Asking my GP for a referral tomorrow

I had some tests done ahead of time and just had the results sent to the centre I was referred to.

Good luck on your journey

Great to know! Thanks! It seems like everyone has the sleep apnea test, so that might be a good place to start.

Lindsay

The more tests you can get done by your GP the better and then they can send on to centre.

Even of she is reluctant make sure you are forceful and ask her to refer you that you would like to go through the process and then decide and you will keep her advised of the process. 

Also don't worry you meet the requirements for VSG even with a resection as I PM'd you with Crohns disease that is one of the main criteria for a VSG and I know this as I have Crohn's disease as well and there are others who are going through the process getting a VSG or have had one.

Good luck tomorrow. 

Lynn

Thanks, Lynn! I must have missed you mentioning resection - that is really good to know! I really appreciated your PMs. So great to have other people in a similar boat!

I am feeling positive and excited! Even that man of mine is seriously coming around. Like all visual creatures, I just showed him a banana for reference. Haha!

I actually walked into my Dr office and said I need help with my weight it is just out of control - she knows I have tried lots of diets and seen my weight go up and down and actually offered me surgery before I could even ask...
You may be surprised that your Dr may be open to sending the referral especially if they have done it for other patients in the past.

Best of luck! 
It is really exciting to start the process.

Thanks Katie! Yeah, it's been all I can think about lately... which is probably not good since there are a million other things I should be thinking about, too ;)

When I asked my GP for a referral in November 2010, she was very supportive.  I'm her first patient to be referred to the bariatric program, so she's had lots of questions for me.  Because of my success, she will continue to refer patients in the future.  I feel like a trailblazer! 

I attended Orientation in March 2012 and had surgery on Feb 21/2013.  Because I'd had a colonoscopy in Feb 2012, I did not need another one.  I did not have to have a sleep test because my neck measurement was below a certain number of inches.  (TWH bases their requirement for a sleep study based on the circumference of your neck). 

The entire process was fast for me - even after being warned that it could take 2 years or more.

I've now lost close to 60 pounds and I'm feeling better and better each day.  Sometimes, I can't get my head around the fact that I've had the surgery and that I've been given this incredible gift.

Good luck on your journey and keep posting!

Jo-Anne

Hey Lindsay! So glad you found us here! I did experience a reluctant GP. I finally had to go behind his back (and go to a colleague in his office) for a referral, but its been smooth sailing since then.

You may want to let your GP know that the Bariatric team will follow you up for five years after the surgery, if he/she is reluctant to take on the added responsibility of your care.

Thanks for the advice, Monica!

Hi Lindsay,

I myself had a gp that was reluctant for a couple of years. Even during our last appointment she suggested I wouldn't qualify which turned out to be untrue. Just insist you be referred and let that decision fall with the bariatric team. That is their area of expertise.

I wish I had been more persistent in my quest for this surgery years ago.

Good luck,

Tara