WLS Clinic at Ottawa Civic Hospital

Thank you to everyone for replying to this post. Much appreciated and I look forward to supporting each other through this journey! :)

Hi, 

I went through Ottawa and really, most of the delays I had in waiting for the surgery was the process related to pre-surgical screening and orientation. I missed the first two orientations and finally made it there in January 2013. I had my surgery October 2013. I tried not to bother them too much but always was treated well. I've been fortunate to deal with Aspen (a nurse practioner who I regard very highly). I also had Dr Neville (also wonderful). In addition, all the folk at the reception desk have treated me with respect. 

 

I would advise people to understand their next steps and always follow up.  For sure I would talk with you. 

 

Nerak 

Thank you for replying. I also found that the delay was the pre-surgical screening which was (for the most part) done in Kingston. What held me back was a very long wait for a follow up sleep study and endoscopy, which ironically enough was eventually booked at Ottawa Civic. I understand that there is a process that needs to be followed. I work in health care and understand how things work. The NP I talked today was very nice and helpful and suggested I call back in 10 days if I don't hear from them with a surgery date (saw the surgeon on Dec 3rd), so that is a positive. I have tried not to be calling and bothering them as I understand they must get 100's of calls every day and would not ever be able to address each individual person throughout the day. However, I was directed that I would hear in a couple weeks after seeing the surgeon and it has now been 7 weeks and no surgery date. That is where my frustration lies. Our family has cancelled our annual vacation, "just in case". Also, I am aware of another lady who saw the surgeon just before me on Dec 3rd and she is all set for surgery on Feb 27th. I am not sure of the actual process, etc. Thanks for listening and lending an ear!

I am going through Ottawa too and live in Kingston. I meet the surgeon on March 3. They told me it could be another 3-5 months after that before surgery :(. Very hard to plan around this , not knowing when surgery will be.

Feel free to private message me anytime. Would like to talk to someone going through this as well.

I feel for you Providence, i am in the same boat, saw the surgeon on dec 10th and have not heard anything yet. I own a business and will need to make alternative arrangements for my clients so it is very hard to plan with no date!

Providence, I complete understand your frustration! I really do, and I remember having some setbacks (a second endoscopy/a test for my kidneys) It probably will not be long now but go**** is hard at the end. Believe me, I called, as frequently as I could without being too much of a pest! I was very motivated and sure sounds like youare too!

Nerak

Nerak, thank you for the reassurance. It is most appreciated. I have to accept that it will happen when it happens, however you are right we also need to advocate for ourselves especially when we are dealing with health care. Thanks again! :)

Looks like wait time has gone down a lot! Best of luck to you. I had my RNY at Ottawa Civic March 2013 and am so happy I did. Enjoy the ride...it's all worth it.

I had my surgery at the Ottawa Civic as well and my wait time was about 10 months, from my orientation to my surgery.  I am sure with the holidays over Christmas, there was probably a bit of a delay with getting the dates for surgeries.  Hopefully you hear something soon!