WLS Clinic at Ottawa Civic Hospital
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.
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
Ottawa ~Referral Mar 2011~Orientation Aug 2011~Meet w Nurse May 14, 2012~Dietician/Behav/Abdo Ultrasound July 5, 2012~Colonoscopy Aug 8, 2012~Dietician#2 Aug 30, 2012~Endoscopy Nov 9, 2012~Pre-op class Jan 2, 2013~ Meet w Surgeon Jan 8, 2013 ~Start Optifast Feb 15, 2013 ~Pre-Admit. Mar 6, 2013 ~SURGERY March 8, 2013 (RNY/ Dr. Raiche)~Post-op Class/Follow-up appt. April 25, 2013