As some of you may know,Protein, staying below 40g carbs, and exercising every day -- then I had some crappy stuff happen and I got knocked off my horse for a few weeks. But for the last 4-5 days, I'm bouncing back and starting to lose again. Then today, I had my follow up with my surgeon and it was awful. I expected him to be upset and he was. Granted their scale showed me about 3lbs heavier than I was at home this morning (and that's with the 2lbs they take off for clothes). Last time it was 3lbs. smaller -- but who cares? I'm only paying attention to my scale anyhow. I've only lost 6.5lbs in the last 21days. But the last two have been in just the past few days. I told my doctor about everything that happened, and he once again accused me of cheating.

He tells me that whether or not I exercise, I should still be losing 4-5lbs per week. I disagree. I showed him my food diary (MFP on phone) and how I'm averaging 550-600 calories per day, and was as low as 430 during the week I was too nauseous to eat. He told me I should aim for 600 calories per day, and I told him how his nurse and nutritionist both told me to go down to 400 when I wasn't exercising. I found it nearly impossible to hit my protein intake during that time, which he says is a lie. He told me that "with how I'm doing" I'm most likely going to max out at losing only a total of 50-60 pounds. I've already lost 42. WTH? I really do not get along with him and he tends to throw out numbers at me and tells me that he doesn't think I'm journaling everything I eat. He has NO IDEA how f****** diligent I am with my diary. I read on here how some doctors allow things like refried Beans, Peanut Butter, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, etc. but I keep to his diet strictly. It's a rotation of greek yogurt, cottage cheese, protein drinks/shakes, white meat chicken, shrimp, scallops, and tofu. I can't do much cheese because of one of my other ongoing problems, and if I squeeze in a floret or two of broccoli or a spear of asparagus I feel like I cheater.

I will agree that I want to work more at hitting my protein goals. Now that I'm feeling better, I know that will happen. But what happened to compassion? What happened to, "Wow. That sounds like a rough month. Let's see what we can do to get you back on track." No, I get, "You need to come clean and look in the mirror and see what you're doing wrong, what you're allowing to go in your mouth that you shouldn't." When I mention that my gyno may be considering surgery for my ovarian cyst problem, he was against it. His words, "Not many doctors know how to deal with fat patients on their table." I'm sorry, I know I'm obese but I find the word "fat" to be a bit insulting with the tone he used. I just don't like the word, since it's usually said with hate and it's not as clinical as "obese."

Thank goodness I have no more scheduled visits with him anytime soon. I'm forever grateful that he did a wonderful job with my surgery. He is obviously skilled in that area. But when it comes to making a person feel human, feel worthwhile, and not feel like a complete failure -- he needs a lot of work. I already knew the loss was bad, I knew I had a rough time with my stall. I've been beating myself up mentally for the past three weeks. I'm not looking for a friend or a hug, but f*** him if I'm going to let him call me a cheater ever again. God complex anyone?

Dump him. With his attitude, it won't bother him but it will make you feel better. You don't need the cr@p that he's dealing out, you've got enough to worry about. Doctors generally place themselves on very high pedestals, whether its deserved or not.

Well, I tell you, my PCP is just tickled pink to take on my follow up care. I had my surgery in Dallas, but I live in New Mexico, so I can't exactly fly to Dallas all the time. (I wish I could, my surgeon is a doll!) My PCP is bending over backwards for me, as I am his first VSG patient, so it's a change of pace for him I guess. It's not the worst thing in the world. We've had the surgery, we know how to work it. Have a doc that looks after you. It will all be ok. Emlefe- you are doing FINE!! You are being a perfect ANGEL with your food. I'm one of the ones allowed to have all the things you listed and I've lost 40 lbs. Don't let him bully you. Your stomach only holds so much. You WILL be successful. Either because of him or in spite of him!!

Wow, I'm so overwhelmed by all of your caring and understanding posts!

I've thought about it and really am not in a place to burn bridges with this doctor. Like I said, I'm at a place where I will not have to see him again (hopefully) for a long time. I will say again that he is a VERY talented surgeon and he kept his promise in that regard. Haven't had a single complication and my recovery was seamless compared to what so many go through. I have just enough restriction that it's working -- not too much, not too little. My incisions were clean and healed beautifully. I would highly recommend him again for the SURGERY. To be fair, I read a few reviews before my surgery that said the same thing: He's a great surgeon with a horrible bedside manner. When I met him, I found him to be pompass. When my husband met him, he thought the same thing. But all of the patients I met respect him and were major success stories.

However, that being said -- yes, I will most likely try to find a PCP that can help me for the next year or so. My current internist had never even heard of this surgery until I had it, and then I had to describe what he did in detail. I like him, but I do not see him as my best ally in my journey. I'm sure he'd be glad to run labs, watch levels, and that kind of thing; but I don't see him knowing how to help set goals and adjust when needed. I do have a nurse case manager through my insurance company, and I'll talk to her more to see what she suggests. I talked to her just last week and she was far more encouraging and supportive. She understood where I've been and told me I was doing a great job and that this stall would probably break soon. You know, remind me that I'm human!!

Thank you for listening to my rant and assuring me that I had every right to feel insulted, even if it was just his use of the word "fat." He told me a few weeks after surgery to "stay away from those online forums; they're full of kooks!" -- but I'm glad I didn't listen to him. You have all been so supportive of each other, so helpful and forthcoming with advice. I don't know where I'd be without you!

Whatever you do, don't quit your surgeon, unless he or she is doing something criminal or unethical.

I did and my GP was great until it came to maintenance. I was two years out and NO docs in the area will see me and I can't access their teams! Not even my GP can get me into any bariatric service in all of Atlanta!

Make your obligatory visits, and discuss your concerns. Or don't. Just keep them around in case you need them. :-) rd