Orientation at HRRH

I had my orientation session Monday August 18th 2014 9:00am at HRRH (Humber River Regional Hospital) Keele Street site. I was surprised how many people didn't show up. When I signed in there was probably about 30 names on the list and about 12-15 people in the class (not including support people). I was kinda pissed off at this because I know that there are many people here on OH (Obesity Help) that are waiting for their call for an orientation session date and these people couldn't be bothered to show up REALLY ???? How rude !!! Anyway I found the orientation session very informative but I myself did not learn anything new as I had already did 1-1.5 years of research on WLS (Weight Loss Surgery) before I ever even asked my physician for a referral. I was also surprised by the reactions of some people. I thought that if you were considering an elective invasive surgery you would do your research before hand. I apologize if that comment offended anybody that was not my intention just a observation/question/query. I know I heard a few of the people say that they weren't going to continue with the referral process when they were handing in there sheets. For those of you who have not yet had your orientation session at the beginning they have you sign in and pick up 3 hand out packages/sheets. One package explains the orientation session slides, etc.. in detail, One is a explanation of the nutritional guidelines post-op and the other is 2 yellow sheets that you sign saying that you want to proceed through the referral process. They tell you that if you hand in your yellow sheets saying you wish to continue you will receive a telephone call in 4-6 weeks setting up further appointments. I know some people have waited longer than that. My girlfriend had her orientation session June 16th 2014 and she just got a call Monday telling her that she doesn't qualify for surgery because her BMI is below 40 and she doesn't have 2 co-morbidity's to support her going forward with the surgery. I hope this isn't me in 4-6 weeks, my BMI is 37.6 but I believe I have at least 2 co-morbidity's that qualify me (fingers crossed). I overheard one person saying to the presenter that they weren't going to proceed because they weren't aware of the hair loss issue. I was again surprised by that as well, because for myself my weight bothers me more than the idea of my hair thinning out because in most cases it does grow back to normal and the presenter did mention during her presentation that the hair loss is not permanent in most cases. The presenter we had was straight forward and honest but pleasant and friendly, she didn't sugar coat anything which I liked. She made it very clear what was expected of us as the patient and what was not, she also made it clear that it was okay to back out at anytime during the process that nobody would be angry because it's their job to help people make the right decision for themselves even if that means not going forward with the surgery. She encouraged people who weren't quite sure if this was the right thing for them to go ahead and sign the yellow sheet to proceed and go to further appointments to help them with their final decision. All in all it was well worth going even for someone like myself that has done plenty of research before hand because it helps you cement your decision to go forward or makes you feel like if you do decide it's not for you later it will still be okay. I hope anybody that is still waiting gets their call soon or I also encourage you to call them about any cancellation slots available. Good-Luck to you all I'll let you know when I get the call about further appointments.

Hi

im wondering after reading about how much research you did - if you know anything about what to expect from the dietician appointment ? I've heard they can be pretty harsh and actually fail you if they want

I have done some research but I'm meeting with the dietician next week and I'm feeling a bit anxious

any info would be helpful

thanks ))

Do you know who you are seeing??  I haven't done a tonne of research on the dietitian appointments. Mostly ob the different procedures, dietary requirements, vitamin requirements, risks, etc.. I do know however that they want you to bring a detailed food journal for at least the last 3 days. You need to be prepared to discuss previous weight loss efforts. You need to be able to describe in detail dietary guidelines post-op. You need to be prepared to discuss changes you have already made to show commitment to surgery and be prepared to discuss what you feel you still need to work on. Be sure to re-read your orientation handouts. Be sure to be honest with them or I'm sure they will call you out. I have heard that there is 1 dietitian (Denise) at can be particularly harsh but otherwise haven't heard a lot. I don't know if that was helpful at all Good-Luck let me know how it went :-)

P.S.  If you received one don't forget your clinical pathway card I heard sometimes they can get crabby sbout that

Sorry I keep coming up with little things. I know they are very keen on making sure you are self aware, that you know what your issues are and have put in some effort to make changes, that you have done some research and aren't expecting the surgery to be some miracle. They want you to know what thesurgery entails risks, expectations, etc.. and that you understand what you are getting into with respect to diet and possible vitamin requirements post-op drpending on surgery being performed. Hopefully I'm not just repeating myself lol As long as you have read your package and know your stuff you should be okay. Good-luck :-)