argon 3 Posted April 8, 2009 Yeah, try to find out as much as you can from them. I'm already banded, have been for a few days over 3 years. :glare: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mlm 0 Posted April 9, 2009 does any one have dr savoie's office number? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mlm 0 Posted April 9, 2009 hello, Well I called Dr Beausoliel office and spoke with the lasy at the desk. She advised me that the wait is very long even for a consult. The consult waitlist is close to 5 years. At one time you also needed a referral from a spealist as well as your family doctor but that changed and now she said you just need it from your family doctor. I am trying to call Dr.Savoie's Number but I cant seem to get the number. If anyone knows it I would very much appreciate it and let you know what I find out... Thanks, Mel Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mlm 0 Posted April 9, 2009 Update: I found the number for the hospital - they needed to know alot of information from me to to get the number for Dr.Savoie's office. Anyway I did get the number but no answer .The machine said today they are taking calls after 9 AM. I will try again later. What type of surgeries does Dr.Svoie do?Is is just Lap Band or what other ones related to weight loss? Thanks, Mel Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
argon 3 Posted April 9, 2009 I'm pretty sure he's just a lapband surgeon (at least as far as WL surgeries go), that's all I've ever heard about him. Wow.... 5 years for just the consult?! That's insane. Definitely see what the story is with Dr. Savoie, and if nothing else, maybe it's time to bug MSI a little bit about whether they would still pay for the surgery if you were to get in to somewhere like in Quebec. I've *heard* things about that, but never got a straight answer as to whether it's true or not. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
argon 3 Posted April 9, 2009 Have you been looking on the Obesity Help forums at all? You might be able to find some info there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mlm 0 Posted April 9, 2009 Hey Argon, I called MSI about 2 months ago and they would hardly tell me anything over the phone other than normally these surgeries are not covered. I explained to her that in cases they were and she advised me that it is all based on the individuals case of if it is covered and to what extent. They do need a letter from the specialist (such as Dr.Beaulsoliel or Dr.Savoe stating why you need this surgery and that it is recommened that you have it.Atthat point your family Dr has nothing to do with it. I called MSI today and got the same story and when asked about in another province they couldnt give any information other that it is based on need. How else could I find this out. I would have the cash to go to another province for consults and etc would they cover that at part of the medical expense? I know in most cases you have to pay for the band even if MSI pays.... Yep 5 years to get ito Dr. Beausoliel for the consult!! And if you apply to another Dr they take your name of of his (dr.Beaulsoliel) waiting list for consult... Thanks, Mel Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
argon 3 Posted April 9, 2009 Hmmm.. I think you need to search search search and see if you can find someone either on here or OH (obesity help) who's also from Nova Scotia and had it covered in another province (other than NB). I guess, if you live in NS, and they'd cover you to go to NB for Beausoleil, it should be the same thing with say, "Dr. So-and-So" in Montreal, wouldn't you think? I'm pretty sure MSI wouldn't pay your travel expenses if/when you have to go to NB for consults or fills. Same thing if you got it done in QC. BUT, you can always claim those things as medical expenses when you do your taxes. For last year, I claimed $600 in fills. I shoulda saved gas receipts, but I didn't. Lets say you managed to get banded in Montreal. You'd probably have to go down there once for a consult, and maybe some time before your actual surgery date. Then, just because it would be a good idea... go for your first fill 6-8 weeks after your banding. After that, you could go see any person who is trained in doing fills. I don't think you HAVE to go back to your original surgeon for fills. I've had probably dozens of fills, and only one of them were at the clinic I was banded at. There was a lady in Pictou doing fills, and she was fabulous. I don't know if she still does them, or is even in Pictou anymore, cause I wasn't able to get ahold of her before I moved from NS in Feb. How is your French? Mine is very bad, and that's what's stopping me from calling some places here in QC where I now live to inquire about the lapband for my boyfriend. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mlm 0 Posted April 9, 2009 Hey Argon, Yeah I am going to look into it. My french is pretty non existant. You lived in NS for a while right? You moved recently to Quebec? Thanks, Mel Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
argon 3 Posted April 10, 2009 Yeah, I lived in NB for about a year and a half, then Halifax for a year, and now Quebec City. Fun for a non-french speaker. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clempier 0 Posted April 10, 2009 Hi argon, Have you've been banded yet? clempier Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mlm 0 Posted April 10, 2009 aww sorry to hear you are having a hard time there with the french language.... did you move there for work? mel Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clempier 0 Posted April 10, 2009 Hi argon, I lived in Montreal for 8 years. The old Quebec is beautiful. If you don't mind, how do you find it since your surgery? Did you have to go to plastic surgery? If so, how much did it cost you or have you known someone who had to? It's unfortunate that we have to pay for the plastic surgery, I mean after losing so much weight, of course we have lose skin or you're one of the lucky one that your skin is really elastic and went back to it's place. clempier Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sherrylynn 0 Posted April 16, 2009 Hi everyone, mlm, as you know I have been through the process with MSI, it is no use trying to call them. You need to have your family doctor apply to MSI for you, it is really that simple to start. You need to have a supportive family doctor to get the ball rolling. hi Argon nice to see you on the site again been a while for me as well. I sent you a private message hope you are doing well. Sherry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites