Hello everyone

Hi everyone. I just wanted to introduce myself as I am new to this forum but not to the situation we are all chatting about. I have just STARTED my obviously LONG wait for GBP surgery. I spoke with my family doctor and she has started the paperwork to get approved for funding through Medicare. There are sooo many things I want to know and so many things I would love to ask. The main one is, as I have been reading your posts is, how long IS the wait for all of this? You see, I am not only morbidly obese at 293 lbs but I have both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea, to name just a few. I'm really quite scared that I am going to end up DEAD before I even get in to see him. Sorry if I bummed you all out, I was just venting as I am very frustrated with the state of affairs here. Anyways, I hope to get to know you all better and to those of you who are having the surgery done soon, good luck to you. I wish you all the best, Michelle

Hi there! To even give you an approximate at this point would be difficult, as there does not seem to be a common ground. This is one of the big debates here! Me myself I have been waiting over 5 years and am now on my 3rd Dr. The wait is a long one though, especially since Dr B is currently the only one performing the surgeries in the Maritimes. I would guess anywhere between 2-5 years. Some seem to get in quicker then others. Average tends to be around 3 years as far as I can see. We all have serious health issues too! Just hang in there and try to keep your health as good as possible. LOL I know it sounds easier then done. I am currently 311 lbs and have very serious health issues too, and I agree with you I am also scared I will die before getting the surgery. It is a terrible feeling. The best advice I can give you is to stay on top of things. Call the Drs office every other month to check status. As discussed earlier he has hundreds, maybe even into the thousands, of patients and things do get misplaced, (it has happened to me on more then one occasion which led to delays) He is a busy man, but is trying his best to get as many done as possible in the run of a year! This is a great place for support. The people are so nice, and best of all we are all in the same position, or have been. This is a safe place to get advice, support, or even to vent. Best of luck! I hope you are one of the lucky ones who will be on the shorter side of the waiting game. Just keep telling yourself it will all be woth it in the end!! Thats what I have to tell myself every time I get frustrated and upset! Take care! Krista Cook

Thanks for writing back Krista. I'm sorry if it sounded like I was saying that I was the only one suffering from major health issues. I know that everyone here has their own concerns and meant no offence. Michelle

Welcome Michelle! I waiting 3 years and a couple of months for my surgery with Dr B. My first appt to see him was last August and I just had my lap band surgery 3 1/2 weeks ago. I'm not sure how long the wait is now for Dr B but I can't imagine it being any shorter than 3 years.