I don't know where to start

I really have no idea on where to start. I've done alot of research into all types of WLS and have found it to be frustrating because of the province that I live in. Quebec demands that in order to have the surgery covered, you must stay in province and wait the 5-7 yrs. I find this not only rediculous, but insulting. I live right along the border of Quebec and Ontario. Actually, just across the river from Ottawa. OHIP covers the surgery even if you have to go out of the country to get it. Why can't Quebec do the same. We shouldn't have to wait years for life saving surgery. I'm trying to find a good reputable surgeon here in Quebec, but every path I take, leads me to a dead end. So I guess what I'm asking is if anyone knows of a good doctor here in Quebec, please let me know. If I must wait, I'd like to get on that waiting list asap and atleast get a consult. Thanks for your time.

Have you thought about going the private route at all? Dr Christou performed my surgery last May at his private clinic. There are a number of financial options today too. If you scroll down to the bottom of this page, there's a PDF of all the bariatric surgeons in QC with their own waiting times. http://www.lepoidsquitue.com/chirurgiebariatrique_en.php

Nathalie, I waited for 7 months and had my surgery with Dr. Henri Atlas rue Grenet, Montreal. He is fantastic! If you have any questions, let me know.

Thank you so much for your response. You only waited 7 months? Wow. Everything I've been reading says the wait is years if you can't pay for it yourself. I don't have insurance and therefore must go through Quebec to get it. I just cannot afford it any other way. How did you go about it? Do you just call Dr. Atlas and see when he can give you a consult? Or do you have to be referred by your doctor? Thank you for your help. I really do feel so helpless in all of this. Mainly because I live in Gatineau and my family physician is in Ottawa. Therefore he doesn't really know of doctors in Quebec and so I'm basically left on my own to do the research and find a doctor. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated. Nathalie

514-331-4322 Henri Atlas, MD Nathalie, I researched all options possible and was on 3 seperate waiting lists, none of which have calle me yet and my surgery is finished since Feb.15 2008 with Dr. Atlas. He is very good and direct. He will tell you what he suggests (however he does have a private practice so he will try and tempt you with surgery for next month if you pay, but you DO NOT have to go that way, it is covered by medicare in QC), he recommended in my case the vertical sleeve the day of my operation but until then I was supposed to have the Roux en Y. He stated that it was better for me due to the recuperation time and the no side effects. I am 5 weeks post up and doing fine! Good Luck