Hello, I just found this Forum on the Sleeve Talk website and was wondering if there were any fellow Canadians out there. I am waiting for my first appointment Nov 16th in Victoria with Dr Amson. I want to have the VSG and hopefully asap. The wait is about three years, from what I've been told, and unless I can find 15,000 dollars somewhere I'll be waiting it out LoL. I'd love to here from you!:patriot:

Hi henner, I know we have several members from Canada, and I am sure they will check in with you soon.

Hi Henner,

I am your neighbor....I live in Alberta. Like you, I am hoping that I qualify for the VSG through out health coverage. My first initial appointment is in November. I waited for two years to get into this program that is offered in Edmonton, Alberta. I am finally in and have to attend classes and wait for my initial consult. I have discussed with my husband if I am turned away for getting this suregery, then I will go elsewhere to get it done.

It was nice to meet you.

Jenn

Welcome Jenn100 - it's nice that we have several Canadian neighbors on here. I hope all goes well for you and you don't have to wait much longer for your surgery - I can't imagine having to have waited 2+ years. Keep us posted.

Hello Henner33 & Jenn100,

Great to see some other Canucks on the site. I live cross county to both of you on the East Coast in Prince Edward Island. There is also stoongal who is currently in Mexico getting sleeved.

The procedure has been approved by the PEI government and my referral has been sent to Dr. Ellsmere who is in Halifax, NS. I have read on Obesity Help the wait could be 5 - 7 years before you have any appointments, but he doesn't keep a list - it is based on need.

I had a small stroke on Sept. 1st while I was working in Moncton, NB - so I am waiting for the reports to arrive at my family Dr's so she can update Dr. Ellsmere as I am now on Lipidor (80 mg) and something for my blood pressure. Not sure if it will make a difference, but at least they will have up to date info.

This is a great site with lots of info. and supportive members. Keep us up to date on what is happening with you.

Nancy

Hello

I'm in Ontario. I was eight weeks from Out of Country application with OHIP to being sleeved in Cleveland. Have your doctors applied for surgery in the US?

Hi Bewitched,

Only 8 weeks? That is awesome. I know that Baldrick who is also in Ontario is currently in Cleveland. I've read that Ontario spends quite a bit of money approving for US surgery (I'm sure it saves money in the long run). I'm not sure if PEI does or not.

Did you have to make several trips for the various tests, meetings? Do you pay for the travel yourself and OHIP pays for the procedure?

I know for the NS program there are quite a few trips that I have to make - once I even get to that stage, and I am responsible for my own costs. The bridge itself is $42.50, another $8 in tolls, plus $40 - $50 for gas, and depending on the timing - maybe a hotel at some point. So it will be about $100 per trip.....

Thanks for suggesting it - I will contact the out of Province Coordinator.

So how are you doing with your sleeve?

Nancy

I and at least two others from Saskatoon are here as members.

I didn't even try to get thru our system, just went straight to Mexico,

had the surgery Monday and home now and feeling like it was the best decision I ever made.

My cost?

$100 for the passport, $5000 for the surgery and airfare, $28 for comprehensive travellers medical coverage, and that was about it. Have had to take out a $5000 line of credit at my bank but worth every penny!

Hi - another Saskatoon gal here! I was just sleeved Sept 28th in Mexico with Dr. Aceves. Once I made the decision to have it done, I researched having the procedure paid for by SaskHealth but they would only fund having it done in a public hospital in Canada. I took my savings and booked the procedure right away - there was no way that I had the patience to wait for years for this surgery. Mine was just under $9000 US and like Stoongal said - worth every penny! I feel good - no hunger, still a bit tired but let the losing begin! Good luck on your journey!

Hi Stoongal and welcome Bookgirl,

Great to see more chatter in this part of the forum. I love reading all the forums, but it is nice to see people here too.

Thanks for answering on the other post Stoongal.

Bookgirl - have you posted your details yet?

Nancy

IM CANADIAN TOO IM HAVING MINE DONE BY DOCTOR EMMANUEL SOMETIME IN NOVEMBER I HAVENT BOOKED IT YET. I am rather doing this to lose 15-20lbs and actually keep it off, im tired of yo yo ing i dont wanna be puttin on and losing th same 30lbs anymore. anyone else going in NOVEMBER to TIJUANA MEXICO?

YOURE having it done in victoria BC?

I paid all the travel expenses. My surgeon has a Canadian clinic four hours away. All pre-op and post-op is done there.

Sorry for the slow reply. My in-laws are not well.

Samantha

how much is it costing and you and didnt you opt for Mexico for example

I paid all the travel expenses. My surgeon has a Canadian clinic four hours away. All pre-op and post-op is done there.

Sorry for the slow reply. My in-laws are not well.

Samantha

Pre-op trip to Toronto was $500. Surgery in Clevelend was $1200.

I have myasthenia gravis so I had to go to a high risk centre. I had to stay in hospital four days and in Cleveland for another four days. So I paid for eight nights in a hotel for my husband.

Hi Bewitched

Thanks for posting. I know how stressful it is when someone you love isn't doing well. I hope your inlaws feel better soon,

Nancy