surgeon won't refer to me because I had WLS (x-post)

I am a licensed professional counselor who is currently seeing clients part-time as I work up to having enough clients to do counseling full-time and quit my other job. Today, I was told by someone in the office of one of the local bariatric surgeons that she was "sure" that he would not consider including me on the list of area counselors for folks who are candidates for, or have already had, WLS because I have had RNY myself! 

WTH?!?  In addition to my own experience with RNY and my clinical training in treating emotional issues AND eating disorders, my specialty is sexual trauma (an issue found in much higher percentages among overweight women)  and I have spent a considerable amount of time researching the types of emotional, psychological, and social issues faced by people who choose WLS and lose a large amount of weight in a relatively short period of time.  Yet, because I had a weight problem myself, and chose to have the surgery to avoid the plethora of medical issues that were walking up my front path and knocking on my door, I am somehow disqualified from even being considered as a referral for his clients.

I don't get it.  I was told that he would not even sit down with me for a few minutes to talk to me about my credentials, my counseling approach, etc. -- and that he (or the woman I was talking to... I don't actually know which) felt that their pateints would be better served by a counselor who had never had weight issues herself.

I'm stunned... and angry.  If they had said they wouldn't add me to their list because they didn't know anything about me, at least I could have talked with them and given them some references.  The more I think about it, I wonder if it's because I had another surgeon do my surgery...?

Am I the only one who thinks that having spent part of my life obese and having finally opted for WLS might actually be an advantage when counseling someone considering or who has had WLS?!?!?  
Lora

What the heck??  I am a social worker and get your point completely.  Perhaps this woman can get the doctor to send you a letter in his own words with his own signature (in ink) regarding that.  I never trust anyone who says they know absolutely what someone else is going to do.  Ugh. That said, it may be that they think it is still an issue that is too close to the vest for you?  But if that were truly a disqualifier all marriage therapists with marriage problems would have to disclose to their patients and refer them elsewhere.  The logic isn't flowing for me.  Hopefully you will get to talk with him directly. Janice

You are not alone at all. I am completing my masters to be a LPCC and the woman I will be working for already knows I have had RNY and that I plan to work with obese patients. She is thrilled about it. She has actually been my therapist for years now and thinks that me working with obese patients is a great idea. I am not sure what is up with this guy, but he is the minority when it comes to his thinking. Keep looking, someone out there will appreciate what you have to offer!! ~ Terisa

I agree..there is no logic here.  When I went for my psych eval...the guy was obviously uneducated (went off on how I hadn't researched the surgery enough because I hadn't mentioned dumping or perforated bowels - I had told him I was interested in the lapband), said I was not large enough, was taking the easy way out and even went as far as to tell me he was against WLS because most of his patients had complications.  I would have loved to have went to someone that had a first hand understanding of WLS.

Hi Lora, I think having a counselor that fully understands what you are going through would be great!  There has to be some other reason, or the guy is just plain stupid.  My sister in law was a counselor for Jenny Craig when she was in college.  She is about a size zero and has never had an ounce of fat on her body.  How can someone like that ever understand what a fat person is really feeling or going through. The nurse-practioner at my surgeons office has had WLS.  It's great because she knows exactly what's going on with us having experienced it herself. Best of luck to you! Patty

Would this happen to be another local bariatric practice by chance? I'm asking because there are a couple of surgeons who used to work with Dr. Anderson, and from what I've heard, there is some bad blood between them.  I wonder if that might be a reason that they are not totally disclosing?

Yes, it is another local surgeon...  and I think maybe you're on to something.  I do not remember the woman asking me who had done my surgery... but I also would have thought nothing of her asking if she HAD and therefore would have not reason TO remember it... I did not know there was any bad blood, but that would also explain an offhand comment by someone else in the same office (NOT the woman who would not even put me through to the surgeon's voicemail) when I was still pre-op and ran into her out shopping and mentioned the upcoming surgery.  (I originally met her after a surgery with Dr. Muth a few years ago...) Hmmm... that's definitely something new to ponder.  I actually contacted ALL of the local surgeons with a letter (except Dr. Rita, because I was not sure of the ethical considerations involved), so I will have to see how the other follow-up calls go. (I was so frustrated by the first experience that I have not yet tried to follow up with the other surgeons.) Lora

Ohhh Val that's a good thought! Personally, I would love to see a counselor that can relate firsthand.  Hang tight, I may need your services soon.   

The counselor I was sent to for my psych evaluation hadn't had weight issues himself but he did tell me that his wife had WLS so that made me feel good that he had some firsthand experience with it in his home but I would have LOVED to talk to someone who had been through it themselves! I would keep checking with other local surgeons and see if you can find someone who would allow you to work with their patients!! don't give up! There are people out there that need you!