Vinara

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Well, I actually have an update sooner than I thought I would. 

I attended my GP for a referral to the bariatric surgeon.  She insisted that I have an extensive physical exam, including fasting blood work, Pap test, Upper GI, chest x-rays and ECG.

I was prescribed Prevacid to treat my acid reflux, and what a miracle cure that drug has been.  I have had no further symptoms since starting that medication. 

I requested that she make the referral to the surgeon locally, as well as at another clinic that he attends monthly, which is about 2 hours away from here.  I had heard that the wait times were not near as long if I was willing to travel to see him.  Heck I was willing to drive 6 hours away when I last pursued this surgery, so 2 hours is no big deal.  Well, I received a phonecall the following day for my initial consult for December.21!!  I just may have managed to cut 2 years off of my wait. 

I know that I have to attend my family physician for a referral to start the process.  I made an appointment this morning for next week - baby steps!

I have read on some of the local forums that in Alberta, I am looking at a wait time of 3- 8 years!!  Sheesh, and I thought 2 years was bad last time.  Perhaps my doctor will be kind enough to put me on all 4 lists.  I also heard that you can sometimes speed things up by calling often and requesting to be put on a cancellation list. 

I am willing to try anything to get through the process as soon as possible.  It is so frustrating to make such a huge decision, and then have to wait so long.  Oh, well.  I know that I am not the only one, and I also know that my time will come.

I am just so happy that I have found this support board.  All I find myself doing lately is reading the many inspirational stories. 

Thanks for stopping by.