Calgary Adult Bariatric Specialty Clinic
Hi
I just received the call from the Calgary clinic saying I was accepted. (Oct 21st 2015)
I have completed the online orientation session and have booked the 3 initial classes.
I have so many questions.
I don't know what the classes are about. Start in Jan 2016.
Can anyone help me? I want to be as informed as possible. I am a big worrier.
What happens after those classes? How long before I know if I am legible or accept for the Bariatric surgery?
Can I be denied?
I probably have more questions....
Thanks in advance for any and all help.
Mairi
Hi Mairi,
What type of surgery are you interested in? Here are some links that we think will help you with some of your questions. A good place to start!
We suggest you research all your options for WLS and OH is the right place for that.
About Obesity
About Weight Loss Surgery
Medical Necessity
Post-op Planner
BMI Calculator
Health Tracker
Let us know if you need anything else.
Regards,
Kathy
Member Services
HW:330 - GW:150 - MW:118-125
RW:190 - CW:130
Hi Mairi,
Try posting on the Alberta forum as you should be able to find others who are in that program. I went to the Red Deer orientation on Wednesday, and they said that every clinic in Alberta is different. They also mentioned that Calgary is currently making changes to their program, so you may want to call the clinic directly as they should be able to answer all your questions. I can already tell that Calgary's program is very different as Red Deer doesn't have classes at all (just appointments with different specialists).
Good Luck!
Hi TrulyPhoenix,
:) Thanks for the heads up -- great to get the help
I have never used one of these community forums before. I realized after posting my original post that there was an Alberta one.
So I reposted with the title so many questions --
I wonder why the programs are different when it is all run by AHS...
How did you feel after the orientation?
Mairi
Hi Mairi,
I've spent the last 6 months researching this process, spending time everyday reading about peoples experiences on this site, and am 100% committed to having VSG. So I found the orientation to be more for those who are just now learning about the process, but they were great about answering everyone's questions.
It felt good to finally get started with the program, even though my intake appointment isn't until December 16th! I'm going to call on Monday to see if they have a list I can be put on in case anyone cancels before then.
I'm very grateful that it's covered 100% by Alberta Healthcare.... don't have to deal with any insurance companies or paying out of pocket :)
Hi Mairi,
I've spent the last 6 months researching this process, spending time everyday reading about peoples experiences on this site, and am 100% committed to having VSG. So I found the orientation to be more for those who are just now learning about the process, but they were great about answering everyone's questions.
It felt good to finally get started with the program, even though my intake appointment isn't until December 16th! I'm going to call on Monday to see if they have a list I can be put on in case anyone cancels before then.
I'm very grateful that it's covered 100% by Alberta Healthcare.... don't have to deal with any insurance companies or paying out of pocket :)
Hi Mairi - I'm in Calgary and in the early days of researching surgery. I learned about it through my massage therapist who is planning on going to Mexico to get it. I've spoken with the facilitator for WLF in Mexico (it has a Canadian connection) and it's $13,600 for me only - no companion and includes flights. Bit scary going to Mexico and dealing with flights let alone being out of country.
How was your experience with the surgery and how long was it before you had it from time you started the process?
