Referral Today - So Many Questions!

I had my referral sent in today, (which for some reason was super nerve wracking for me). My Dr. gave me a print out of the information submitted, and it says Toronto Western Hospital is my center. I've seen that TWH has super long wait times... is that the norm? I'm about a year and a half away from starting a very stressful and time consuming career, and it's one of the reasons I've committed to surgery now. I'm really hoping that TWH doesn't have a normal 2 yr wait time.

I've also seen from other posts that the surgeon is the one who decides what kind of surgery you get. Do they ever consult you, you know... go through the pros and cons for each one, the effects, etc. and allow you to have some input on the type you want. I kind of had my heart set on VSG, and the idea of re-routing my intestines scares the bejeezus out of me.

Anyway, thanks in advance for any help or feedback. Really happy I found this forum!

Welcome and Congratulations!

Wait times vary from centre to centre and person to person based on a number of factors. A lot of tests are required prior to surgery and sometimes stuff shows up in those tests. I know of someone who had H Pylori and it took 6 months and various treatments to clear up the infection. This put the person 6 months behind. Sometimes low iron counts have to rectified prior to surgery. Also nutritional issues that show up in your blood work may need some help.

You also have to meet with a social worker/counseller to determine if you are stable and a determination is made as to whether they think you are capable of handling the surgery and all that comes later.

You need to change your habits and start building new ones. This is probably one of the hardest things for people to do. You can't change something like this overnight. You need time.

As for which surgery you will receive, that is something that is determined by the surgeon based on results from all of your tests. Your liver size is a major reason some people have to have a sleeve. Roux en Y surgery is the gold standard and the first surgery that is recommended and the preferred surgery for OHIP.

VSG is considered for people who may have a large liver and the surgeon can't get to your stomach because of that. It's also for people who have to take NSAIDS for certain conditions. It's also used as the first step in a 2 step DS. You will sign consent for both the Roux En Y and VSG surgeries. If you have GERD then VSG is not for you. Heartburn is worse with VSG. My GERD totally resolved with Roux En Y.

Hope this helps.

Hi I had to go through the OBN in Windsor who does all your appointments and then refers you to the hospital. At the time I had a choice of Guelph or TWH and had wanted Guelph because it was closer but had I stuck with that I would have had to have a sleep test and I didn't want that. So TWH it was. I had Dr. Urbach who is the head of the department so I was in very good hands!

My referral was made in June, I had orientation in July and my first appointments in September. My surgery was the following April - so 10 months start to finish.

As for what surgery you get it really depends on your health and your surgeon. Trust in their expertise.