Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Need to write an essay for surgeon??



Recommended Posts

Hello

I need to write an essay for the surgeon as to why I want the surgery and summarize my expectations. Has anyone else had to do this?

If so, would you care to share your essay with me?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I didn't have to write one, but I would probably go through my journey of obesity. I would then write the ways in which I would "work the band" to help me lose weight ("My exercise plan is..." "My diet plan is..."). Depending upon the requested length, I would probably also write a section sharing what I'm looking forward to during and after my weight loss journey (off of meds, fit in an airplane seat, run a marathon, etc).

I'm a fairly good editor and would be happy to edit a draft or two for you if you'd like. Just PM me and we can work it out.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good grief! It sounds a little odd, but maybe it's the surgeon's way of getting people to focus and really think through if they want the surgery and why, PLUS...lets him know if you have any misinformation.

I say, just write from your heart and be honest! :thumbup:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I didn't have to write an "essay", but I did have to write a letter. Actually, I needed a letter from myself and also two from support people (I selected my husband and my mom). All three had to include things like how long I've had trouble with weight, the problems I've faced because of weight, and why I'm a good candidate for surgery. My husband wrote that it breaks his heart to see my struggle and that he wishes he could give me the sense of fullness that he naturally feels; he also mentioned our primarily healthy lifestyle and that he's willing to give up whatever I'd give up to help me succeed. My mom wrote about my childhood obesity, that teachers would tell her how bright and sweet I was but that I was taunted by cruelty that only children can inflict; she also mentioned that my weight was in the 99th percentile while still on breastmilk alone and that the pediatrician believed I would have lifelong trouble. I wrote about how I understand weight loss from an intellectual perspective but that I can't make it happen because of my perpetual hunger; I also mentioned things that I have already implemented, such as buying a bike and joining a gym, to show the commitment that I have. I would suggest using personal examples from your past and how you plan to overcome obesity by using the band as a tool. I think they want to be sure you understand that it's not magic, that there is work and dedication involved. If your program doesn't require support letters, I would describe what support you have (family and friends). Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Evil me wonders if you should present him a 10 page tome double spaced, complete with MLA style footnotes. Will he be checking for grammar? :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Find another surgeon - this is YOUR decision - not his.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I didn't have to do an essay per se but did have to do a 1 paragraph blurb like that. I think they just want to make sure your expectations are realistic.... that you don't expect to be a super model,or that the surgery will fix your relationship etc.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • KimBaxleyWilson

      Three months and four days ago... I was in Costa Rica having a life changing surgery! Yesterday we had a followup visit with Dr. Esmeral via video chat and this morning my middle number changed.  I'm down 47lbs and two pants sizes. I can wear a Large tshirt for the first time in like... 14 years! Woot!! Everything is going great. I have zero regrets. I went down to the riverwalk with a friend and walked 2 miles on Monday without even getting fatigued. And no more snoring or chugging pickle juice for crazy leg cramps! I need to go to the gym more... I'm making new shirts next week so that will motivate me. LOL But I'm also just not as TIRED all the time! I have a LONG way to go...but seeing the progress on the scales and in the mirror is a huge motivator!! Thank you all for cheering me on and supporting me!!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • bellaamey

      https://alluniqueguide.com/java-burn-coffee-reviews/
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×