Question:
Gastric surgery options for Canadians

I am interested in finding out if anyone from Canada has had gastric surgery for weight loss performed in the US. If so, where did you go and was it covered under any insurance plans in Canada? Did you try to obtain the surgery in Canada first? I have found a Dr in Toronto that will do the lapband, for 15,000.00!! Needless to say I do not have that kind of money. If anyone has any suggestions, thoughts or advise it would sure be greatly appreciated. Thanks!! Cheryl    — Cheryl R. (posted on June 17, 2005)

June 17, 2005
Hi Cheryl, The surgeon I went to is Dr. Lutrzykowski in Michigan. He performs the duodenal switch operations. He has operated on two people from Canada this week and there is another one scheduled next week. They were all approved by OHIP. Hope this helps, Mandy
   — MandyT

June 17, 2005
Try posting this question on the Michigan board. I know several people from Canada have had surgery and post there.
   — Kim T.

June 21, 2005
Hi Cheryl, I'm from NB, Canada and medicare approved my surgery...I haven't had it yet...but I did try and see about going to the US to have the surgery done because of the enormous waiting lists here (4-3yrs)...I was told that wasn't an option because WLS was an elective operation...what province are you in?
   — sarahlee

June 25, 2005
I am from BC and I had no problems being approved for surgery. My pcp sent the referral to the specialist surgeon and then 6 months later I had the surgery. I would check why you have not been approved for WLS.
   — AuburnSB