Edmonton Alberta- Sleevers

[mkardh 51]

Yes we can use the fees as a tax break under medical.... I know they change what we can use once in a while but I am pretty sure bariatric surgery is always allowed because it isn't cosmetic. I won't be able to file until next spring with my receipt but hopefully it will give me back so extra money. I want to take my daughter somewhere tropical in April and hopefully be at or near my goal weight.

[likedemapples 0]

I went to the Getting Started weight wise class yesterday. It was a lot of information that I already knew. I guess the wait time for surgery has significantly decreased as you mentioned Rhonda. I'm going to start journaling and recording steps/activity but I wonder what all the other requirements will be. I would hate to plan for WW to get the surgery done and then be disappointed if I'm not approved for some reason. I mentioned the research and possible plan to go out of country for the VSG and the RN was quite clear that they don't recommend "medical tourism". Rhonda, is there anything you can think of that would prevent me from getting the surgery through WW?

[jorsea 54]

I honestly am not sure what would exclude you. I know that they do have a BMI requirement to start. and that they give you obesity staging number. check for comorbidities (diabetes, high BP, etc,) What is your current weight? The weight time has come down, however you still have a few appointments over the course of a few months before referral for surgery. ( you see dietician, nurse, physcologist, physciatriast, OT) and they normally see you a few times before they give the OK for the Dr to refer you to the surgeon. The Dr at the clinic is wonderful, I had a great experience with her. Actually to be honest all the staff at the clinic have been 100%. I have not one complaint. They all treat you well and are all there to help you work towards your goal. Some people still take longer to get to the surgery point, and others seem to go faster....maybe its the committment to following the direction of all the people on your team. It was worth all the work and the wait for me. I could not afford to do it any other way. If waiting up to 18 months, which I have heard is not for you, then self pay would be the other option.

I think the facilatators of the classes are not going to be PRO for having it outside the country, for one they would be worried about your after care, and if your are really ready to make life changes necessary to be successful.

I can't wait to hear what you decide.

Take care

Rhonda

[Coral780 2]

Hello Ladies!

I am from Edmonton and am scheduled for my VSG for Aug 15. I am excited and nervous! I am looking to lose ~150lbs. I have started my pre op diet and packing for MX already!

[jorsea 54]

Hi,

Welcome to our little group...I am having sleeve on the 14 of Aug....we can be sleevers together you have that long of a pre op diet?? I thought 3 weeks was the longest. I wish you luck and there is many others who have gone to MX as well...you will be in good hands from all that I have read

[Coral780 2]

Hi' date='

Welcome to our little group...I am having sleeve on the 14 of Aug....we can be sleevers together you have that long of a pre op diet?? I thought 3 weeks was the longest. I wish you luck and there is many others who have gone to MX as well...you will be in good hands from all that I have read[/quote']

Thanks for the welcome! I have chosen to do the pre op diet early. Mostly so that I am not tempted to eat EVERYTHING for the "last time". I am bad for doing that before I start diets. This time will be different, so I am behaving different. It's a personal choice not something my doctor asked me to do.

[likedemapples 0]

I honestly am not sure what would exclude you. I know that they do have a BMI requirement to start. and that they give you obesity staging number. check for comorbidities (diabetes, high BP, etc,) What is your current weight? The weight time has come down, however you still have a few appointments over the course of a few months before referral for surgery. ( you see dietician, nurse, physcologist, physciatriast, OT) and they normally see you a few times before they give the OK for the Dr to refer you to the surgeon. The Dr at the clinic is wonderful, I had a great experience with her. Actually to be honest all the staff at the clinic have been 100%. I have not one complaint. They all treat you well and are all there to help you work towards your goal. Some people still take longer to get to the surgery point, and others seem to go faster....maybe its the committment to following the direction of all the people on your team. It was worth all the work and the wait for me. I could not afford to do it any other way. If waiting up to 18 months, which I have heard is not for you, then self pay would be the other option.

I think the facilatators of the classes are not going to be PRO for having it outside the country, for one they would be worried about your after care, and if your are really ready to make life changes necessary to be successful.

I can't wait to hear what you decide.

Take care

Rhonda

I weigh 270 right now. BMI 44. My physician is supposed to have done the referral. So we shall see how long it takes. My only comorbidities are GERD and arthritis in my R knee. Hopefully I'm a candidate.

[Coral780 2]

Hey Lisa,

Just wondering if your PCP is supporting you in your journey to MX. Mine has decided to no longer support me. She was all for it until I got the date and now she is setting up road blocks. I am thinking of getting a new doctor. How has your experience been?

[lisa1977 13]

Hey Lisa' date='

Just wondering if your PCP is supporting you in your journey to MX. Mine has decided to no longer support me. She was all for it until I got the date and now she is setting up road blocks. I am thinking of getting a new doctor. How has your experience been?[/quote']

My doctor was a little unsure, but she's still supportive as she knows I'm going to do it anyway. She was more worried about the level of care they provide(experience) as opposed to the sleeve itself. She hasn't had a lot of experience with the sleeve

[TaniaB 37]

Why go out of country when it's free here? I had mine done at the royal Alex in June 18, by dr Doug davey, didn't go through weight wise, only saw a nut once and took about 6 months from time I started seeing him till surgery... I'm 4 weeks out feel great down 26lbs and can eat everything in small quantities, also had no preop diet... Didn't have a drain, haven't thrown up once, and nothing upsets me yet... Best decision I ever made. Also the pani lift is free in Alberta too.

[jorsea 54]

That's quick, and not through weight wise? Didn't know they did it solo. Can you explain how? I have a date of Aug 14, started in march so, I figure I'm lucky, however a friend is in need, and is expecting a year wait my surgery is with Dr.DeGara, no pre OP liquid diet but I've lost 70 pounds pre so that could be why. Looking forward to hearing from you.

[TaniaB 37]

I saw dr davey, in bonnyville, because I live 2 hrs from Edmonton. He comes here once a month for general surgery and appointments... I do believe he started the wwc, and was head of surgery a couple yrs back.

[nathalie 3]

Good morning, my surgery is scheduled next week on the 25 th. I'm out of the red deer clinic. I started the program in January and have lost 35 lbs so far.

[Coral780 2]

Good morning' date=' my surgery is scheduled next week on the 25 th. I'm out of the red deer clinic. I started the program in January and have lost 35 lbs so far.[/quote']

Wow you must be so excited! Keep us updated on your progress!

[nathalie 3]

Will do