Boy oh boy!

I have been on this forum for a couple of weeks, and have read mostly all the new posts since sighing up...

All the stories/experiences...Just wow...I am glad that this forum exsist, I know I haven't really started my journey just yet, I would like to think it really starts at the Orientation session or Information session.

I have so many questions...So many things I want to ask...

1. Have they every turned anyone away? and for what reasons?
2. In on post someones says "Tell them what they want to hear" Well, what do they want to hear?
3. How long is recovery? I mean, I am looking to take months off of work?
4. OHIP, Do I need to contact them, or does the clinic? (I'm not sure if I have already asked this to soemone)
5. What if I have gained some weight before the information session, are they gonna put an X in my file?

I know have so many more...

6. Did anyone "Feast" their last day before starting the Optifast?
7. Do I have to go to all the pre-op appointments? What I mean is if say I really don't need blood test done, because my doctor made me do it, before he reffered me, Can I get a copy from him and skip that part?

I will stop now...Sorry. I just get so curious...and I know there is a search function on this forum, but search engines and I...well...we don't get along very well, as my friend actually found this site for me . Sorry for the length of this post.

~ RTLL.

Hi there....

1. I haven't heard of anyone being turned away, but in the orientation they will explain that some people with severe exisiting medical conditions may find this isn't the best solution for them... but I think that stems from serious internal complications they have sustained from other surgeries in the vicinity of where they plan to "re-route your insides". I think the other reason candidates might get delayed (note I said delayed) is people with serious issues with mental health and food. If you are suffering from a health/food disorder, it would be imperative to address that issue *BEFORE* having the surgery.

2. What do they want to hear? The truth! This is team of people here to help you, not prevent you from having surgery. Be as honest as possible with them, and yourself. They are there to help you address your concerns and to point out any concerns they have for you...they are professionals, in a very caring and supportive environment. We are fortunate that we live in a province where this type of surgery is both paid for, and people are properly assessed before embarking on the biggest change of their lives.

3. Recovery is different for everyone. Some people have returned to work in as little as 2-3 weeks, some other have chose to take longer to recover and adjust to their new life/lifestyle. Personally, I took 2 months off work, but I am fortunate enough to have a job where that as do-able.

4. OHIP is contacted through the clinics. You don't need to do anything.

5. No, you will NOT get a big red X for gaining weight. I gained weight before my surgery. It's normal, it's ok. It happens. Sometimes just the stress of such a huge life-changing surgery will make you turn to your instincts...which are sometimes to eat.

6. OH YES, I did Feast before beginning optifast. I started Opti right after Christmas, so I feasted all through the holiday season.

7. All pre-op appointments are mandatory. Follow the steps/appointments set out by the clinic. They are there for a good reason. Your health is the most important thing, so it's best if the team has ALL of the information they need to help you. It might seem like a lot of hoops to jump through in the beginning, and it sort of is, but IT IS TOTALLY WORTH IT.

This is the place to ask questions and learn, both pre and post-op... I hope I answered your questions adequately.

Best of luck to you!

You did! thank you very much! :) 

I love reading about the personal adventour every has made. It is very insipirational! But I love that fact that I have people, like yourself that I can get answers to the questions I have! 


~ RTLL

Ask away my dear! We were all in your place at one time or another! This forum is where you will learn more than you ever dreamed possible about WLS... After a few months on this forum, you are practically a honourary graduate of all things WLS... That is ofcourse, until you've had your surgery and lived with your new RNY...then you basically achieve tenure. Lol

lol! 

I see alot of people have blog/vlogs. Does this help in the journey?

It does for me. I have always been a writer at heart... I find it helps me to reflect on what I am feeling and how far I've come... it gives me something to look back at aswell...

But mostly, when I write I am able to clarify/articulate the issues on my mind... like stepping outside of yourself, writing about it, analizing it and moving forward... for me, this is therapeutic.

I did hear of someone being tuned away because they cheated on the optifast diet. This person (I don't know who but I know someone was) thought they didn't have to really follow the optifast diet so they didn't lose weight and the day of their surgery they were told that they weren't doing the surgery because of the above. They need you to lose weight on this diet because the less you weigh the better the chances of getting a smooth surgery. Also they need the liver to shrink to make it easier for a laparoscopic surgery as they have to move the liver out of the way as it lays directly on the stomach.

I also feasted right before the optifast start (I am on day 9 of optifast my surgery is on July 19th) I went to Pizza hut for my "last meal". BUT don't make every meal your last meal before optifast. Because when I went to the diet class they told everyone that if anyone gained an excessive amount of weight (I only gained 4 pounds which wasn't that bad) during the "wait period" they would be delayed and have to visit with the dietician again which would delay the surgery. In case you are wondering in Guelph there is a wait period....I waited about 3 or 4 months before I got to go to the diet class which was at the beginning of May and then meant the surgeon on May 29th). Also they do check your weight every time you go for an apt. the more you gain (a couple of pounds is okay as weight always goes up and down all the time) the more you will have to see the dietician which will delay your surgery.

I found out as for OHIP that all you need is the referral from the Doctor and OHIP doesn't have to approve anything, It's basically the doctor that approves you. I know this because I was driving the doctor crazy asking if OHIP approved me and he finally said that it is approved after the doctor gives the referral.

Oh and to speed it up you will most likely need a sleep test too if you don't already have one. London is where I went for the sleep test and you can get the test fast but getting the results took me like 6 weeks. You will also need a doctors referral for this too.

There are a lot of blood tests that they need, but they aren't really a big deal as the blood tests are pretty quick to get the results, usually 2 business days. Also, they will tell you that you will need to get an x-ray of your digestive track, where you have to drink a horrible tasting thick drink that coats your insides while they take pictures moving you around on this large machine that you stand on.

Good luck on starting your journey and I hope some of this helps!

Melissa!

PS: I highly recommend the book called "The Real Skinny on Weightloss Surgery" that is the book the Guelph recommended to me as it pretty much follows what they do in Guelph and I would assume a lot of other places to. The book is pretty funny as the two ladies that wrote most of it also had weightloss surgery and they tell you all about their experiences which some are pretty funny the way they wright it!

Your "journey" starts right now. It is great that you are reading and asking questions. I would even suggest finding a local support group to join. There are many on the OH site. I found it a great help and made many new friends that have been a great support.

You can use the time you are waiting to make positive changes and great ready for the best trip of your life!.

 Sorry for the hijack, but wow, Leslie, beautiful new avatar!

Thanks! Still having a hard time with the new me.Don't recognize myself