Just looking for a little feedback here. I just went to the seminar for the lapband surgery yesterday and found out that I MUST bring someone with me to my first doctor's visit. I'm not talking about the surgery, just the first initial contact. What gives? I am fully capable of asking the questions I need to ask and taking direction on my own. The truth is that I don't want my family to know about my lapband procedure until AFTER I have it done. I don't need the criticism and anyone telling me I'm wrong for wanting to do it (and believe me they will)...and I don't want to inconvenience my friends. I can hear me now, "Um, would you mind coming to the doctor with me so that you can hear about a priviate procedure I plan on having and then help me remember everything the doc says?" I am an adult, not a 4 year old! It should me my choice if I want someone to come with me or not. I don't have a DH or anyone else that I want to share this with yet. Why am I being forced to do so? :angry

I have no idea why you would need to bring anyone with you.

If I was you I'd tell the doctor/nurses that you have no one to bring for the doctor's visit. I didn't have anyone come with me until I had the surgery & then they just drove me home. It's your business & the medical provider should respect that or I'd change lap-band doctors. Steph

I find that very odd. I would call the office and ask why. I can see recommending that if a person wanted to bring someone for support, etc., but that should just be optional. I am married and did not bring my husband to the meetings nor any of the visits. My daughter is a nurse and I didn't even think to ask her to come.

I hope you get some answers.

Angel,

Another thought....are you under 21?

Mary Rose, I have a question for you- I'm about to have my 1st fill & am worried now since my stomach is healed that I can eat anything right now & I assume that after my fill I'll start losing BIG. Did you have that happen that after your first fill? Steph

Lawbing,

I would check the site here marked "fills". They talk about restriction and fills.

Everyone is different. I was able to eat just about anything before my first fill.

I am actually about 5 months out and hit a snag in the weight loss dept. Just got my third fill last week and things are moving along again. It's different for everyone, but you will feel a big difference once you start getting the fills. I needed 3. Some need less.

Isn't it a violation of HIPAA to talk about this in front of another person? Ask who their privacy officer is ( actually it is on their HIPAA form that they are required to give you) and file a complaint that your privacy rights are being violated. The law requires them to respect your privacy.

Good point Patty. It is pretty much whomever we choose as far as that goes and it needs to be in our record.

My brother's girlfriend was dying of cancer and he was not allowed any information at the end. It was heart wrenching.

Angel, is there a Language issue here? I was wondering that also. If so, they need to assign you an interpreter. That is your right. You should not be "required" to bring someone.

I think that is ridiculous. I can see them recommending bringing someone for support but not requiring it. Nobody has gone to any of my appointments with me. It's nobody else's business unless you want it to be and if they are going to be that rigid then they don't need your business and you should find another dr.

Hi Maryrose,

I WISH I was under 21! I'm almost twice that age.... Anyway, at the seminar I went to, they told everyone that they had to bring a support person. I am going to call them today and protest that. I agree with having someone there when the surgery is performed, but that is the only time I would need someone with me. Thanks everyone for your feedback.

Angel, good luck. Let us know what they have to say. I agree that the only time they should REQUIRE someone there is the surgery date.

Patty,

That's great. I never thought about that. I appreciate the feedback.

Thanks Sassafras,

I'll be sure to let everyone know what I find out. I'll be calling today.

In fact, when I went to my consult with surgeon, they had me fill out a form stating who to call after surgery, who I will allow them to talk to, whether or not they can leave a message on my phone, etc. They said if I want them to call someone after surgery to tell them about how I am doing, the name must be on the list. They won't disclose any info to anyone unless I have them on the paper! I really liked that.

I don't understand why you have to have someone with prior to surgery. I am going to have my ex pick me up from the hospital. End of story I don't want every one in my business. Telling me how to handle my weight. My ex doing it is enough....that is why he is an ex:plane: I am gonna fly solo if I can.