new here...step one done, some questions

So, I posted this in what I thought was the general forum and someone was extremely helpful to point me in this direction.  I have been battling my weight since I was a teen, trying various weight loss programs, somewhat successful but not for long periods...I am at the heaviest I've ever been (I am 260lbs at 5'5") after having three kids.  I have yet to post a pic since I'm not too keen on having proof of just how ugly I look.  I have now taken the first step (at least I think it is) and getting my referral to the bariatric surgeon.  I now have the waiting game to be contacted...
Just curious as to what the waiting period is like in Ontario?  how long would you be off work for?  any complications for anyone that's already had the surgery?

Wait times vary quite a bit from region to region. Where are you?

The referral must be made from your doc to the bariatric registry and not directly to a bariatric surgeon. You can find info at bariatricregistry.ca

Welcome!

I'm in Guelph...
I went to my family doctor on Tuesday January 17th to get put on the registry, think he said it was the Toronto Registry?
Also, can someone tell me how I can get one of those tickers/signature to add to the bottom of my posts, etc?

The Toronto hospitals are doing great right now, if you're at TWH or HRRH I think under 10 months from referral to surgery is normal for uncomplicated cases. You can put your postal code into the website and it'll tell you what your hospital is.

I can't help you with the ticker though, sorry.

I just wanted to say welcome.

i just wanted to say welcome, i just had my surgery on tuesday, and doing great, it was approx a one year wait, but i have since heard that the gov released my funds so perhaps it might be a little sooner, go see your doctor for the referral, congrats on the first step, i am off work for four weeks, i am well enough to go back in a couple of weeks, but since the surgeon as signed me off and my insurance pays than i'm going to just relax and enjoy the quiet time, you will find this group is awesome, there are so many helpful people here its unbelievable, i love logging on here, i learn something new every day,,, so.. welcome!!!!

Welcome to OH. I went through Toronto Western and it took about 14months. About 5 months from orientation.
There are various stages to go through. Orientation meeting, Nurse Practitioner, Dietitian, Social Worker, Nutrition class, Psychologist. These may vary from site to site. Depending on your availability for appointment's you may get through faster.

One thing I learned through the whole process was patience. Waiting is the hardest thing. What I did was work on some of my bad eating habits, cutting out the junk, pop, decreasing caffeine.

You will find lots of great info and support here. You may want to join up with a local support group it will help as you go through the process.

Leslie

I did hear that wait times can vary depending on the demand in the location/hospital you go to?
If anyone has had their surgery at the Guelph location, who did you have and what are they like?

My cousin had hers done in Guelph ..it will be a year on Feb 8th...her wait time was just over a year....
good luck...

First of all, you're not ugly. You're dissatisfied with the way you look right now, but i'm ABSOLUTELY sure you're FAR from ugly.

I had my surgery just about a year after being referred. I was off for 9 weeks, tho i likely could have gone back far sooner, but i have sick benefits at work, and was taking advantage of them.
I had no complications (which i think, is the norm, you just hear more about those who have had complications).
I had no pain after surgery.

Hugs. We've all been where you are, with the ugly thoughts and the self hatred. You're in a warm, comfortable place, here. No judgement.