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  1. #16
    Gastric Sleeve Member christine53's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    03/15/2013
    Surgeon
    Alejandro Lopez
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Last Activity
    03-01-2015 10:24 PM
    Location
    Nc-Sc
    Posts
    1,350
    Said "Thanks" 84 Times
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    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 162 Times
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Wait times in Canada are Crazy

    OMG 5 years, I could of never waited that long. So glad I went to Mexico



  2. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  3. #17
    Gastric Sleeve Member nowornever14's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Band2Sleeve
    Surgery date
    09/08/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Amy Neville
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Last Activity
    10-25-2014 10:11 PM
    Location
    Beautiful Canada :)
    Posts
    19
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    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Wait times in Canada are Crazy

    Hi
    I am in the process of getting my lapband out after 10 years of which the last 5 years had been very challenging and painful at times. It was suggested to change to a sleeve and I am hoping this could be done but since I have acid reflux very badly some 5 years ago I am now constantly on the "hunt" for experience with sleevers who had acid reflux problems before the sleeve and how things are after.
    Any input would be much appreciated.
    And yes my surgeon know best , but it is still my body and I trusted my other surgeon before and he did his best at the time (he is retired now) but I rather want to get my own information up front to be prepared for discussions with my new surgeon.

    p.s. because I had been approved 10 years back and I had to get help because of my trouble with the band I got in right after 1 month but my surgeon now rather wants to do band out and sleeve in in 2 surgeries which I am not too happy about since I suffer from Lupus ever surgery can trigger a bad flare up.



  4. #18
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    07/25/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Bill Graber, Utica, NY
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Last Activity
    05-01-2015 05:43 PM
    Posts
    13
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    Default Re: Wait times in Canada are Crazy

    Although I am a Canadian, I live overseas so could not get surgery done at home in Ottawa. Rather than Mexico, I chose to pay for surgery in Utica, New York, because it is only a few hours away by car from my mother's home. Even if I had had the surgery in Canada, the wait time would have been about 18 months. I got this surgery set up very quickly in the US.
    It has only been a month, so I guess the jury is still out on how this will all turn out. However, until now I can say that I am happy to have received a "sleeve" and was impressed by the compassionate care that I received in the US.



  5. #19
    Gastric Sleeve Member Jacobcat's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    09/12/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Almanza
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Last Activity
    01-07-2018 10:02 AM
    Posts
    21
    Said "Thanks" 1 Times
    Was Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
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    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Wait times in Canada are Crazy

    where do you live...I live in Ontario near Niagara Falls...I'm going to Dr. Almanza for surgery September 12...would you like to correspond...Pat

    Quote Originally Posted by 2011Sleever View Post
    Being a Canadian and in need of Gastric Surgery I decided to travel to Mexico. Our wait time is 1-5 years and if not a heftyy price tag of close to $25000.00 for the sleeve. I had such amazing success with my surgery I designed a company and program to help others out. I designed the company so the individuals who are unsure of who to see and where to go and the main thing is to ensure safety.
    Do your homework and like me you will never look back.



  6. #20
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    07/25/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Bill Graber, Utica, NY
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Last Activity
    05-01-2015 05:43 PM
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    Default Re: Wait times in Canada are Crazy

    Happy to speak with you any time. I was a bit nervous beforehand but things have gone unbelievably smoothly for me. I've lost 34 pounds in just over a month.
    I am from Ottawa. I actually live overseas but came to my family home to recuperate after surgery in Utica, New York. Cost, including hotels, etc. about CAN $19,000.
    I gather you are off to Mexico. Good luck. Matthew



  7. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  8. #21
    Gastric Sleeve Member Kmacaskill's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    09/09/2014
    Surgeon
    Hugo Diec
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Last Activity
    09-06-2014 06:00 AM
    Posts
    3
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    Default Re: Wait times in Canada are Crazy

    Hello Colleen,

    Do you help with skin removal ?

    Thx

    Kevin


  9. #22
    Gastric Sleeve Member Jacobcat's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    09/12/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Almanza
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Last Activity
    01-07-2018 10:02 AM
    Posts
    21
    Said "Thanks" 1 Times
    Was Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 4 Times
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Wait times in Canada are Crazy

    Hi...

    It looks like you are doing really well...congratulations...I really had no choice but to go to Mexico...it was the only way that I could afford it...do you have any tips for me...

