Edmonton wait time

Hi, I'm off to Weight Wise Clinic in Edmonoton in a couple of weeks. I am wondering from your first assessment appointment to your surgery date was?

I just wondering how long the process takes? Nine appointments is a little vague.

 

Thanks.

Not sure what the nine appointments mean..... but I have definitely went to way more appts than nine...... its more like 1 visit every 4-6 wks for each of the staff you need to see.

Every 4-6 wks for nutritionist, nurse, psychologist, and OT if needed

1-3 Visits for Internal Medicine

1-2 Visiss for Surgeon

1-2 Visits for Psychiatrist if needed 

I was referred to Clinic by Doctor in Jan 2012.... 1st appt in Apr 2012...... approved for surgery by Dr Karmali Nov 2012..... on wait list now and looking at a surgery date of July/Aug 

Its a long time and can be very frustrating..... but trust me you need that time to sort out all the issues around food, mental, emotional,  ect...... most other clinics are even longer, unless you pay for it yourself out of country.

I have been told several different timelines from the clinic though out this..... that is probably my biggest complaint is the inconsistent wait time info.

But the best advice I can give you is take in all what they say, follow the program, work on your problems and the time will fly by even though it will feel like forever (if that makes sense lol).  And you will only get an accurate wait time after you have seen the surgeon and are approved..... until then if the clinic tells you a certain time (and this is just their best guess as they really don't know the doctors schedule or OR times), to save yourself the disappointment I felt a few times when that date came and went, then double what ever they say lol it will save you some tears lol

Hope all goes well, and before you know it, it will be all behind you :)

 

I've been involved with the Weight Wise Revision clinic - from my original referral which they didnt receive for some reason - i have been waiting for several years to see the doctor. From the more recent referral 18 months ago i have seen the psychologist 2 or 3 times, dietician and nurse one time each. I have attended a few education sessions as well (coming from 3 hours out of Edmonton) Waiting for scope then once it is done they will get me an appointment with the doctor.
In the meantime i am exploring other options...

I'm going to second Pink Azalea's (sp?) comment.

I am too big for the bariatric program in Manitoba and was referred to Edmonton WW.  My first appt was in July of last year and I was told that because of the steps I had done myself, I would move very quickly through the program.  That was all fine and good until I hit a road bump and have undone all my hard work (minus pop -- I'm still pop free for a year!).  I have to get some weight back off before Internal Medicine will refer me to surgeon and then I expect to wait 6-12 months after that.

I can't begin to imagine how many tears I've shed and I'm working with my therapist to work past the feeling like I'm being "punished" for regain.

 

hello Tamantha   to be honest your wait times will depend alot on   what you have done such as modules  there is some that are required   but  they all are a great learning tool   so   doing the modules will help you  before and after surgery ,   the second thing to consider is  your medical condition  if you have sleep apnea   , high blood pressure ,   or perhaps your a diabetic      then  once  you see   Dr Modi or  Dr Kwon    they really   approve your next step   to see a surgeon  , now  depending on the Dr You see  such as Dr Davey  whom  i  think the world of   his  surgery list is much smaller then   others    You may  have to wait 9 months or 2  alot depends on  how fast they run thru there patients and  surgery list ,   they also expect you to   at least loose  some of the weight while your going thru the program but they really do help you and encourage you to do so  which i have no doubt  that your  time will come faster then you think so   try to not get discouraged because everyone is different so is every   Surgeon  and there wait times ,   i waited one month after seeing my surgeon  i got my call but  his list is not as long as others   so  you never know ,,,,,,,,,,, good luck on your journey   im sure your gonna do awesome .........must tell you as well  i was waiting for surgery back in cape breton for  many years   so  i leaned what waiting was about too  till i moved up here ,  the program here is wonderful    We are so lucky this program is not a 10 year wait like it is in nova scotia

Would it be wrong to ask for the doctor with the shortest wait list? Everyone here seems very happy with their surgeon?

Patience is a virtue and it's all part of the journey.

I will do my best to try and enjoy the process.

 

Thank all of you, you have provided some insite. BTW - 9 appointments was on the letter from Weight Wise.

Asking for the doctor with the shortest wait times will not really make a difference.

They all have about the same wait times.  As well you need to remember entrance into the clinic does not guarantee you will get the surgery, you need to follow the program, attend the classes and work hard.

They will tell you right from the start in the clinic that surgery is not for everyone, but we all go there with the hopes of getting it done.  Be sure to be honest with them, we all made mistakes along the way and they know that.

If you want to speed up the process, take as many of the classes as you can ahead of time, get a good pedometer and start tracking how many steps you take per day and start writing down everything you eat (EVERYTHING!) Myfitnesspal is great for this and will work on your phone if you are not already using it.

Make sure to be honest with yourself first and then you have nothing to hide, if you eat it, log it.  In time you will be making better choices.  The clinic does not expect perfection, but what they want to see is a willingness to change and acceptance of lifestyle changes.

Good Luck.

 

I started the modules July of 2011....got my first appt October of 2011 and had surgery October of 2012. It helps if your prepared and do your food journal ahead of your first appt.

I started August 2012. Surgery scheduled for April 16, 2013 which was then rescheduled to April 19 and then 8 days into my 2 week pre surgery liquid diet I was called and rescheduled to May 21st.

I was referred to Weight Wise at the Royal Alex on May 3rd 2012. I got in to appointment on July 12//12.....did al my my classes, saw Nurse, Dietician, psyc and about once a month until March 23rd/13 when I saw surgeon. He told me surgery would be in about 6-8 months. I got a call on April 1st saying they had my surgery date for April 22nd. I was half asleep and had to ask..."This year?" they laughed and said yes this year. I thought it was an April Fool's joke. I had the surgery just over a month ago, had my post op with surgeon last week and all is great. I had the VSG done.