Thanks Tamantha.  That is very helpful.

Just wondering how this conclusion is drawn for a denial of surgery?  Lol trying to make sure I don't fall into that hole and get denied.

I started in the clinic the start of August this year and the beginning of December I met with Dr. Ferris (one of the surgeons at Red Deer) again and he has me now on the list for surgery as I have lost my manditory 10% or more.  I have heard that it could be a few months before I get a call for my surgery date though so I will just keep doing what I have been doing. 

I have a friend who just had the surgery in Red Deer with Dr. Ferris in November and she is doing excellent.  I am hoping soon to be able to claim the same.

I am glad to have been a little bit of help.  I know that it can be scary, intimidating, and down right terrifying at times to do this journey.  One thing I WISH I had known is that people bring a support person to their first orientation meeting.  I think that would be very helpful and it would give you that personal level of comfort in what can be a very uncomfortable process.   I have since had my daughter with me at some of the appointments, not for encouragement for I feel fine and confident with the appointments now but it is also great to have a loved one be present to hear all the information first hand as well as they have the chance to ask questions from a support person's point of view.  

Good luck to you! 

Hi there!!

I am also currently in the Red Deer Bariatric clinic.  I dont know about how strict they are with the criteria of the BMI and such however I do know that Red Deer does not encourage the lap band and also they discourage people from that.  I believe if I remember correctly the nurse in the pre-surgery meeting stated that they have done less than three lap bands from what she has been told.  If your doctor is recommending the sleeve, that is most likely the better choice but you should research all the options out there for that is something they do ask you about (to see if you are aware of all the differences between the different surgeries). 

As far as other patients being angry, that would be surprising to me if that was the case.  When you go to any group meetings, you will see people with all different sorts of body types and sizes.  I doubt that people would judge or be out right angry.  After the group meetings, all your appointments are all by yourself with whatever health professional you are to see.   If you are in the waiting room there is no way to know what stage of the journey a patient is on.  I think that you should just go in armed with information, knowledge and courage.   Dont let what others may or may not think be your deterrent!  You can do this!