Over 50 and starting my journey!

Hello.  I was happy to see that there is an "Over 50" forum on this site!  I am going to Toronto Western hospital on April 12th for my orientation.  I have spent a lot of time researching as many websites as I could about all of this, but have found this forum to be the most helpful thus far.  Apparently the time frame from orientation to the actual surgery varies depending on the individual.... but what do you suppose I could be looking at??  I had read somewhere that they will put you on a 3 month "diet" with the nutritionist, but then looking at some of the people's status that didn't seem to happen.  Any info as to what comes next would be most appreciated!  Thanks in advance.

I'm not from Canada so I have no idea what the requirements are, but I wanted to welcome you to the forum. Which surgery have you chosen? I was a self pay, which has the disadvantage of actually putting out a lot of money for the surgery, but the advantage was that I only had about a month from making the decision to have surgery to the actual surgery. I hope your wait isn't too long. Good luck.

Thanks!  I am hoping that it isn't too far down the road either.  I think it will probably be the Roux en Y procedure, but I will know more as I go through the process.  Mine should be covered by OHIP as I have severe sleep apnea, BMI of over 40, take meds for blood pressure and cholesterol... so my Dr. feels that I won't run into any problems... but that will remain to be seen!  Keep in touch!

 Ohhhhhh   welcome to the forum.  Even here in the states we all encounter different procedures depending on the Dr., surgery type, and insurance companies.

You will be so thrilled at the changes you will see and feel.   Just think:  being able to tie shoes, see feet, walk without being exhausted, all kinds of neat things.

Millie

Thanks Millie.  I am  looking forward to the journey!  My brother lost 180 lbs. with his bypass...and it has been life changing for him.  I don't have quite that much to lose, but I just can't imagine really what it will be like a little over 100 lbs. less. 

Hi

Here in the states the wait time varies according to the insurance carrier.  United Health made me go through 12 consecutive months of nutritionalcouseling/diet and countless evaluations and clearances before they approved my RNY.  It looked like they were trying to wear me out and make me give up.  Most everyone else waits from 3 to 6 months.

Canada may have a different wait time.  Keep us posted.

Good luck!

Welcome!  I see a lot of people have answered your question already so I just wanted to say HI!!!!  This is a very friendly forum and glad to see you here!  :)

Welcome to the over 50 forum.  We're a bunch of great people, me included   You'll get a plethera of information from this site.
I know the Canadians that had their surgery in Detroit at Henry Ford had to do a 6 month dr. supervised diet first.  Don't know what your Toronto Western hospital requires.  You'll find out at the orientation.  Whatever the requirements are, it's worth every minute. You'll find us to be a very supportive and understanding group.
I chose RNY because my insurance would not pay for DS or VSG.  I probably would have researched those two more, if my insurance would have covered it.
Did I see that your brother had RNY?  At least you'll have his support thru all this, and you know what a journey you're in for.
Good Luck, and stay with us.
Jan

Hello and Welcome to OFF!!

I wish you the very best on you new and exciting journey!!

It seems like every insurance and doctor has there own plans and requirements....good luck!

Hugs....connie d

Good luck and warm welcome to a fantastic group!   I had my RNY in Sept. at 57, and already am feeling so much better.  I have a lot to lose (more like your brothere!) - but it's worth it!   All the best.