Timeline for Ontario?

Hi All!

I'm in Ontario (between Kingston & Toronto) and was wondering what kind of timeline I could anticipate? I'm planning to take the very first step and talk to my family doc on Monday about a referral.

Thanks! :)

Welcome!

It varies within the province. Some centers are quicker than others. I would say average a year to 18 months from start to finish. Having said that there are people that get it within under a year too. I was 11 months start to finish.

Once you find out which center you are going to, then you can ask people on this forum who are going there to give you a more accurate guideline.

Good luck with your journey!

I went through Hotel Dieu in Kingston, and from my experience and those I know who went through there, a year from referral to surgery is a pretty realistic timeline.

Depends what hospital you are sent to. For most people it is 1 year. I have seen as short as 6 months and as long as 2 years.

I got a referral sent in June. It's now October and I'm almost at the end.

As others have said it depends on the center you are going through, but also the amount of testing that will be required. Some people require sleep studies, abdominal ultrasounds, x-rays, additional blood work, etc that add on time. Depending on your dietary habits or modifications, you may also require additional dietician appointments. Some people will also see the social worker and others won't. There are multiple factors that affect your timeline. On average I believe they say 18 months for the centers, but obviously, it could be more or less.

If you do want it accelerated, be sure to ask for cancellations and know that just because you are given an appointment does not mean it can't be moved up.

It seems like just yesterday I was asking the same question. Realistically 12 to 18 months. But if you are persistent and look for cancellations it can be quicker. There are never any guarantees with this process. I was very fourtunate. My orientation was in December 2016 and Surgery April 2017. There were a lot of icy and snowy days that I was able to get some cancellations and ultimately got through the process quicker. I was more than ready, I had prepped and researched before I even asked for a referral. Some people need the full year to prepare themself for this huge life change.

Either way you are making a step in the right direction. I haven't felt this great in years! The weight is coming off consistently and although I still have 50lbs to go I know I will get there now.

Good luck in your process!

I was told at Hotel Dieu in Kingston 6-8 months from orientation to surgery.