Guelph early in the process

I rcvd a letter in the mail early this week dated Feb 5th from Guelph Gen Hosp advising me my orientation is Feb 26th.  Referral to orientation 4 weeks.   I know it is early in the process but I am optimistic with the speed so far!  :)

Congratulations on getting your orientation date! Sometimes the process may not always seem to go this quickly, but trust me, you WILL get there!

Wow...good for you!!!! That is very quick!!!

Word of advice...call early on the 27th to book for your appts.  Early bird gets the worm *usually*! lol

i Alyson....thanks for the supportive words and the  tip on appointments.   Lots to learn and I wasn't aware that I had to call for appointments.  Naively I  expected to wait for Guelph to be informing me.  I am hoping to have as many appts as possible on the same day as I live. 1.5hrs west of Guelph and the more I can schedule in one day the better.  My focus isn't on 'speed' however I have been in the WLS mindset for over 2 years.  I am hoping for a very unique Xmas present in 2015.  :)   Thanks again Alyson for the info....greatly appreciated and I look forward to reading and learning much more on this forum.

I am through Guelph as well and I hope things go well for you.  My referral was Feb 13 and my surgery July 14 so a year and a half.  It all depends on when they sign off on you to proceed to surgery (nurse, nutrition and social worker, Dr. Agarwal).  I didn't have any snags, but the process seems slower in Guelph than other centres.  It will give you time to adjust to this new way of living.

My process was 1 yr almost to the day from the referral to my surgery.  I called the morning after my orientation and got my first set of appts booked right away. 

If they have given you the list of medical tests done, get them done right away as well.  Do not procrastinate because you never know if something might come up with these tests. eg sleep test and a CPAP machine.

Start by tracking your food. I use myfitnesspal.com.  Take your records with you when you see the dietitian.  Try to cut back on sweets, carbs etc.  Watch your portions and get active.  Even a little walk a day to start would help. 

Good Luck!!!

Hi Alysan....thanks for sharing your journey.  I do have the req for medical tests and I have a doc appt tomorrow in order to get those tests started.  My fam doc is amazing and supports me all the way, so I won't have an issue.  I do have to go for the sleep apnea test as I scored 3 Yes's.  Just had a birthday and that put me over the top.  :(  I also use myfitnesspal.  I walk 4-5 miles per day when the weather isn't a bazillion below zero and I use a fitbit.  I have actually lost about 22 lbs since September 2 2014...well up until about mid December. Have been using Harley Pasternak's Body Reset Diet which is 3 smoothies per day and 2 snacks.  It worked well for me but Xmas and being sick for 4 weeks with sinus infection, ear infection and chest infection set me back.  So I am getting back on track again and also going to do more exercise on the treadmill until winter breaks.   It seems like I am following a good program prior to orientation and all the appts etc. but thanks again for all of your advice.  I can never read enough about everyone's different experiences so please continue to share. 

Have a great night. 

Thanks, CLM

Things seem to be moving quickly these days at GGH.  I just had my post op class and was called to meet the surgeon on March 12th but I will be in Cuba.  A bit bummed out but things will go as they need to go.  This whole process is a lot of hurry up and wait at each stage of the game!