Bariatric Help in Vancouver/Victoria

Hi all,  I am located in Victoria and have been waiting to hear from the Royal Jubilee Hospital's Bariatric Clinic (1.5 years and counting).  To try to be proactive I have looked into medically supervised bariatric clinics but can only find two that seem to suit my needs.  Both of which are in the lower mainland.  But if they are what I need I am willing to try them out. 

The first is "Dr. Vala Bariatrics" and the other is "Medical Weight Management Program". 

Might anyone out there be familiar with either of these programs.  Pros?  Cons?  I really need to make sure I have a good fit before I commit to the expenses.

Or might anyone know of a comparable program over here on the island?  Any help greatly appreciated.

Lesley in Victoria

Hi Lesley,

what are you looking to get out of the bariatric clinic? The Victoria program will set you up with the nutritionist, and Dr. Zentner the obesity specialist and they have support groups out of the hospital, and classes, which is great if you're already in Victoria, unfortunately I was t able to take advantage of that but I see Dr. Zentner a team every month.  

I would start working on healthy food habits and incorporating exercise if you're not already doing those things.  I chose Jazzercise because it's a great workout and I knew people who were doing it which meant people are always asking where you are if you're not there I love it and I can't wait to get back June 1st. I've heard that people who were not active before have a harder time getting into it after so I'm glad I started before.

Im sure you'll get your orientation call soon probably for the summer or September. The time will fly by once you get started.  Good luck.

Jill

Hi Jill, I have been waiting to hear from the RJH clinic for over a year and a half.  Very frustrating and that is why I am starting to look further afield for help.  The two clinics in the lower mainland seem to offer what I am looking for -- and what you suggest.  I am just wondering if anyone on this board has any experience with either clinic on the mainland.

Lesley

I waited 17 months before I got a call and it was 2 months after that the orientation was held. You are REALLY close. 

However, anything you do while you wait isn't going to hurt your progress and success :) 

(repost from the main forum post)

"Dr. Vala Bariatrics" is a scam looking for money.  I'd steer very clear of them.

Dr. Lyon's Medical Weight Management Program is very reputable and aligned with the Richmond Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery program (while waiting for orientation with RMBS, many people go through the MWMP program which allows them to skip ahead once they're in Richmond program).

Thanks Heather, that is kind of what I thought.

Lesley Q.

Ive been to both Dr Vala for a consult and have been going to Medical Weight Management and its exactly as Heather has described.

Dr Vala wanted to charge me $2900 for his program.  Medical Weight Management is covered by your MSP and they are excellent.  The goal is to get you changing your habits and lifestyle so that you can stop gaining weight and live a healthier life.  There is no judgement and they are really their to help. Its similar to what is offered at Garrett Wellness (which is the group in conjunction with the Richmond Surgeons). I think its actually a bit more comprehensive.  Dr Lyon works closely with the surgeons in Richmond.  So it helps speed things along in Richmond. Once he feels that you are ready for surgery, he will refer you to Richmond and things can happen very quickly after that as long as you prove to the Garrett Team that you are ready.   Good luck on your journey.

Nothing is free, as I have found out. What are hidden costs at Dr Lyons program? Does he get fee for surgery referral, were you sent for all kinds of tests.

I am jaded as already paid out lots of money for so called free programs

If I agree to Dr. Lyons program what do I have to pay ( all these programs seem to have hidden costs). Do I get in faster then to the surgery?