new program info

http://www.gghorg.ca/programs-and-services.html#bariatric

So, I went on to the guelph general website and I found the above link...this explains what they are offering as an alternative to surgery.

Nervous but hopeful that this WILL work for me.

This is very similar to the Ottawa program.   I'm not sure if they have it on line yet.  Ottawa offers the 3 or 6 month shake program, and similar support..  I didn't try it due to the cost (you had to pay for everything either when you start, or 2 installments when I was looking at it).  But there are those who go on it.

I wish you luck!

Cathy

The only thing I'll have to pay for is the OPTI, which comes out to be $100/week.  If you think about it, there won't be a need to buy food for myself while on it, so it would probably work out to be the same as I would spend weekly on food for myself...

the rest, the weekly sessions/support is covered by OHIP

Comparing the cost of a week of Opti to a week of Food, it would be equivalent or better depending on your eating habits.  I looked into the Ottawa program about 10 years ago, and I would have been on Opti for 6 months.  The cost of the program then was about $2700 (includes Opti and some tests not covered by OHIP), which had to be made either all up front or in 2 payments a month apart. At the time I was looking at the program, I was not in a financial position to be able to pay for the program under those conditions.  So to me, it was too expensive.

The results of my evaluation gave me the choice of program, surgery (wasn't ready for it) or other diets such as WW.  Due to financial issues and not being ready for surgery, I chose to try things like WW again.

Cathy

Yikes, if it still was that amount, then like you, I wouldn't be able to afford it.  So happy they've incorporated it into a medical program that is now somewhat covered by OHIP. 

I wish you luck  it sounds as if it would work.  The follow up care seems good.  If you make the life changes long term you will be sucessful.  That is what wls. patients have to do too so they don't have any regain.  Best wishes.

I just had surgery Feb 26 and lost 20 lbs on Opti in the two weeks prior to surgery. I will admit, there was a short period of time right near surgery I thought to myself, why am I putting myself thru surgery when I could have same results with medical management program. The surgeon even asked me minutes before I was wheeled into OR if I still wanted to do this as I told him how successful Opti had been?  Regardless, I went thru with the surgery and have no regrets. Opti did work super well for me though. Worked 12 hour shifts DDNN without problem. No decrease in my normal energy level. Best of luck to you.

At the time of my first appt with SW, RN, and dietician, I actually did not qualify for the surgery - my BMI was under 40 with no co-morbs.  And after talking with Audrey, did I really want to put myself through major surgery?  I am a single parent of three kids...did I really want to risk them being without me if any complications happened (even though the risk isn't that high, it's still there, in ANY surgery, there's always a risk, right?)  She mentioned that this new program was starting up soon, would I like to be considered for it?  I jumped on it as quick as I could, got put on the list and had to wait for the call.  It came, had my intake meeting yesterday and now to sit and wait for another call as to when it's actually going to start?  They even did some bloodwork on the spot since we were right in the hospital!  Usually you get the requisition form, find a clinic, get it done, right? LOL  I was quite happy that it was so quick.  They even did a quick EKG...cross fingers that the call happens really soon!!

I was wondering about the weight loss as well...curious to know how much I can/will lose...

I hope it works out for you. I could not have been on opti that long since i reacted to it. I would think you would lose a lot since I believe it is only 900 calories. There have actually been people on here that liked the opti.

I wouldn't think extended time on OPTI would be great, overall.  Yes, I lost 22 pounds in 2 weeks on it.  Hated every minute of it, and was lightheaded, grumpy and starving the entire time - even near the end of it.  Can't be good.