2 mo visit with Dr Baag, discouraging

First off, does anyone like him? I found him to be negative and discouraging. First he told me that the average weight loss my stage is 15-17% of body weight, and I'm only at 13%. He said I'm a slow loser. He also told me not to do 2 protein shakes a day (I do am and pm), he said just do one and split it up am and afternoon, that we can possible absorb 30 grams and it's a waste and include protein bars. I asked when? Instead of a meal, he said, no, well yes, well, just add it in. Like when 3:00 am? I'll never get my water in if I take another hour or so to eat. He also made a face when I told him I went to Curves. I said.. what?? He said, "well, Curves is ok, but you will need lots more than they can offer".. no shI% dick tracy... For me to get off my butt and do SOMETHING, is a big step. AND, he said that I only have 6-12 months, I knew that.. then he said after 18 months a lot of people start gaining back. OH.. don't let me forget the part about, "watch out, you can still develop serious complications up to a year". Sorry so long guys, but I had to vent. I'm so discouraged. I'll be the one this doesn't work for.. I've also been mentally lowering my goal.. I wanted to be at 160, but, heck, after all this, I think I'd be happy with 200 (NOT). I don't think I'm going back to him. Comments?? and did anyone like him? T

I thought maybe I caught him on an off day, but I guess he must always be that unpleasant! I thought he was really rude and not encouraging AT ALL. I see him again this coming Monday and I know he is going to give me hell about my lab results. I'm sure I'm really malnourished since I've had three strictures and still can't eat without vomiting (have a CAT scan scheduled for Tuesday), but he'll still tell me to eat more. He said the same thing to me about the shakes, that I should split them up. I think if I can get the whole thing down, I'm going to, especially since I can't eat. Anyway, it wasn't just you. He's just not a people person. Debbie

Actually I kind of like Dr. Baag. But I wonder if read your post about eating cake???? He consistently says that we absorb no more than 20 grams of protein in one sitting. He probably was having an off day, which I think that he has a lot, since most insurance doesn't cover his visits. I went for my last visit with him after visiting my PCP three days before. My PCP reviews the blood work and other stuff. I think that you can arrange for someone else at PMRI if you need someone, or check with Dr. Irgaau or Brett to find out if they have any other options. As for Curves, keep it up. He probably is hoping for you to get involved with more cardio and circuit training. I think any activity is an improvement. Don't get discouraged. Just use him as incentive to get on the losing wagon. Rob

So, if Dr. Baag is not covered by insurance, that gives him the right to be negative and discouraging? He gets paid regardless. I know I'm being senstive, but he said NOTHING encouraging. When I told him I walked on the off days of Curves, he said that really doesn't matter. I've been doing everything by the book, and doing the best I can, and I really don't think one piece of cake ruined 8 weeks of hard work lol. I apologize if I'm being a *B* , but I really didn't expect the negativity from the people who work hand in hand with our surgeons.

Tina, I agree with you that he has no right to be negative and discouraging. The cake comment was merely a bad joke. Really didn't want to act like I was apologizing for his attitude. It just surprised me because he seems so mild mannered. I know a lot of people have run-ins with the staff at PMRI over the fact that they don't take BCBS. I know someone, maybe it was Angela at WLS-NDE had similar problems at PMRI and switched directly to Dr. Irgaau for their six month evaluation. They need to treat you with respect and give you encouragement, or at least suggestions. He could have at least given you some alternatives exercises that he wanted you to try. He is wrong about Curves, because anything you do is positive. Call Brett and get his opinion about your progress if you need a boost. Don't get discouraged. It is hard work every day. You've got two months out of your belt and that is a positive accomplishment. Only those that have gone through it realize it. Have a good weekend and just put him out of your head. Luckily there are plenty of positive people at this site to provide you a boost.

Wow Tina, I thought it was just me! I absolutley positivily hated him, everytime he asked me a question, he always had a smart a** comment to go along with what I said. He tried to joke around with me and I wasn't laughing and he said you can laugh now it was a joke. I thought to myself this man is an idiot. When I left out of there I was thinking maybe it was just me in a bad mood, but I usually get along with everyone I meet he just struck me the wrong way. So you are not alone. Don't let him discourage you, you are doing fine, just keep doing what you are doing and don't worry about him. Take care Dana

okay, now I'm thinking he may only like men.. LOLOL

Great, I see Dr. Baag on Monday. PMRI had a cancellation at 8:30. Don't worry Roomie, I'll beat the Nazi Meanie up for us. If he ****** me off I'll give him the biggest Karate chop in his knees and I think I could hurt him. No seriously, I just hope he is positive and professional. I hate it when people don't respect my feelings, especially since this WLS is one of the hardiest, yet easiest decision I've ever made in my life. It has been a real learning experience the past 2 months. I wouldn't trade it for the world. OBTW Happy Belated B-D Tina. The cake was made with Splenda...right!! ((HUGS)) Elissa

Hey, Tina, don't let anyone discourage you! He may have a PhD, MD, or any other letters behind his name, but it is your good efforts and accomplishments that matter! BTW, he was relaxed, informative, and very pleasant to me! Maybe he does like guys Keep up the good work! Ken

I didn't like him either. I saw him a couple of weeks ago as final pre-op clearance. He told me I hadn't tried enough formal diets and I should sign up with him. Then told me his success rate was 5 out of a 1000. Those stats aren't much of an advertisement for success. I thought he was condescending and cold. I think the guys are right, he just doesn't like women. I am going to curves too and am proud to be getting there at all! I think I'll look for another nutritionist that BCBS will pay for and another doctor, maybe PCP. Vicki