Question:
I was told that Canada no longer does the gastric bypass....

because they have had too many people regain the weight. Does anyone know if this is true? I am so afraid that I will be fat again. I had the surgery a year ago and have been a slow loser but am much healthier and happier than I was. Im not sure how reliable the source was and Im hoping that she had the old procedures confused with the new ones. Please someone reassure me that I have not gone through all of this for nothing.    — Cory F. (posted on July 9, 2002)

July 8, 2002
Cory: According to my surgeon, the gastric bypass (RNY) has an extremely high success rate in the long term, i.e. more than 85% of patients keep off at least 65% of their weight loss after a 5-year period. Yes, it is possibly to regain your weight, but I don't think it's very likely if you follow your doctor's instructions and watch what you put in your mouth, keep up your exercise, etc. It's a lot easier to maintain weight than to lose it.
   — Terissa R.

July 9, 2002
The RNY and the VBG are still 100% covered in Canada. However, not many doctors do them because they're only paid about a tenth of what surgeons in the US are paid for the same procedure. So, yes, there are still performed and covered, but you may have to wait up to 2 years to get a consult. ~Patricia Emery~
   — Patricia E.