Current Time Frames - Red Deer Clinic

Hello everyone! This may be an old topic already, but I really couldn't find anything recent. I apologize in advance. :)

Here's the lowdown of my timeline at the Red Deer Clinic:

August 2013 - referral from family doctor

March 4, 2014 - Group Orientation

March 19, 2014 - First Nurse Appointment

April 15, 2014 - Dietitian Appointment/Mental Health Assessment

May 6, 2014 - Nurse Appointment/First Surgeon Meeting/Asked to book in a Gastroscopy

I have the following booked:

May 9, 2014 - Mental Health Class

June 6, 2014 - Nurse Appointment

Just wondering how long it takes to get in for the Gastroscopy? The surgeon said he wants this done sooner rather than later, so he can book me in for the surgery. I know I need to have patience, but I'm so excited! I only have another 5 pounds to go for my 10%....not an easy task to lose it and keep it off. :)

Thanks!

KLC

I have an answer to my own question....July 2014 is the date for my gastroscopy, unless there happens to be a cancellation. :)

What is Gastroscopy? I've only had the first nurse appointment... starting the classes, psychologist appointment all coming up in the next two months... haven't hear of this yet.

Hey Spinner,

My understanding of it - they sedate you, then put a scope down your throat to take a look at your esophagus and stomach, checking for any potential problems. From what I'm told, once that has been done, they give you a surgery date.

Hope this helps. :)

Oh gawd... alright... yes, that helps! Thank you!

I'm just going through the process. I had my scope done in March. They don't just give you a date though after that. I thought that too :) I've met with the nurse, dietician and one last appointment with the psychologist and got the go ahead to meet with the surgeon which is on Tuesday and then I think I finally get put in the long waiting list for surgery. Hope this somewhat helps with your expectations. I don't want you to be disappointed like I was. Who's your guy's surgeon? I have Dr.menezes and I got in really quick with him to get the scope done. Like within a month I had it. Look forward to reading about your experiences :)

i have no idea who will be my surgeon. im so at the very beginning of this, i appreciate the info! will update again later!!

Here is what my timeline at Red Deer was.

Referral June 2013

Orientation Aug 3, 2013

First Nurse Appointment - Sept 2013 (dont remember the exact dates)

First Surgeon Appointment with Dr. Farries - Early Oct 2013

Gastroscopy - End of Oct 2013 (This was due to a cancellation and I was able to get in early)

First Dietician Appointment - Early October 2013

Another nurse Appointment and meeting with Social worker (I never had to see the psychologist) - November 2013

Appointment with Dietician (I had lost over my 15%) and same day date with Surgeon, approved for surgery - December 16th, 2013

Nurse Appointment - January (Found out at this appointment that Dr. Farries had the whole month of January off so surgery dates were pushed back one month) also had an ECG done same date.  I also had a mental health class in January.

February - Nurse appointment again and then pre-op nutrution class and Class about medications and such

Nurse appointment - March

April 9th - Surgery date

As far as I know, every surgeon in Red Deer requests a gastroscopy to ensure that there is no issues with your digestive tract rather than get into surgery and realize that something will prevent going forward with the surgery.  At that time, he discovered that I had a hyatius hernia and this was repaired at the time of my surgery.

I believe that all doctors will also request an ECG that can be done in minutes right at the hospital there. 

Good luck in your journey.  Everyone's path is different with the same goal posts that we have to meet.  I remember thinking it was going to take forever and yet now it seems just like yesterday.  Take the time to learn and absorb everything they tell you in each appointment or class.  Its easier if you can start to create new habits around food and eating prior to surgery.  The time goes by so fast. 

Remember it took us a lifetime to get to where we found ourselves when we requested to be referred to the clinic.  It wont be changed in a short snap of the fingers.  I for one am grateful that we have to "learn" how to relate and work with food and our bodies prior to being given surgery.  It is that fact that increases the chance for long term sucess with whatever surgery you do end up choosing.

Good luck to you!!!

Shelly

Over the phone consultation July 2 2014

surgery booked July 28 2014

save the hassle and get the surgery done in Mexico, my surgeon has preformed 4000 WLS in his 10 years. 

Everything went smooth and quick, well worth it

I also agree. The weight lose surgery process seems to about generating trips to the doctors offices or labs to only wait some more. I would like to know how much Alberta Health Care pays for these needless appointments tests and weird weight management classes. Mexico does not waste your time the people I have spoke with are very up front with everything. Even dumb Questions.