JenB-Calgary

I was recently approved for a Lap-Band with Dr. Birch. One of my questions was "How many bands have you put in?" He said that in 5 years, he's done about 50. That's not a lot really. At any rate, I don't have a date for the surgery yet, but it I can tell you it took 12 months from my request for a referral to my first date with the Weight Wise Clinic, then another year of hoops and weight loss before approval. My next surgeon meeting is May 26th, and I hope I'll get the final surgery date then. :leaving: JenB P.S. Read more about me at My Big Fat Weight Loss Journey

WOW PIP you're doing great! Do you know if any of these doctors do the LAP-band laprascopically? That's why I went to Edmonton originally, because I was told Dr. Davies was the only one doing them that way. I'm meeting with the surgeons on April 21 for the determination, but it's been 1 year with this program + 1 year wait from referral + 6 months to get the referral. Ugh.

The Weight Wise program does both LAP-Band and Gastric Bypass and is the only one in Alberta to do either laprascopically. That's why I'm going up there all the time. I'm only 33 and don't want to look like I've had open heart surgery at this age. I might actually want to wear a bikini some day! LOL! :eyebrows:

Hi Koobiesmom I requested a referral for WLS 2 years ago. After about 6 months I got a letter from the Edmonton clinic (Weight Wise, out of the Royal Alex Hostipal). I started trekking up to Edmonton for all my appts. It's not so bad. They put me on a diet and I've seen a dietitian, physiotherapist, phsycologist and finally this last time, the Dr. All have approved me for surgery and now I have one more hurdle: a psychiatrist. BAH! Always one more thing. At any rate, I'm almost 2 years in (will be by Feb 08) and I still don't have a surgery date. HOWEVER, the Weight Wise clinic is so incredibly professional and organized, I'd highly recommend them. I've lost 22 lbs with the dietitians help and look forward to my surgery appt soon.