differences in wait times?

Hi again...I am the pest with all the questions. LOL

There seems to be a lot of variation in people's experiences re wait times. It seems like people who have chosen Dr. Beausoleil wait years to even get a consultation, for example.
 
I chose Dr. Savoie, and I first had my name placed on the waiting list in Sept/09 and I am told to expect a call re my first consultation sometime in Dec/10. This seems quicker than what some people are describing. Is this because Dr. S has a shorter wait time than Dr. B?  Does which surgery you opt for affect the wait time?  Does anything else affect the wait time, such as your weight, state of health, etc?  Why does the wait for Dr. B seem so much longer?  So many questions..it all seems so mysterious!

Hi again....dont worry about the questions, it is a mystery that needs unfolded unfortunately.  Dr S probably did have a shorter list when he first began however Im sure now he has one very similar to Dr B as most people are on both lists.  I dont think the type of surgery matters for wait times nor does health, I know that one from experience.  Dr B has such a long wait time as he was the only surgeon in NB for years doing this surgery.  I recall reading some past posts earlier this year that Dr S was assisting Dr B with some of his patients as the waiting list was so out of hand.  Keep in mind the whole process is all about money and the government.  There is only so much money allotted each year for this type of surgery...in our lovely budget so both doctors have to stay within that budget that is why there is only 1 or 2 surgeries a week to keep them on track with budget....its really not about saving peoples lives or having a better life.  I fought this fight for 6 months trying to save my life and nobody seemed to care...not medicare, nor any politicians.  If I sound jaded, its because I am.  The process sucks.  My best advise is if you cannot self pay then to keep on calling Dr Savois office for information, they will probably give you the run around some but its all you can do.

what type of surgery are you wanting done and how much weight do you need to lose

keep asking questions if you need to

take care
Angela

Wow that is a little depressing! I guess since it is "free" the wait and the "rationing" of the surgeries is understandable. Not fun, but when you are waiting for a free surgery versus paying for it,  I guess you have to wait your turn. Just as long as the process is fair, that is the big thing.

I am thinking that the vertical sleeve gastrectomy sounds the best to me.  I do have concerns about messing around with the intestines and I like that this procedure doesn't involve that.  I have a BMI of 54 and weigh between 300-310 depending on the day.  The main reason I decided to go for the surgery, besides all the yo-yo weight loss attempts/failures of course, is that I have so little energy and it is seriously affecting my life. So far I don't seem to have the diabetes or anything serious because of my weight. But I work full time and have a daughter to raise and a household to run and all I can do anymore is sleep when I have free time. I used to do 5k walks and now getting a shower and getting dressed is a workout, literally sometimes I need to lie down after just doing that much, it's crazy.

I think you are right about Dr. S's office giving the run around. I was told that I would have my first consult in Fall of 2010 and my referral was in March 2009.  Guess who I am calling tomorrow????

Dr S is relativily new on the scene and his waiting list is getting longer & longer, while Dr B's wait appears to be getting a bit shorter. 

HI
My referral date was April 09 for Dr Savoie.... and have never seen him yet but was told maybe late fall.