    Pat. =^.,.^=



  10. #23
    Gastric Sleeve Member 2011Sleever's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Colleen
    Surgery date
    01/06/2011
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Last Activity
    10-26-2014 07:52 PM
    Location
    Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    9
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    Default Re: Wait times in Canada are Crazy

    Hello Kevin,

    Yes I have an amazing plastic surgeon in Mexico.. I have referred a number of clients to him who are all satisfied. \I myself have just had cosmetics and have never been happier

    Colleen

    Quote Originally Posted by Kmacaskill View Post
    Hello Colleen,

    Do you help with skin removal ?

    Thx

    Kevin


  11. #24
    Gastric Sleeve Member Marco's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    08/19/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Daniel Birch
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Last Activity
    10-26-2014 02:20 AM
    Location
    Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    4
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    Red face Re: Wait times in Canada are Crazy

    Just an update to this thread....in Alberta NOW...more money has been dedicated for bariatric surgery. I started the program on 5 June 2013 and had my surgery date was 19 August 2014. I first saw my surgeon mid October and had agreed to do a Vertical Sleeve based on my personal medical history, medical conditions, and BMI. I started in the WeightWise program in Edmonton (now called the Edmonton Adult Bariatric Specialty Clinic ) thinking I wanted a lap band, but after awhile it beame clear that a lap band was not what I needed.

    During this time there were at least 13 seminars I had to take before they would consider me for going on. There is a ton of information about Obesity, nutrition, psychology, exercise, and food choices. The two nights spent after my surgery were full of excellent and wonderful, knowledgeable nurses.

    I get why folks spend money to go to Mexico, even around one year is a long time. The upside for me, was that prior to surgery, I was able to lose 75 lbs.

    I think both choices are valid as long as you are well educated on both options of staying in Canada or traveling outside of Canada for surgery. From the comments here, I believe most people do educate themselves...others not so much, but that is life and we all have choices to make especially when we are dealing with medical impacts effecting our quality of life.


  12. #25
    Gastric Sleeve Member Ann2's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Ann2
    Surgery date
    08/18/2014
    Surgeon
    n.a.
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Missouri
    Posts
    6,630
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    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: Wait times in Canada are Crazy

    That's all very good news, Marco. Thanks for updating this thread.



    Consult: 235 lbs
    My and doc's preop diet: 216 -19 lbs
    M1 postop 205 -30
    M2 193 -42
    M3 184 -51
    M4 174 -61
    M5 167 -68
    M6 162 -73
    M7 156 -79
    M8 151 -84
    M9 148 -87
    M10 146 -89
    M11 144 -91
    M12 143 -92
    M13 142 -93
    M14 140 -95
    M15 139 -96
    M16 137 -98
    M17 135 -100

    First Surgiversary post

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  13. #26
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    07/25/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Bill Graber, Utica, NY
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Last Activity
    05-01-2015 05:43 PM
    Posts
    13
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    Was Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
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    Default Re: Wait times in Canada are Crazy

    I would have liked to have had this done in Canada and had in fact arranged to do so. But even though I was willing to pay myself (I am a Canadian living overseas and therefore am not enrolled in any Canadian health care programme), and was willing to wait a long time for the surgery, I was eventually told to go elsewhere. I do not regret at all having gone to Upstate New York, nor the money it cost me (about $19,000 all in) compared to the $21,000 they were asking for in Canada. I am down 42 pounds after 8 weeks, although the pace of weight loss is diminishing a bit.
    I wish you good luck with your recovering, Marco, and that this takes you to a healthier place.
    Best regards, Matthew



  14. #27
    Gastric Sleeve Member Truffles's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Brigitte
    Surgery date
    08/24/2012
    Surgeon
    Dr. Almanza
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Prince George, BC
    Posts
    1,502
    Said "Thanks" 159 Times
    Was Thanked 400 Times in 330 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 140 Times

    Default Re: Wait times in Canada are Crazy

    Quote Originally Posted by Marco View Post
    Just an update to this thread....in Alberta NOW...more money has been dedicated for bariatric surgery. I started the program on 5 June 2013 and had my surgery date was 19 August 2014. I first saw my surgeon mid October and had agreed to do a Vertical Sleeve based on my personal medical history, medical conditions, and BMI. I started in the WeightWise program in Edmonton (now called the Edmonton Adult Bariatric Specialty Clinic ) thinking I wanted a lap band, but after awhile it beame clear that a lap band was not what I needed.

