The Good, The Bad and the Reality of WLS - Part 5 - Observations
In My Humble Opinion:
Surgery Process:
Four years ago, when I was applying for surgery, I’d heard there was a five-year waiting list! Shocking! To date, I have never heard of anyone who had to wait that long. It’s a myth. Four years ago, it took me one month to get my referral from my family doctor to an appointment with a surgeon. From there, I diligently did all my follow up appointments & got my surgery within six months. Now, at the time, many surgeries were being referred to the US, which was helping with the overflow. Then things changed. First, the Ontario government decided to invest in WLS. To manage funds, they pulled US surgeries before the medical infrastructure in Ontario was ready. This did increase wait times to up to 2 years & put a new application process in place. Fortunately, since then, more doctors have been trained to perform the surgeries & more hospitals are open to do it. Slowly things are improving. I’m hopeful improvements will continue.
I’m Happy:
· The Ontario Government is investing in WLS.
· More surgeons are trained to perform the surgeries & as time goes on, they’ll have more experience.
· More hospitals are open to perform the surgeries.
· Everybody will get the after care they need.
· The process is improving.
I’m not happy:
· WLS patients are mostly limited to RNY surgery. VSG & DS should be options under more cir****tances.
· With the lack of bariatric knowledge many family doctors have.
· With the lack of bariatric training Dieticians and Nurses in bariatric clinics & on bariatric surgery floors have.
· With the inconsistency between hospitals on the process and in the post-surgery information shared.
· That high risk people, or those with very high BMI’s, are regularly being denied surgery.
· With the level of plastics coverage for post WLS patients.
Summary: So, with 4 years of experience under my belt, and, having seen the good, the bad & the reality of this WLS amusement park ride, would I do it again? Absolutely! WLS continues to be an excellent option for people who are committed to getting healthier and making lifestyle changes. My only regret is not doing it sooner!
Surgery Process:
Four years ago, when I was applying for surgery, I’d heard there was a five-year waiting list! Shocking! To date, I have never heard of anyone who had to wait that long. It’s a myth. Four years ago, it took me one month to get my referral from my family doctor to an appointment with a surgeon. From there, I diligently did all my follow up appointments & got my surgery within six months. Now, at the time, many surgeries were being referred to the US, which was helping with the overflow. Then things changed. First, the Ontario government decided to invest in WLS. To manage funds, they pulled US surgeries before the medical infrastructure in Ontario was ready. This did increase wait times to up to 2 years & put a new application process in place. Fortunately, since then, more doctors have been trained to perform the surgeries & more hospitals are open to do it. Slowly things are improving. I’m hopeful improvements will continue.
I’m Happy:
· The Ontario Government is investing in WLS.
· More surgeons are trained to perform the surgeries & as time goes on, they’ll have more experience.
· More hospitals are open to perform the surgeries.
· Everybody will get the after care they need.
· The process is improving.
I’m not happy:
· WLS patients are mostly limited to RNY surgery. VSG & DS should be options under more cir****tances.
· With the lack of bariatric knowledge many family doctors have.
· With the lack of bariatric training Dieticians and Nurses in bariatric clinics & on bariatric surgery floors have.
· With the inconsistency between hospitals on the process and in the post-surgery information shared.
· That high risk people, or those with very high BMI’s, are regularly being denied surgery.
· With the level of plastics coverage for post WLS patients.
Summary: So, with 4 years of experience under my belt, and, having seen the good, the bad & the reality of this WLS amusement park ride, would I do it again? Absolutely! WLS continues to be an excellent option for people who are committed to getting healthier and making lifestyle changes. My only regret is not doing it sooner!
OH Certified Support Group Leader for the York Region/GTA Support Group.
Well thank you so much for the Good bad and the otherwise.
It helps to read these things from someone much farther out than me.
I'm doing the balancing act now, up 5 down 5. so far so good, but those nasty habits are creeping back in and i have to slap myself back to reality and keep an eye on things. Thankfully this site helps remind me what I've accomplished and what i need to do to keep it off.
Excellent and timly post.
thank you
J
It helps to read these things from someone much farther out than me.
I'm doing the balancing act now, up 5 down 5. so far so good, but those nasty habits are creeping back in and i have to slap myself back to reality and keep an eye on things. Thankfully this site helps remind me what I've accomplished and what i need to do to keep it off.
Excellent and timly post.
thank you
J
Hi Andrea,
Thank you so much for sharing this very personal glimpse into the realities of WLS. You have done well, are an inspiration and a tremendous source of support. From the first time I met you and Jan I knew I had met something extremely valuable, people with extremely big hearts who were not too shy about sharing the fortunes they have gained (knowledge, experience and understanding)
Thanks
Leona
Thank you so much for sharing this very personal glimpse into the realities of WLS. You have done well, are an inspiration and a tremendous source of support. From the first time I met you and Jan I knew I had met something extremely valuable, people with extremely big hearts who were not too shy about sharing the fortunes they have gained (knowledge, experience and understanding)
Thanks
Leona
Oknee's just gotta dance 
Weight at the start of Optifast 378 T-1 OR Weight 352
Broke the 300 pound Barrier 13-Dec-2009 291.2lbs 01-APR-11 "onederland"
HGBA1C 5.2 d/c from the care of my Endocrinolgist 09-JUL-10 "diabetes resolved"
10-MAR-11 Extreme Sleep Apnea (dx 2007) resolved-"b-bye CPAP won't miss ya"
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT IRON AND/OR http://theironmaiden.ca/
Thank you, Andrea, for this series of helpful and informative posts.
I very much appreciate your taking the time to do this for us.
As well, in the words of Fernando (aka Billy Crystal): "You look mahhhvelous"!
Congratulations!
mmm
I very much appreciate your taking the time to do this for us.
As well, in the words of Fernando (aka Billy Crystal): "You look mahhhvelous"!
Congratulations!
mmm
Referral - March 2011 // Orientation - Ottawa - July 8, 2011 // Surgery - January 23, 2013
Most Active
Recent Topics
