I am posting this because I wanted to get something off of my mind, and I thought you all would be the best people to tell. It is kind of a detailed story, so please bare with me.

So, I had my pre-Lap Band final visit on Monday (2/7). Everything was going great, and then the fellow came in. The fellow is the Surgeon's fellow-a Dr. who helps out. I thought it was funny he was a fellow, and a fellow!!!

He came into the room and said, "We have a problem, a big problem." Keep in mind, my surgery is this Thursday, and there have been no problems so far. So, I was a little startled. He said that since I have gained weight (6 lbs) since I first came into the clinic-that they couldn't do the surgery unless I lost 6 lbs by my surgery date.

Here is a little background. I came into their office the first time in August 2004 and I weighed 310. My surgery was supposed to be in November, but got rescheduled because of a cyst I had. Then, it was rescheduled for December. Incidentially, I began to have second thoughts, and rescheduled the surgery again after I had fully decided I wanted to do it. Alas, we arrive at my surgery date-Feb.10th.

So, I am all excited, and then the doctor tells me this. I think it isn't fair at all. It has been since August that I gained 6 lbs. and there is a 5lb limit. So I am over just by one, and he still insists I lose 6! I felt it was so unfair that I just broke down crying in the office. Also, look how long it has been since my first appointment there.

He also told me that I must have issues , and must not be serious about losing weight since I gained 6 lbs. He didn't only have bad news, but the way in which he delivered it was rather cruel. How do they train these fellows on bedside manner, anyway! Geeze!

So...now I am not evey eating Jello, or broth (I have been on a 10 day clear liquid fast before surgery.) I have just started the California juice diet thing-you know-up to 10 lbs in 2 days. Hope it works. Not eating, drinking only the juice fast stuff, diet soda, and Water. Hope I can manage 6 lbs in 2 days....

Please pray for me, or send me good vibes. :nervous

Joan

(((Hugs))) Joan! And when you've lost a few pounds, be sure and look that creep up! Just remember, we can lose our weight, but ugly's to the bone.

Joan,

THis really pisses me off. Some of these docs dont deserve our business. But since the date is coming up, theres not much you can do, but try to lose the weight. Unless you are prepared to consider a more compassionate doc and wait it out a little longer. What kind of post op care is this numbskull going to be able to give you? Is he gonna withhold fills and adjustments because you dont meet some kind of weight loss criteria? These are things you do need to think about cause having the band is a long time maintenance proposition. I feel your pain though and I wish you the best in trying to lose the 6lbs. We are all rooting for you!!!

Babs in TX

334/184/170

-150

6/23/03

What a butthead! I swear... I wonder how they turn this around to a situation where we are paying a HUGE amount of money and end up having to PAY to be humiliated in the process!!!! I sure hope there will be enough competition out there at some point that leads the surgeons to have to WOO us to them. I want to complile a HUGE application that any surgeon will have to complete with a list of varying activities to prove their worthiness!

I was guilty of being judgmental during my last pelvic exam. As I lay in "the position" waiting for the doc, a very short 400 pound woman wearing a white coat came huffing and puffing in. I was shocked and worried. How the heck was this woman that could barely breathe going to give me the exam? Yes, I should be ashamed, and I was. But she taught me a lesson that I'll never forget. First, she performed the exam (with some difficulty) but professionally and accurately. My blood pressure was elevated cause "white coats" always make me nervous. She asked why I was afraid of doctors, so I told her, "cause no matter why I'm here, they always tell me I'm obese."

She told me to NEVER allow a doctor to tell me that I need to lose weight as part of my treatment. She said she goes to the doctor for a bladder infection, and they tell her "lose weight" but she doesn't let them get away with it. She puts doctors in their place all the time by telling them, "Don't you think I know I'm overweight? But is that why I made the appointment... NO, so grab your prescription pad and treat my bladder infection and stick to the reason written on the appointment sheet."

She was so powerful. Sure, she knows she's obese, don't we all? So don't let doctors push you around. Think about my 400 lb gynocologist next time and rip him a new ear hole.

LOL!!! Darcy, you remind me of the commercial where everyone is talking about what services they want from their bank!

sing it ladies!!

Joan, have you talked to Dr. Horgan yet about the fellow's remarks? If so, please let us know how he responded. (I'm especially curious because I go to his downtown office for fills.) Meanwhile, I hope everything goes well for you tomorrow.

Listen I believe I'd let the Chief of Staff know his patients are being treated. If you didnt have a problem you wouldnt be there. They are getting paid. There is no need for that. Would a Dr, say why cant you quit drinking alchohol? This guy pisses me off and sorry for the language...

Dont let this guy dishearten you. He will get his from the patients in the future he treats like this..I'd definately speak to the surgeon too...Good luck!!You need it with this Heel!!! :sick

Joanie I hope you get this sorted out its terrible talking to you that way. I gained 5lbs the week before my surgery and it was fine the surgeon didn't even question it and I know lots of other people who had gained weight after their intial consults. Good luck and I hope everything goes great for you.

Helenxx.