HRR

Hello everyone!!

l'm soooo disappointed I don't know what to do!!!

The only thing I can do is cry!!

i called HRRH to see if I could get an appointment with the surgeon, my orientation was on May 1st 2015 and since then I've been calling them ever month and I always got the answer to call next month because their backed up, however long story short they told me I don't qualify because my BMI is to low!!! And maybe I should consider other options!!!

I realy don't understand I have a BMI of 36 and with high blood pressure and sleep apnea I weight 195 hight 5.1

and trust me I have tried all other option before making this life changing decision.

That's wrong and you should call them back. Speak to someone other than the receptionist.

Their own website states 35-40 BMI can enter the surgical program, as long as you have a co-morbidity, which it looks like you have 2 of them!

my theory is that they might be denying those that are edge cases that may still be able to do this without surgery - like try participating in their nutrition program because they are so backed up and want to prioritize more serious cases?

I feel for you. I'm 5'0 and I'm 220 and a BMI of 43 (only slight sleep apnea but no other co-morbidities). I know what it's like to be a tiny fat person.

Some people at my orientation asked what I was doing there because I didn't look 'that big' but seriously? just because I'm short doesn't mean I don't still have an extra 110 pounds on me! Like many, they also carried an extra 100 or so pounds but they were much bigger people so they 'looked bigger'.

I suspect that might be the same attitude towards you. if you weigh 195, you're in ONEderland already and maybe they figure you can do it without surgery.. again, just my theory

perhaps your doctor can write a letter to explain your need for surgery?

Yes your right! Thank you for seeing my point, besides having high blood pressure and and sleep apnea I also have fatty liver, GERD, family history of strokes hart attacks and diabetes.

Just because my BMI is not over 40 it doesn't mean that I'm not suffering any less.

Sorry to hear you have been turned away so to speak. Not sure what to say. Hoping someone with more experience in this process has some suggestions for you.

On a side note, I find it amazing how different the process flow is from centre to centre. At HRR apparently you see the surgeon first before you see the nurse, social worker or dietician.

At Guelph after orientation you see the nurse first, then nurse, social worker and dietician. Then possibly one or more of the 3 again depending on personal situation etc. The last thing you do before surgery at Guelph is see the surgeon yet it is the first step after orientation at HRR.

I just find that strange.

This is definitely a journey....not a destination.

Cheers!!

Yes! And In addition to the move everything has been more complicated, the never give you a right answer, always asking you to call them back in a month, you leave a message and know one gets back to you, they lost my referral 3 times it just been so frustrating and on top of that now I need to hear that I'm not qualified because my BMI is to low.

omg they lost my referral too! I waited a YEAR only to find out they lost it! had to resubmit and then only had orientation in August 2015 when it should have been in 2014!

good grief what a mess. don't stop fighting Laura :) by their own published regulations, they have no right to tell you that you don't meet the requirements when you clearly do. get your doctor involved!

here for you girl!

Thank to all of you for the wonderful support!!! Earlier when I got the news I thought my world had ended!!! but now after reading your thoughts, I see a small light at the end of the tunnel.

I am in the US so procedures may be different in Canada.

I would write an appeal letter listing all the comorbidities and citing the published prerequisites for the surgery. Because you clearly seem to meet all qualifications, you should be approved quickly.

Hello everyone!!!! I'm just letting you guys know that the nurse called me this morning and my file will be going forward!!!!

I'm sooo happy!!!

hopfully I'll be getting a call soon from the surgents office.

thanks to everyone for their kind words and support!!!!

I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!