I need support from my Doctor

I posted awhile ago that my doctor has finally agreed to help me with the documentations needed for my surgery. Well, he has since told me that hes not in aggreement. Now he says,, just go to Weigh****chers....Hmmmm let me think,, this would be my 5th or 6th attempt at WW....He gave me all these horror stories of how people that have gastic surgery are soooo ill afterwards,, with malnutrition,, malabsortion,, so many other things that he frightened me. He also warned me that if I don't do something about my weight, that in 5 years I would probably have diabetes, congestive heart failure,, etc, etc....I am so depressed and confused now I feel its hopeless. I really love this doctor, and hes been my trusted friend and doctor for so long...I just don't know what to do.

Hi Annette, You are right, you need support from your Dr.. It sound's like your Dr. needs to be educated on W.L.S.. Perhaps he is thinking about the way it used to be many years ago. You could give him this web site, and ask him to educate himself on the subject. I have found that most people that are against W.L.S. are people (including Dr's.) that are not educated on the subject. You could also find a new Dr. that will give you the support you need. There have been others that have had to change P.C.P.'s for this reason. You may want to seriously consider this. Your health is at stake here. Do what you have to do to get healthy. This surgery is well worth all of the risks involved! Best wishes as you continue your journey. God bless you, Annette

My best advice to you....GET A NEW SUPPORTIVE DOCTOR! I realize he's a good friend and longtime doc, but this is important. Tell him, "no hard feelings", but this is something you feel strongly about. And at this point, knowing how he feels, I don't know if I'd "want" him sending in any kind of support letter, if he really doesn't feel that way...it may be "luke-warm" at best and not really help you. Many on here could steer you to a positive-thinking WLS friendly doc in your area that are excited with the new procedures and will be very helpful. I say look elsewhere! Best of luck! Theresa

Annette, Sometimes with doctors it is simply their own personal opinion, which is based on past experiences and rather opinionated outdated information. My brother in law who happens to be a very well educated family physician will do his best to question me on everything he possibly can regarding my surgery, yet he was still missing some vital links to the benefits of this surgery. It wasn't until he went to a seminar put on by some of his highly educated elbow rubbing money grubbing fellow physicians that all the sudden the light went on and the things I had been telling him all along suddenly became "truth". I find it amazing that most doctors pride themselves on being great listeners but yet they fail to listen and learn from their very best resource THEIR PATIENT!!! Maybe your best bet is to let this "friend" of a doctor go, get all of your medical records before you do!!!!, and hit the road looking for a first class supportive doctor who is educated on the benefits that any form of WLS can provide for a lifetime of health. Any of us here will be happy to assist you in finding someone in your area who has been supportive in our quest. Best of luck, Jill

First of all,, thanks so much for your letters of support! It really means alot to me. Now,,,are any of you people out there aware of any doctors in the Jackson area that may be more favorable toward bypas surgery? Because of my insurance, I need to go to a doctor in my area. I did check and my insurance will cover the procedures at The Bariatrix center in Ypsilanti,, but I need a personal physician to back me up. I am thinking of going back to my present physician and talk to him again also. Thanks again,, the amount of support in the link is incredible!!

Please find another PCP. I had the exact problem with my PCP of 15 years. I loved her..trusted her..felt comfortable with her, but she told me exactly the same things yours did. I thought that was that and I had no hope. I was so depressed and disappointed, however the Lord brought the WLS around to me again through my Therapist. I did not bring it up at all..he did. That was when I decided to get serious..do my research and change PCPs. I have a very supportive husband and family and this board!!!!! God bless each and every soul on here for their input and support. I just send my paperwork in to the insurance company today for approval. One of the enclosures was a very well written referral letter from my New and SUPPORTIVE PCP. I'm sorry, but I guess if given the choice 5 years from now of dealing with vitamin deficiency and malabsortion or corenary artery disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, social phobia, depression, bladder incontenence, high cholesterol, and not being able to participate in any family activities whatsoever.... ummmm.. I'll take my chances with WLS. Follow your heart and do what is right for YOU. Do your research..ask questions..and then do what is best. Good luck and God Bless Kim