I'm in Australia. The public waiting list is for people that can't afford the operation and don't have health insurance. I know 2 yrs is a long wait, but there are alot of people like me that event though we work just can't afford the money out of our own pocket, so we go on the public waiting list and it is paid for by the Government (well out taxes really)
I have taken a bit longer than some as I don't have any heath issues apart from being over weight (blood work comes back perfect as does blood preasure and ecg) so just the waiting game.
But I'm nearly at the end of the wait