Hello just would like some guidance and info

Hello my name is Andrew and Im from Red Deer AB, I just got accepted into the red deer clinic and I have my first appointment in July and I was wondering roughly how long is the process? I been struggling with my weight since I had a horrible car accident in 2006 I was only 17 the result was I lost my kneecap and because of my weight Im always in pain. I was referred by my family doctor and my knee surgeon to get weight loss surgery. I have no problems with dieting been on it since 2006 but cant workout due to knee pains. Bottom line is that im scared I really want this I believe this will finally help get my weight off would like some tips or anything really I want to get my life back on track. Please and thank you :)

Hi Andrew. I didn't go through the Red Deer clinic but the Edmonton Bariatric clinic. I will be 4 years out from Gastric Sleeve surgery in september. I remember being on the waiting list and finding out when my first appointment would be. There was lots of anexity/excitement surronding those first appointments but I was so glad to be able to be a part of the clinic.

Unlike you I didn't really know why I had weight issues and I didn't join the clinic wanting weight loss surgery. I wanted to know why I was obese and no matter what I did I could lose the weight. The clinic helped me with that and after several months of appointments I decided on surgery with the guidance of the clinic.

Some thing you can do now to prepare you for your appointments is start a food tracking journal. You can use an app or program like My fitness pal, I really like that one. Also track the reasons why you eat such as real hungery, stress, bordom. Don't have any liquids 30 minutes before or after you eat. Try cutting out any high calorie liquid drinks you are consuming, like alcohol, pop, juices. Stick to water flavored with liquid drops, lemon or crystal light. Giving up pop even if it's diet will help you and for my program it was of upmost importance that you didn't drink anything carbonated before or after surgery. In my program they also tryed to cut of fast food. They recommended trying to get it down to once a week as take out is high fat, high sodium and calories. Lower carbs helps too, as after surgery carbs don't sit well for most and it's more important to get your protein in.

I wasn't forthcoming to my family and friends about my surgery as I didn't want any judgement passed. Although if you have a supportive family and circle I would recommend leaning on them to help you get to the surgery. I leaned on the few peoole I met through the clinic who have now become amazing friends.

I wish you luck and know that you have already made one of the biggest steps by being referred to the clinic and getting that first appointment. Stay confident, it'll all work out the way it's suppose too.

Thank you very much for the reply Keelan , thanks for the tips most of them I already have been doing except the food journal but thanks. I was referred to have Bariatric surgery my family know's and of course has there concerns. Lord willing I would love to have the surgery this year so I can start working out again and get back on the positive track. How long till you had your surgery? and thanks again :)

I had my first appt in July of 2009 and did a 9 month program through the clinic. I was approved for surgery in April of 2010 and had surgery in September of 2010, I was told it would be probably November but got in on a cancellation as I didnt have to do a liquid diet. I had 5 days notice for surgery. It was by far the best thing I have ever done for myself.

Hi Andrew, I went through the bariatric clinic in Red Deer.  I am now 10 weeks post op and feeling really good.  For me, the process took probably a little longer than for some.  I took about 8 monthes to lose my required pre-surgery weight (due to personal relationship issues and depression) and then had to wait 7 months for my surgery.  The last 7 months were hard, trying to maintain the weight loss and keep my head in the right frame of mind.  The good thing is that everyone that works at the clinic is so caring and friendly.  They provide terrific encouragement and support.  I think there are multiple factors in how long the process takes: 1)which surgeon you get/choose; 2)how quickly you lose the required pre-surgery weight; 3)what underlying medical conditions you have; and 4) luck.

You are starting your journey now, the surgery is but a single point in that journey but it continues long after.  I hope you have as positive an expereince as I have had and that you fly though the process in record time.  Good luck.

Thanks Blushalot , I have a appointment in the bariatric clinic next month I am positive looking into this I believe it will help speed up my process for knee surgery. Just had a meeting with my knee surgeons if i get this surgery instead for waiting 20 years for a knee replacement it will be 7-8 years so crossing fingers. Thanks for the tips :)

Hi there Andrew!

I was through the Red Deer Clinic.  My first appointment in the clinic was on September 4th.  I know I saw the surgeon end of September I believe and then got moving on my plan from the dietician.  I lost my required 15 - 20% and saw my surgeon Dr. Farries again December 16th.  I know at the time I found out that the other two surgeons there have a shorter wait list after approval for surgery is given by the surgeon.  Dr. Farries is definately the longest wait.  He also took off all of January so that put his surgeries even farther out.  I ended up having my surgery on April 9th.  So it was about 7.5 months from first appointment to my surgery date.

What they tell you at the clinic is that the average is around a year for the time period.  As listed above, it depends on you.  How fast you get off the required pre-surgery weight, how fast you can get through your appointments, if you have other medical issues that might take time, and also luck.

Make sure if you are able to put yourself down on the cancellation list for the gastroscopy as well as for surgery.  I got in WAY faster for the gastroscopy due to a last minute cancellation and my work allows me to be flexible and I was able to get there with two days notice.

I would suggest to you though to take your time.  It isnt any race (even though I assure you I was very concerned about timelines as well).  We didnt put on the weight over night it doesnt come off in a hurry either.  Take time to fully listen to all the professionals at the clinic tell you.  Embrace the new diet.  Learn all you can BEFORE you have the surgery so that afterwards alot of the questions people have are already answered for you.

Good luck to you!

Shelly