New Here... With Questions

Hello All.

I'm new, this is my first post on this forum.

I've decided after YEARS of thought to go ahead and get a gastric bypass... hoping to anyway.

I do have some questions...

My hospital is TWH... for those of you that are ahead of me in the process and have been at TWH, what is the basic process?

I have had my group orientation and have the dates for my next 3 appointments. If all goes well, what's the next step?

Is there anything I can do to speed up the process? If not, what has everyone else done during the waiting game?

I recently turned 30 and my health is surprisingly well considering what my weight is. My body on the other hand is having not the greatest time dealing with all my weight (I apologize to my knees and feet regularly). I have a lactose intolerance and mild IBS. I recently had a ultrasound on my entire abdomen and everything is good and no issues. I am hoping that won't cause any issues with trying to get the surgery.

I'm very motivated, excited and keeping positive about the whole process. 

I hope to learn lots from the people in the forum and meet some great people.

There is not much that will speed the process. If you are flexible for appointments and don't mind having them 1 at a time you may be able to get cancellations. Start a food log and work on making positive changes,i.e. no bad snacks, no pop etc...  definitely no smoking. You need to be 6 month clear. If you think you have symptoms of sleep apnea speak to your gp for a sleep study and bring results to n.p appointment. They are not too concern re losing weight during the process but want to see positive and healthy choices. Good luck this time next yr you should be on the losers bench.

Hi There, 

Welcome! I, too, am 30 y/o and am scheduled to have surgery on January 26th. I was referred on April 28th. The speed of the process depends on many things. If your neck circumference is over a certain measurement, or if you experience any symptoms of sleep apnea, this can slow down the process as you'll have to go for sleep studies. If the nurse practitioner or any other member of the team feels that you require further testing, this too can slow you down. 

If you're flexible with appointments, you can try to get in for cancellations but you also have to remember that everyone else is probably trying the same thing, so don't be disappointed if this doesn't always work! 

I'm not post-op yet, but the pre-op process has been painstaking in itself. It's been an emotional roller coaster as I prepare to transition from who I am, to who I am to become. 

The best advice I can give is the same advice I have received, and that is to research as much as you can, try to stay positive, surround yourself with supportive people who love you, and do a lot of soul searching to figure out if this is the right path for you. 

Most of the staff at TWH have been awesome. 

Best of luck! 

Hi LoLo,

I am new here too. My first np appt is this Wednesday. My hospital will be either Toronto East, St Mikes, or Ottawa. I have a previously scheduled sleep apnea appt in Feb requested by my respirologist. 

Hopefully I will know more in a couple of days!

Adele

Welcome. This site is a good resource for lots of the questions you may have.  The people are very helpful too.

I had my surgery through TWH, and their process is super, you are in fine hands. I find the group sessions really beneficial,  so attend those if you can. I went through the process quite quickly (see my signature ), mostly as a result of calling to see if there are cancellations and being kind to the reception staff (who are lovely people).

Good luck with everything! 

My daugter started this process in Oct 2014 we finally got a surgery date of Jan 13 2016 at HRH.  We asked to go on a standby list or cancellation one and it didn't speed up the process.  It doesn't hurt to ask!  Good Luck.....Day 8 of Optifast....we celebrated 1/3 of the way there!!!