New to the referral process - have a few questions.

Hi everyone. I have an appointment next week with my family doc to get a referral to the bariatric network. I was wondering if I have any choice in where I get referred? I live near the Oshawa area, will I be assigned based on geography or can I request a specific hospital?

as a follow-up, what are wait times like at different sites in Toronto? I would like to have the surgery done within the next year if possible.

Thanks!

You are usually assigned by your mailing postal code.  You will most likely be going to Humber Hospital which is moving to the Dufferin & 401 area.  

Good wishes for an amazing journey and keep reading...searching...asking questions and posting on this site.

Like the other ladies have said your request will go to HRRH but I would suggest having them transfer you too TWH as soon as they get it. It will go much faster and it is way easier to get too!

I am also in Oshawa and was referred to Humber River Regional Hospital based on my postal code.  I did request a transfer early in the process to Toronto Western Hospital as I don't drive and Toronto Western is fairly close to where I work and much easier to get to with public transportation.   My surgery will be at St. Michael's Hospital, whi*****identally is one block north of where I work, so I can walk to the hospital from the GO Train. 

If you prefer to switch hospitals, all you have to do is call Humber River after you receive your letter with your orientation date and ask them to transfer you to TWH.  It takes about 10 days to be transferred over. 

I found the staff at Toronto Western much easier to deal with and much more polite.  And, Humber River is pretty backlogged as far as I know.

Another word of advice is get a referral for a sleep study from your doctor as soon as possible.  They will want you to get one if you haven't had one in the last couple years and if you do have sleep apnea and need a machine it can really hold up the process.  It delayed mine for over three months. 

Good luck to you!  The process will feel like it takes forever, but it really does sneak up on you before you know it.   Use the time to adopt some healthy habits and be excited, your whole life is going to change for the better 

thanks for the feedback! how long after the referral should I expect to receive the orientation letter? Can I request a transfer before I get this letter or should I wait?

Thanks again!

My doctor sent my referral mid-April and I called in mid-June and they gave me an orientation date over the phone.  

I suggest waiting until they have your file at Humber River before asking to be transferred.