I don't know either way yet. i'll let you know tomorrow. The endocrinologist was faxing it in on February 16th. I'll let you know tomorrow, Fingers crossed!!!!!!! stef

Congrats!!!!!!!! Keep us on track of the latest developments. Stef

I hope I will get a date to add Stef

I had to be referred being that it is a specialist. I had to wait three months too. Stef

I wonder if there is a good endocrinologist that would help you and sign the papers, deeming it "medically necessary". My family physician was also very reluctant to sign the papers, and referred me to an endo and he was very nice and supportive (surprisingly!) Otherwise I say then, get a new family doctor and start again. It doesn't sound very promising. Stef

Welcome Lori. I'm just starting my journey as well! Start talking to your doctor and get the process in motion. I think a BMI over 50 will be substantial in getting approval. Even if you don't have alot of comorbidities, go through the process. I am doing this myself right now. It might take an appeal or two, but we'll get there Stefani

Hi There. The last time I posted I was super frustrated. When I approached my doctor about this surgery, she looked at me right away and said that I looked like I "wasn't heavy enough for this surgery". The doctor said that she would not approve me but would send me to an endocrinologist who could make the decision if it was "medically necessary" for me to get it done. (She didn't know anything about it even being done in Ontario! when she basically told me that I probably wouldn't qualify for out of country coverage (my first choice). She told me that the endocrinologist would only approve those that had a BMI of around 50-55 because that seems to be what OHIP would approve since they have tightened up their acceptance policy to pay the surgery. ************ So I did go this week to the endocrinologist appointment. I was extremely nervous since I was 2 lbs short for that BMI of 50. It was so ridiculous that a co-worker suggested that I carry a few rolls of loonies or something so that I could add more weight to the scale, knowing how frustrated I was. The endocrinologist turned out to be much more interested in me, supportive and inquisitive than my family doctor. He was so nice and kind and just really seemed to understand my frustrations of being obese throughout my life time. That 2 lb shortage ended up not mattering...because I ended up being an inch shorter than I THOUGHT that I was...so with the shorter height, my BMI more than qualifies! So the endocrinologist filled out the paperwork and is sending it in. The only thing that makes me nervous about that is that of course, I can't add my personal letter or photos or anything like that which I've heard can help....but I guess I'll save that for the appeal should I be denied. I'm crossing my fingers for now, Stef

I read the book by Louis Flancbaum and thought it was well done.

Yes Ohip covers gastric bypass.... but now I'm confused because it says you are having or want to have RNY with Dr. Starr in your profile so I would think that you would know this already. Is there something that I'm missing that you aren't able to communicate? Stef

thank you

Wow! Congratulations. I have a question. Maybe this is something I should know better on, but how come you haven't updated your photo? You look like a completely different person now. Just curious. Stefani

She would be referring to the LapBand which is currently not covered under ohip. Dr. Starr and the MIS group, do most of their surgeries laproscopically (it says so on the website). stef

In theory yes she could...but she is sending me to see if it is "medically necessary" or whatever. Personally I think it is alot of garbage and if things don't work out with me with this route, I'll find a new doctor. Plain and simple. Stef