Curious about the process

Hello everyone, I'm brand new to all of this and a bit nervous. I'm still learning about bariatric surgery and exploring my options. I'm leaning towards it. I met with a weight specialist doctor in Ottawa for the first time just a few days ago and he passed along my file for the orientation for bariatric surgery. I've read through some of these forum posts and I'm not sure on the process. I'm guessing I'll have my orientation probably in September given the summer and based on what I've read on these forums. My question is what are all the various appointments, meetings, consultations, etc. I can expect if I decide on surgery and what is expected of me in the run up to the surgery? I read someone in their pre-operation appointment began an "optifast"...not sure on all these terms. I'd be grateful if someone could explain the process. Thanks everyone.

Welcome!

The process is somewhat the same for everyone and it can be different for everyone as well.

Orientation is the first step. They will explain pretty much everything at that point and you can either decide right then and there whether you wish to proceed or go home, think about it and then call them and move forward.

You will meet with a Dietician, a nurse and a social worker. The nurse will give you requisitions for bloodworm, an abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, colonoscopy if needed and a sleep study if needed.

Once all of that is complete and the results are returned to the clinic you will go back and meet with the nurse to go over results. You will probably meet with the Dietician as well. Based on results, you will be given a vitamin and supplement regime to begin. You will be asked to start making changes, i.e., cut out pop, quit smoking, cut down on caffeine, up your protein, lower your carbs etc. Not all at once, but bit by bit.

Eventually, you will meet with an Internist to discuss everything and if all is good, then you will get the move forward to meet the surgeon.

Meet the surgeon, get a date and then you're on your way.

Time frame for beginning to end varies from Centre to Centre. Some take a year or more while others complete the process in 7 - 12 months. I was 7 months from Referral to Surgery.

As I said before, things may be somewhat different depending on your centre. I've probably over simplified, but essentially that's the process.

Welcome and congratulations on taking the first step!!

Opti (or Optifast) is a meal replacement shake people take for typically 2 or 3 weeks before surgery, as prescribed by the surgeon. The goal of Opti is to reduce your liver and make it malleable so they can perform the surgery laparoscopically. To do that, they have to be able to move your liver out of the way.

Opti often results in weight loss, which is a nice bonus/kick start. It also puts your body into ketosis, which helps you stay in ketosis for a while post op.

Sweetide did a good job explaining the process so I'm not going to repeat that! As she said, each clinic is a bit different. Hopefully some of the Ottawa folks will chime in.

Good luck!!

That is a great description of the process but I just wanted to add one thing. When I was referred I was fairly sure I did not want this surgery. I agreed to attend the orientation to get the information. I did my own homework everyday of the process by reading this and other forums, books, and webcasts etc. After the orientation I decided to continue in the process but told myself I could quit any time I wanted to. It was listening to all the folks that have had this surgery that convinced me it was my best option. That is the best place to get valuable information. In the end, do your homework and make the best decision for you and know you can quit any time you choose.

Welcome!

Sweetride has given you an excellent rundown of the process. I'll just add that in addition to checking your physical health, they also want to assess your mental health. That's what the social worker appointments are for, and the social worker may (or may not) refer you to a psychologist for assessment.

I'm not entirely sure, but I believe some centers require the psychology assessment as part of their usual protocol for everyone, while other centers only do so if they feel it's indicated (ie history of depression or other mental health issues, or just if the social worker thinks it would be a good idea).

As Murt says, throughout the process if for any reason you change your mind you can stop. You can even call a halt after you've climbed up on the operating table. It's also my understanding that you can "pause" the process if something comes up, ie pregnancy or health crisis or some other urgent matter that needs attending to and temporarily prevents you from having surgery.

Best of luck to you!

Welcome to the group!

There's nothing wrong with exploring your options and finding out if this is the best fit for you. We all have our own journeys. Everyone seems to have covered the basic process already for you. (I am going through the program with TWH and they do require a psychologist visit along with all the others.).

One other thing you might be interested in is the telehealth/telemedicine (video conference) appointments if you are unable to travel back and forth to the centre - they will give you more information at your orientation if you are interested. YOu do have to go to a few visits at the centre but I've done a few others telemedicine and they make my life way easier.

Everyone in this group is fantastic; there is no judgement here about anything and we can speak freely.

Welcome again!

~jro

Welcome to the group!

No question is too big or too small, we answer them all

As all your points were covered by the others, I wont repeat. One other tidbit of info that I can add is the financial aspect of the pre/ post surgery. Optifast is not covered under any insurance plan so be ready for a $200+ bill for that. Also, all the post surgery vitamins and supplements. For the most part we all take some sort of multi or prenatal vitamin, iron pill, calcium citrate and vitamin B/D (did I forget any?)

I look/ shop for the "deals" and find Costco is best priced for most of what I take daily.

*hugs to all*