Surgical Consult last Thursday and Concern

Hi Debb, My understanding is that since Dr. MacDonald retired there hasn't been a surgeon in this province performing the surgery. MSI had an agreement with the hospital in NB and Beth Israel in Mass for ppl from here to have the surgery in one of those two locations during that time. But now Dr. Ellsmere has come home - he was practicing at Beth Israel. And, he is still in the process of setting up this program. I wasn't aware of any of this when I went to my doc and requested a referral for this surgery. Heck, I don't think my doc even knew, he said he wasn't sure who was doing the surgery and would have to check before doing the referral. Quite frankly, I was blown away to get called so soon for the surgical consult. Now, I do still have a long way to go in the process and I have no idea when I will actually get a date for the surgery. But the good news for us all is that there is a surgeon setting up this program here in Halifax now. He is very qualified and competent. And, he is putting together a team that will include pre-op and aftercare. So hopefully people will be able to get surgery much easier once things get going. I'm learning as I go. It's been a very educational experience to say the least. Shirley

Hi there! I just wanted to pass along some updated info. After speaking to Dr Ellesmeres office myself. I was on Dr MacDonalds list and had consult, MSI aprroval and was ready for surgery, all before he quit. Dr Bonjer then took over but has been too busy doing transplant surgeries to do weightloss. Dr Ellesmere has been hired back to take over the practice...so long story short the existing list and patients are all being transferred over. So to begin the process with him is NOT faster. They do not even have a start date for surgeries as of yet....at this point they are hoping by the end of the year! He is doing some consultations for those just beginning as it can sometimes takes months even years to get all the necessaries done...(Metabolic specialist, dietitions...etc) just to get approved for the surgery by MSI. (lovely red tape) It certainly wouldnt hurt for you to get your Dr to refer you as you can be on both lists at once! Best of luck!! Krista

I just spoke with Dr. Ellsmere's office and MSI will cover gastric bypass surgery. Don't know about lab band. There is no news yet as to the start of the surgical program. Hopefully will hear something in early 2008.

It is very exciting to hear that there is now a Dr. again in NS doing the surgery. I had mine done by Dr. MacDonald in 1985 (I'm an old-timer - although I'm only 47 now). Anyway, back in '85 MSI covered everything. When I had my consult in Oct - he told me I was a candidate and I had the surgery in Dec. I'm glad to see that they are putting people through alot more testing to ensure you are physically and emotionally ready for this surgery. It is certainly more than just a diet - and the 'complications' for lack of a better word are for the rest of your life. To clarify what I mean by 'complications' - there are still certain foods I cannot eat. There are certain foods that still make me throw up. Would I do it again - in a heart beat!! Best of luck to you Shirley - this is a life changing decision. Kathy

Hi Shirley , I'm glad to hear there is someone in Halifax doing this surgery again, it is about time!! I just came back from an appointment in Moncton , that is where I was forced to go . I have been on a list for Halifax for 3 years , but heard about 2 years ago they were not doing it anymore . I believe the surgery is covered if you are approved by MSI , has your family dr wrote to Dr Bugden at MSI? I am hoping to have the surgery within the next 6 months. Keep me posted. Sherry

Good for you Sherry - I used to live in the Passage -it's gorgeous out there. But I have to admit I was glad I didn't live there during Hurricane Juan. Would you believe I have started losing weight without really trying. Part of the weight loss was stress induced and part is from hanging out on the RNY board and making some minor adjustments to my eating habits - the biggest being eating smaller portions. As of tonight my BMI is down to 36.3. If I keep this up I won't have a high enough BMI to have the surgery done. I haven't heard about my next appointment yet with Dr. Ellsmere and gang. Hope to hear from them soon. Good luck with your surgery. Shirley

Shirley I too am on the consult list for Dr. Ellesmere for gastric bypass surgery. I would love to be kept up to date on your journey and I will certainly keep you up to date on mine. I tried to have the surgery approved for anywhere in Canada. MSI said no. Maine or New York. No. NO to Dr. Beusoleil he was full. Now my absolutely only option is NS and everybody who has been on Dr. Beausoleil's wait list is transferring over here!!!! Lovely!!! They are probably very close to the top of the list in NB so should stay on that list. I guess if they all move over then Dr. Beausoleil can take me......no....then NS MSI won't pay because they say we have a program in NS now. What a mess!!!! I am so discouraged I can't begin tell you!!!! It does sound like a lot of people want the lap band. Maybe there is a shorter list for gastric bypass. Anyway, keep in touch if you have a mind to. PS Have you even seen the PBS Documentary 'Fat: What No One is Telling You?' Awesome program!

Oh and by the way....gastric bypass surgery is covered by MSI in Nova Scotia.

Interesting thread. Although Dr Ellsmere is hoping/planning to do WLS, it's my understanding that MSI funding for his plan has not been approved. I'd been referred to him early last summer, and was so discouraged when I was advised of this. I'll watch this thread to see how things develop. Has anybody at all actually been scheduled for surgery? It might be a good idea to contact MSI to inquire whether his WLS services have been approved for funding. I don't know if they'd even provide that info, but it's worth a try. I've taken leap of faith. I travelled to Toronto in September, and had an initial consult with Dr David Starr. I go back in two weeks for a full week of assessments and classes, and if I "pass" (lol), I'm told I'll likely be advised of a surgery date early in the New Year. That's BE ADVISED of the date, not HAVE the surgery, till the date arrives. But I'm hopeful. This can be such a difficult journey. I wish everyone LUCK! Deborah.

Hey Deborah , It is quite a "roller coaster ride" wiating for this surgery to say the least. I happened to get in the program at the right time and it only took 2 years to have my surgery . I had the surgery in Moncton and I am almost 5 weeks post op and I feel I'm doing pretty good. I have more energy and I will be glad to get back to work and start a new routine. I sometimes have an off day , but most are pretty good. I am told that I need to eat my three meals plus my snacks , but I don't always get them in . I do get hungry and I eat a bit then I get full pretty quick , but I guess I should be eating again a few hours later. It is certainly a big change in your lifestyle but at the same time it is pretty surprising how many things you can still eat , I am tolerating bread and meats very well , but not so good with anything sweet, which certainly has many positive side effects. Good luck on your journey and contact me any time. Sherry