3 Month Check Up - Why did I bother going?

Ok, i get this call today at work. "About your appointment next Wednesday", "Can you do it today at 5?". Fortunately I was able to make it due to an unexpected cancellation, but I wonder why I made it? I rushed over there and made it about 5 minutes late, just before the doc was going to leave. I go in, weigh in (249# on their scale - end of day, clothes etc), and he spends all of 5 minutes seeing me, reminding me that this is not a weight loss contest, and that I should be making lifelong changes not short term losses (I agree, but dude - how about a little praise for the 93# I have lost so far!), and grills me on what my reasoning for having snacks occasionally is. I tell him - I snack when I'm light on protein or calories for the day (still trying to keep 800-1000 cals and 80-100g of protein per day), I think he's ok with that - but who knows. Anyhow, I somehow believe that he's got a golf date for next Wednesday, and just thought I could reschedule my entire day around coming in early for a total of 5 minutes! I guess the only reason I'd need the surgeon any more is if something "God forbid" were to come up that might require his services. Bummer! Anyhow, the other staff there is pleased with my progress so far - all saying "your face looks so thin" and "you look so good". I'm looking forward to seeing my dietician and exercise physiologist next week to see how much improvement in my fitness I've made, and for more "tweaking" of the dietary program. I'll have to post some recent pictures like the rest of you "losers"

I can't wait to see them! Bummer Dr acted like an A**. Please know that the rest of us are in Awe of the job you've done so far. Great Going.

Where did you have your surgery? Your program sounds much more comprehensive than mine. Barring complications, I'll never speak to my surgeon again. I see the dietician in groups of 3, and we all get our mimeographed hand-outs. No real personal attention at all. DD PS 93 lbs. is AWESOME, Jeff. Believe me, I'm impressed.

Well we are proud of you ...your fellow A-teamsters....You know when some people have never walked in our shoes sometimes they do not understand where our minds are...You just wanted him to say great job and I know that you understand that what we all have done here is a change of life...That is why we did it in the first place...Geeze...I am so sorry that the DR. had to spoil your moment...

I have the same problem with my surgeon. Everytime I saw him, pre-op, at the hospital and post-op, he always seems like he would rather be anywhere in the world then listening to me. I am always rushed in and rushed out. I think it is a surgeon thing! My GP told me that mine, along with many many others he knows thing they are just better than everyone else becuase they are sugeons.

Must be something in the air with them surgeons.... I saw mine last Thursday. I originally had an 8:15 am appointment so I could go in and still make it to work and work a full day. Well, his office called and asked if I could switch to 12pm (I assume so he could add a morning surgery and make some more $$). So, I had to take the day off of work because the drive into the city and back to work wouold have made the thing a 4 hour ordeal. Anyway, I got there a little early (11:40am) waited in the waiting room until 1:45pm (!!!!) and then waited in the exam room until 2:30pm. I spent 10 minutes talking to a med student who made me ask him all of my questions for the doc in advance so he could "prep" him and then the doc finally came in, didn't answer any of my questions and instead focused in on an allergic reaction rash I had on my arms. He ran out of the room and called a dermatologist friend of his to get me in that afternoon. That was very nice of him, but I really would have preferred that he spent some time talking to me about my surgery and the results. He was happy about the weight loss, but that's about all I got out of the 3 hours of waiting. Man! I am glad that was a post-op experience, because if I had been treated that way pre-op, I probably wouldn't have had the surgery. He is a great surgeon. Probably just having a bad day... But the point is, I feel the same way. What was the point?

Well... Here's a pat on the back from me. You are a rock, an inspiration to us all 93 lbs is sooo awesome!! How could he question your integrity? He obviously doesn't know what you are all about and your dilligence in following your plan. My surgeon is my only point of contact. No physiologist or dietician... so if he did that to me, I'd really be on my own. Humph.

Well, for what it's worth, we're all proud of you and it really sounds like you are approaching your weight loss sensibly. I never read anything that sounds lame or out of line from you, so you keep doing what you're doing!! As for surgeons, they often think they are gods, which makes them good surgeons with a lot of confidence, but it makes their beside manner often lacking. My surgeon is notorious for a brisk bedside manner, but he's also very confident, very talented and can be very funny and always gives me a hug. Our appointments are really brief, and they don't even do blood work or tests until your first yearly appointment, unless there is some issue or symptoms. I am requesting the labs anyway from my PCP. I drove 3.5 hours to Fresno for a 5 minute check-in with the doctor on my one month. Ugh. Thank goodness my surgeon does a monthly seminar locally and I can see him there for my three month in August (which is technically almost four months, lol). And yes, please post pictures!! i love the pictures Inky

Oh, those surgeons can be just awful. Mine's very brusque and rushed and barely has 5 minutes for me. At my last appointment, he wasn't even going to order any labs because I "looked so good". I asked for them anyway, and it turned out I was anemic! So I decided to have my PCP order my labs on a regular basis, instead. I see the surgeon as a mechanic who got in there and did a great job, but I can't rely on him for any followup unless there's a complication. Don't worry about your surgeon's lack of encouragment-you are doing great and have lost a huge amount of weight!

J- Sadly I feel that we are all in the same stupid boat. Except for Dave who doesn't have to see the surgeon again. I was wondering myself why my PCP can't do all the follow up stuff. Going to the surgeons office is always a day long affair. I once had a 11:30 appt and we didn't get seen till almost 3pm. I have never waited that long to see my PCP. What ever this is the path that we have chosen. Hopefully we will remember the benefits that we have gained by doing this and forget how long we waited to see a doctor. By the way Congrats on the great loss!!