Consumed by the wait...

I know everyone has had to go through this long process but it boggles my mind of how consuming it has been. I feel as though I am eating sleeping and breathing WLS. Maybe it's because it has taken me over a year to finally have gotten a referral sent in. I had to ask the specialist I'm seeing for severe reflux to do it as my own family doctor is anti WLS. Or maybe it's the fact that it's been almost 2 years since I have slept in the same bed as my husband because I am stuck sleeping sitting up and cannot wait for this to no longer be an issue and be able to cuddle in bed with him again. My list of reasons is much longer and more in depth than just the reflux aspect but I guess that is just what I have been hyper focusing on lately. I still have 6 months to go before I even have my first 1 on 1. I plan on calling and asking for cancellations as often as possible. But still have to wait a month and a half before they will even consider moving up any of my appointments as the centre in Sudbury has a policy that you cannot continue to the assessments until 2 months following orientation. Sorry for the rant...

The feelings you shared are universal I think!!

I'm actually finished all my appointments and am still looking at an 8 month wait before surgery unless I can get a cancellation. While I was going through the initial process I felt like all I did was research and read and check out these boards. I think my husband thinks I'm crazy!!!

At least we have each other!

Yes very true... We are lucky we have each other.

Good Luck on getting a cancellation and a speedy surgery date.

Why so long? Most people I see at the TWH usually have surgery 1 to 2 months after their final appointment.

Currently at TWH you don't even see the surgeon until about 3 months after your final appointment. They are backlogged and have been for months and months. At my final appointment, 2 weeks ago I was told that I would hear in about a month as to when my surgeon appointment would be. I was told to expect Surgery sometime in the Fall.

It's discouraging when at orientation they are still telling people the wait is about a year.

Ughhhh..I am considering crossing the border for it. Not too sure.

I know the wait seems interminable but don't jump too quickly. This isn't a quick fix and requires a huge change to your lifestyle. If you are a smoker, stop now. Stop drinking pop and eating sugar. Over the past year I have learned so much about myself and what I will require to be successful. How to use my tool to get the results I want. It is entirely possible to gain weight after surgery, learning why you eat is something you can start figuring out now so that when you do have surgery you'll be so prepared you'll have fewer struggles.

I'm just saying that the legwork and hoops we jump through now serve a purpose.

Thanks. I do know it's a huge change but 1 year wait ok...I am not sure I can do 2 years due to some other personal issues like having kids and having to wait another 2 years after surgery. I ain't no spring chicken so that also plays a role.

You need to check into whether OHIP will cover any follow up if you have unapproved surgery out of country.

I just posted about a complication I just had and if I had done my surgery in the States I would be out of pocket for all my care related to the surgery after the fact.

My GP has another patient who was going through the Bariatric Program. She went on vacation to India and then decided to have her surgery there. My GP has her hands tied now on what she can put through OHIP and what she can't. We actually talked about it.

I understand wanting to move this along, however, there are monetary consequences at play here. Please check it out before you decide. :)

I am so sorry about your complication. This certainly wouldn't be a light decision. I would make it with my partner and family doctor of course. Thanks so much for your feedback.