Any CANADIANS get their VSG covered by OHIP?

Just wondering if there are any Canadians who got their surgery covered by OHIP. How long did the whole process take?

Thanks

I did, but had surgery in ON.  Total time from day of referral to surgery was less then 7 months

wow, that was quick!! May I ask where you had your surgery done and how you're doing? your starting weight and weight now? (you dont need to give me numbers if youre not comfy- I'd love to know your loss). I am soo surprised you got everything done soo quick....was there any underlying health issues/concerns that your DR stated. I hear it takes VERY long in Ontario to get this procedure approved. Im not in Toronto now and won't be for awhile and am considering self-pay as I thought it took a lot longer. Would you mind telling me how (in general) your timeline went? thanks alot and congrats!

Me too - 2 months for approval (mostly cause of my PCP and his vacation time!), 2 months wait for surgery.  7.5 months out now and down almost 120lbs.

The rules in Ontario have changed drastically in the last 6 months.  To save money, they have stopped sending people out of country unless you are VERY ill.  You need to get your dr. to refer you to one of the Ontario Bariatric centers (see the OHIP website) asap and then nag them INCESSAntlY for an appointment.  Squeeky wheel really gets the grease in this case IMHO.  

I hear that Dr. Hong in Hamilton, and his wife (I think Dr. Perong-hong or something like that ) in Guelph are very supportive of VSg.  many other bariatric surgeons still have the view that it is only for patients who are too big for rny or ds or who have Chrones or something like that.  But you can consult with more than one and see what they say.

I had my surgery in Guelph 6 weeks ago..feeling great, the recovery was very easy.  Weight loss is slow and steady, down 29 lbs since surgery, 52 pounds since first appointment at the end of Sept.  I had the normal 1.5 week stall at the 3 week mark which was very frustrating! 

I didn't have any underlying health issues (was borderline HBP at times though), I guess I was lucky to get in at the right time with the right surgeon who was very experienced in doing the vsg surgery!  I was very concerned about the recovery time with the RNY as I have small kids and wanted to be back to normal as soon as possible so Dr. Hong suggested the VSG option to me.  If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask!

I had my sleeve paid for by OHIP, I went to Barix in Michigan.  There is an Ontraio board, you should come ask your question over there, there are a lot of people there that are pros on the in province as well as the procedure for applying for out of country coverage.

Me, me!  we all did, i think. Check out my signature for my timeline

 I had mine done in March last year.

covered by OHiP , down in Michigan , the whole process took less then a month.

I heard that the don't cover it out of the country any more but I am not sure.

check international -> ontario

Me too!  It took a year from start to finish, but OHIP paid for a VSG for me out to province to Quebec from Ontario.

Good luck!