Guelph Hospital vs St. Joe's?

 Hi all,

I am just starting out on my journey. My doctor will refer me after I get some blood work done on Thursday. I have recently moved to Kitchener, so the closest hospital to me would be Guelph. She is in Oakville and thinks I should have it done at St. Joe's in Hamilton. I'm wondering what hospital has good surgeons/bariatric team and what wait times are like at each hospital? Will I get a choice where I go?

Thanks

All referrals are sent to the Bariatric Registry and you are sent to a bariatric Centre based on your postal code, so no you don't get to choose.

Ok, thanks. That's what I figured so I'm not sure why my Dr thinks there is a choice.

my suggestion because it sounds like your doctor might not be familiar with the process.  Follow up with your doctor and ensure he put in the referral with Bariatric the online registry. Faxed referrals are apparently no longer accepted. We read lots of times that people waited for months only to find out they weren't properly referred. I believe  your doctor will get a referral number within a few weeks and that number can also tell you which hospital you will be going to and be some comfort to you to know you are in the system.

All the best on your journey! Best decision ever for me.

Thank you so much! I will follow up.

Wow...You have done awesome!! :)  Im new to this too...just been refeered but nervous as hell....Im 245 and don't know what to get yet??...Im just doing research

I have heard of at least one person who lived in Guelph but had surgery in Hamilton because she had a specialist there for a medical condition she had so if there is a strong reason you may be able to get it changed. It would mean all your appointments would be in Hamilton too.

I had my surgery in Guelph and there are good people there. I also liked the smaller hospital...a little more personal.

Best of luck in your journey! Kim

Hi Kim,

thats interesting! I don't have a specialist so I guess I'll go wherever they send me. Thanks!

I don't think you get to choose but I had mine in Guelph and loved everything and everyone about it!

That's great to hear! What was your time line like?