Hi there! I went to an orientation at TWH yesterday and received my first appointment, but it is with the surgeon! From what I understand from the orientation, they need to determine if I can even have the surgery. Has anyone started the process the same way? Other than morbidly obese, I am relatively healthy- no diabetes, high blood pressure etc. I'm 33yo with a BMI of 50. I had a total thyroidectomy due to enlarged thyroid and papillary cancer back in 2014, and have been regularly seeing my endocrinologist. I go to Dr. Wharton Medical Clinic and they say I'm a perfect candidate for bariatric surgery, as they referred me to the program. Any insight and advice is greatly appreciated!

Sorry, I meant post OP class. We are required to take this class right before surgery.

Good morning lovely Ginny and all of the other Menu Mates.

Last night DH and I ended up going out to listen to live music. That music was fantastic. These are all veteran performers that just like to jam together.

Accountability: I staying away from all of the yummy stuff at the bar, only to come home and eat some bacon.

QOTD: Not sure what the decoration/tree situation will be this year. I'm leaving to go down south in a few weeks and will be there for Christmas.

The eats today at 4 years post-op are:

B. Rivers of decaf

B2. Fried egg and 2 slices of bacon

L. Grilled chicken skewer with broccoli and some jalapeno aioli for dipping

D. Bunless burger made with mushrooms and cheese, and a fried egg on top.

Have a great day everyone.

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.

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.