UNHAPPY IN CANADA

I APPLIED TO OHIP (ONTARIO HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN) AND WAS DENIED. THE FACT THAT I AM MORBIDLY OBESE,HAVE INSULIN DEPENDANT DIABETES,HYPERTENSION.INCONTINENCE,USE A WALKER FOR MOBILITY, ARTHRITIS IN KNEES AND HIPS,BODY RASHES, URINARY INFECTIONS, CHRONIC FATIGUE,TAKE 11 DIFFERENT PRESCRIPTIONS EACH DAY AND HAVE A BMI OF 60.1.... REALLY DOESN'T MATTER. I AM NOT ILL ENOUGH TO HAVE THEM PAY FOR WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY.I AM NOW LOOKING FOR SURGEON IN STATE OF N.Y WHO WILL TAKE SELF PAY. IF I WAIT THE 5-6 YEARS FOR SURGERY IN CANADA, I WILL PROBABLY NOT BE HERE OR BE SO MEDICALLY UNSOUND AND OLD THAT I CANT GET IT DONE. SO, I WILL PAY IT MYSELF. I AM CONSIDERING RNY. PROBABLY OPEN AS I HAD STOMACH SURGERY IN 1981,THIS MIGHT MAKE THE LAP APPROACH TOO DIFFICULT. I NEED SOMEWHERE THAT IS WITHIN 8 HRS DRIVING FROM CANADA,(TORONTO AREA) SO I CAN KEEP ALL FOLLOW UP APPOINTS EASILY. I CALLED DR. O'MALLEY IN ROCHESTER, HE DOESNT TAKE SELF PAY.TOO BAD, I HEARD GOOD THINGS ABOUT HIS SKILL. ANY HELP IN MY QUEST WOULD BE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. THANKS FOR LETTING ME LET OFF STEAM....

Wendy, I do not know what doctors take self pay but my sister went to Dr. Carauana in Buffalo and was very happy with him. I am going to Dr. Ali in Erie, PA at Hamot Hospital and I really like him and the hospital. Dr. Carauana only does open incision. Dr. Ali does laproscopic if you are below 350 pounds. Both are less then 8 hours from your area I believe. Good luck. Rita Ann

I know that my doctor, Dr. Caruana, here in Buffalo, takes self pay - he even makes payment arrangements.

and also about Dr. Caruana - yes, he does open RNY, but let me tell you, my scar is barely perceptible. The man can embroider! Dr. Posner does the laparoscopics, but I have no idea if he takes payment arrangements or self pays.

I highly reccommend Dr. Ali in Erie at Hamot. You will not find anyone more knowledgeable, caring, and skilled. I don't know about self-pay, but call his office or visit his site Mylapsurgeon.com

Wendy, Hun I am sorry that I do not know of a Dr that far Upstate as I went to LI for my surgery but wanted to stop in to wish you all the luck in your search. ~Hugs~ Please post often and let us know how it is going for you. Thanks for sharing..... ~hugs~ Debra P 285/227/125??

Dr Forbes and Dr Posner at Buffalo General are great, but I do not know if they do self pay. Their number is 716-859-5600. Good Luck Karen

[grins wickedly and makes the OT observation] Dr. Posner is a major hot thang too!

Wendy, I don't know any surgeons that far upstate either, but my maiden name is Sommer (pronounced Summer), and my youngest daughter is Wendy! Best of Luck to you! Linda

I'm sorry to hear that you were denied. I too am from Canada and am hoping to have my surgery done in Rochester, NY. I was approved by OHIP for a Pre Op appointment with Dr. O'Malley to see if he feels I need the surgery. He stated that I am a perfect candidate and I also had a letter of recommendation from a Canadian Surgeon in Welland, Ont. Who himself use to perform the surgery. I sent that letter along with my application to OHIP and got my initial approval within 2 weeks. Dr. O'Malley's office deals with OHIP all the time and have had great success with getting hundreds of Canadians approved for the surgery. I think you should contact his office and see if they can help you. If you would like the number let me know.. Good Luck. Kelly