I joined the group - we'll see how many others follow. I personally know of 3 people local to me in the central area who have had lap-band or RNY. So there must be other pre/post ops out there!

Hi  Everyone, I'm new to the site. It's great to know that I'm not alone in this. I've been stuggling with my weight for the past 12 years. Actually, it's due to all the surgeries I've had in the past . Anyways, I didn't know that you could get out of province approval from MCP. So, thanks for the info. I have 2 sisters in New Brunswick so that could be an option for me if they still aren't performing it here in NL.


Olga
in Sheppardville.

Thanks Mary,
I beleive it is Dr. Pace who is trying.  He is a great doctor (he performed surgury on my daughter last year). He has a great bedside manner, and I found him to be very direct and honest.  I intend to keep persuing this!
Glad you like my art.  It's the one thing that keeps me sane!
susan

Hi there - I only check this board now and then. Hardly anyone posts here. I had my RNY done in April 2008 in Moncton by Dr. Beausoleil. I heard about him from a co-worker of mine who had the surgery 5yrs prior to that. To get approval from MCP - I had to write a letter requesting that MCP cover the costs for me to go out of province for RNY, and they also required a copy of the consult from my family doctor to Dr. Beausoleil. I got a letter back from MCP within 4-6 weeks I think, stating they would cover the costs. I had been in contact with Dr. Beausoleils office previously - and they told me once I had a letter stating MCP would cover the actual surgery costs - to send that, along with the consult from my family doctor, along with a letter outlining my reasons for wanting the RNY to Dr. Beausoleils office - and they would book me in for an appt with him. Once I got approval from MCP - I sent all the stuff up to Moncton in June 2005. My first appt with the Dr. was in July 2006. Then I was required to go up for a one day education session in Jan 07. Then another appt in summer 07. Got a call for surgery in spring of 2008. They wanted me to go up 3 weeks before surgery - then a week pre-op - then for the actual surgery. They let me skip the 3 week pre-op one - so I went up for a one week pre-op appt - and stayed in the area until surgery a week later. Post - op - I had to go back for a two week post-op check - and a few more after that - can't exactly remember the time frames. I had a complication last August - requiring emergency surgery - I chose to go back to Moncton when I got sick - as there was no way I was letting a surgeon here in NL who had no experience with RNY patients - open me up and try to fix what was wrong. I was in hospital for a week. Went back up a month later for a post op check and to have my g-tube removed. He wanted me back to see him in 3 months - but there was just no way. I had to get back to work and stay at work etc. They called me a month or so ago and want me to to go up for a 6 month post op check - a bit late but whatever. I haven't confirmed the date for that appt yet- with work etc - but I will be going up within the nex 4-6 weeks I think. Anyway - feel free to read my blog.
MCP has covered the cost of any appts, surgery, follow up appts, my ER visits last summer up there and my emergency surgery etc. But - the travel, accomodations and all the other related costs - all on me. I think MCP will cover travel for out of province medical care once a year - I can't remember the % of cost of airfare they will pay - or the max amount you can claim. My insurance from work - I'm an RN - will cover 80% of airfare costs once per year up to a total of $280.00. No great amount.

At the time I started out seeking RNY - DR. Beausoleil was the only surgeon in Atlantic Canada doing bariatric surgery - so he was the only option for me. Just the same - I think he is the best and have been totally happy with his care, skill and expertise. Also - at one point during my wait process - I contacted MCP to see if they would cover out of province LapBand - but they didn't consider that an "approved surgery" - so the answer was no.

You can check the other provincial boards for names of Docs doing bariatric surgery now. I also know people who have chosen to self pay and have gone to the US and Mexico - with good outcome. Some patients in Ontario have gotten provincial insurance coverage to go tot he US for surgery because their health was so precarious and the wait times in Ontario so long. I really don't know what the wait time now to go out of province is - as things change so much.

There is a post here on the NL board saying there may be someone here in NL who is going to be doing Bariatric Surgery. I know years ago - Dr. Pace in St. John's had wanted to start doing bariatric surgery - but the funding etc wasn't there. He does have experience with bariatric surgery and works at the Health Sciences Centre doing other surgeries. You could always check with his office to see if they know anything. Never hurts to do a bit of groundwork.

So - it's not a cheap venture to go out of province - even if MCP covers the actual surgery costs. But - well worth the investment in my opinion. Gave me my life back. And as far as getting sick last summer - I knew the risks and possible post-op complications that could happen and I ended up being one of the 10-15% who have this type of problem. But I signed on for the good and the bad - and wouldn't change a thing!

Good luck to you - check the Nova Scotia and New Brunswick boards - they are pretty active. And start the process - no matter what the wait time - the sooner you start - the quicker you may get surgery.

Hi Everyone

I'm new here and was very happy to have found this site and all of you. I am 25 years old and went on my first diet at the age of 7 and have been on what feels like a million since. I'm about 98% sure WLS is the way I want to go from here. I need to lose about 175 pounds to get to a healthy weight for my 5 foot frame.

I have been doing a lot of research on gastric bypass over the past few months and am having a lot of difficulty finding information on which hospitals perform this sugery, if mcp covers just the sugery or the hospital room aswell and wait times.

I see that it is not offered here in Newfoundland and am unsure which province would be the best to look into.

If anyone who has had gastric bypass and has any pearls of wisdom to share, any information on how to get the ball rolling or any websites that could help it would be greatly appriciated.

Thanks