At 32, Pia Kerber is considered severely obese. She weighs 430 pounds and takes seven medications a day. She suffers from high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism and sleep apnea.
She is about to undergo a form of bariatric surgery called the Duodenal Switch (DS). The stomach is surgically reduced, and a large portion of the intestine is bypassed — resulting in dramatic and immediate weight loss.
In Canada, DS is only offered in Quebec, but that clinic is not taking Alberta patients because its waiting list is so long.
Kerber has scheduled surgery in Brazil July 24th.
“I’m not looking to be super-skinny, I’m not looking to have a perfect body, I just want to be healthy. I could be very happy at 200 (pounds), I could do everything I want with my life at 200,” says Kerber.
The surgery and travel costs add up to 20-thousand dollars Canadian.
On May 23rd, Alberta’s Out of Country Health Services Committee denied her request for funding saying “surgical treatment options for morbid obesity are available in Alberta and elsewhere in Canada, although it may not be the technique and/or particular treatment preferred by you.”
The Lap Band is now covered by Alberta Health. Using keyhole surgery, the small adjustable band is placed around the stomach to reduce food intake.
Local obesity experts say it’s the new “gold standard” when it comes to surgically treating obesity.
“The data we have right now, is that lap banding procedure, is a simpler, easier procedure to do and the outcomes are just as good over the next 5-10 years,” says Dr. David Lau, an endocrinologist at the University of Calgary and president of Obesity Canada.
The province also pays for a gastric bypass surgery called the Rou En Y performed in Edmonton.
Both of those options help a person lose between 30-50% of their excess weight, but Kerber says the Duodenal Switch procedure will help her lose 80% of her excess weight.
She leaves for Brazil next month, excited but also disappointed.
“I’m frustrated it’s turned into this “do-it-yourself” health care system, if you want it go get it…and we’re not going to do anything to support it.”
Kerber plans to appeal the committee’s decision.
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