anewme2015

Wow. Just re-read my message. It's almost incoherent. I shouldn't post after working all day and then dealing with 2 toddlers under 4! Lol

Ancaster Ontario here. I'm still reading all of your messages. I've just been frustrated by Hamilton's hospital. They didn't give me a list of appointments at my orientation, which I waited months for and now I'm waiting for my first 'real' apt. My doctor is dragging her feet with booking the tests they've encouraged me to try to have done before my next apt. Even though I have no idea when that apt might be. Toronto is so much faster and I'm considering requesting a transfer. It's just annoying because Hamilton is 20 min away if that whereas Toronto is an hour- more with traffic. The process is frustrating. What gives me hope is hearing how many of you have stuck it out, and in spite of gas pains and the difficulties of healing, and are doing well. I listen and appreciate all that you share.

How was the surgery? I hope things went well and you're on the mend!

Just popping in to wish everyone the best in their January surgeries. I'm interested in how the initial weeks healing are for you so if you're comfortable please share! I really enjoy this forum. All the best!

Where did you have your surgery?

Congrats on quitting smoking! That could not have been easy. And 6 months is awesome. I think I'm going to have to request a transfer. Hamilton has me pegged to wait around a year! Anyway, I hope it all goes really well for you. You quit smoking for this surgery! You will be a success story for sure!

Welcome! You must be thrilled to be so close to surgery. Out of curiosity when you did you start the journey? What was the timeline from orientation to surgery! I'm pre-op in the process- still doing tests and eagerly awaiting a surgery date.

They didn't seem to know how transfer requests happen. In the new year I may contact the bariatric registry and see what they say. Thanks for the advice!

Thanks for the tips! Hopefully you'll be sleeping flat soon! And it seems eating too quickly is a common mistake. I'm trying to be aware of chewing my food now. Apparently I sorta 'inhale' food. must slow down! Anyway, congrats and I hope your nausea assuages soon.

Orientation appointment done! Now I wait for a letter letting me know when my next appointment is. Hamilton hospital seems to like to keep its patients in suspense. Trying to remain positive even though they suggested today they have wait times around 9 months to a year. I don't want to wait that long. Anyway, I appreciate hearing about all of your successes and any tips for success. Happy holidays to everyone!

How are you feeling? Any first month tips?

Hey! Congrats on having a date! My process has been slow but apparently normal. I was referred early August and my orientation is December 22 at St. Joseph's even though I called weekly I couldn't get into an earlier orientation, which is a little frustrating but what can you do! I'm counting down the days now. I'm ridiculously eager! Lol hoping to move the other appointments along once I get them at the orientation. Keep me posted on how things go. It seems many Canadians are having surgery in January!

Still holding out hope that I'll meet some people doing their surgeries at St. Joseph's in Hamilton!

I lived in Victoria for two years before moving to Vancouver and then Ontario! The wait from referral to the first appointment is typically a few months. After the orientation, things will pick up. Good luck!

It's amazing to see when someone's advice on here helps another person come closer to their surgery! I'm listening in with eager ears and taking stock of what works. I really appreciate when you all post about your experiences. And congrats on the surgery dates moving up. It'll be here before you know it!

Great to hear that people aren't waiting years! Hoping to be closer to the 6 month wait- I will be calling A LOT although so far they're telling me not many people cancel. ????

My Dr referral went to the Bariatric clinic in August. My orientation appointment is booked for December 22 and I've been calling weekly but no cancellations so far. It's frustrating because some people I know who had August referrals too are already meeting with their surgeons. I've been told Ontario wait times are typically 7-9 months but at the rate I'm going it'll be longer than that. I users time to research and view before and after pics to keep myself positive and motivated. It's a long wait once you know you want the surgery. Anyone else finding similar wait times?

You must be so excited though! Just to have a date and know it's actually happening! Congrats!

Haha it's all good. How are you? Things going well I hope.

I'm with you guys! I keep calling too. I've read online that sometimes people reschedule December/January surgeries because they just want to enjoy the holidays before surgery. If you have a December consult, maybe you can get bumped up! And yes we all cross our fingers for that kind of luck! I did so much research BEFORE making the decision that I feel really ready NOW. lol Not waiting well over here either. ????

I'm calling weekly but so far no cancellations. I'm really wanting to get in before my December 22 orientation appointment. I want to get this show on the road!!! Anyway, I hope my fellow Canadians are doing well and that things are progressing.

I've sent you a private message. You should be able to access it and reply either through your messages or notifications.

Hey! My brother lives in Brampton so I know it well! You've already had your orientation and you started in August too!? Lucky you! Hey, we'll have to compare notes since we're beginning the process at the same time. Feel free to private message me if you want. good luck on the atress test. THAT'S the only thing that really freaks me out. How sad is that? Lol the exercise concerns me. You mean I have to mooooove!?!?

I got an appointment at the Bariatric clinic for the Orientation session! FINALLY! It's amazing how that little piece of mail just make me SOOO HAPPY! lol I'm on my way at last!

Welcome "anewme2015". My wait was fairly long but it probably differs from one city to another. They also need to run tests and make sure that you are otherwise healthy. Found out I had sleep apnea so had to get a machine for that....my Iron was low so had to resolve that. Cyst in uterus, endoscopy, etc. etc. And we are now good to go. You can help it along by asking your GP to get started on blood work, etc., sleep clinic and so on. Good Luck, Ruth Thanks Ruth! I'm slotted in for a sleep study already and all of my blood work is in order. I'm going to start calling weekly to see if I can take people's cancelled appointments. Many people have said that can help speed up the process. I've heard Hamilton has fairly decent wait times, as Canada goes, with people waiting between 3-9 months- although it seems closer to 9 is typical. I don't have other health issues, as far as I know so hopefully that moves things along. I don't wait well. Haha. I'm trying to use the time to meet Bariatric "friends" and to research. I'm think bypass over sleeve but I'm not sure if that is a surgeon decision or patient. Anyway, thanks for the welcome!