Ok. So where to start.

I have been reading this forum for a year or so but have never posted. Weird how I can be so computer shy, but not so much in real life! Everyone who contributes is stellar in my book and I have appreciated all of your stories and experiences from afar, so thanks.

I had lap band surgery in May of 2008 and it was a nightmare from the beginning. We've all read the terrible stories, mine not really any different. Couldn't keep Water down sometimes, stuck all the time, etc. Where my story does seem to differ is where my surgeon is concerned. My surgeon, John Dietrick in Tampa has terrible bedside manner, I knew this going into it, but was confident in his skill set. He was adamant that the band was not to blame, it was me, end of story. "The band doesn't fail, people fail", whatever! I became immune to his personality and just conceded to that fact he is how he is.

In June 2011 I had the lap and out finally. Hallelujah!!! I started researching Vsg in the beginning of 2011 to see if I could get both procedures done at the same time. Surgeon wouldn't do that which I was fine with. I just researched my brains out on if I really wanted to go through another procedure. What if it felt like the lapband!?! Gasp! And it's irreversible! Needless to say, I did a lot of soul searching and research which I'm glad I did. Would not change the procedure for the world! I love it!!!!

Fast forward to October 28th 2013 when I finally had my VSG done with Dr. Dietrick. I stayed with him because he knew my history and I figured I could just try to push through the personality, try and make him laugh for god sakes, blah blah. So it's been about 6 weeks and I am down 27 lbs! Listen, I compare myself to others that are losing quicker, but man! I doing pretty damn well I think!! I think I only lost 27lbs the whole 5 years with lap-band! I'm happy and in a good place, and know that it's just a matter of time for where I want my weight to be. I have for the first time in my life, changed my frame of mind about why I did this. It's not temporary, it's here to stay and I embrace it!

I'm rambling, sorry. The whole reason for the post was because I just came from dr. Dietricks office and am shaking I'm so angry, and confused.

I had my 6 week check up today, and instead of being encouraged, I got downright scolded! I told him that i religiously track everything in MFP 700-800 calories a day, 70-80 Protein, carbs under 45 ish. He flat out said that the app is lying or I am, because there is no way that I only lost that much with that caloric intake. Plus I ride stationary cycle everyday 20-30minutes.

He said, actually said these words, they actually 100% came out of his mouth, "maybe you're drinking TOO MUCH water!?!?" wtf?

After 6 years I just lost my shiz on him. I said you've been doing this to me for years and I'm done. isn't every body different In which it loses its weight? My muscle building? My water retention? Stalls? Etc etc, all the things WE already know, yet he doesn't?! He didn't know what a stall was! He said "all bodies are the same, you must be putting your calories in wrong, because you are the only one in the world that will only lose 1.5 lbs a week on 700 calories".....Oh my lord! I just started crying to where I couldn't even speak, got my stuff and bolted. Isn't my surgeon supposed to be encouraging? Ayayayay.

So the million dollar question is after all my rambling, does anyone have any experience in the Tampa Bay Area with a good bariatric surgeon? Is this guy nuts, or am I emotional? I won't let this sidetrack me in the least. I guess I just needed to let it out to people who would understand. My husband, bless him. After he hung up with me crying he called the surgeons office and asked if he should go down there,hahah. Silly.

Thanks for listening!

Wow, what a D!ck. Sorry, I don't know of any where you live, but it shouldn't be too hard to find one. Maybe your PCP can do your follow ups.

Wow, what a D!ck. Sorry, I don't know of any where you live, but it shouldn't be too hard to find one. Maybe your PCP can do your follow ups.

Haha... That in and of itself makes me feel so much better! Thanks!

Wow, sorry you're having such a rough time. My surgeon is kind of a weird nerdy guy, but he's not an ass. I know there are threads here for patients by state, so maybe try looking through the FL threads? I'm not sure how many surgeons would see a patient postop who was sleeved by another local surgeon, though. On the bright side, now you're postop so the amount of times you see him will get less and less. Good luck!

Edited December 12, 201312 yr by southernsoul

Wow, sorry you're having such a rough time. My surgeon is kind of a weird nerdy guy, but he's not an ass. I know there are threads here for patients by state, so maybe try looking through the FL threads? I'm not sure how many surgeons would see a patient postop who was sleeved by another local surgeon, though. On the bright side, now you're postop so the amount of times you see him will get less and less. Good luck!

That was my biggest concern... Thanks for the suggestion!

