Questions about what I need to do....

Okay....I'm definitely obese.  My doctor has told me repeatedly to lose weight.  I've tried and tried, but I just can't seem to lose the weight.  
I know my health is at risk, but I HATE being nagged. (my doctor tends to nag me)

WHAT do I have to do in order to get the banding surgery?
Can anyone tell me the steps I need to take?  I live in Moncton.

Thank you for your help in advance.... 

You need to go to your doctor or specialist and get a referral for a WLS surgeon.
Dr. Beausoliel is in Moncton, with about a 7 year waiting list.
Dr. Marc Savoie is in Bathurst, with a 2 to 3 year waiting list.

That's how this long journey begins.
I know Dr. Savoie only goes by your referral date.  I'm not sure how the surgeries are prioritized for Dr. Beausoliel.  Maybe if you have other health problems, you may be a priority with him.

Good luck! 

 Thank you so much for the details.  One would think that my doctor would have suggested this to me...
Do you find there is a stigma even among doctors about this surgery?

Sunflower some doctors definitely have opinions about certain surgeries but if you can get the referral sent through, and you should as soon as possible, then it is up to you and your surgeon which one to choose. If you are thinking in this direction at all, get your referral and you can research while you wait for your consult. At least you will be on a list then. My doctor didn't like the idea of the RNY but once she saw pictures of my sister and talked to her about how well she had done, she understood a bit better about it. So some doctors aren't quick to go the route of surgery, you may have to print off some studies proving that people with over 100lbs to lose and some with less cannot do it by themselves and are caught in an awful loop. I was really blessed as my doctor was quick to refer me and I was her first patient she did this with but there have been many more consider that route since. (The surgery route, for weight loss) anyway hope it all works out for you, Trish

Wow!! Here is an update...

I was sooo nervous about talking to my doctor. I didn't sleep the night before my appointment and I was visibly shaking when I was in the room with her. I stuttered (something I do when under undue stress) as my experience talking to doctors about being obese has been a negative one, but it seems that not all doctors are like that.

My doctor was out and the one replacing her was so understanding and helpful.

She has referred me to both doctors here in NB AND she wants to do some blood work etc to make sure things are okay while we wait.

She's wonderful and made me have hope again! I'm so excited that someday I just may see myself somewhat slimmer!!! I never thought it would happen and I had really given up hope, but now there is a glimmer....

Anyone know just how long the wait is? Should I be calling these doctors to see where I am on the waiting list? Or should I just sit tight?

Thank you for encouraging me to talk to my doctor etc.

I'd wait a bit and then call to check and see if they received your referrals.  Like the others said, you're probably going to have a few years to wait.

I'm waiting for Dr. Savoie and my referral was sent on December 5th 2008.  My initial consult is scheduled in April 2011. 

There's no harm in giving them a call, but I'd wait a few days or a week to give the secretary time to type up and fax the referral.

Welcome to the board!

Thank you for responding!

*sigh*

I wish that there was a way for things to go faster.  It seems that now that I've taken the steps to start this whole ball rolling, I'd like it to keep moving...

Thanks again for the warm welcome!