Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

Doctors can be intimidating. It can be hard to open up to them when the issue is something that’s embarrassing and super important, which is definitely the case with obesity and weight loss surgery.

Some primary care physicians frown on weight loss surgery, and can make you feel guilty about considering it or scared to take that next step. Others can support you and give you the confidence you need to go ahead.

Bariatric surgeons can also influence you. They may talk down to you or fail to give you the time and explanations you need. This can make you feel that WLS may not be for you. Or, they can informative, helpful, and supportive. They can make you feel that WLS is something you can do.

I know people who have spoken to the first – the negative – type of doctors and surgeons and nearly given up on their ideas about WLS. Then they’ve gone to a more positive environment and decided to go through with it.

Did you have any negative-seeming doctors at first when considering WLS? What did you do? Did you just ignore them and move forward? Did you find another doctor or surgeon? Share your experiences and tips for not letting a doctor scare you off!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ha! Nobody scares me. :)

And no -- my PCP and my bariatric surgeon don't intimidate me. They are both awesome. They're very smart and great listeners. They invite and welcome all the questions I can come up with, which can sometimes be a lot. They never fuss at me for saying, "I read on the Internet that ...." (which could get a bit old for any professional). They're both straight shooters.

Frankly, I adore them both and think I'm so lucky to have them on my healthcare team.

One other thing -- Hubby and I are in our 70s, and a few years ago we realized we needed for all our healthcare providers to be in their 40s. We don't want to be finding and breaking in new doctors when we're in our 90s. :) So our PCP and our surgeon are both in their mid 40s. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Lucky for me, my PCP was on board from the get go and was actually the one to suggest I consider WLS. I had been seeing him for a few consecutive months and even with appetite suppressant prescriptions, I still wasn't making much progress with weight loss.

My surgeon was a blessing in disguise. At my second appointment, I had gained 2 lbs. Rather than reaming me out, he stated that he was able to figure out what type of redirection I needed and understood that each of his patients respond differently. He didn't think that the "in your face" lecture would work for me, so he approached it with a gentle yet realistic reminder of why my life depended on this surgery. By the next appointment, I was down those 2 lbs, plus an additional 4. He was 100% correct about how I would respond and I appreciated his efforts in getting to know his patients on that level.

At my final appointment, he told me I was going to be his poster child and he was already so impressed with my determination that he was planning to ask me to speak at our monthly Support Groups once I was in recovery and making progress.

I've seen horror stories of some surgeon's and am very grateful mine is nothing like those.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeon has been very straightforward and easy to talk with about all aspects of my WLS.

He has been highly insightful and direct. His message has been consistent and his advice very timely.

He has been very encouraging.

I am immensely grateful for his impact on my life.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeon did not answer my questions to my satisfaction at all. He was trying to give me the 'simple 'answer when I wanted the cold hard facts. When I left his office, I really wasn't sure about continuing on with the surgery.

My PCP, however, was brilliant. She specializes in weight management, so she was extremely well informed and has a lot of bariatric patients and could provide a great deal of insight and support from the outcomes of other patients in her practice. I have loved my doctor for years and this has only sealed my decision to stay with her as long as possible.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My PCP's understanding of bariatric surgery is that it's a "definitive treatment for obesity". She, my surgeon, and the program therapist all described me as "the ideal candidate".

That said, I'm like @VSGAnn2014. Nobody scares me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My GYN is also my PCP and he is actually the one who recommended the surgery to me. We tried all kinds of other methods and nothing worked. We worked out at the same gym every morning so he knew it wasn't related to lack of exercise. He and I have had a really good relationship for 8 years now.

My Surgeon is also very good. I'm not quite as comfortable around him, but I wouldn't say that he intimidates me. He helped me make an informed decision, and gave me lots of facts about the different options for WLS. I have had no complications so I haven't seen him much post op. I went for my 3 month and he said I was doing great and to come back in 6 months.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeon is one of the most awesome human beings I've ever met. I am not exaggerating. To echo VSGAnn2014, my doctor never rushes you, will sit as long as necessary to make you understand and will let you ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable. Prior to surgery we had a long discussion about procedures . . . he laid everything out clearly and did not push me to a particular proceedure, but made it clear he had definite opinions. After surgery, when I had concerns about my rate of loss, he sat with me and went over food, activity level, etc. At one point, he asked if I understood a point he was making (it was a fairly scientific point) when I said yes, with hesitation, he told me it was his job to sit there all day with me until I understood, so I should be honest with him. He's friends with my primary care doctor and does not hesitate to get her on the phone when issues arise or just to keep her in the loop on my progress. He saw me through my VSG, my gallbladder removal, a blood cholesterol issue and now a fairly significant issue with GERD which may require a revision. He lets me cry on his shoulder when my issues become overwhelming and he cried when I walked into his office at my one year follow up appointment and handed him the medal from my first half marathon which I ran 2 days before. I am thankful every single day that this man is in my life and grateful for the life he helped me to achieve.

My one piece of advice to newbies is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with and will give you the level of support YOU need. If your first choice doesn't offer that, find someone else!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My pcp is awesome and works with my surgeon in a capacity that is awesome I love my surgeon she is so personable and we work out with her if we need to

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow, these are great responses! I am so glad to hear there are so many great doctors and surgeons out there, and that you seem to be finding them! I really respect those PCPs who either already know about WLS, or who are willing to learn what they need to in order to help you, their patients, be successful. I also really respect and am grateful for the surgeons who have the integrity to be patient with their patients. They can (am some do) very easily rush you, pressure you, and keep their dealings with you to a minimum. It sounds like many of you have found surgeons who are the opposite.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeon was amazing! I was geared up expecting to be talked down to-as I have been in the past, but I didn't have that experience with my surgeon. He was kind, caring, thorough and never made me feel like I was a loser or less of a human being for being in my condition. My PCP was also amazing and she was so happy for me when I walked in her office for my yearly checkup over 100lbs lighter than last year.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×