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Hi Raj,

I think that it is roughly 5 years now after the first appt. 

I also think though that a lot of different factors will play a role on when you are actually done.  Some of these will include your willingness to prepare and make lifestyle changes, what your BMI is and what other co-morbidities you have. 

Good luck on your first appt.

Will be looking forward to reading more of your posts.  We are a very supportive group here to help everyone through this:-)

Jodi

5 years–that is with the cutbacks? I have had all of my tests done, except for the consult with the respirologist. However, I know that whatever time it takes, I will be working to better my body! Given that I first saw Dr Amson 3 years ago September, I have lots of time!  I've done all of my letter writing and will do more!

Up until recently, the average wait time AFTER first consultation has been 2-4 years.  This all depends on patient compliance, co-morbidities, how pro-active the patient is in the testing process etc. and all of the things mentioned by others.

The recent cutbacks in surgery could make the wait time considerably longer.  Still around the 2-4 year mark for those getting surgery this year (those lucky 52) but it increases by one year every year after that.  Provided all things remain the same and Dr. Amson is still doing surgery at 65 my calculation suggest those starting this process will wait 15 years! (800 already on his wait-list with 53 surgeries per year… do the math)

We NEED to put more pressure on the government and health authorities to recognize WLS as a viable treatment for compliant obese patients.  Chatter about this topic has waned over the holidays.  Let's spark up another letter-writing campagne…  let's contact our MLA's again…  check out BCABA.net and sign up for the conference, and pass that info on to medical professionals and the media.  WE have to change the system.  No-one will do it for us.

I'm getting down from my soap-box now!