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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.

OMG I'm sooooo excited got a cancellation appointment for August 18th/2014 9am orientation session I was like a kid at Christmas lol

Hi Pegasus - It looks like we're in about the same stage.  I, too, just received my information package.  My orientation is on August 25, 2014.  I know what you mean about thorough, it took quite a while to fill out my portion of the forms and I haven't been able to finish them yet..  Some questions still require some thought.

Are you excited that the ball is finally rolling?  I know I am :)

I received my information package via email from HRRH today. They sent me the patient questionnaire WOW !! 20 pages, it is very detailed !!! They want to know everything, I'm not complaining by any means. I'm sure it's done to ensure patient safety and appropriateness for surgery but I have had a few surgeries and never had to fill out such a detailed questionnaire. It kind of makes me feel more confident in them if that makes any sense. It makes me feel like they are striving to ensure that every patient will be a good candidate and will succeed but at the same time it makes me nervous what if I'm not the type of candidate they are looking for :-( I have had problems with Pulmonary Embolisms and Deep Vein Thrombosis with past surgeries what if they consider me to high risk and exclude :-( I don't want to be this weight for the rest of my life :'-( The physician questionnaire is only like 3 pages. Well it's 8 pages in total but that include information for the physician about advising your patient to attend all appointments, costs not covered, calling to reschedule 48 hours in advance, strict no show, policies, etc... Pages 5-8 are the physician questions that are to be mailed/faxed back to them. They also send directions to information session and information confirming the date and time of the session you are to attend. You are also requested that you email them confirmation that you have received the information email. They seem very thorough, well since the information session is two months away I guess I have to start waiting again but at least I'm moving forward. I just hope I get accepted after they review my questionnaire, I feel sick to my stomach just thinking about being rejected. Now I have to try not to worry about it :-(

I was referred to the Bariatric registry May 14th 2014 and had heard nothing by July so I started to look into finding out if my referral had at least been received by the registry I found an e-mail and a phone number. I sent an e-mail and received and automatic e-mail reply stating they no responded to e-mail requesting information on referral status. Therefore I resorted to calling them. I received a call back on July 17th 2014 they left a message confirming my referral to HRRH. I am not very good at being patient and have always been a go out and get it kinda girl so I found a number for them thanks to a member on OH and called their booking line hopefully someone will call me back if not then I will have to sit her and wait. Can`t wait to get my orientation date.