Hello Everyone

My name's Louise (but everyone calls me Lo) and I just signed up a few days ago. I am very interested in getting wls, but even more nervous about talking about it with others. I'm pretty much the "fat girl" of my family and social circles, so few people in my life would really get it. Especially my Mum who has been lucky enough to loose weight the old fashioned way.

I'm from Moncton, but am finishing my degrees at UNB Fredericton.I'm pretty keen on the lap band surgery. It would  fit in with my life goals pretty well and it appeals to me most out of all the options.

I'm finding it hard to get solid information about how hard it is to get approved in the province. I definitely meet the BMI requirements, some of the medical stipulations and have a strong enough family history to qualify me, but I'm still afraid I'm going to be denied. If anyone can offer me some me some insight, I'd really appreciate it!

Any way, I'm excited to be here and to meet you all! Hope you all are doing great!

Hi Lo,

Welcome to the NB forum!  There are a few of us from the Moncton and Fredericton area and we try to get together each month to share information and provide support for all in the various steps of wls process.

You will be happy to hear that being in NB, there is no longer a pre-approval needed from Medicare - it is now the decision of the surgeon.  So you really need to have your family doctor send in a referral letter to either or both of the 2 bariactric surgeons - Dr Beasoliel in Moncton and Dr Savoie in Bathurst.

Next make sure you check out the different types of wls.  Research is key to your success - not only do you need to be comfortable with the actual surgery but also with the way of life style after-wards.  Lapbands work great for many people, but make sure you make an educated decision after reading about the others too - VSG, RnY and DS.  If you have already, great job!  Feel free to ask any questions ... usually a few of us here each day.

Keep an eye out for details on our next meeting.

M

I live in New Maryland and had lap band surgery 2 weeks ago. In NB to be approved you must have a BMI of 40+ or 35 with co-morbidity's. You also must have a history of failed weight loss attempts.  The wait for Dr Beausoleil in Moncton is said to be 5 to 7 years. Personally, I don't think that takes into account  that there is another doctor setting up in NB and there are 2 new doctors in NS. The new doctor is Dr Marc Savoie in Bathurst. Many people have their name on both lists. The Dr B's office will take you off his list if they find out you are on Dr S's list.  I would get referred to both Drs ASAP.
Welcome to the NB board. You will get a lot of support here, especially if you are active on the board. If you need a fast answer, go to the lap band forum, but come back here, 'cause we are the best!  As Michelle said we have support groups in Fredericton. I am likely going to invite everyone to my house in a couple of weeks. Also there will be a support group meeting at the DECH planned for April.

i had the lap band done in august and wouldnt trade it for the world, if your interested in getting this down start with your doctor and get referred