Wharton Medical Clinic

Has anyone gone there?  How is it?  No-one in my family thinks i should be thinking of WLS.  (they're all skinny, of course!).  Someone I work with, who lost a lot on Weigh****chers, has gained it back, and is going to go to this clinic. 
I'm 56 yrs. old, almost 200 lbs., 5' 2" tall, and I have been putting on weight gradually for yrs. I have high b/p, and cholesterol, arthritis and many foot problems. I get so darned HUNGRY on any sort of diet, it's pathetic!  I want to be healthy, look healthy and feel healthy!  I'm wondering if the Vertical Sleeve might be the best bet for me, as I take a lot of aspirin-based medication.
Any feedback would be appreciated!

I don't know of this clinic, however I would highly recommend Dr. Lance Levy in Toronto.  He is a "feeding disorder specialist" and changed my life - for the better.  He was the one who eventually, after mounds of tests and counselling, referred me to my surgeon for WLS.  I knew he was the right fit for me when, on our first meeting, he said, "Karen, obesity is not a character flaw. It is a medical condition.".  LOVE that man.  He gets it.

Hi, I know of this clinic because I live in Hamilton.  Dr. Wharton previously worked with Dr. Arya Sharma (who moved to Alberta from hamilton because Ontario wouldn't increase funding a few years ago).  Dr. Sharma is one of the world leaders in Obesity research.  This clinic deals with weight loss from every avenue other than surgery so if your heart is set on surgery this is not the way to go.  My doctor wouldn't even refer me here to even try it which sort of surprised me. She told met that several of her patients have been  to the clinic and said while you do get called quite quickly initially, follow up appointments have long waits.  I've spoken with several people who said the same thing.

As far as the skill and knowledge at the clinic goes, it is certainly good but it depends on which direction you prefer to go in, WLS or trying again to lose weight with some medical supervision.  That only you can decide which is best...

Hope that helps

Thanks so much, Kathy!  It's all good to know on my journey to gather information!

I'm 56- had VSG in June- best thing ever. Tell your doctor you just want to be assessed by the program- sending a referral doesn't mean you are going to have surgery- you just want to explore the options. Anyone who can understand health research should know that dieting only works for a very small percentage of people.
I only told my family once I had a date for surgery. when some were negative, I told them I was not asking for their permission, just their support.
Don't wait too long, if necessary, get a new family doctor. GO to the web site- print off the referral forms- fill them in as much as possible- get doc to sign- fax them yourself- I've seen people delayed by dr's offices not sending them or losing them.

I don't have the link, but I'm sure someone else will post it.

Thanks a million, Louise!  I'm not the only oldster here, eh?!

LouiseF, could I e-mail you to ask you about the procedure, etc., (you're my age, had the same BMI as I do now,and co-morbidies)?  Also, where did you get the VSG done? (in the GTA?).  If it would be OK, let me know your address - thanks!

Connie (Timetoread)

PM sent- VSG done at Humber

Don't wish to offend anyone who may have had a good experience with Wharton, however I did meet him once and that was enough. He was rude, he didn't look me in the eye and when I tried to have a conversation with him, he was dismissive. I would never recommend him to anyone...just my opinion...J

Thank you, Jacki1965!  The more opinions, the better.