Wharton Clinic

Has anyone heard about this bariatric clinic ? my cousin heard a lecture from a doctor that works at this clinic about obesity in today's society. 
  they have a website, but I cannot decipher what their clinic is about.
the clinic is located in burlington/hamilton area

is this a self pay surgery or another diet clinic

she has a bmi of 37 so I thought she wouldn't qualify for OHIP coverage. Is that true?

With a BMI of 37, she does qualify for OHIP consideration - if she has co-moribities.  Things like diabetes, sleep apnea, etc. - things that are a direct result of her BMI.

I know someone who went there for the info session and found it very disheartening.  She said they made her feel terrible for being overweight.

I can't comment on the website because I am unable to get it to load up right now.

She really should have her doctor send a referral to the Bariatric Registry and let them decide if she qualifies or not.

I've heard only terrible things about the Wharton Clinic - demeaning dr's, an effective program, bad all around.

The Wharton Medical Clinic is a OHIP funded weight management/ medical clinic.  Dr.Sean Wharton and the other physicians at this clinic are physicians that specialize in the care of obese patients, as obese patients have specific and very different  needs from the general populatiion.  They are NOT a clinic to help you loose weight!  They are a practice that assists you in being healthy now, at the weight you are now, and if you loose weight as a result of a healthier lifestyle, then- bonus.  They assist you with nutrition, exercise, weigh related co-morbidities, counseling, and education.  They provide numerous educational classes that are covered by OHIP, and the information provided is priceless.
I have been a patient at this clinic for over 2 years now, and have been treated with great respect, and outstanding medical care.
All that is required is a referal from your  family doctor to the Wharton Clinic. 
This is a great clinic, the only one of its kind in Ontario, and patients from as far as BC are coming to the clinic.
Some may have had an unpleasant experience with the clinic, but I would advise not to be swayed by their experiences, nor even my own.  Do some research, talk with your doctor about the clinic, get a referal, and check it out yourself.... :)
Hope this answers your question

I got a referral to the clinic and went for the first appointment at the clinic in Burlington. It was packed with people. There is also a clinic in Hamilton. I was not going to be able to continue on with the number of appointments required so I didn't go back. The expectation is to attend a number of lectures. I don't live in Hamilton or Burlington and work full-time so I couldn't have done this. I have also heard mixed reviews, the clinic is obviously helping some people so perhaps it depends on what the expectation is going into the process.

I went to the Wharton Clinic in Hamilton. At the time the central registry was not set up and this was the only way my family doctor knew to get me a referral for Gastric Bypass Surgery.
It is completely paid for by OHIP. I found it a complete waste of time. They require a ridiculous number of appointments. I spent countless hours in the busy crowded waiting room.  I wouldn't waste your time.. Weigh****chers was a much better organization for weight loss if you are looking for a non surgical route (although you do have to pay for WW). If you are serious about surgery get your name on the list and gather information and make an informed decision.
The staff (with the exception of on NUT Sarah) were totally disorganized, their computer systems never seemed to function properly, Dr. Warton was rushed and ambiguous in his diagnosis. I felt like one of a herd being processed through the office without any compasionate or useful advice on how to loose weight or maintain weight loss.
J

Someone I know who is not having surgery but belongs to the clinic told my it is fully covered by OHIP. 

thanks for everyone's comments.  I will pass this on to my cousin.

You can google this clinic for a list of reviews. You'll likely find more bad than good. Or at least that's what happened when I searched it.

went there-left feeling violated and subhuman. Wharton should have his license revoked just for being an ass.