I'm 41 with no family history of breast cancer. I'm with Kaiser and they do not require mammograms at this age. I had done my research and decided to wait until I was 45-47 unless something happened sooner to make me feel like I need one. But the bariatric surgeon told me that I have to have one before surgery. I asked why, and the surgeon just said, "Because it's a life saving procedure." I told him that Kaiser doesn't require it and I talked to my OB and I decided to wait. He said, "Well, the program requires it."

I'm not trying to argue with them, because they are not making the process difficult for me, so I dropped it. And I scheduled a mammogram for this week. But, I can't stop asking myself WHY a bariatric surgeon would know better than my OB when I need a mammogram and why it would be required for an unrelated procedure. I don't like answers that are "because I said so" without any logic and explanation, but that's basically what I got from the surgeon. And I don't want to piss them off, because on my first appointment, he said I was at my pre-surgery goal weight, agreed it was medically necessary, and targeted surgery for my preferred date - early August. But, I also made an educated and medically advised decision not to have a mammogram yet, and it's really annoying me that I have to do it....

SO - does anyone have any insight on WHY, at a younger age, they make you have a mammogram before the surgery? Maybe I would be less irritated if I knew there was some science behind it...

Edited May 27, 20197 yr by Plink

Going to another surgeon is not an option with Kaiser. This is their only approved clinic within 100 miles of where I live.

I’m sure it will be fine. It’s just bothering me that it’s not based in the science.... it’s just their opinions. I think I’m going to have to do it.

Good luck to you!!