Hello everyone I am planning on challenging the bc gov's policy of not funding the lap surgery. I will be using case studies, fact that other provinces are funding the procedure and the statistical data on health outcomes. I would like to know if anyone has previously challenged?

I would also like to know if anyone is interested getting involved?

I was banded two weeks ago but wanted to wait until after surgery before I started the process and paper trail.

KAT:thumbup:

hi kat, i'm not banded yet, but i would definitely like to support you with this in whatever way i'm able to (even if it's just moral support at this point). i've been seriously thinking of writing to my MP and MLA about this because it just doesn't make sense why LB is not covered. it really p!sses me off (especially since i'm having a devil of a time figuring out how to pay for this!!!).

GOOD LUCK and let me know if I can help.

babe

I was banded by Dr. W a week ago. Good luck in your journey.

Let me know if I can help Kat :thumbup:

I once read the story of a lady who submitted everything and tried to fight BCMed to have her banding covered (I think it was in a Yahoo band group but I'm not positive). They turned her down flat, regardless of the paperwork she submitted. Their reasoning was basically that it was too experimental to be covered. This was just before I had my surgery, so about 2 years ago that I was reading this. By now there should be more studies, and more #'s supporting the outcome of banding.

Good luck !!!! Fighting the beaurocrats can be time-consuming and frustrating to say the least, but if it helps someone get this life-saving surgery then it's worth it.

Patricia

I'd like to join you in this ... I was banded ten months ago.... how are you going about doing this?

The first step is to submit my request for them to pay .. Once I have exhausted this step the next is the legally challenge based on several principles: 1) Unversal access (some provinces pay for all or everything but the band itself); second challenge is based on constitutional rights; third challenge is based on discrimination. It will be a long fight - in particular as it can potentially set precidence which the government will fight tooth and nail!

Good idea Katrinalud. I live in New Brunswick and the province pays for everything including the band itself. It's supposed to be universal health care. B.C. has no right to decide what is medically appropriate when it comes to the health of so many. It will save millions in the long run. If one province (a poor one at that) can do this for their people, there is no good reason why a much better off province can't do it. N.B. only started paying for the band last year. Good Luck.:cursing:

Hi: Post what you are thinking on the BCWLS group website. There are a group of individuals that are in fact fighting the BC Government to support all obesity surgery. They have (I believe) had an interview by the Health Minister but I have lost touch and not sure where they are in the negotiations.

Hi: Post what you are thinking on the BCWLS group website. There are a group of individuals that are in fact fighting the BC Government to support all obesity surgery. They have (I believe) had an interview by the Health Minister but I have lost touch and not sure where they are in the negotiations.

doddie, what's the url for this BCWLS site? i've seen you and others talk about it before, and would like to take a look.

doddie, what's the url for this BCWLS site? i've seen you and others talk about it before, and would like to take a look.

Hi: Here is what your requested

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BC-WLS/files/BC-WLS%20Mod%20Squad%20Files/%22Getting%20Started%22%20Files/

thanks doddie

I was thinking of doing the same thing - but thought that maybe the federal level would be the place bring this to light? If there is anyway I can help you with this, please just let me know. I can get a letter from my Dr. that says she referred me to the Weight Wise clinic in Alberta for LapBand - but the have a 3 yr wait list - so I'm going to just self -pay.

I'm happy to help in anyway!

Cheers,

K