You should definitely be able to get a referral from your family doctor, although sometimes people have to fight for it. It is really up to the bariatric clinic to assess you to determine if you will be successful post-op.

It is also helpful if you have a counselor/psychologist/etc. who can support you and speak to your ability to succeed. During the process I was asked to get some questions filled out by my counselor who I had been working with for quite some time (about all different things). Especially if you don't have a long history with your family doc. Although they have to also be willing to follow up with you post-op :) My family doc retired while I was in the process and I was very concerned that the doctor taking over for him wouldn't be supportive, but I've been pleasantly surprised.

Hello. First time poster. Long time reader. I went to a walk in clinic to get a referral for the bariatric clinic. They said it was beyond their scope.

I havent done a medically supervised weight loss program. I did pay a personal trainer thousands and lost 1% (almost nothing) body fat in 6 months. My BMI is 45 and I am 30 years old. I havent even really been able to give any diet a real chance. I get hopeless and give up. I actually enjoy exercise but now I am so big I dont enjoy anything really. I know for certain after the surgery I will need to really work on my relationship with food and eat healthier. I enjoy fruits and veggies in all forms a great deal. I also enjoy almost every protein. I am sure the surgery will help me although it will be work and is hard and not an easy way out.

I have an appointment with my new family doctor on Tuesday. What can I say or do to get him to refer me?

Long story short, can I get a referral without having attempted a medically supervised weight loss clinic? And never meeting with a dietician?

Hey Leslie,

Thanks for responding. I was kind of surprised that this topic had so many views - but no responses, especially considering it's such a common problem with obese people.

Yes, I know it's not a "second stomach" - my wife calls it that and so do I just as a sort of nickname.

I have already been to a surgeon and was told the same thing. It is covered though where I live, so I won't have to pay when the time comes. This surgeon has been highly recommended and I gotten feedback from past patients.

My concern was more the panni hanging down lower as the weight loss occurs. Did you have that problem or do the panni kind of shrink/go inward. It is already covering my bits to be frank, so I don't want it hanging to my knees.

If you have had your hanging skin from your arms and legs done - how much did that cost you?

Thanks again,

Adam

Greetings,

I am sure most of you know what I mean by second stomach - the large pouch of skin that grows under your actual stomach as you have gained weight usually requiring a panniculectomy at some point.

For those that have lost the weight or are losing the weight, have you found that the pouch shrinks a bit or as you have lost the weight, it just hangs down even lower.

I am asking because I have a very large pouch under my stomach - it is pretty much already covering my bits to the point that I have to lift it to go to the bathroom, so I just can't imagine this thing hanging down to my knees as I start dropping the weight. I am hoping it moves a little more inward and not further down.

I have been told by my surgeon that I need to lose a certain amount of weight before they could do any surgery, so while I know there will be hanging skin in general, I am hoping that some people here have had some good experiences at the very least with second stomach pouch shrinking a bit.

Any feedback or advice would be appreciated.

Thank you.

AC

May 3, 2020. 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Dundas Valley School of Art

21 Oglivie St. Dundas, ON.

PM me with any questions or to obtain my cell number for help.

Clothing/Book Exchange Event Synopsis
The clothing exchange is a bi-annual event held in May and November for women of all ages and sizes. Comprised mainly out of the plus-sized and weight loss surgery (WLS) communities, the clothing exchange enables larger women to meet and trade/donate items, thereby helping to offset the need to purchase new clothing, especially for those whom have had WLS and are losing weight rapidly.
As plus-size clothing tends to be more expensive, this twice yearly event gives larger women the opportunity to:
a) Recycle clothing that is no longer required or desired,
b) Obtain newer items to update current wardrobe, without the pressure of salespeople,
c) Provide a charitable service to the community by donating unclaimed items at the end of the event,
d) Meet like-minded women and engage in companionship without distractions from regular day to day life.
The Fall 2011 event was the first to incorporate book exchanging as well. Previously a separate event, it was determined that the same communities could meet to exchange books and literature at the same time.
While the event is listed as an "exchange", in actually, there is no onus on anyone to bring clothing or books to "trade". Unlike a true exchange where an item is swapped for another like item, this event focuses more on the 3 R's of a green planet philosophy.
This event has always been free to participants. Water and coffee, if available, is provided and sometimes light refreshments. Participants are welcome to bring healthy snacks to share if they wish, but again, there is no onus on anyone.
This event is alcohol and drug-free. Women are asked to leave children, pets and husbands at home (with the exception of helping drop off or pick up bags) to enable privacy for the women who wish to try on clothing. Women are also asked to only bring CLEAN ITEMS IN GOOD REPAIR.
Past events have proven to be well attended with the average number being around 20 women. This event was held annually but has since grown to bi-annually due to demand. Past donations have ranged from 3 to 32 large bags of clothing at the completion of event.