Wait times for Prince Edward Islanders

Hi,

I'm new here, and I'm just wondering if anyone knows how long the wait time is for bariatric surgery in Halifax?  I've been referred to a surgeon there, not sure of the name, but I was told between 2-3 years.  Is this accurate, or are wait times longer?

 Hi there!  I'm also from the Island (and right next door to Bonshaw, actually!) and have also been referred for surgery in Halifax.  I was referred in November of 2009, and was told that it would be a 2-3 year wait.  I wrote them an email in August just to confirm that my referral had been sent (I was never contacted by anyone to confirm) and they told me that it will likely be an additional 2-3 years.   Frustrating to say the least, especially since I live with constant severe back pain, acid reflux, and have the occasional pain in my chest.  Oh well, hopefully the time will pass quickly! 

Hi KristaB

so you've already waited a year since your referral and you still have to wait 2-3 more years?  that's horrible!  Yeah, I have a whole list of things caused by my weight!  I just wish this whole process was a lot speedier!!!

 Hi KristaB and Sher77

I'm wondering why you've been referred to halifax over moncton (george-dumont hospital).  I'm also from the same area as you girls and wonder if you know of any bariatric sx support group on PEI or would be interested if one was started?

Hi, I'm also form the island and I got referred to bathurst, Dr. Savoie. I have already waited 2 years and I still have never been contacted by anyone. The waiting seems to be the hardest part, but I know the end result will be great.

Wish you all the best of luck..

Dawn

From hearing from many in NS, the wait time is a long one. One thing that is very important is once your doctor has sent in the referral is to make sure the halifax clinic really does have that referral. I have heard many say that when they do contact them to ask, they can't find it. I know when I called them, I couldnt even get an answer but my doctors receptionist was  a gem and with her persistance found they didnt have my referral so she resent it and made sure they DID have it.  The Weight Loss Program in NS is government funded. And this is the program that you are referred into before being accepted for surgery. Being invited to attend the WLS info session is stage 1 then within 6-12 months your one on one is done, where you will be assessed IF you are ready for surgery, They are there to help you, but you are responsible to help yourself. If then you are assesed as ready, you then are scheduled to see Dr Ellsmere and once seeing him surgury is approx in 2 weeks. The funding isnt much, and their clinic is only opened for a half day each week. The total surgeries for a year is approximately 80. That is not many and hence why the long long wait list.  

I'm not entirely sure why I was referred to Halifax over Moncton, but I was under the impression that everyone from the Island got referred to Halifax.  I could be wrong though.