Dietican Problem

I recently met with the new dietican with Dr A in Middletown-boy was she cold-not a question about lifestyle, family etc-told me I had to lose 50 lbs before surgery-wrote out a food plan never asking likes or dislikes stuffed it a folder of info and then forgot to give me the entire folder. told me to immedialtely start exercising 30 min a day even if it was lifting 2 cans for 30 min-not very inspiring, plus it seemed that she lacked any understanding of life as an overweight person. It would seem to me that if I could lose n50lbs then why go thru the surgery-p;us she gave me diet and info for post op gbs and I am having banding. She insists teh diets are the same, yet people at the support group have said that there is some differences. This scares me. Advice pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee

Call me crazy, but I would report her...I would enter a formal complaint...none of us need to experience anymore "attitude" from people...particularly people WE ARE PAYING FOR A SERVICE....let not the tail wag the dog here! No one is doing us a favor here...we have a disease which has caused much pain and suffering on all levels...we deserve empathy, understanding, respect and failing that...pleasant professional treatment Sometimes caregivers just have a bad day..other times..they can be callous burnouts....either way, that is NOT our problem. If I could lose 50 lbs, I would not even consider surgery. I would report her to the hospital AND to my doctor. If I get the same person and the same treatment...I WILL!!!

I am going to answer the diet information openly here. The diets are for all intents and purposes the same. The only changes are the timing. Stage 3 lasts 4-6 weeks on a banded person, while it is a 2 week process with a RNY. That allows the band to besome fixed in the stomach, preventing it from slipping and needing to be removed at a future date. As far as losing 50 lbs goes, I do not know how large you are, so I have no point of reference. Understand that some weight loss is required prior to surgery now of days. That is their policy. I do not know if there is a weight limit or BMI limit which they are dealing with. Should have asked why the number was so high. Maybe email her and find out. The exercising will only help. It willl help you lose weight faster, be a better surgical canidate, recover quicker and with less complications, and most importantly be more successful. I know it sounds tough, but it is one of the steps you have to go through.We are here to support you and help make it easier. Peter

See if you can talk to Dr. A. Some new employees have a huge learning curve when it comes to dealing with a special population. Morbid obesity is a special population. He needs to know how you were treated.

Hi Jeanne- I have to say I saw Elina post op and thought she was a bit scattered and not as on the ball as the dietician I went to pre op...(forgive me I have forgotten her name already!) I had everything from Fitday.com...all my food journals and all and she was pretty impressed with me. She really didn't have many suggestions for me, as I was right on track. Fifty pounds to lose before surgery--sounds like a lot. I would question someone on that. Joanie

As for the 50 lb. weight losing, my friend saw Dr. A also, and wanted him to get down to 400 lbs. before he would do the operation. He had to lose much more than 50. I think it depends on how much you weight to begin with.

I've met with Elina, and I didn't get the impression that she was cold at all. But I can understand the "uninspiring" part of it. I kind of got that impression too. I do think she is new, and I know she doesn't have her own office. Last time I met with her, she had her computer and her files in one of the doctor's examination rooms and she was trying to meet with me on the examination table, going over diets. I kind of felt sorry for her that she didn't have her own desk or office. It's almost impossible not to be scattered working like that. I'd definately call her, leave her a voice mail, and ask her specifically why you were assigned to lose so much weight, where others are not. Sometimes if you know exactly why they tell you to do things, it can begin to make sense. I wish you much luck and love in your future. I'm still waiting for my surgery date, and it's been over 2 weeks since I've completed everything. That's my complaint! Love, Tammy

Tammy, Have you heard ANYTHING??? Phyllis

Hi Phyllis. Nope. Nothing. Nada. Supposedly, my file is still on Dr. Aranow's desk for him to sign off on. Over 2 weeks now. At this point, not much I can do but pout and wait.

Tammy, I had a long wait from when I finished and when I got a date.. My advice.. just keep calling and keep positive. Lois has been out with an injury and her days have been packed as work builds up. I know the waiting if tough..believe me I know. I hope you get a call soon. Hugs Pattie D