ObesityHelp

Congratulations on receiving your letter!! That was one of the best days ever for me! You're past one of your hurdles and hopefully it won't be too long.
As far as the 'waiting game' goes, I received my letter in early December of 2010 and I received a call for a consult the following May (2011)...so about 6 months after I got my letter. It took all summer to complete the requirements (Psych consult, dietician (she's a LONG wait), physical and blood work from family doctor) but my surgery was Sept 26! I was very fortunate, as I only had to wait about 10 months from letter to surgery.
The important thing was to get approval from the surgeon at the consult appt. I made a sincere effort to lose weight before I saw him, so he could see that I was serious. I was 290 lbs when my family doc referred me, but I managed to lose 30 pounds before I saw Dr. Vergis. He knew that I was trying to be proactive in my healthcare and felt I was an ideal candidate. I have heard of other women who have been told at their consult to lose more weight or, if they had gained weight between the letter and the appt, to come back when the extra weight was gone. I was so afraid that would happen to me!
I know that they are trying to do more surgeries each week and so hopefully, the time will speed up a little more (plus, it's no longer a 'pilot' program).
So what do you do now? Unfortunately, not a lot...basically sit and wait for a few months. Hopefully by summer, you'll hear something.
I also told Laura (who did the bookings last year but now it's Andrea) that I was flexible and could come in at any time, in case there were any cancellations. I'm not sure if it helped, but when she called for my initial consult, it was for a cancellation for the very next day. I was jumping around for joy! I'm not sure if that'll help, now that they do large meetings.
Good luck, and try not to drive yourself CRAZY with the wait! Hopefully the time iwll fly by for you. Just think, this time next year, you'll probably be done and recovered from your surgery!
Take care,
K

Hello,
Isn't this forum great!!!  I had RNY surgery in 2008 and had to wait about 4 yrs at that time.  I had to go out of province (Alberta) as there was no surgeons in MB.  The waiting lists were long even back then and I accepted that.  I saw the surgeon and had to wait 1 yr for the surgery.  There is not much we can do about the wait times.  Keep researching, keep talking to people on this forum, email people and ask questions, even go to other provinces just to see about their expereinces.  I have lost over 100 lbs and kept it off for 4 yrs now.  No regrets at all (just that I waited too long to start the process).  Good luck. 
Diane

Thank you ladies very much for the info..this is the beginning of my journey and although exciting, I have alot of questions. One thing I notice Total_Kos (sorry if I mispelled that) is your comment about getting the approval from the surgeon at the consult. So already I think I am misunderstanding..I thought the letter meant I was approved..but from what say, I first have to meet the doctors and then get an approval..and then start the appoinments you speak of???? Forgive my ignorance but I guess I thought the letter was my approval??? Do you know some of the reasons why they wouldnt approve it? Trying not to get discouraged thinking of the long wait only to get denied..By the way, you have done as awesome job and I only hope to do that well if I get the chance. 

Oh dont worry..I am the one confused and Im so thankful for any advice etc you have. So from what you say, things look good then for me. I dont smoke, no other addictions, my weight is within a range I think they would qualify  (260 for 5'7) but my blood pressure recently became elevated for no known reason. We are working on that right now as thats the trait in my family that has caused strokes in young family members. Anytime you want to share with me go right ahead..the more I learn the better it is.
And Jamaicadane, I will be watching and learning from you too so please post anythiing you can..I'll be excited for you when you get the call!