Perplexed by wait times

Hello all,   As I've read through the posts here I found that there seems to be a drastic difference in how long patients are waiting to hear whether they've been accepted into the bariatric program.   I'm new compared to a lot of you as my referral only went in about 2 months ago.   I've read everything from 2 months to 21/2 years wait times.   It could just be that I don't understand how this is supposed to work and misreading the posts.  I sure wish there was a go- between patient advocate that one could call. Though I can just imagine how overwhelmed they would be in no time!  This is just me venting my frustration, thanks for listening.

I dont know exactly how it works.. My Dr refered me a couple of months ago for the 2nd time and i got a letter today, saying that I have been accepted. but that the wait is aprox 2 years. crazy..

I'm so happy for you, Trish!  It's been a long road for you, it must be nice to feel recognized.  Praying the "speed limit" on your road picks up the pace :)

Conrats on getting your letter!   Do I understand that you were referred to Regina?  At least you know you're on the list and not in limbo anymore.  Will you have to make several trips to Regina for all your pre-op appointments?

Actually I was accepted here in Winnipeg. So I don't have to travel back and forth :)

some of the wait time confusion is due to one of the doctors going on mat leave.she is on her second round of mat leave in 2 years.at first the wait times were due to the fact that they were very selective on who enters the program.this is because it was just a pilot program and they wanted the best candidates.now the program is opened up but they still have to go through all the requests.

they also usually take those who show that they are willing to do what it takes first.The program has changed alot since the start.there are many things you have to do that i did not have  to when i was accepted into the program.

there are also names on the list that have decided to go to mexico because they didnt want to wait that long.

i have been trying to find out more information on patient advocacy as i would like to do this.i just have not been able to get anywhere.this seems to be a concenus between everyone in the group that we need one as some get lost in the paperwork.

sondra

It is still a very much a pilot program in Manitoba, folks. Don't get your hopes up for a speedy transaction. Only people who fit specific criteria are accepted now, and only people who can successfully complete the pre-op plan will get the surgery.

If your doctor doesn't know this, its because they haven't done the leg work for you. The complaint stops at your general practitioner.

when i spoke to the doctors last they said the program is no longer in the pilot stages .it has been confirmed that the program will continue.the main reason for the backlog is they have opened up the criteria to include men and older people.I was part of the pilot program.They are also learning as they go so it is a work in progress.With the staffing changes there is also a delay in acceptance.

Now with the 2 different offices there are bound to be errors in paperwork.

I have to say the office looked a lot tidier and organized yesterday so maybe some progress has been made. I heard the nurse tell the receptionist that she liked a new system implemented.

I am one of the people that waited over 3 years for acceptance into the program. My name sat on a waiting list all that time until the program criteria changed and they accepted higher BMI's.

I am not sure at the start whether you follow their suggestions of not gives you a leg up. I certainly did not find that so and I was following all of them before I even went to orientation thanks to advice of people on here. Certainly compliance does matter but it won't put you at the head of the line. I was also told those of us on the waiting list would be slotted in accordance to where other people with similiar dates would be. Well that's not true as I am in the same progress as people who have only been waiting 1 year. Seems to be no rhyme or reason, and this is something they need to work on. That and all professionals giving same info regarding waits, expectations etc.

I would say don't give up, it will happen. Do everything you can to be stronger and healthier because in the end it will be a help for you. Good Luck!

Karen