Hi, I just found this site, as I have an information session scheduled in July in Windsor. I'm so glad I found it!! (My referrel was made March 15)

I think I may mistakenly have been under the impression that OHIP now covered Lap-Band surgery. Does anyone know for sure?

As I have been reading through the posts, I don't seem to see any discussions of it. My BMI is over 40. Any information you would like to share with me would be very much appreciated!!

thanks!

I am almost sure that ohip doesn't cover the lap band....sorry  

Oh, thanks for your reply, though I'm really disappointed!

I see from your post that your surgery is coming up soon!! Are you having the gastric bypass? 

I really don't know much about that - do you have to be concerned with nutrient absorption? Do you have to take supplements after?

thanks again. :-)

Yes I am having surgery in August and I am having RN.  It does cause malabsorption  I will be on supplements for life.  But It is a small price to pay I think I'd rather live longer and Heather.  . Have you been to your GP or are you just thinking about what you might like to do?     

dang spell check heathier

Haha on spell check. I misspelled referral too.

Yes, I was referred by my GP, but we discussed Lap Band. What is RN? Sorry, I'm not up on the acronyms yet!

I am sure I will find out lots more information when I go to the session in July.

Spell check has struck again.....RNY ...gastric bypass ...and no worries you will catch on.  So what centre are you going too??   

OOOOOOOhhhh. haha, I got it. I will catch on. :-)

I'm going to the Windsor Centre, and then I assume I will be referred to Guelph. .. or will I get to choose?? Dont' know much yet, sorry. :-)

Not sure where they will send you.... well very exciting for you off to orintation .....They willgive you alot of info are you taking someone with you??  

Yes, very exciting indeed!

No I will be going by myself. I'm right in the midst of moving to Port Lambton, so this all happens between possession of the house (on the 3rd) and moving day on the 25th.

My session is on the 12th. I live about an hour from Windsor now, but it will be at least 2 hours from Port Lambton. My son is in Victoria BC and my daughter is in London, so I'm on my own for this :-)

well, off to bed now. Lots to think about. :-)

Thanks for your info and encouragement!

Well goodnight it was nice chatting with you

The Windsor Centre refers to Guelph and TWH. You get to decide between Guelph and Toronto after you get cleared for Surgery.

The lap-band is NOT covered in Ontario. Windsor will prepare you for Roux-en-Y surgery. They will describe the procedure in detail with diagrams at your info session. Basically, the surgery involves stapling off the majority of your stomach to form a very small "pouch" that will become your new stomach. The remainder stays there but isn't used. Your intestines will be re-routed to the new pouch. I'm sure I am not describing it 100% accurately, but it gives you the gist of it. Doing a search on the name of the surgery will give you more accurate and detailed information. I had my info session a year ago, and this week I am going for surgery education, then my file goes to Guelph, then I wait for a call to meet the surgeon. The wait time from info session to surgery varies from 6months - 1.5 years depending on the case. Everyone is different.

Oh wow, thanks Kim.

I didn't realize that the wait time could be so long. I've seen from some profiles here that they went in fairly quickly.

So, now that you are having your surgery education and file sent to Guelph, how long do you expect it to take?

Is there a reason that you have had to wait so long? Does it depend upon your BMI, or are they taking people with more serious additional health risks first? Which of course would make sense.

I don't have diabetes (have never been tested), but I have had high blood pressure, acid reflux, back and knee problems, and quite likely sleep apnea (only because a friend of mine who I shared a room with let me know! yikes)

Be sure to start your research on the varous Weight Loss Surgeries available....and do your homework on each type. 

I was self pay ( so did not go through OHIP), had RnY in Montreal.  My surgeon's site has a comparative chart with diagrams on 3 of the 4 types of surgeries done..including the band (these are surgeries he does, he does not do the DS or "Duodenal Switch")..It may help get you started on your research....


Here's the chart:   http://www.weightlosssurgery.ca/about-our-surgeries/comparison-chart-3-procedures/


....the 4th one is  Duodenal Switch and you  can get info on it by going to:

http://www.dsfacts.com/Duodenal-Swit*****anada.html


 but if you want it covered by OHIP think you are out of luck as your BMI is too low...But you should be familiar with it to complete your studies on different types of WLS available out there and their pros and cons.

Thank you so much Mermaid... I will check out the link right now.
Much appreciated, as I know I have lots to learn. :-)

I had a consultation for lap band in May - at that time OHIP still was not covering...
Just one of the several reasons I've decided against it...lol

Hi Starry, thanks for your response. :-)

What are the other reasons you have decided against it, if you don't mind sharing. The more invasive surgery frightens me a little, as a friend of mine recently lost her son through complications (he had his surgery in the US).

I'll send you a PM - don't want to put negative vibes out for those who have or are considering it....

oopsss, sorry .. don't want to send out negativity either with my comment.

Apologies to everyone.

And thanks Starry.

I don't want to spread "negativity" either, but I want to mention that all surgery that has to do with the way your body processes the most important factor to its survival next to oxygen; food, is pretty invasive in its own right. Also, please read extensively about all of your options before deciding on something that will change your life forever. I wish you the best.