Help! Should Care Change?

I have a friend that is doing a study of pre- & post- care. His question is ... If you could, what would you do differently if you knew then what you know now? Please be frank & brutually honest. For that reason, if you don't wish to post here you can email your responses directly to me at [email protected]. This is purely for research purposes, no names, or any other personal information would be used. He's interested in knowing what you would like to see change with regard to care... Body, spirit, diet, socially ... everything. In advance, thanks for your help! Colista

I was totally satisfied with the care I received and am receiving both pre- and post-op. The only thing I would like to see changed is in general I think there are too many people who have the surgery done without doing enough research and without really understanding what's required of them, but that's just me. Jan

WOW, Jan, don't you look fabulous! I'm so glad that your care was satisfactory ... the results of your hard work speaks for itself. With regard to your opinion on the current number of unprepared patients, I have a follow up questions: If you don't mind: 1) How do you feel that pre-op patients could be more preared mentally to deal with letting go of carbs and any food addictions that you may have had prior to surgery? On these levels: a) Surgeon's Office b) Counseling c) Support Group d) OH Website research? 2) What would you, personally, like to see with regard to mental prep for pre-surgical patients today? I appreciate your frankness and I'm enjoying our discussion! I look forward to hearing more about your journey. Colista

My surgeon draws patients from literally hundreds of miles away. Although he hosts support group meetings, lots of his patients simply cannot attend due to the travel involved. There is a pre-op group thing that's mandatory where patients are educated, but it's a one-shot thing. That leaves the main responsibility to the patients. I researched the surgery, but I'm thorough and I'm in healthcare and I'm realistic and I'm 48 years old (46 at the time of surgery). I take my health seriously. I see patients on the Main Board here that have NO clue! I have a friend that had WLS and is older than I am and an insulin-dependent diabetic and an LPN who thought chocolate-covered graham crackers were a good choice two weeks after surgery! I don't think any surgeon can "fix" that! It's the difference between people I think. Since surgery, she eats sugar nearly every day. I have no idea if she will be successful in the long-term. I wish there was more information given to all patients across the board, generally. There is a lot of good information on this site, but how many really research it? I seem to see a lot of ill-informed and ill-prepared patients that have the most basic of questions as post-ops. This is a major surgery and it's WAY too popular! There are people eating to gain weight so they can have the surgery. Now how crazy is that? I had psych counseling before surgery, but it also was a one-shot thing. I knew the psychologist and he just basically needed to make sure I wasn't totally crazy and wasn't likely to blow my head off post-op! I should have counseling even NOW to discuss my food issues, but so far I haven't gotten this help yet. I recognize in myself that I could benefit from follow up and let's just say this is my New Year's resolution. I find the support groups to be invaluable. It keeps me on the straight and narrow and I've met lots of new friends. I highly recommend support groups for all the good information, helpful hints and, well, support! I guess if I could wave my magic wand and see a change, I'd like to see a 6-week class with a test at the end that all pre-ops would have to take and pass. This course would include a basic nutrition component in the WLS patient, including a vitamin regime. Of course this is unrealistic, but at least the industry would know that they have done their best to insure success in the WLS patient and the patients would be well-educated on what is happening to their bodies. Luckily, I'm not the WLS police nor am I the Food Police! I'd like to see your question posed on the WLS Grads Board so those who are even more further out than I, would have a chance to weigh in, so to speak. Good questions! Jan