First Step Was Taken....
About 18 months ago I took the first step towards getting healthy. I asked my doctor for a referral for weight-loss surgery. I've always been against this step as I considered it a failure. I always said I would do this myself. I quit smoking on my own, I'll get in shape on my own. I'm now 42 and I live in silent fear that I will not be there when my daughter graduates high school. I've accepted the very real possibility that I will not see 50. You all know about the depression that you keep to yourself. Everyone thinks I'm so cheerful and funny but they don't see how quickly the smile drops ans if they could read minds they'd know that I live in shame and self-loathing every day of my life. I had to finally swallow my pride and ask for this extreme level of help for my sake and the sake of my family.
So, I have a few questions and this seems like a great place to get some info so here it goes!
First, how long, on average, does it take from the time you ask your family doctor for a referral to when you get that first meeting with the specialist? 1 year? 2? 3? I know it takes a long time but like I said before, it's been about 18 months and I'm just curious how much longer a should expect to wait.
Secondly, once you begin the consultation, what can prevent you from qualifying for the surgery? I'm scared that I'll get to that stage and they say "Sorry Mr. Stewart but you are not fat enough or sick enough". I'm 42 , 6'4", and just shy of 350 lbs. My blood pressure is good but I have 10+ years of high cholesterol and chronic gout. I am NOT looking to accelerate weight gain to meet requirements but I just can't stop wondering if I'll get turned away.
Once you get the call for your first specialist appointment, how long, on average, is the process of meetings, test etc, up until the actual surgery?
The thought of this finally being resolved once and for all is constantly in the back of my mind. Like a kid waiting for Christmas morning when he doesn't know when Christmas is.
Thank you for any and all advice you might have as I take these first tentative steps.
Well congratulations on making that first step. When I finally talked to my GP about surgery, it was kind of sad at first because I felt a bit like a failure not being able to do it on my own but it didn't take long for the excitement to sink in.
I was referred to two surgeons, one in Bathurst and one in Moncton back in September of 2010. I just got my call for my initial meeting with the team in Bathurst with dr savioe on nov 27th so I'm sorry to say it's a long wait.. But don't be discouraged. The time wil go quicker when you don't constantly honk about it and i know it's a hard thing to do.
Currently I am waiting for a call from the Bathurst clinic for a meeting with the surgeon. There will be a group meeting and then a meeting with the anesthesiologist and then you wait for the call for your surgery. I'll be honest, this waiting after the initial visit is wayyy harder than the wait after the referral. Keep checking this website though. I love reading the posts, looking at all the before and after photos, learning more about the surgeries, what to expect, etc...! Good luck and I'm happy you took that first step!!!!
I have been waiting 3 years for the moncton clinic. I had my consultation on January of 2014, all day info session in October, I meet with psychologist next week. They advised me that the only way they wouldn't do surgery is if you gain weight from your initial consultation, if you do then you would be removed from the list. Also after the psychologist meeting it is up to another 6 months for surgery.
My referral was sent to the Bathurst clinic in February 2010. I went for my first consult on Oct 22 2014 and did the info session on Oct. 27. On Nov 7 I met Dr. Savoie and signed my papers. I did my preop testing on Nov 27 and meet with the anesthesiologist on Dec 9th. As you can see, it is a long wait but once you get that call the ball really starts rolling!!
Congrats on taking that first step!! It is definitely the hardest! Once I got my call I struggled with feelings of guilt and failure. It is that keeps me from being public about my decision to have WLS. I am so glad to have this forum!!
You haven't told anyone either? I have only told my fsmily and close friends and am struggling with being open with it as I know how a lot of people feel about the surgery as an option for weight loss. My 16 year old son, as well as my 17 year old, who I have made sure didn't develop an unhealthy relationship with food as I have...they don't understand why I can't do it the "real" way as they put it. But I understand that they "don't" understand what the surgery is about. I find the hardest people to tell are those that lost it by diet and excercise alone. They seem to be the most judgemental! I love this forum too!!
Hi JD....I have documented every step of my journey with Dr Beausoleil from the Moncton clinic on my page. I know it helps me when I read others logs describing the whole thing. I have had my consults with the dr, gone to the psychologist, gone to the education day, scopes and tests and finally signed off on the surgery papers in Sept/14. I started this journey a year and a half ago and am looking at possible surgery in April or May. Feel free to add me as a friend....if your going to the Moncton clinic...it is all about the same process...if it is any other they are different than Moncton. Either way, you will get valuable support and info from everyone here. All the very best and one day at a time!
So you asked your family doctor for a referral only a year and a half ago? Wow! I wonder why some people wait 4-5 years and others get in quicker? Underlying medical conditions making someone a priority? Luck of the draw? Luck doesn't seem right though. I would think once you are on a waiting list that the wait time would be similar for everyone.
