Speaking at a conference on WLS... would love your input

Hi folks,

I've been asked to speak at a Bariatric conference later this month.  The target audiance is primary care physicians.   I'm speaking from the patients perspective.  I'm supposed to speak about the challenges faced by the obese patient and how the primary care physicians and surgeons can help the patient manage the challenges. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject.  I have to turn in my presentation on Wed.

I know what I faced, but since I feel I'm speaking for other obese people, I could use your perspective if you wish to share....

Thanks, Alice

Hi Alice,
Let me sleep on this and will respond in the morning.
Not sure how much help I can be all I can do is share with you how wls have saved my life and has given me a second chance.
                                                 Annie

Thanks Annie, you were one of the first people I thought of that could give me some great ideas.  you have overcome so many challenges and are a true success story!  I look forward to your thoughts.

Alice

Alice,
Is the focus to encourage the PCPs to suggest bariatric surgery as an option for weight management?
My weight had become unmanagable, and heart disease, depression, high blood pressure and joint pain made me realize I had to do something. When I suggested weight loss surgery to my pcp she was very helpful and encouraging. I don't think I would have explored the possibility without her direction and support. I do wish she would have suggested that I look into it, but she waited until I did. I guess this would be my plea to the doctors-"Don't candy -coat or play down the severe risks of obesity-you can save and greatly enhance the quality of life of your morbidly obese patients by suggesting bariatric surgery".
Hope this helps,
Debbi

Thanks Debbi,
Yes, I think the focus of the conference is to educate primary care physicians and nurse practioners/physician assistants on the benefits, and risks, of the different forms of bariatric surgery.  Like you, I wish my PMD had suggested earlier. He did mention it one time, about 6 months before I went to him asking for a referral.  He was very enthuiastic about me exploring the options.  I truly wish I had done it 5 years earlier....

I appreciate your comments and plan to incorporate them into my talk.  I only about 5 minutes plus a question and answer period, so I want to get the key points in. 

Information on the conference can be found at: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/cme/scw.cfm

Thanks again Debbi!

Alice

Hi Alice,

It would have been helpful to me if my PCP had better understood the process that insurance requires for approval.   Much of the responsibility falls on them (documenting previous weight loss attempts, writing a letter of medical necessity, etc) but I ended up walking him through it myself.    He was very supportive of the surgery for me but needed to understand the path a little better.

Good luck on your speech!

Totally agree on the insurance thing.  They need to understand it is a long process and their office must be committed to helping get the patient through it.  There is a session in the meeting on the insurance process so that will be addressed!

Thanks for the ideas!

Alice

Hi Alice,
The point in my life where I was faced with making a major change was when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
I had no idea this is what was going on and originally made an appointment with my pcp because of urine incontinence.
Come to find out my BS was over 300 and sugar was spilling into my urine.
The bells and whistles went off and at that point I knew it was time to do something and to stick with it.
My weight at that time was my highest ever I was 680lbs.
Just moving around was a chore and I was not in the best living situation either.
I had to start somewhere and I started with following the Herbalife diet and going to water aerobics.
The weight started to come off and I found my energy levels were getting better.
It took me about three years to loose 300lbs and I was feeling great.
I had a check up with my PCP she was very impressed and has always been very open with me.
She said she was very proud of me but knew I was not where I wanted to be.
This is when she referred me to looking into wls.
I was scarred of the thought but knew in my heart and soul I had to have more help.
I can't describe to you how much wls has changed my life.
I have no regrets and have found a wonderful sense of self.
wls is not something to go into without accepting life and eating will never be the same.
For me I found that acceptance has made my life easier.
No more Foot long Subway's no more Whoppers with Cheese.
What I have found is a small serving it just as wonderful and satisfying.
Not only is smaller better I can plan and schedule 5-6 small and wonderful meals.
I am no longer held prisoner to that overwhelming urge to stuff on sweets.
In giving your talk please encourage the doctor's and nurse's to give wls as an option for their patients and to be very open and frank when talking about it.
Yes there are risk but no more risk than the complications of morbid obesity.
I feel I lived in denial for a long time the mind has a way of protecting us from the reality of morbid obesity. So each morning when I walk my dogs without a cane and enjoy the sunshine on my face or cold chill in the air I am grateful to have had wls.
If it had not been for the love and concern my PCP showed me I don't think I could have had wls.

                                             Annie

Thanks Annie, I knew you'd give me some good ideas.  And by the way, you still amaze me!!!  I'm so proud of you!

love ya, Alice

Thxs Alice,
I wish I could tell the world how wls changed my life for the better.
                                                    Annie