I am only 2 weeks and a bit post op and so far I'm liking it and my decision to do this. The only thing I hate is the need to chew I sooo miss chewing ugggg ok and eating fruit since its summer and all the yummy food is out there lol
If it helps any, my referral date was Feb 2011 and I was put on the waiting list. I had my orientation in April, my first pre op appointments in June and am scheduled for second round in August.
My Dr received a form asking for an update in information but the letter saying I was in and my orientation date came to me.
I bet once they get the receptionist in there, it will be more organized.
Karen
on 7/6/13 4:16 pm
my family Doc referred me again, I called and left messages, and someone finally called me back. told me they received my referral and I am put on the list and she wasn't sure if i was eligible or not.. i told her i have been on the list since Nov 2011. she said if i were to get any news either way, it would go to my doctor.. she wasn't very helpful.
Hi There,
I'm Patti and had a VSG in Mexico in January 2013. To date I am 94 pounds down (24 were pre-op) and have absolutely no regrets except that I wish I'd done it 10 years ago! No complications and I'm feeling great, getting hooked on exercise now rather than potato chips. I still have to pinch myself. :)
Patti
VSG done with Dr. Ariel Ortiz, Tijuana, MX on Jan. 16, 2013. Starting weight 301. Lost 24 pounds pre-op. Check out my blog here: ChubbyU
Brenda, when I started my bariatric journey I did not meet the criteria for Manitoba's program. I am male and at the time (March 2011) Manitoba was only accepting women into the program.
As well I was over the BMI limit. Manitoba also limited eligibility by age and I was concerned that once Manitoba began accepting males into the program, by the time I reduced my BMI - I would be too old.
So as bariatric surgery is an insured service, I had my doctor refer me to Edmonton's bariatric program and was accepted as Alberta Health had/has different criteria. I did have to reduce my weight to remain in the program and to approved for surgery as you have to show commitment. They expect you to make entries into MyFitnessPal religiously and increase your activity level. You are monitored by the bariatric team assigned to you.
I'll add that there are many pre surgery consultations and follow up that you have to attend and some by phone/teleconference as well. If you miss appointments you will be cut from the program - there is a high demand for bariatric surgery in Alberta. They won't accept you wasting their time if you are not committed.
Even after my weight loss my BMI is still in the obese range. Imho bariatric surgery is not something that people who are slightly to moderately overweight should do. Its for obese individuals who even with some weight loss, remain obese and are at risk of serious health issues with possibly other co-morbidities.
I know that I would meet the criteria now in Manitoba but I am receiving excellent care in Edmonton. Alberta has been doing bariatric surgery for some time now and has more expertise. Plus their education programs (nutrition, stress, activity, meal planning, eating during special occasions, Craving Change etc) are community based not program based so I can attend any seminars offered when I am in Edmonton for my appointments.
Hope this answers your questions. If you have more just ask. I'm in Edmonton as I type this but am returning to the 'Peg this evening. Say hi at the next M&G.
Nicky,
Bariatric surgery is an insured service. If your BMI is outside the criteria for Manitoba's program find a program in Canada where you meet the criteria and ask your doctor to refer you there. I did this, as at the time of my doctor's referral, I did not meet the Manitoba criteria. I am now a patient in Alberta and have received excellent care. I met a Winnipeg woman at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton just this Friday. She was attending the same surgery preparation seminar as I was.
I've been told that Alberta's program has many Manitobans that, for whatever reason, are enrolled in Edmonton.
The new receptionist starts on the 9th! Thanks to pegcitygrl for finding out that info :D
its-killen-me · 0 replies · 1822 views