Orientation Letter!

Hey all!!! Last night after a very long day out in Toronto, I came home to my orientation letter. It's for March 26th in Hamilton! I'm a stresser, so much relief that everything has been submitted correctly and I'm underway! Any tips on what I should be doing to prep?

Just keep reading. The orientation is just a detailed overview of the process but it is also a good opportunity to answer your questions. Read and write down your questions. I found it interesting. Congrats! You're on your way now.

Congratulations!!! That is a relief. :)

No prep required. You'll get lots of good info there! And keep reading and posting here!

Congrats on getting the letter!

When I went (Jan 15, 2018,Hamilton) it was a small room of about 10 people. We had to check in at the desk prior and received a few handouts. The presentation was about an hour long and we were introduced to a social worker, nurse, and dietician. They went over the surgeries offered, and some of the out of pocket expenses we'd be responsible for. They also touched on the non medical program if we wanted to go that route instead. Once it was done we handed in a sheet with which program we wanted (surgical or medical). Was pretty simple.

About a week later I received a letter in the mail for my first nutrition class (March2!) ! It was mailed out the same day as the orientation date. I was shocked! And excited of course haha.

Good luck on your journey!!

Oh wow! Thanks for the info. I'll bring my nerdy note book and make sure I have questions. I'm very excited.

A nerdy notebook is required and perhaps even a binder....nerds love office supplies! Good luck.

I was with Hamilton too. My letter came much later. My orientation was July 4 2016 and my first nutrition class was not until March 31, 2017.

Don't know why there is such a difference in timelines ....but just giving a different perspective.

Barb

Hi Jess,

You don't really need to do a formal prep...just show up with questions that you want answered and listen to what they have to say. I found that I had done so much research before my orientation that they really didn't tell me anything new. For me it was just a confirmation that it was really going to happen and just the first step in a string of many appointments.

In Hamilton at the orientation, they will ask you to sign a form indicating if you would like to go ahead with the surgery - that way they can get the ball rolling for you. (I think I was first in line to hand mine in!). Also, they will give you lots of forms to bring home and fill out to bring to your appointments. They will also give you a copy of the presentation that they will show you with diagrams. I found this really helpful to bring home and go over with my husband so that he knew exactly what was going to happen to me.

I remember driving out of the parking lot that day knowing that my life was about to change. It's a great feeling. Now that I am almost 5 months since surgery and have witnessed first hand the incredible change in my life, my appearance, and my range of motion, I can't believe that anybody would not have this surgery to change their life! Although having said that I also know (as oneatatime has reminded me) that everyone is different and it's not for everyone. For me, it's been the best decision I have ever made. I have my life back!!

Thanks for listening and all the best to you in your journey!

Barb

Thank you so much Barb. I always over research (I should really do it for a living), I'm looking forward to actual literature from the program.

I was able to take my husband to the orientation, they'd already set out the first few appointments and once you signed off that you were on board, they gave you that information. But I know it varies across the different hospitals, the one advantage of having my husband there was he was able to hear the presentation first hand and ask some of his own questions.