Let the Waiting Begin!

Hi Everyone! 

    As of Tuesday, I've officially been referred to the Ontario Bariatric Network. I'll be 30 years old next month, and am SO ready for this! My weight has been off the chart since I was 8 weeks old, despite being breast fed. I was monitored by The Hospital for Sick Children from 8 weeks to 4 years old. They never found what was wrong. I've been tested for PCOS, Cushing's, Hypothyroidism, different allergies; I've even been assessed by psychiatrists and other specialists! I was the only 9 year old at Weigh****chers. Needless to say- I'm done. After another round of testing by my endocrinologist, he suggested bariatric surgery since diet and exercise alone do not work for me. 

     I know that the wait time is forever, but if anyone has any tricks to speed things along, please pass them my way! 

Thanks so much! 

Welcome to the group! You'll get lists if good advice and tips here. Definitely get your doctor to refer you for a sleep study so they can test you for sleep apnea. Wait times vary depending on where you live but this can hold up the process at times because there are multiple overnight appointments required.

Best of luck with your journey! Kim

Thanks so much! 

Welcome to the boards, and congratulations on getting the referral you want!  I hope you have a good time here.  I've found it very friendly, supportive, and informative.

Thank you! 

I hope I don't have to wait too too long before a centre contacts me! I just want to get this show on the road. I'm not very good with waiting :p 

Welcome, there is a lot of great information on here and fantastic people.  30 years is a long wait, then next year will be easy!  I know the feeling I have been overweight all my life too, 10 lbs at birth and grew from there.  I made my decision last fall, and attended orientation in January this year, now waiting for appts, it all takes time. But I know at the end of this wait is the reward we all want, and that is a new lease on life.  Take the time to read and educate  yourself on the process.  Best of luck on your journey and take care.

HIOM

Thanks so much! Funny enough, a doctor asked if I had ever considered gastric bypass surgery back when I was about 22-23. Back then though, I assumed that the surgery was primarily for compulsive over-eaters, which I never was. Ironic how I'm undergoing the one thing I said I wouldn't do! 

Welcome! And I hear you on doing the one thing you said you wouldn't do. After back and forth with my doctor with pros and cons and finally the last time they bought it up I finally decided to let the referral process being! I am near Thunder Bay and their program goes through a bit quicker then others where there are far more patients so its a little nerve wrecking seeing it go by so quickly. Especially after preparing myself mentally for a long process! But all is well and I'm excited for this journey! Hope you hear back from the center soon and you get your orientation date! I learned so much from orientation :) 

I am so glad I found this post. I am in Thunder Bay and my orientation is in a little over a week !! I just got the call today. I was wondering how long the process takes and I am sure some take longer than others but this gives me a ballpark. aah I am so happy & nervous :)

Welcome :)

My advice is to be patient and learn as much as you can, and talk to folks who have had the surgery. Also, call your clinic for cancellations so you can take them when they come up.