Wait times and process in Ontario?

Hi all. I'm brand new around here. I've been considering WLS, specifically I'm interested in the sleeve, and I'm wondering if anyone can give me recent info about the wait times in Ontario from the very beginning of the process.

I have an appointment to get my referral into the program and was told by someone working for the Ontario Bariatric Network that it would likely be around 6 months for the invitation to the seminar or consultation, I can't remember what she called it, and then likely another year or more before surgery. I'm wondering if this is common and what some of you might be experiencing because I've also read some places that the wait was less than a year, or 2 - 3 years and even so much as 5 years for at least 1 person. 

My weight has had my husband and I putting off having a family for many years and so this uncertainty has me debating whether I should consider trying for financing for a private surgery clinic instead of risking an extended wait so that we might start a family sooner rather than later.

I'm also wondering how the decision is made which surgery they choose for you if anyone has any comments on that. I'm on medication and will likely be for the rest of my life, and yet I find it impossible to take large pills and vitamins so I worry about not being suited to a bypass and that's part of why the sleeve is my first choice.

Thanks for any info or input!

Andie

Hi I I going through Humber. From the time.myndr.sent.t referral to.tje bariatric.network,I got a orientation date f 3 weeks later. That was December 10 2015. My surgery is scheduled for Sept 23 2016, so 9months , took.for me. I believe the norm is about 1 year-ish. They tend to go more towards RNY a it's a standard, but I it is medically necessary for some reason I the type of meds u need to take they may opt for the sleeve.

As.far as.a.time.line goes, it all depends on the hospital you get Sent to, the.process if.a.bit.different at each one. It also.depends on if.you require additional.tests etc.

Hope.this was helpful! 

My process from the referral to the beginning has been about one year (I'm in Ottawa).  By the way you don't get to choose the surgery you want - your surgeon will do that.

Forgot to say - yes folks that had WLS will need to take vitamins for the rest of their lives.  Probably one of the most important thing we need to do.  There are various ways to get them - chewables.  If you don't that them for you will not be able to get surgery.

My timeline is in my signature (about a year and a half out of Guelph).  You do not get to choose the type of surgery if you go through the OHIP funded surgery, only your surgeon can choose.  It's a long process and you jump through a lot of hoops.  The wait time is when you really can research and start to get your head in the game.  Surgery only fixes your stomach, it doesn't fix your head, and it's a lot of work after surgery.  Research on this site as much as possible.  I wish you luck on your journey.

18 months for me from referral.6 months from orietation. Biggest concern is you not being able to take vitamins. If you cannot then they will not do surgery so even self-pay is not option. Going through approved centre provides evaluation pre-op from multiple providers, education to ensure success post wls. They will also support you for 5 years post wls to ensure you are a sucess. Not being able to swollow pills is usually not a reason for sleeve. You will have to do your research and present it to the doctor after orientation. You have to go through the process then the surgeon decides what would be best. You cannot request sleeve when referral goes in

I should clarify,  I can take small pills and vitamins but large pills, which most of the vitamins I've seen are, are not an option unless crushed or chewable. And like I mentioned I'm also worried about absorption of my ongoing medication.

Does anyone have experience with longterm medication use and a bypass? Has it affected the efficacy of your medication? Did your doctor have to increase your dose to compensate?

Thanks again

I recall during my orientation that they don't recommend you get pregnant for a time after surgery, I can't remember if it was 1 or two years, but I'm thinking it was two.

Yes, from what I've read, the recommendation is to wait at least 18 months after surgery before becoming pregnant. That wait, plus not knowing how long it will take to conceive, and my age are all part of what's making me wonder if I should go the OHIP or the private route if it's possible. 

I know to some people it must seem trivial to wait another year or 2 when we've already waited so long but I'm not getting any younger and because we have already waited so long, it is a factor for me.

A good friend of mine had her gastric bypass about 20 years ago and went on to have 3 children.