    During this time there were at least 13 seminars I had to take before they would consider me for going on. There is a ton of information about Obesity, nutrition, psychology, exercise, and food choices. The two nights spent after my surgery were full of excellent and wonderful, knowledgeable nurses.

    I get why folks spend money to go to Mexico, even around one year is a long time. The upside for me, was that prior to surgery, I was able to lose 75 lbs.

    I think both choices are valid as long as you are well educated on both options of staying in Canada or traveling outside of Canada for surgery. From the comments here, I believe most people do educate themselves...others not so much, but that is life and we all have choices to make especially when we are dealing with medical impacts effecting our quality of life.
    I just want to clarify a bit for others. I'm in Edmonton, too, and unfortunately, this still wouldn't have been possible, in that time frame (or ever), for me. You see, what Marco fails to mention is a high BMI with multiple co-morbidities. That's why Marco was able to get the surgery in a relatively short time (short for Canadian bariatric wait times).

    Marco, this isn't a slam against you. I am extremely pleased that you are on the road to better health. However, your post was misleading and needed clarification. The choice for many of us isn't there, really. It's Mexico (or other country) or nothing.
    Nov. 15/17 - re-sleeve, hiatal hernia repair, gallbladder removal with Dr. A. Lopez from AloBariatrics in Puerto Vallarta



  15. #28
    Gastric Sleeve Member 2011Sleever's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Colleen
    Surgery date
    01/06/2011
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Last Activity
    10-26-2014 07:52 PM
    Location
    Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    9
    Said "Thanks" 1 Times
    Was Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 0 Times

    Default Re: Wait times in Canada are Crazy

    Hello Brigette,

    I agree and I too had to make the same decision as you. My surgeon was Almanza and I must say because of this surgery I have a new lease on life.
    I have also been assisting other Canadians buy offering a support program. I have many clients how have been part of the failing Weight Wise program
    as they have felt it is not enough. Each persons struggle is different and we try to look at them as individuals rather than a room of overweight people.

    Keep up the great work !!


  16. #29
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    09/30/2015
    Surgeon
    Dr. Karmali
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Last Activity
    08-23-2015 12:58 PM
    Posts
    14
    Said "Thanks" 5 Times
    Was Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 22 Times

    Default Re: Wait times in Canada are Crazy

    I waited 9 months for my referral to get into the barbaric clinic in Edmonton. I finally got in last March and after several trips to Etown I have just gotten the referral from the doctor to meet the surgeon this Thur Oct. 30. I'm not sure what the wait time will be after that but I will let you know!


  17. #30
    Gastric Sleeve Member Marco's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    08/19/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Daniel Birch
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Last Activity
    10-26-2014 02:20 AM
    Location
    Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    4
    Said "Thanks" 0 Times
    Was Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 0 Times

    Default Re: Wait times in Canada are Crazy

    Thanks Brigitte, no offense taken. First, I didn't mean to mislead anyone nor did I intentionally failed to mention high BMI specifically as a requirement. I didn't specifically state that a requirement for bariatric surgery is a high BMI and co-morbidities, but I did say in my situation it was my BMI and the complications (co-morbidities) that made me a candidate for surgery. The Edmonton protocol is being proposed nationally and internationally as a guideline to assist surgeons and specialists in determining medically which patients areally best suited for surgery. Perhaps a slightly overweight individual might benefit from other less evasive treatment tools surgery is after all a tool and not a fix. I certainly can not fault folks seeking quicker turn around o such debilitating situation especially when it impacts one psychologically as well as medically. I do have some concerns about medical tourism. Unfortunately for every story of successful surgery there are those that are back here in Edmonton looking at revision surgery due to complications. Which can happen with surgery done here at home. Just reality of surgery everywhere. I totally get why pole seek quicker surgery and willing to pay good money for something they see as ultimately as a solution to waiting. 2011 Sleeve, I diagram at about the program being a failure, not because I am biased, but because I KNOW from experience what is involved it is intensive and requires participants to dedicate their efforts and time to making some lifestyle changes before surgery. I assume your efforts were pretty 2011? Do you realive the program has evolved since then? That AHS has been allocating more budget and OR time to the program in Edmonton and Caglary. Also the fact that the program has had folks from Manitoba admitted because of Manitoba's inability to handle their obesity epidemic.


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