I was rejected - I'm devastated, but I'll be ok

I'm really sorry this happened. I understand completely if you feel disappointed, I would too. I really think you should call back. My understanding is if they receive the referral and you meet the basic BMI criteria, they need to process you and at least get you some appointments booked to speak in person.

I've never heard of this either.. I think NorthernStar's advice is correct.

Try someone else. Another centre, another nurse.. I dont know of anyone who has had to go through this (but I'm out of the loop for at least a year)

Good luck.

Hi Katie - Reading your post literally put tears in my eyes.  Don't give up okay?

Have you ever heard of Dr. Poon?  I think he's in Pickering... Working with their office for a while might be helpful in getting you approved when you go to apply again.  It could be something worth looking into. 

Anyway, keep your head up.  We're all here for you.

Yes I hear Guelph has a very strict protocol they like to see you have tried other diet methods such as weigh****chers, dietician or other weight loss programs that help you to try and lose weight. If you are accepted you can not gain any weight during the process or they will deny you for surgery as well. What I would do is ask your GP to refer you to a dietician so you an show them you have tried and reapply.  Good luck

As you stated, this is a journey.  You'll hear the quote, this is a marathon, not a sprint. 

I can see their side of it, wanting you to get professional assistance with weight loss. I'm not saying that you didn't do the same thing that they are going to tell you at Weigh****chers or whichever group you decide to join.  You probably did all that on your own.  Because of the risks that are inherent with the surgery (and any surgery) the doctors want to have proof that you got help and it didn't work. The Doctors just do not want to put you at risk if there is an alternative that works for you.  "Do no harm".

The truth is, they didn't deny you surgery, they said to come back after 6 months and start then, after you have tried the alternative.  If they denied you surgery completely, they wouldn't have made that suggestion.  There are a number of people on this board that have had a delay in surgery, because the clinic wanted to be sure that it was right and safe for them.  Some needed to see other specialists and have issues that the saw be under control before they continue their journey.

Start this week on some kind of program, and you'll find out that time flies by.  You won't even notice the 6 months.  And the end result will be worth the wait.

Cathy

I have never heard that documented proof was required. I did not have to show this, neither has anyone else I've spoken to who went through the process.

I just had to list all the diets or weight loss attempts I had tried over the years, and details of failure with them. I listed things that I had done personally, that were not considered 'professional diets' like cleanses, and detoxes. Along with the typical weigh****chers, and Atkins. 

I would be calling that centre back and asking to speak to someone at a higher level, not to be confrontational, but to understand why it is, no other centres require DOCUMENTED professional weight loss attemps. Did you list nothing when asked? I don't get how this would end in you being denied, unless you flat out said you hadn't tried any dieting. 

Good luck. 

I'm at the tail end of my journey too (STILL waiting for a date.. lol). Like Jennifer I never had to provide any documentation on my dieting, and I agree - I would ask why other centers in Ontario do not require this. Failing that, I would seek out the bariatric registry and see if you're able to switch hospitals, tell them why. I would also write to my MP and MPP, find out who they are and how they can help. Be aggressive, but like everyone else said.. also take this time to learn more about the process and procedure. Good luck.

I have heard of this coming down the line.  Most insurances in the USA, require this as well.  So why not try on your own for a while, Weigh****chers, a diet program from your doctor, Take Off Pounds sensibly.  It is good to try all venues first and then pursue surgery.  I know a few in my group who started with the program and dropped out because they lost the weight on their own.  If it doesn't work, reassess and reevaluate later.  There's always the option to try again.  

Good luck and all the best to you,

Dawn

I'm sorry to hear that. I got a hunch that I'll be rejected because I did 6 months with a nutritionist/dietitian but it wasn't medically supervised.  Keeping my fingers crossed and best of luck to you.

I think you are fine they are not actually looking for documented proof they just want to be certain you have tried everything to lose weight including things like weigh****chers and dietician and nothing has worked because there are people that have gone through the process and followed rules and lost weight and no longer needed the surgery.