#6 on the list ... Whoo Hooo

Whoo Hooo, I am 6 on Dr. B list for surgery. I am so excited and nervous as this is what I've been waiting for for so long like all of you I'm sure. I'm wondering how many sessions do I go to before the surgery? Also, at surgery time do I need to take any extended time off from work? Do I fast before surgery or between appointments and for how long? I don't know the process so if anyone can help that would be great. I'm very excited though but very nervous at the same time. I guess I'm worried about having time off work for these appt's as I live 8-9 hrs away.  So any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated :) 

First, congratulations!    
Before we can answer your questions, What procedure are you having? Have you had you initial consult?

Sorry Charlene, I'm having Gastric Bypass and I haven't had any appt's yet. I just called Dr. B's office out of the blue and the secretary told me I'm # 6. That is all I know. :) I have lots of questions but I'll start with the ones I first posted for now. Thanks.... :)

I think the appointment roster is almost the same for bypass as it is for lapband, which is what I am having.
First you have a consultation with Dr B. Next is the full day information session (there is a test you must pass). Then you meet Dr B to sign the papers; this is a long appointment where he makes sure you are aware of all the risks etc. Then pre-op blood work & e.c.g. Finally the surgery.
There isn't  a diet but do not gain any weight between the first appointment and surgery or they will postpone surgery.
If I were you, I would call Nathalie at Dr. B's office and ask if they can book the consult, information session, and pre-op on consecutive days or at least on 2 trips instead of 3.. It's one long trip.
Dr B only has 3 surgical days in November. I am not sure how many surgical days he will have in December. I imagine January will be business as usual.  He does 5 or more lapbands for every bypass he does. I have heard that he does not do more than 1 bypass a week. Not sure if that is true or not. I'm sure that my friend on this board will tell us.  You may get your consultation this month, unless Nathalie has all the spots booked. She could probably give you an estimate of how long you will wait. Don't be afraid to make a pest of yourself- the squeeky wheel  gets the grease! She may be able to predict how long before surgery. Expect her to exagerate the time line. Better to predict too long and the time be shorter than the other way around from their point of view.
A warning from my experience, the waiting gets super hard now that you are this close. I had my consult Oct 2nd- like 10 years ago....well, it feels that way!
Feel free to join this board, we have a couple of other bluenosers here already! Besides Capers are the best Bluenosers of all.(Sorry Patsey, Sugarbear, and Bluebeaver.).

heheheheheh, no problem BUT I am originally from Sydney
Cheers, sugarbear

Thanks everyone for your fast replies. I also received a letter from NS WLS program but couldn't make that meeting for there wasn't much notice at all. Well maybe next one in February if I don't hear something first from NB. I am interested in knowing if you must take any time off work after the procedure is done. Any ideas?

Yes, you will need to take time off work.  Dr. B, recommends 2 weeks but depends on your cir****tances.  I am taking 3 but i know a girl in the states that had it done the same day as me and doesn't get any sick time so she only had 2 days off.  I'm 10 days out and definitely couldn't work at my desk all day.  The incisions are right in the place where your stomach folds and your pants sit and your bra rests.  It's uncomfortable.  But if you have a lenient workplace you might be able to go back sooner.

Patsy had a lapband and the time off is 2 weeks, but I think it is longer for a bypass. Girls?

I knew you were extra special sugar bear!!

One more thing, charline mentioned trying to get appointments on consecutive days to cut down on  the trips, it's a great idea....but Lise specifically told me (I live in Halifax) that they won't change their normal schedule and compress appointments to accomodate travellers.  You have to follow the normal timelines with everyone else.  there is time between appointments for a reason.  One appointment was only 15 minutes but still had to make the 6 hour trip.  it shows your commitment to the process.  Unfortunately.   Maybe it will work better for you, but prepare yourself.  Patsy