Attn: All Wls Patients In Bc, Pre-Op And Post-Op

[serenisis 6]

Hey everyone,

I do not like being the bearer of bad news, but we need to work together and get some help here…brace yourselves.

I don’t know if many of you have heard, but it has recently come to my attention that there are NO MORE DATES being given out for WLS through the Richmond bariatric program with Dr. Sampath or Dr. Nguyen. The funding for this program has been cut and there are no more surgeries scheduled after October at this time.

For those of you just finding out, I am incredibly sorry for having to share this news with you. For those of you who already knew, I am also sorry to think of how this might be affecting you and your families at this time.

Some of you may be waiting for your first consultation at this time, or just beginning to go through the battery of tests and appointments required in this program. To you I say please, please, please do NOT give up. This program changed my life long before I had my surgery and I can’t begin to stress how valuable the experience was in preparing me. I know the pre-op waiting period is a rollercoaster of difficult emotions and struggles, but there is hope and value in learning about yourself and making changes as you go before having this surgery.

We all have unique stories and experiences that have brought us to where we are on this journey. For me, it took 7 years to find the right surgeon…when I decided to switch to Dr. Sampath, it wasn’t because I knew my surgery would come up sooner (although that was an exciting thought I considered). What “sealed the deal” for me was knowing that I would be safe and taken care of with West Coast Bariatrics…my post-op care is guaranteed and there is a whole team of specialists willing to help me at any given time with whatever issues or obstacles I may encounter along the way. That, to me, showed a dedication to my health and well-being that I had never experienced with any health professionals before. It was a promise to look out for my best interests and it was definitely the turning point and deciding factor for me.

For those of us who have already had this surgery, I’d like to ask that we take a moment and think about how different our lives would be if we hadn’t done this. Those of us who had the opportunity to go through West Coast bariatrics know what tools and experiences are being withheld from countless others in this province who need their help. I also know that there are many individuals who had their surgery in other parts of BC or out-of-province who have shared how they wish they had a program like this to support them before and after surgery. Some of you even have friends and family on the waitlist for the Richmond program and I can only imagine how difficult this news has been to deal with. We all have different issues and histories that brought us to the point of needing this surgery; it is unfair and ridiculous that anyone should be deprived of a life-changing weight loss surgery when there are capable, successful, and willing professionals who want to fight for us.

So to all of you, I’d like to ask for some help.

The team of specialists at WCB are doing everything they can to support patients through other branches of their program, but they are stressing the importance of reaching out and contacting our Minister of Health in BC and speaking to our MLA’s. They believe that we can make an impact by speaking out in volumes and showing the government that its constituents care enough to demand a change. I am not a political person in any way, but this is an issue that directly affects me and many of my loved ones so I cannot bear to sit idly by. Many of us in the support group for WCB patients on Facebook have already written letters and sent emails or been in direct contact with our MLA’s. At this time, anything helps! Some of us are reaching out to the media as well. Family members, co-workers, friends…anyone who knows about you, your struggles, and the value of this surgery can help us make a difference if they are willing to take the time to send an email or letter.

To contact our Minister of Health, Margaret MacDiarmid, please email her directly at margaret.macdiarmid.mla@leg.bc.ca

To get in touch with your local MLA, please visit http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-5.htm to find them on the list of BC’s Legislative Assembly. Email them, mail letters, place a call and speak with them...anything!

Once again, I apologize for having to bring this up and hope that many of you will reach out to the support systems in your life (i.e. friends, family, support groups, health professionals) to deal with any issues this may bring up.

Thank you for getting this far, I appreciate your consideration and hope that we can help West Coast Bariatrics get back its funding so it can keep changing lives and making a difference in the WLS community.

Aleya

aleyazl@hotmail.com

[DivineMissM 60]

Do you know why the program is being cancelled? is it that they can not get OR time? or has the hospital determined not to perform anymore? I know that there is still a program in Victoria, with Dr. Amson, Dr. Tang and Dr. Malik. Dr. Amson has a HUGE waitlist. There has been no discussion about cutting back on the program in Victoria, and I know they have been in discussion to increase the number of surgeries, but so far they are limited.

I agree that pressure needs to be put on the provincial government and there needs to be a true Bariatric program. Do not lose all hope, people.. there are still options available, but I do agree is it a shame to see this Richmond program close.

[divina_kat 14]

Do you know why the program is being cancelled? is it that they can not get OR time? or has the hospital determined not to perform anymore? I know that there is still a program in Victoria' date=' with Dr. Amson, Dr. Tang and Dr. Malik. Dr. Amson has a HUGE waitlist. There has been no discussion about cutting back on the program in Victoria, and I know they have been in discussion to increase the number of surgeries, but so far they are limited.

I agree that pressure needs to be put on the provincial government and there needs to be a true Bariatric program. Do not lose all hope, people.. there are still options available, but I do agree is it a shame to see this Richmond program close.[/quote']

I'm new here but the program in Richmond is not closing but there is a 3 year wait. I contacted the office last week and that's what I was told. I got a referral to see Dr. Sampath, so I hope it's not closing

[Dreamingofhealth 223]

I'm new here but the program in Richmond is not closing but there is a 3 year wait. I contacted the office last week and that's what I was told. I got a referral to see Dr. Sampath' date=' so I hope it's not closing [/quote']

If you don't mind traveling, I managed to see Dr Malik in Victoria within a few months from when I asked my family doctor about weight loss surgery!

Sheena :-)

[divina_kat 14]

If you don't mind traveling' date=' I managed to see Dr Malik in Victoria within a few months from when I asked my family doctor about weight loss surgery!

Sheena :-)[/quote']

Thanks for letting me know, I guess it wouldn't hurt if I was on another waiting list.

[C_Stuff 1]

The program is still alive!! I have been in it since January of this year (2014) and finally have my first consult with Dr. Sampath in July. I have been going through all of the testing and consultations. Will keep you all updated!!

[divina_kat 14]

The program is still alive!! I have been in it since January of this year (2014) and finally have my first consult with Dr. Sampath in July. I have been going through all of the testing and consultations. Will keep you all updated!!

GOOD LUCK!!

[C_Stuff 1]

Are you currently on a wait list?

[C_Stuff 1]

Are you currently on a wait list?

[divina_kat 14]

Are you currently on a wait list?

I'm currently seeing Dr. Malik in Victoria. My first appt with him was last August, just saw him again last weekend and will see him again in 6 months. No surgery date yet. It's slow but hoping worth the wait.

I've met with the endocrinologist and will meet with the nutritionist after my next appt with the Dr.

[C_Stuff 1]

That seems like a long time. I hope they can speed things up for you. Hang in there!