OttawaAreaLady

Yes, I agree with what you say. Not only am I not comfortable with the other options, but it's crazy how long one has to wait to get the surgery. Going out of the country is not something I want to do, either, so I'm afraid I'm out of luck.

Hi all: I'm joining here in hopes to find posts from other Ontario people who have had the lap band surgery. I am very seriously considering having it done, but it looks like no one in Ottawa does the surgery so I may be Toronto bound. I contacted CIBO in Toronto and have spoken to them a bit, and they tell me the price is $18,000 and OHIP will not pay. However, I called OHIP and was told that if it's a medical necessity they will pay. I have to see my Dr in a couple weeks for a check up and am going to talk to him about it. I have a great Dr, and he's been treating me for some time now for High Blood pressure as well as trying to help me with my weight so I'm hoping he will back me up on this. I've been yoyo dieting since I was in my teens and it's the same old story as with many others, tried everything, keep gaining more each time, etc. etc.... So have any others here been able to get OHIP to pay for the surgery? I can't afford it on my own, but coming from a family of severely overweight people, I'm terrified that as I get older it's only going to get worse for me if I don't have the surgery.

Interesting. So if you had not been able to pay for your lap band surgery, what would you have chosen? I'm afraid, I may not have a choice, but to go with one of the covered surgeries, as I don't have the money to put down, nor can I afford the payments.

From what I've been reading, lap-band surgery is much less invasive and safer. Does anyone know why they would pay for other types and not lap band surgery?

Knew I should've joined the forces. lol

Yes, I specifically said "Lap Band" surgery, and was told that they would for medical purposes if recommended by a dr.

Hi all: I'm joining here in hopes to find posts from other Ontario Canadians, who have had the lap band surgery. I am very seriously considering having it done, but it looks like no one in Ottawa does the surgery so I may be Toronto bound. I have to see my Dr in a couple weeks for a check up and am going to talk to him about it. I contacted CIBO in Toronto and have spoken to them a bit, and they tell me the price is $18,000 and OHIP will not pay. How in the world have you been able to afford the surgery? I can't afford large payments, and if I take small monthly payments I'll probably be dead before I pay it all off. :thumbdown:

Thanks for answering! I will certainly do that.