The waiting seems so long

How did you cope? It just seems that this process is taking forever. I was referred to the Edmonton clinic in January of 2013 and now that it is January of 2014, I still have an 8 month wait.

Some days it just seems it's taking forever - I can make a baby in less time.

What did you do to make the waiting more bearable?

I used the time productively. Attended the Weight Wise modules and practiced what they preached.

Become more active - go to the gym, pool, hockey rink ...whatever. Track your foods, moods, eating habits and wins and losses. Set some intermediate goals.  Meet with other bariatric folk and build a support network.

Work towards becoming more fit, knowledgeable about nutrition, your eating habits and what influences them and become more informed about bariatric surgery.

Get prepared for post surgery...

All together  - lots to occupy any bariatric patient's time!

...and post here from time  to time.

I agree completely with Mike.  I used the time before my surgery to get into the best shape that I could physically get myself into so that I would be as healthy as I physically could be before surgery.  

I joined a bootcamp class and worked out every evening.  I watched what I ate so I never gained any weight because I was terrified of gaining weight and I generally enjoyed life.

I also met with other bariatric people at the Edmonton Bariatric Support Group who helped me to realize that this is actually what I wanted to do.  It is really nice to meet people with the same goals and problems that you are having.

The waiting is one of the worst parts. My sister and I were going thru a program in Red Deer together and we were so excited and impatient to get it done. We had our goal in site and were determined to do everything to get it here faster. We live in Calgary but chose the Red Deer program because they were supposed to be able to do more surgeries in a year.

If you're really impatient there are always other avenues you can persue, but I recommend reminding yourself that there is an end in site and that is more than you had a year ago. Remember that it is not just the destination but the journey to get there as well. Stick to your diet and make sure that you take the time now to gain all the tools you need to be prepared for afterwards. Get as prepared as you can so you are successful.

Not sure if that was helpful or not, but good luck.