The purpose of the Frequently asked questions (FAQ) section is to provide you with the answers to questions that have been submitted to us since the start of our activities. Visit the Website regularly, since the FAQ section will be continuously updated.

Q Has the government honoured its commitments as outlined in its action plan?
A That remains unknown for the moment. However, the MSSS may post on its Web site the total number of bariatric surgical procedures performed every year as well as a breakdown per hospital in Quebec.

Q How can we get an accurate picture of the waiting periods for bariatric surgery?
A By creating a Quebec Bariatric Surgery Registry, which would serve to provide an accurate picture of current waiting periods and improve the access to services for the morbidly obese. This register would log morbidly obese patients upon their entry into a bariatric surgery program, rather than once they are given access to their surgery. Ontario established such a registry earlier this year.

Q Is the action plan on bariatric surgery made public by the Health and Social Services minister on May 15 satisfying?
A It is a firsts step in the right direction considering that we have come such a long way. Presently, 840 bariatric surgeries are performed annually whereas the Coalition affirms that 6,000 surgeries should be performed each year in Quebec to meet the 2% minimum standard recognized by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

Q Will the action plan on bariatric surgery impact the waiting periods?
A Probably not right away. The Coalition wishes that waiting periods be reduced to 6 months as this is now the rule for other surgeries such as cataracts, knee and hip replacements). This is why we would like to see bariatric surgery waiting lists posted on the MSSS Web site.

Q What concrete measures will you take over the next few months to support the implementation of the action plan on bariatric surgery?
A The Coalition will continue to inform and raise public awareness of morbidly obese people in Quebec. We are the self-proclaimed sentinel of the action plan implementation.

Q From what date will the gastric band be available at no cost?
A Quebec’s Health and Social Services minister made public the action plan on bariatric surgery on Friday, May 15, 2009. Since the plan includes the introduction of the gastric band at no cost, the decision takes effect on the very date it is announced, May 15, 2009.

Q How will I know if I am eligible for bariatric surgery?
R One of the criteria used to determine if a person qualifies for bariatric surgery is Body Mass Index (BMI). This must be equal to or higher than 40, or equal to or higher than 35 if accompanied by comorbid diseases (e.g.: Type 2 diabetes). With regard to other criteria, only a surgeon who performs bariatric surgery can determine whether you qualify for this procedure.

Q How do I calculate my BMI?
R To calculate your BMI, visit the Health Canada Website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/weights-poids/guide-ld-adult/bmi_chart_java-graph_imc_java_e.html.

Q What is the first step to take to undergo bariatric surgery?
R The first step involves making an appointment directly with a surgeon who practices bariatric surgery. Please consult our Website at http://www.lepoidsquitue.com/chirurgiebariatrique_en.php, for the list of coordinates of the Québec hospitals and surgeons that offer bariatric surgery.

Q Do I need to be referred by a family doctor to make an appointment with a bariatric surgeon?
R The answer varies depending on the hospital. Some do not require a referral mainly because of the shortage of family doctors in their region. It is however preferable to be referred by a family doctor.

Q How much does bariatric surgery cost?
R As of May 15, 2009, the RAMQ covers all costs related with the installation of a gastric band performed in hospital settings. For more information, we urge you to contact a surgeon who performs bariatric surgery. Under the "Bariatric Surgery" section of the Coalition against Morbid Obesity Website at http://www.lepoidsquitue.com/chirurgiebariatrique_en.php., there is a list of coordinates for Québec hospitals and surgeons that offer bariatric surgery.

Q Is there a list of private clinics available?
R To our knowledge, such a list does not exist in Québec. For more information, we encourage you to contact the surgeons who perform bariatric surgery. Under the "Bariatric Surgery" section of the Coalition against Morbid Obesity Website at http://www.lepoidsquitue.com/chirurgiebariatrique_en.php., there is a list of coordinates for Québec hospitals and surgeons that offer bariatric surgery.

Q I’ve been on a waiting for several months and I’m totally desperate. What can I do?
A Numerous support groups are available online and at some hospital centers. You may wish to check the listing of support groups (http://www.lepoidsquitue.com/liens_utiles_en.php) where you could exchange with people who have had or are about to have their bariatric surgery, You may also contact the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (http://www.ordrepsy.qc.ca/en/index.html) to find a psychologist near you.

Q Is the Coalition fighting for access to no-cost aesthetic surgery following bariatric surgery?
R Although we are sensitive to this issue, we created the Coalition against Morbid Obesity first and foremost to reduce the waiting lists for bariatric surgery in Québec. Ensuring access to bariatric surgery is our main purpose. Nonetheless, it is possible that at some point we will focus on the issues related to bariatric surgery once the ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux makes the decision to constantly and permanently increase funding.

Q Is surgery not just the easy way out when it comes to dealing with obesity?
R The issue here is morbid obesity, a little known, and misunderstood disease from which more than 400,000 Quebecers suffer. Below are a few information points.

1. Obesity is defined by Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight by his or her height squared (Kg / m²). If this index is equal to or higher than 40, the person in question is morbidly obese. This is the level at which secondary morbidity could emerge involving different types of complications (e.g.: type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc.).
   
   
2. Morbid obesity is a disease associated with many factors (environmental, behavioural, genetic, endocrinological, medical).
   
   
3. People who are morbidly obese face a plethora of health problems, several of which considerably diminish their life expectancy, adversely affect their quality of life and self esteem, and place a major economic burden on society.
   
   
4. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), bariatric surgery is considered to be the most effective treatment for morbid obesity.
   
   

For more details, we invite you to consult the report by the l'Agence d'évaluation des technologies et des modes d'intervention en santé (AETMIS), entitled "Surgical treatment of morbid obesity" which can be found though the "Links" section of our Website, at http://www.lepoidsquitue.com/liens_utiles_en.php.