Hey NewLeaf

How did your last appointment go? Have you been approved for surgery or have an appt with a surgeon?

Let us know


Brenda

Ah Brenda--thank you so much for asking. I think I was approved. They sent me for all the preop tests, I got them all done and am just waiting for a call from Lorianne? Anyone know how long the process may take now? What was your experience? I just can't wait...

Hey all--I could use a bit of support right now...as I mentioned ...I was approved......I spoke to Lorraine today and she said it would be fall...like October...there is 15 people ahead of me...
a lot can happen in 5 months...I am super sad...wish I went to mexico....
Anyone else have to wait that long...
Any suggestions on how to get through such a lonnnnnnnng wait?

I'm afraid that I can't be of too much support as I am one of the 15th in front of you.  I just checked with Lorraine and I'm looking at a September timeframe.  Based on the results that you and I are getting, I am thinking that they are getting about 3 WLS surgeries done a month.  While that's a disturbing number, we have to keep in mind that things are slow in the summer due to staff vacations and the 15% cut back.

When I think back, I have been on this journey toward surgery for just over 2 years.  Another 3-4 months isn't so bad in this context.  I think that it's probably going to go quicker than I expect.  The key is not think about it.  I know, easier said than done.  It's hard because the uncertainty of the timing was always in the back of my mind.  However, now that I have an estimated timeline, I can now focus my energy on myself in preparation for the date.

Good luck!

Cheers!
-- Xcalibur2572

Thanks for taking the time to reply Xcalibur--I think that you are right about 3/month. I always assumed more....

After working so hard to get off almost 30 pounds I am nervous...afraid about summer, feeling like I need a tool to help me continue the journey at this point. I could have all my weight lost in 5 months (the time I am waiting) and be exercising even more than I do now, my health could be better. Having PCOS is tough as losing weight is slow and painful. On average I need to workout hard 3-4 days to maintain and 6 days a week to take it off...and weight can come back on sooooo easily. By hard I mean I am doing 45 mins on the elliptical at top speed or treadmill, then a 4-6 km walk and weights.
It comforts me to know that you are ahead of me...I know you have worked hard and need the surgery. There is nothing I can do...I am just so motivated right now and worry about the next 5 months
Tell me how not to think of it...5 months is a lot of thinking time.
Brenda, Cecile...anyone... I could use some positive energy right now...

NewLeaf:

For what it is worth, I got an update on my anticipated surgery date as my spouse has been approved for a VSG and she was checking to see what we're looking at.  Anyway, she was not on Dr. Birch's list yet, but Lorraine suggested that we would both be in late Fall.  Upon further probing, Lorraine was saying early November.  Granted, I am not holding my breath as November is still 3 months away and I was told Sept 3 months ago.  I guess this is just the fallout to the RAH elective surgery cutbacks.

So far, I am handing the wait fairly well.  I've got too much other things to worry about right, but it is constantly in the back of my mind.

Hopefully, this message gives you a bit more perspective on your timelines.

Cheers!
-- Xcalibur2572