Hi I emailed Diana to inquire about the stage 3 diet she wanted me to try and she sent me a message today saying she can't find my referral. I emailed her right after it was faxed  the first time last December and she said I would get a call within the next two years.Now I have to start all over again. She never did answer the question about stage three diet!

I couldn't agree with you more!!!  I think it's more of a crisis to have 2000 people waiting for their LIVES on this list, and not just impatience. 

You and I are just a few of the proof that this surgery improved our quality of living!  Now we need to worry about our follow up care for the next 10-20-30+ years out! 

Trust me, I was on my own for 15 yrs without follow ups.  It's SCARY!!!  Thankfully a lot has changed now for new surgeries, but three years ago I was on OH and did everything possible to get help, but nothing was available.....ZERO--no dieticians were educated on bariatric diets, no therapist, even the emergency room didn't know what to do -TWICE!!  Who knows how long I walked around with loose staples floating in my gut--I'm lucky!  I've suffered GERD for 12 yrs and no doctor will treat me....why?....because I had bariatric surgery and that's a whole other game in the treatment world.  My family doctor sadly told me so.  She had tried but no doctors in Hfx would answer.

The patients that have had bypass, lapband, etc. need to have a surgeon available to know how to "fix" a problem too (just in case as there's more risk for complications later).  That's why I hope with extra funding the Weight Loss Clinic (Obesity Network at Capital Health) they will have enough to care for ALL BARIATRIC PATIENTS living in this province.  We need to look into the future as well. 

I know a handful of previous patients that are in need of a revision but their original surgeons were out of province, (some moved here later) and have no where to turn.  Shame!

I hope my posts don't come across as bitter, that's not my tone.  I'm just concerned for all involved! 

(edited to add:  A friend of mine who never had bariatric surgery and doesn't needs it, had stomach problems and when her family physician sent off a referral, the same time as me last Fall, not only got in to see Dr. Ellesmere, but he gave her a scope and treatment already.  Me,...I'm left in the DARK when it comes to Capital Health.  How can she be chosen over me?? It feels like I'm being blacklisted because I had weight loss surgery!  Oh I would much rather have this revision in Halifax instead of being away from my family and in another town for who knows how long.  But it is what it is and I'm still fortunate to get this opportunity to be fixed.  I'm not bitter, just worried about a next time because Dr. MacDonald is ready to fully retire soon!!!!)

*smiles*.......I'm all smiles 

Thanks Angie!!!!!!!!!

This is a great start to get them listening and start funding!!!!! 
I added in the comments section that we also need funding to cover patients for after care from surgery if they/we need further treatment such as reconstructive plastic surgery and revisions.

On top of the 2000 people that are waiting for surgery, our province alone has hundreds of previous bariatric patients that may need follow up.  I know for a fact that the WLS clinic will not cover patients of Nova Scotia who have had surgery elsewhere or by another surgeon in this province.  Nothing!  To me, this is pure neglect of our healthcare. 

If it wasn't for starting the Owlss support group and meeting other patients, I would have not known my surgeon was still praticing in another town and then what??  My family doctor sent a referral for a checkup (scope or barrium swallow) with Dr. Ellesmere back in October and NEVER got a response!  Why?.....because they do not have the funding at this time to cover previous patients, only new ones.  Who would have care for me without Dr. MacDonald??  I can't just go around with staples loose in my abdominal cavity!!!!

So that leaves each and every one of us on our own after the 5 year follow up!!!  There's more to the equation than the initial surgery when it comes to the weight loss journey!  Who's going to care for these patients if something goes wrong with their digestive tract let's say 10 years out?  This needs to be changed TODAY!  Let's pray this petition will get things started! 
Thanks again Angie!!! 

Here is the link!  There is also a spot for comments - feel free to add your own stories!  :) 

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/more-funding-for-capital -health-s-obesity-network.html

Ahhhhh so there is a method to his madness.  All I know Mary is Dr Ellsmere said WLS is not done to people with a BMI over 60. I imagine they ask for some weight to be lost to test your commitment, i am not sure.

Have you started your binder? You have done the reading and studying...doing everything required may show them you are committed to this and may speak well for you and push you forward when the time comes.

Id say your journey has started mary, you are on the list and learning and doing...keep atter girl, it will come....keep focused on the goal.