Being listed on Tuesday!

hey everyone, 

just have a few few questions as my dr will be putting me into the referral system this week. First a bit about me. 

Married, with one little boy 20 months old. Have horrible chronic pain which I am in treatment.  Was extremely sick a few years ago and medication added a lot of extra weight.  Whole family is plus sized.   Been on xenical for a while worked the first month just not working anymore, doesn't help that I turn to chocolate when upset etc.   been eating healthy.

so now to questions...

1.  Those who have been through the process recently how long did it take? (I'm in northern Ontario if that helps. 

2.  Has anyone considered more kids after this? 

3. What is post surgery like the first year and beyond. 

4.  How much have you guys been loosing and are you keeping it off?

5. I'm worried of the horrible side effects/complications some get... Has anyone suffered those?

6.  What did you guys do while waiting for a date?

7.  What was the process like from referral to surgery? 

Thanks

I have not had surgery yet, so I can only answer a few questions.

1. I received a letter with my orientation date A month after being referred. My orientation was a month after that. They say it takes one to two years. It depends on the hospital you go to and what additional assessments you may need.

2. You are apparently extra fertile post-op. They recommend using the barrier method of birth control for at least 18 months post op. There is a form Here for post-op pregnancy.

6. Get ready. I look at posts, read books they recommend, read blog posts, etc. I have started making healthy lifestyle changes so it's not such a drastic shock after surgery.

7. This post has a great explanation of what happens at each assessment. For me personally, just jot knowing what they were going to ask drove me nuts. I have problems in interview type situations, so it was just anxiety on my part.

some people also recommend getting a sleep study if you have not done one within the past two years. They will require one. If you have sleep apnea, you will need to bring your CPAP machine to the hospital for your two days during your stay.

1.  Those who have been through the process recently how long did it take? (I'm in northern Ontario if that helps. 

This will depend on which centre you are put through.  Ottawa is about 18 months, some quicker, some longer.  It will also depend on your situation.  Your doctor will go on line to the Bariatric Registry and put in your referral (they don't take faxes any more). Then you'll start with Orientation. 

 2.  Has anyone considered more kids after this? 

Yes, there have been a number of people have children after this.  They recommend to wait 18 month - 2 years after surgery to try though.  Just to make sure that you've completely healed.  There are some that get pregnant before the suggested time, and the babies are fine.  If you do get pregnant, make sure that your Dr. knows that you have had bariatric surgery, and how long it's been since your surgery. You may need to be monitored as High Risk depending on the time lines.

Note:  If you are on an oral contraceptive now, it won't be good for a contraceptive post surgery.

 3. What is post surgery like the first year and beyond. 

This, is lots of learning.  Basically think of it like you are getting  baby's tummy.  It's small, and doesn't know what it likes and doesn't like.  So you need to experiment.  And start gradually, starting with liquids and getting more and more solid food.  Your taste buds will change, you'll have more energy, and need to go shopping (sizes don't last that first year, Value Village is your friend).

There will be stalls at various stages while your body catches up to your eating, but that's normal.  Just keep following the plan you are given and you'll do fine.

 4.  How much have you guys been loosing and are you keeping it off?

I've lost about 145 lbs, and have gained about 5.  But I've been going through a lot the past while.  What you are going for is a tool, as long as you use it properly, you'll lose weight and keep it off.  If you decide to not use it, then you will gain wait.

5. I'm worried of the horrible side effects/complications some get... Has anyone suffered those?

I haven't really had any of the complications.  I do dump (which some do some don't).  In the first year, I did have back pain while my spine adjusted to my new weight.  There are those who have been through some, and would be able to give you a better idea than I.

 6.  What did you guys do while waiting for a date?

There are multiple appointments that you need to do, and some testing.  Most have to do a sleep test, and depending on your medical history what other tests you need to do, besides blood work.   You will have orientation, nurse, nutritionist/dietician, social worker/psychologist appointments.  And I think I've heard of another class. (wasn't there when I went through).  Some of the people, you may need to see more than once before they pass you.  Then you'll see the surgeon.  Some surgeons will give you a date then, others will give it to you at a later time.

Other than that, research, research, research.  It's also a good time to start making changes in your life style.  Whether it's to your eating or to starting to do some activity.

 7.  What was the process like from referral to surgery? 

It takes patience, but it's a good time to take to learn, and prepare for your new life.  Some things you can hurry, but some things you just have to wait for.

I wish you well on your journey.

Cathy