Question:
In Canada, How Long is the Process to get the Gastric with OHIP?
Im 22 years old, 5'2 -1/2 and mom to two young children, I weigh right now 234, and my BMI is 42.4. Ive noticed in the last 5 years or so, my knees hurt, my ankles keep giving out, my back hurts, and Im getting shortness of breathe. Ive tried meridia (diet pills), weight watchers, all types of diets, going to the gym, nothing helps. I am considering getting Gastric Bypass, how long does the process take? I wil be getting the surgery in Michigan if I am approved? I have no clue how to apply or anything...If someone could give me some info it would be greatly apperciated. I have an appt. with my family doctor November 3rd 2008 to discuss the process..thank you — chelsea_bunnz (posted on October 20, 2008)
October 20, 2008
Its a big decision to make. Take plenty of time and talk to alot of people.
See if there are support groups in your area that you can go to and talk
with post ops.
The process depends on insurance company ond surgeon. Sometimes there is a
6 month attemt a weight loss with a nutritionist. Sometimes you have to
loose a percentage of your weight pre-operatively. I didnt have to do
either. Everyone will need pre-op testing, a nutrition consult and psych
eval. My surgical group had a meeting prospective clients went to prior to
making office visits explaing surgery and risks.
Another website I use is Sparkpeople, there are gastric bypass groups you
can sign up. Its a another great online sourse. By name there is urbrat2
Good luck Paula
— urbrat2
October 20, 2008
If you don't have Kaiser it will take about 2 months, once you see the
physc, and the nutritionist thenyou get your appt. on the other hand if you
have Kaiser it takes 12-18 months. I had it done 9/3/08 have lost 29 lbs.
in just a little over 6 weeks for a total of 69 lbs. over all and I feel
great if I can do it at 51 with a BMI pushing 60 you can do it and do good.
— humper
October 20, 2008
I don't know anything about the process in Canada, but I can tell you my
experience versus that of one of my coworkers ... I started the process in
July of last year and had my surgery in May this year ... So, ten months.
My coworker, on the other hand, started the process in August this year,
and is having her surgery at the beginning of November. She pursued the
surgery much more aggressively than I did, and without nearly as much
soul-searching and research as I did. I'm not criticizing her decision at
all - I have been her cheerleader since the moment she mentioned the
possibility of having it done. She's just a lot less of a procrastinator
than I am, so she got things done much faster. :-) We have the same
insurance and had to follow the same protocol in order to get approved ...
We are lucky that our insurance recognizes that paying for gastric bypass
surgery now is much more cost-effective than paying for the treatment of
our ongoing comorbities and/or heart attacks, strokes, or other major
medical events that could happen eventually as a result of our obesity. I
am so, so thankful to my insurance company for being mindful of that! GOOD
LUCK to you! Your family doctor should refer you to a surgeon, and the
surgeon will make the final decision as to whether you are a candidate for
the surgery. They are the ones who request authorization from your
insurance company - you don't have to "apply" for anything. If
you have a good doctor and they refer you to a good surgeon, they should
walk you through the process step by step ... Don't be afraid to ask
questions! I don't remember who says it, but you know the saying,
"KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!" It's SO true! I hope this all works out for
you! And stick around the boards ... Read the posts ... We have all had
different experiences here and we discuss it ALL - the good, the bad, and
the ugly ... And we share the pictures to prove it! Haha! I'm only
half-kidding about the pictures. :-)
— lauren_marie
October 20, 2008
It is a big decision- weight loss surgery. There is gastric banding
(lapband, realize band), gastric stabling, rdy, etc. Read up about all the
different options and decide which you think would be best for you. When
you go to see your primary care physician, talk to them about why you think
this is a good idea for you. Explain to them your thought process and why
you think this is important for your future. Your doctor will want to work
with you to help.
Every doctor is different, however the average time from referral to
surgery is 6-12 months. Use that time to work on understanding your
relationship with food, trying to eat healthier, and getting you/your
family ready for the changes that will be taking place.
Good luck!
Amy
— amybellock
October 20, 2008
I agree with the others - it is a huge decision to make. Having said that
I started thinking about it late July 2007 when I had my gallbladder out
and I was told it would have been easier if there hadn't been as much belly
fat. I then spoke to my PCP and she got me a referral to a surgeon. I
went to an orientation meeting at the surgeon's office to hear about the
surgery, etc., then it was a nutrition class, a psych eval, a support group
meeting, another two meetings with the surgeon (one of them in a group and
one-on-one) and then they submitted my request to my insurance. I was
pleasantly surprised because my insurance company approved the surgery
within 2 weeks. I could have had the surgery in May 2008 but chose to have
it in July 2008 for work reasons. So all-in-all it was about a 10 month
process I chose to push to 12 months. Just do your research! Talk to
others who have had it done, go to support group meetings, use the
internet. Just make the most informed decision you can because this is a
permanent step and you don't want to regret it. Good luck and best wishes!
— dnefews
October 20, 2008
I saw my doctor and applied in July of this year. I had my answer from
OHIP with approval for RNY in August, saw my Dr. in Utica, Ny on Sept 5 and
am having my surgery on Nov. 5. So that is just 4 months, start to finish.
I am now only 2 weeks away.
Sheri
— sheri139
October 20, 2008
I am not sure about the time frame in Canada; in the US it is dependent
upon the insurance carrier...I would, however, like to recommend the Barix
Clinic in Ypsilanti. They have vast experience at both US and Canada
patient assistance with insurance. I am an RN (and rather picky) and I had
a lap band procedure done there. I have never been so impressed at the
professionalism, cleanliness, efficiency, etc. They will be happy to
assist you and answer your questions. Just Google Barix Clinic...there are
2 in Michigan--I would point you to the Ypsilanti site. Jeff
— JeffXL
October 20, 2008
I am in Ontario, referred by Dr. Dent and the team at the Weight Mgt Clinic
at Ottawa Hospital to the team at Utica. When Ottawa sent my application to
OHIP it was approved and returned in about 3 days and I hear that is normal
for Dr. Dent's team. My appointment in the US is Nov 10 and they are
booking surgeries about 6-7 weeks after the appointment. Hope that helps!
PS in case you don't know, and in case it helps ya, there is an Ontario
forum here and I'll give you the link: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/on
Cheers, Mike
— mountainmike
October 21, 2008
Do the research....Also check out lap band. If I had it to do over again it
would be the lap band as it is adjustable and not permanent. You never know
what complications you may encounter down the road.
— Kimberly Ten Kate
October 23, 2008
— Duckie
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