Wait Times -- St Joes, Hamilton

Hi,

I was referred in mid-April by my family doctor. I called my doctor's office in mid-May and found out that I had been assigned to St Joes in Hamilton (I live in Oshawa). I have not received a letter or any confirmation from the Bariatric Network/St Joes yet but I understand that it can take 3-6 months.

Earlier this week I called St Joes and was told that they were now booking Orientation Sessions into February 2014 (so by the time I get my letter my session could be 4+ months later than that). This seems like a long time (minimum 10 months, probably 12-14 months, between entering system and getting into an Orientation Session) as compared to other people's experiences.

Is anyone else experiencing this type of timeline? Please help!

Thanks!

 

 

Hello Shana.

Welcome to the forum! 

I was referred in April, and got my letter in June telling my Orientation is in September. From there I had to wait till January for my first appt. 

If you look at my timeline you can see how it went. But it's been about a year since orientation for myself. Hope that helps. 

 

~Lisa.

Hello,

I was referred in June 2012 and had my Orientation in January 2013. I just had all my apts in June of this year and have an internal apt in August.

I am impatient but I really researched and got organized and it made the time fly. They told me when I went to the hospital that I should expect my surgery in late fall/early winter of this year. Hope this helps!!

I am also with St.Jokes Hamilton. My orientation was March 11/13, Blood work May /13, sleep study ( asked family Dr for it) May/13, abdominal ultrasound June 22/13 Nut and psyc Sept. 13/13. It has been a long wait, but I kicked my soda addiction, try to walk more, read this forum everyday, drink lots of water and eat smaller bites. Good luck with your journey. Everyday I wait means another day closer. Keep positive and learn as much as you can. Cindy

Hi!

You can see my timeline in my signature, about a 14 months from referral to surgery at St.Joe's in Hamilton.

The time does fly!

I would send an email to the Bariatric Registry and confirm that they received my doctors referral. I'm not an expert in how the decision is made as to which hospital a patient will be referred to but Hamilton seems too far for someone from Oshawa. I obviously don't know your cir****tance but I would have expected that you would be sent to Toronto.

If you send them an email you will receive an auto responder saying they won't respond to patient inquiries but then most people hear back in a day or two if the registry has their referral.

Hi there, 

I was referred in Feb 2012, orientation was Oct 2012, and once my appointments started in Feb 26 2013 it was quick I had surgery May 8th/2013.  You will find once you start all your initial appointments things move quite quickly.  The longest is usually the wait for orientation.  I waited 8 months but it is so worth it and I wish you the best of luck with everything.

 

Sherry