What happens when you get in to the Clinic?

My referral has been. Will be checking on this of course! 

What happens when you get into the clinic? What specialist? What do they want to know? 

What can I do now as I wait? 

Hey!

I know I read in another post that you are from Alberta, so I don't know if the process is the same as it is here where you have to go for an information session etc. But what I would do while waiting (what I have done personally) is try to learn as much as I can about the surgeries, tried to find out different tips and tricks for the months after surgery. Also I set a goal personally to lose 100 lbs on my own before surgery, which I have now upped to 200 lbs as the surgeon has told me he wants me at a specific weight for surgery. So I have been focusing on getting healthy and exercising (walking), working on myself mentally as well (reasons why I chose to eat).

If you haven't read it already, Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies is really helpful. It gives you information about the surgeries, diet and potential complications. 

Thank you eloquent_daydreamer. 

Thank you Leslie T. I ordered the book! 

Hi Andream33, I go to the Edmonton Clinic and after you are referred, it can be up to a year to get an appointment for an assessment at the clinic (while you are waiting, it's a great idea to take the Weight Wise workshops that are free of charge but you do have to register and you should get into the habit of journaling your food and wear a pedometer to track your steps as this is something the clinic will ask you to do). A couple of weeks before your first appointment (assessment) you will be sent a package with information and a series of questionnaires to fill out before you go. The questionnaires ask all kinds of questions around your dieting history, health history, sleep patterns, emotional eating...information that will help the clinic assess what your needs and challenges are.

Your first appointment will be with a nurse that is assigned to your case and the nurse will review your responses to the questionnaires and gather your information to determine how the clinic can help you...if you need to be assessed by the sleep clinic, if you need to see a psychiatrist, if there are any other medical issues that need attention. The nurse will ask if you are journaling and using a pedometer. This isn't to judge you but is a tool for the clinic staff to use to provide guidance on changes you can make. It is your willingness and ability to make changes and set and reach goals (don't have to be big goals) that they are looking for.

They will then set up appointments with a Dietician and Psychologist at the Clinic. You see them a few times each (or more if required), they will give you a requisition to get blood work and then you will see a Dr. of Internal Medicine to determine if there are any additional issues that need to be addressed or tests that need to be run. After everyone feels you are ready and surgery is the right option (for me it was ~8 months) you are referred to the surgeon. If you and the surgeon decide surgery is an option for you, you are put on a waiting list for surgery which is 8-12 months.

Hope that helps!

Hi Leocat,

Thank you for the information. I have 7 out of the 10 modules done already. I keep a journal and use a fit bit. I also see a dietician. So it looks like am on a good track.