Hi there

I'm not overly familiar with the wait lists in Red Deer so cannot answer that specific question.  I can tell you, however, that the wait times in Edmonton are nine plus months after the release has been signed.  There is interim follow up with clinic nurses, dieticians and others (as required) but it doesn't shorten the wait.  My release was signed in April and I'm dreaming about December; realizing it is much more likely to be January/February. 

Since WLS is a tool rather than a panacea, it requires permanent lifestyle changes.  I appreciate the fact that it is more difficult to lose weight prior to surgery, however, most surgeons/programs require some effort be made in this respect.  I hope you'll make your best efforts in this respect as it will make your post-surgery so much easier.

All the best of luck!

Hi.  Go to a shop that provides shakes to body builders - get whey isolate protein shakes because you can digest it better.  I like the fruit flavoured ones - ie. cranberry-raspberry as they are lighter than the standard chocolate, vanilla, strawberry ones Costco/Walmart etc. have.  Mix them up with a bunch of ice and off you go.  I have sometimes added a tough of Crystal Light to change up the flavour as well.....If you have access to the shop called Popeye's they have a return policy that even if opened, you can exchange it for something else if you don't like it.  These shakes have about 100 cals per serving, I add more water than they recommend, but that's just me......they also have about 20-25 grams protein and usually no sugar in them, so all around are a superior choice.

Hey everyone,

I'm new here, I found this forum when I recently came to the conclusion that diet and exercise on their own were never going to be enough. I am most interested in banding, but I am still open to other options.  I really have no intention of being put on another 'diet' program that I wouldn't be successful at long term (losing 20-30lbs isn’t too much of a problem, losing the rest is), just to possibly not be approved for the surgery. Not to mention wait time (with Alberta Health care), so I will be going through a private clinic.

So far I have looked at Slimband in Toronto, and Lap Band in Mississauga, mostly because they both seem to have clinics here in Calgary that will do aftercare. I don’t really have a family doctor, so having it done there or being referred somewhere isn’t really an easy option for me.

After spending some time reading on this (and other) forums, I've begun to have more and more questions about it. I have noticed a lot of banders posting about having complications (erosion, port problems, etc)

For those of you in Alberta who have been banded, have you used either of the clinics above, and what was your experience? Have any of you had complications?

Have any of you had another procedure done at a place what will allow self pay AND offers follow-up?

I know that there are pros & cons to all of them, but feel like having a "local" perspective will really help me decide how to move forward

Thanks!

Meredith

smiles deeply @ Kee.. . Thank you for the wonderful post back. Boy do we know the skinny on bariatric surgeries here in AB. . sheesh . Its makes me want to take action. It drives me crazy so I come here and rant because you are all wonderful listeners. Thank you 

I would love to meet each and every one that I have conversed with through this site. 

I feel like many that power is in numbers. We ban together than the journey or what ever you call it stands a better chance of success.

I will keep all updated when I return from Mx. I feel like you folks are the life line to many questions, experiences , hardships,  success' along the way. I need to read some one's raw honest words. It keep me humble. It keeps me in the moment.

I agree with you about finding a great MD who will assist after the WLS. My doctor has been amazing. Why you may ask. The answer is simple. She as my doctor believes and feels deeply that I deserve a "quality" of life . She feels that what ever she can do to make me healthy, happy and in control is a "win win" for her. 

I'm lucky to have her, Along with her she has a surgeon in the city that she would send me off to if it were something that she was not able to to deal with. I get really pi$$ed off when I hear that physicians will not assist. Holy Cow Man. . you are a doctor that is required to provide the best care for me and others. That is part of the credo. 

These doctors are starting to sound and act like hockey players. . . Only if the money is good does it benefit them to get their arses off the bench.. Okay there is my rant. :)

Talk soon

Lori

I was referred 4 years ago and it took a year to get in.  I have heard that the weight time now is shorter and people have been getting in in 3 to 6 months.  The clinic can deny people for several reasons (Your current medical History and your willingness to journal are a couple of the reasons I have heard.)

Just remember that this is a lifestyle change.  I always think that I never got fat overnight so I will not get skinny overnight.  I had health complications and I was not allowed to have surgery for the first 2 years I was in the program but I worked through them and had my surgery on April 3rd of this year.  

Some people are approved for surgery and other people are not.  You will have to see a nurse, dietician, psychologist and a internist and they all have to agree that you are emotionally and physically ready for surgery.  It is a long journey but I have learned so much from the clinic.