I left the office in tears. Like the kind when you were around 3 and can't catch your breath, lol. He wanted to "regroup" and meet in two weeks... I, on the other hand want to regroup my way over to a new office!

Find someone new! Just to give you perspective (if you need any, you probably don't) my weight loss was about the same as yours six weeks out and my dietician* told me I was doing great and should be proud of myself! Your surgeon needs to go eff himself!

*In my surgeon's office, the staff dieticians handle the nutritional aspects of follow up care. She is an expert in working with bariatric surgery patients, not some uneducated yahoo from off the street.

I had a similar situation but with my nutritionists. It's hard and I just don't think they understand sometimes.

What an ignorant unprofessional attitude. How can all of us on here know so much more than he does? Does he even know what your resting metabolic rate was/is? What were your stats the day he sleeved you? Most of us sleeved-in-Mexico folks just use our own research & email with our practices as follow-up for NUT & other.

What!

The

Fuck!

First, he's wrong.

Second, you're not crazy.

Third, he's an asshole.

(There are going to be so many asterisks when I hit POST.)

But seriously.

But now comes the question -- how do you find another doctor? I'm afraid I cannot help you on that. I bet others here can do so though.

Also, use the search function here and look for strings like:

* changing surgeon

* new surgeon

* replacing surgeon

etc.

Good luck to you. YOU don't have to put up with that shit.

(Lotta asterisks coming.)

And another thing ....

Too much Water?

Every body is the same?

He never heard of a stall?

He's an idiot.

And of course, you could never, ever teach him anything because he knows everything already.

Thank God that not ever doctor and not every surgeon is this big an asshole. Otherwise, I'd be letting my vet operate on me.

What an ignorant unprofessional attitude. How can all of us on here know so much more than he does? Does he even know what your resting metabolic rate was/is? What were your stats the day he sleeved you? Most of us sleeved-in-Mexico folks just use our own research & email with our practices as follow-up for NUT & other.

You know what's funny? I asked him today after telling me it's impossible for me to not be losing more Than I am on 700-800'calories/day to do the resting metabolic rate on me so he/we could know. His words, "those don't tell you anything, useless." I'm dumbfounded. I'm convinced I have a better knowledge of how life works after the sleeve, and the requirements, trials and tribulations and dreadful stalls and how to deal. He knows how to cut and sew. I've lost 27 lbs since oct28, so I think I'm doing ok! Would I like to have lost 50? Sure, but I'm going the right direction and he needs to get a clue. What surgeon lumps people a

Into one size fits all box? I knew he was a prick, but geez. Thanks for the encouraging words!

What! The f**k! First, he's wrong. Second, you're not crazy. Third, he's an a*****e. (There are going to be so many asterisks when I hit POST.) But seriously. But now comes the question -- how do you find another doctor? I'm afraid I cannot help you on that. I bet others here can do so though. Also, use the search function here and look for strings like: * changing surgeon * new surgeon * replacing surgeon etc. Good luck to you. YOU don't have to put up with that ****. (Lotta asterisks coming.)

I love it! I don't know why it took me so long to post, lol!! Thanks so much!!!

What an absolute idiot! Call the hospital where you had your surgery and see if there are any other surgeons that do bariatrics there. Maybw there is someone who can follow up with you there. If not, look for other bariatric centers close to you.Did you have a nutrionist ? Were you going to a weight management center or just to the surgeon?

What an absolute idiot! Call the hospital where you had your surgery and see if there are any other surgeons that do bariatrics there. Maybw there is someone who can follow up with you there. If not, look for other bariatric centers close to you.Did you have a nutrionist ? Were you going to a weight management center or just to the surgeon?

I have a nutritionist there at his office that is lovely and super talented and motivating. Don't know how she landed there with him, ugh. I was supposed to see her today, but hauled out of there before we could talk. I really don't even like the hospital that he works out of so I'm looking around to see if anyone would be willing to meet with me in this situation. There are far superior hospitals in Tampa than this particular one and I just assume find one from that list... Might be hard, but I'm so done with him.

Just keep channeling your energy into continuing being compliant with your post-op program.

8 pounds in 6 weeks is excellent.

Excellent!

We're all pulling for you.

He is terrible.. that is so discouraging! I go to Tampa General Hospital Dr. Gonzalvo.. they have been great,,my surgery is Dec 18th... went to my pre-op registration today and everyone was so nice.. you should contact them ..813-844-7473.. Good luck and Keep up the good work