Questions for the wise!! :))

Well it is starting.  I live in Alberta and was finally called for my Initial Assesment, however it wasn't till February 2011.  HOWEVER, they called with a cancellation last week and I got it.  So it feels awesome to finally make that step.  I am already making changes, been documenting  for months, been tracking my moods and how I feel after food. I am already down 15 pounds!!  If anything the program is making me healthier!! 

Questions for the experienced people.  If you dicided to do surgery, how long on average was your process through the program from assessment to surgery?  Just want a feel for things

For the people that have had the gastric bypass surgery, how long recovery did you require?  I want to have all the knowledge I can get to make educated decisions.


I am scheducled to see the Dr. on Friday, and then a bunch more app'ts this month.  What was your first couple months like?

Looking for friends to keep in touch with and support.  I am in Edmonton and 39 years.

My experience was wonderful and I look back now and wonder where the time has went. It seems like just yesterdya I started the program and now I'm 7 weeks post-op. I started the program in July of 2009, got approved for Gastric sleeve surgery in June of 2010 and had the sleeve surgery September 2010.
My inital recovery period may have been longer than some but it definitely took me 4 weeks to feel somewhat normal and now at 7 week I'm pretty much able to do anything. I still have one incision that is scabbed over and has a little stitch sticking out of it but nothing to concerning. I know I'm a slow healer.
I love the clinic and I love my sleeve.

Kee.

I have an appt on Friday with the Dr. at weight wise, I am purely assuming at this time that he is a physicial and not a surgion, is that correct, it is the first appt after my assessment.

I had my first appointment in Feb 2010, was approved for surgery at the end of August 2010 and am going for surgery on Nov 16 2010.
The first appointment with a dr is to address any medical concerns there may be.  Then you will have a few appointments with a nurse and nutritionist and when the weight starts to come off usually around the 10 % mark they will send you back to the dr who will then refer you to the surgeon who then says yes or no.
Good luck with your journey and this website is great for support and answers to questions.  Alot of the people on here are through weight wise.

Welcome! Before I tell you my story... I want to congratulate you on finding this site. It is such an amazing resource and source of support.

I was referred to the clinic in November 2008. I attended module one in Septemeber 2009 and at that time you had to attend module one, sign a contract confirming you wanted to continue in the clinic and then wait for the call to get into the clinic. With the flu outbreak the clinic and modules were effected and it was February before I got the call to attend my initial assessment- which was scheduled for October 29th, 2010, but like you I got a cancellation and made it into the clinic on April 26th.

My initial assessment was with my nurse, Corey- who is the greatest! My next appointments were with the psychologist, Dr. Stonehocker- who diagnosed me with ADHD, Dr. Sebastien who did my sleep study, bone density and body composition scan, blood work, etc. My nutritionist appointment was not for about 2 months and so I had to be vigilient about my weight and journalling; I saw Dr. Li, one of the internists, early in the process and she looked over my labs, checked my blood pressure and asked me if I have any questions. She told me that she didnt have any concerns and didnt need to see me. That was pretty much the early part of the journey, since that time I have seen my nutritionist, Carlene and my nurse, Corey... every 4 to 6 weeks.

I was approved for surgery with Doctor Karmali on October 15th. I have chosen to have the Sleeve Gastrectomy and am now waiting for the call to get scheduled. I am still seeing Corey and Carlene regularly and am attending pre-surgery classes.

Recovery time following surgery depends on the person. All the procedures at the clinic are done laparoscopically which lessens recovery time drastically, but I was told at the clinic that they don't want you returning to wor****il you are able to eat solids or depending on your job- I sit at a computer all day... I can return to work when I feel strong enough. People with really physical jobs, need more recovery time.

Again, welcome and happy journey! We can't wait to hear all about you and how you are doing!

For me, my referral was sent to the clinic at the end of January 2008. I got a letter January 2009 I believe..not exactly sure when I got the letter. My first appointment was in March 2009. I was approved for surgery May 3, 2010 and I had my surgery July 13, 2010.

I love the clinic, find them all extremely helpful and if I have any questions - I don't have a problem calling them and they will call back as soon as they can.

Welcome!

Well had the Physicians appt today, she is abrupt and to the point, no warm and fuzzy moments with that lady. She is good and thorough but man talk about all business. It was really quiet in the clinic today as so many people were off! She was happy to hear that I quit drinking pop, which was a HUGE step for me!! from 3 cans a day to none!! Now to get my meals organized, don't like cooking much and still eat out lots but am trying to make healthier choices. Going to a community kitchen tomorrow to make some meals up, hope that helps. Have been diagnosed with ADD and have to go for Sleep apnea testing. My counselling sessions don't start till February, but I already am seeing a counsellor that I have been with for a bit. So far so good!!