Hi Velma 44,

Bariatric surgeries performed at home do indeed generate complications. But Dr. Birch is concerned about medical tourism because he sees many cases of patients who had bariatric surgery outside of Alberta with complications that are comparable to standards. 

The goal of this project is just to get an estimate of how many patients seek bariatric surgery via medical tourism in Alberta. The use of this information will not be affected by the prejudice on medical tourism, but will be to fulfill the project’s purpose. Also, the survey is anonymous and confidential so survey respondents will not be affected by how they respond.

Medical tourism is indeed a controversy and many prejudices arise against it, mainly due to subjective reasoning and the lack of objective research outcomes. We hope to lessen the prejudices of medical tourism and we believe that this project is a step forward in that process."

My reg doc rerecommended I get a gastric sleeve. I am in BC but am not far from Calgary. I am hoping to get my surgery done there as I can stay with family. Can anyone tell me what all is involved in getting the surgery and were in Calgary they do it. I understand the weight time is around 3 years. Also what r the different types of surgery and the risks involved. I have hear horror storys and wondering how true they r. Any help and sugesstions would be greatly. Appreciated. Thank-you.

Hi there,

I'm in McKenzie Lake in Calgary.  I'm doing the program through the Edmonton Weight Wise clinic, but I think the one in Calgary is called Living Well.  I think this is the link...

http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/services.asp?pid=service &rid=1008786

Emily and I are in San Diego now - burned, tired, footsore - we've had a great couple of days before heading to Mexicali tomorrow.

Hi there.

I've never been to the group but emailed you yesterday about it (and rec'd your reply). I'll be there for sure and am bringing a friend along as well. I'm not sure what to expect, but figure I need all the help I can get!