What can expect at and after orientation at HRRH?

I finally got my questionnaire from HRRH last week and have my orientation on the 27th of this month. I am so excited to get this process started and do what I need to do to be ready for surgery. I have done tons of research but find it very repetitive. I am really curious about the process and personal experiences people have had going through the process at HRRH. I am also super anxious to know how long I can expect to wait to get things moving. I know it can take up to 12 months from the orientation date since this program has such a high demand. Is there anything I can do to get this ball rolling? I have cut pop, coffee, drinking, and just got rid of any and all junk food from my house. I have informed friends of my decision to pursue weight loss surgery and that I need their support in making healthy decisions at social gatherings. I am curious to know if I lose weight on my own and my BMI goes under 40 will I no longer be eligible for surgery. This is a life long battle I am determined to win especially now that I have a 1 year old daughter to role model for. Any advice or answers to my many questions would be greatly appreciated. Looking to network and make a few friends with people who are going through or have gone through this process. Thanks in advance :)

I am at the beginning stages,I also got my package from Humber last week. I am surprised with the date u got mine is for March 23.. 

I have a PO Box so it might have been sitting in there a few days but it's post dated Feb 6th so I guess it was more like 2 weeks ago. We should keep in touch since we are going through this journey in the same time frame. I will update how the orientation is so you can have a bit of a heads up.

More then happy to keep in touch having someone to go through this process together. 

I started at HRRH but due to backlog was switch to TWH for surgery only. All my aftercare is done at HRRH too. My timeline is in my signature. Good luck!

Hi Kaymommy, I too am going through HRRH but only a little further ahead than you are, so I can tell you the little bit Ive discovered to this point :) My orientation was Jan, 9 and it was the most informative 3hrs Ive ever had. You will be given ALOT of information and handouts that you will probably spend the next few months going over all the do's and dont's but its time well spent while waiting for your first round of appointments. I hope to be given mine shortly but in the meantime my family doctor has sent me for a cardiac stress test and Im doing a sleep test this weekend. Really, the day you leave the orientation its beneficial to start making the changes necessary to be successful in your WLS. Best of luck to you and to all of us on this life changing journey :)

Hi LukesMom5, did you know that we have a support group in Lindsay that meets every thurs night? I found it so very helpful before surgery. PM me if you want more information or find us on facebook Gastric bypass surgery information and support group - Central Ontario 

:)

Hi Kaymommy

Firstly, congratulations on getting your package.  I started and am with HRRH (Dr Hagen).  My orientation was last spring and my surgery is scheduled for March 24th (mine is a revision to a VBG performed back in the early 90s)  The session is full of great information and you get to meet lots of people that are going through the exact same thing as you...A few key points you might want to highlight are, type of surgery (as this will be asked at your appointments) the vitamins/supplements you need to take prior/before surgery; the risks involved with surgery and your expectations...

There is also a really good book that is out there that a fellow OH forwarded to me that I can forward to you if you would like to message me your email address.  The ladies at HRRH are great!!! Oh yes, bring some water with you, kind of gets dry in the room and don't be late otherwise you may have to come back as they are keen on being on time.

My process was quite simple, I only had blood work done and was put on antibiotics because my bloodwork revealed HPYLORA which as odd as it sounds, many end up with it and aren't aware of it.  My vitamin D was very low and had to be put on a prescription of 50,000 iu a week, which wasn't bad, did it for 8 weeks and now back to the regular vitamin D (Kirkland at Costco)

HRRH also has end of the month (wed) information sessions which your SW will review with you if you are interested in attending.

I'm sure there is alot more that I'm forgetting but if ever you need to ask a question please do so...the OH family is great and so knowledgeable and supportive.

Hi Dolce1968, I am intereated in the book you have mentioned wouldn't mind if you could share it with me. I am at the beginning of the process have orientation March 23 trying to read up on everything about wls.. 

Hello Dolce1968

Thanks so much for sharing about your experience so far.  I would definitely be interested in reading that book. I am interested in learning all I need to know to make sure this is a success.