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!

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

I'm going to do that first thing in the morning! Love TG! Thanks so so much!!! I know there are a lot of docs out there but it's nice to hear personal stories!

And good luck with your surgery! Best thing I've done!

Edited December 12, 201312 yr by affleck11

I was reading another post and the individual mentioned there surgeon is with Suncoast Bariatrics in Tampa FL. I believe they have Dr. Tiffany didn't pay attention to her last name, wanted to send you the info before I forgot.

This may blow some people's minds...

http://eatingacademy.com/nutrition/revisit-the-causality-of-obesity

The laws of thermodynamics do not indicate causality.

As a 334 lb man I would not lose weight on 2000 cal per day. The formulas indicate this cannot be the case, however, reality tells you otherwise. The Dr is assuming things that are not necessarily proven.

The Doc is a tool. Find a new one.

This may blow some people's minds... http://eatingacademy.com/nutrition/revisit-the-causality-of-obesity The laws of thermodynamics do not indicate causality. As a 334 lb man I would not lose weight on 2000 cal per day. The formulas indicate this cannot be the case, however, reality tells you otherwise. The Dr is assuming things that are not necessarily proven. The Doc is a tool. Find a new one.

Thank you so much!

I think you should go onto yelp.com, Google, yahoo.com etc (as many websites as you can find, especially medical) and write up a review about him. I always search to read what people say about doctors, among other places.

Maybe the word will get back to him. Maybe he'll lose business and check himself. In the end you'll get a chance to vent constructively.

That sucks... your surgeon is a total DB! The thing about a good surgeon is..., I love to see my doc because he is always so positive and excited for me! It makes me want to do oore, exercise longer, etc because I know when I see him he will just be so thrilled! I wish you lived in CO so you could see my guy! Everyone is different and a good surgeon KNOWS that! You can fire him and hire a new doc! Another doc will see you no problem and they probably know what kind of a jerk he is. Its a small community! You are doing great! Keep up the hard work!!

I feel like you posted my story. I was sleeved in June of 2012 and I lost about 70 lbs and 4 sizes. 22 to 14. But then everything stopped about 9 months ago. My doctor was also very disappointed in me. I work out for at least 1 hour a day 3-4 times a week, weights and cardio. I was on Diabetic meds prior to surgery and now don't take anything - But I still a diabetic. I found myself wanting to faint constantly because my sugar would drop. My regular doctor said I had to increase my calorie intake to 1200. So now here I am. I would love to lose 50 more lbs but have tried every freaking variation. I too quit my doctor and nut! Any help from you guys would be so welcome.

Hang in there! YOUR journey had just begun. I would still do it again!