We All Want To Know

Hey All,

OK so we hear so many conflicting stories from people and etc that I thought i would go straight  to the source,YOU GUYS and GALS.

For us newbies or for us who just want to follow this journey together here we go .....

When did your family Physican Send In The Referal?

When was your 1st Call? What was it for (  Information Session, A Meeting With The Doctor or etc)?

When  were your next calls? And what for (type of appointment)?

Also I was informed by MSI that they don't do approval until after I see the surgery an dthen he submits the paperwork to see if I am approved. How did this work for all of you ??


Thnks,

Mel

Hi Mel, I can tell you my experience here  in NB.  It depends on your surgeon and what you are having done.  I am having the lapband next week.  My referral was sent in Aug of 2008.  I had my first appt on Oct  30/08.  Because of the delays with the construction of the new surgical wing at the hospital and the training of staff,  all action was delayed until about June of this year.  I had my second appt with the dietitian, nurse and Dr in August and received my surgery date about a week later.  That is probably the fast track.  My BMI is lower and therefore, the surgery will be less complicated so I think that's why I got a date so quickly.  If you're having the other procedure Dr Savoie does (RNY, I think) it may take longer because the nurses have to train in Quebec for that.  Dr Beausoliel has a huge waiting list and it will be years before anything happens there.  I suspect Dr Savoie will soon have an equally long list once this thing catches on and the word spreads!!
Others have had experiences in NS and outside the Maritimes and they may share their time frames with you.  Good luck!!!

Was it  after you seen Dr.Savoie that you got MSI coverage? I was told it was the surgeon who sent the claim to MSI after you see him.....?/

Your firt call,was that for an information session? 2ns I understand was  wuith the dietician and nurse,??

Hi, I'm not sure how it work in NS.

I am also a patient of Dr. Savoie. In NB, you do not need to apply for medicare coverage.If a surgeon decides you qualify for weight loss surgery, it's paid for. This was just changed a couple of years ago. Your family doctor refers you, the weight loss surgeon evaluates you and decides if you are a candidate or not. If the Surgeon thinks you would benefit by having surgery, you get the surgery. 

But since you're in NS, I think the rules a bit different...

Hi- My surgeon is Dr. Beausoleil. My family doc here in Newfoundland sent the referral in June of 05. I had an initial consult with him summer of 06. I can up for a one day info session in Jan 07. Another appointment(CONSENT SIGNING) with Dr. B in summer 07. In April 08- I went up to NB for my one week pre-op op appt - xrays, labs, resp therapy teaching, meeting with Lise etc. I stayed in the area and then one week later was MY DAY! Usually I think Dr. B. does require a 3 week pre-op visit - but due to the distance involved with me - he waived it. Bless his heart!