Vertical Sleeve Procedure in Canada?

jenn1831 · May 18, 2010

Hi everyone :001_rolleyes: I am new to this site and forum and I have been researching this procedure and am liking what I have found so far, except I haven't been able to find out if there is a doctor in Alberta Canada that does the vertical sleeve procedure. I have found that the procedure is only in Mexico. can anyone help with this? Thanks!!

redroses47 · May 20, 2010

Do a lot of internet research .. there is more 'local' information than Mexico.

I don't know of Alberta but here in B.C., the choices are very dismal. There is one surgeon in Victoria who does the sleeve but his waiting list is 5 years and with that, you have to be overweight AND sick. Provincial medical does cover this cost. If you can go to Ontario, you have much better chances but the government medical plans do not cover this unless you are a resident of Ontario. Lap bands can be done in any major city. Average cost is $20,000.

I chose to go to Washington State. Paid my cash .. procedure done within six weeks .. no regrets at all.

Sammyd · June 9, 2010

There are many VSG surgeons in Alberta and you should not need to go to the States or Mexico.

Your first step is to see your family doctor for a referal. Withough a referal you will not be able to have access to one. Also, your family doc or a dietician will help you find the right surgeon in your health region.

From my experience, Dr Farries in Red Deer is great and care about his patients. However, not all do. A good way to find out who is the better doctor is to analyse their acceptance protocol. If they are willing to take you off the street, this may reflect on their level of care. Most will have a one year to two year process where you will need to consult a dietician and a psychiatrist, lose 10 percent of your body weight and keep a food journal. Different clinics have different requirements and risk assessment procedures. If you smoke, are 55 years old or older or have a BMI under 40 you will most likely not be considered.

I had two impatient friends that went to Mexico and ended up in emgency at the U of A hospital, one other impatient friends who went to the US. I don't want to knock the US or Mexico Surgeons because I'm sure they are well qualified but I don't know what their acceptance procedures are. If I were you, I would not consider going down south though you may feel impatient. Hey it's free here!!! (Well, not really...) But I believe that our level of care may be higher though they migh have more technology.