How do you stay positive...

How do you stay positive when you're told that your consultation appointment is 3 years away???  That's at least 3 more years of pain... 3 more years of humiliation... 3 more years of wanting to die... I suppose I was a fool for even thinking there was help out there...

see if you can get referred to the USA. I am from NW Ontario and they said the wait list is up to seven years in Canada! But I got referred to Duluth minnesota in June, OHIP agreed to pay as the wait is too long in Canada. I am seeing surgeon next week for consult and scheduling for surgery.
Don't give up and keep as positive as you can.
little d

Do what I did..... call in everday to see if there's a cancellation. (Phone number for Dr Nohr's office.... 403-580-4610.... just in case you didn't have it). My consult wasn't scheduled until Jan 2011, I had my consult June 2 THIS YEAR! I'm headed for surgery April 26, 2010, and I'm on a callback list for that. 

Hope this helps you out!

Thank you so much for that information! 

I will definitely start calling his office tomorrow.  (Just out of curiosity... how many times did you have to call before they gave you a sooner appointment?)

I think I called in between 12-15 times. Just tell them who you are and that you're calling to see if there are any cancellations for a surgery consult for gastric bypass. Joanne gets a little testy when you keep calling and a bit discouraging too.... but don't let that get to you. Lori is a doll to talk to on the phone and she just keeps encouraging you to call back. Best days to call are Mondays and Thursdays.

It really works!!!

Good luck!!!!

*hugs*

May not be a bad idea to try to get referrals to other surgeons while you wait.  I don't know if the timeline is still the same because I know he is getting busier but I was referred to Dr. Farries in Red Deer in May 2008, had my 1st consultation at the end of Dec and just had my VSG done on October 7.  I was waiting to hear from the Weight Wise program in Edmonton at the same time but didn't get accepted into it untill after I already had my date scheduled for surgery with Dr. F.  I think he may be a bit faster to get in to see.

Good Luck, keep your chin up!
Marie

Messed up thing with Dr Farries is that you can only have your referral sent to him on May 1 (or whatever day is the Monday if May 1 falls on a weekend).

I'd stick with Dr Nohr. You'll get a cancellation soon. I have a good feeling about that one.

*hugs*

Hey ya football mom-I know things are tough right now and it looks a bit bleek. It may even seem a bit hopeless...time becomes irrelevant after a while (hard to believe)
I don't know what you can do but you might want to focus that energy on yourself.

Try making an appointment with a nutritionist/dietitian they will get you aware of small changes. Switch to trying to get your protein in ...70-90 g per day which will help with hunger. Try to focus on getting strong...you will need it for the surgery. Try to lose a few pounds...I know that seems hard and impossible. Try for 2-5 pounds to start. You might benefit from seeing a counsellor to help you through...

I remember being there and feeling hopeless...it gets better and passes fast. One day at a time, focus on trying to feel better about yourself. Once you feel better, life will seem less hopeless. Try to adopt the new changes suck as omitting pop.

Work on learning about the different types of surgery and getting all the information you need.

I know you have your heart set on a surgeon but you might want a referral to the others like the weight wise clinic...the line is around a year for first consult (I heard).
Good luck and post when youy need some support

Hang in there Football Mom! I know the wait is long, I waited about 5 years for Dr. Nohr but it's been 7 months  since my surgery and 106 lbs down so the wait is well worth it. Don't give up and take the other member's advise.

Thank you so much to all of you *****plied to my message! 

Your words of encouragement have truly touched me in my time of need.

Also, as an update... I called Dr. Nohr's office and was extremely lucky to get a much, much earlier appointment!!