1st Dr. App

Hey, on the 30th I have my first dr. app with my new dr. I have been waiting for about a year now to find the courage to discuss the surgery. (My former dr. was extremely insenitive and rude about my weight issue) And I was wondering if anyone can give me pointers on how they first discussed the surgery with their doctor.

I just came right out and said that I was considering it. He was open minded about it and gave me his thoughts. He admitted that, as an internist - that he didn't have any patients that had had it done, but he was aware of the benefits. He was mostly concerned that I was going to choose a good, well-directed program, and not just some place that did cattle calls. I have been with my doctor for over 5 years, and he of course has seen me and my list of co-morbidities continues to grow. Faith, you have to appear very strong and resolute about your decision. The surgery is such a life changing one, it won't do well to not feel comfortable and confident about your decision. The doctor needs to see that you are very serious. You might consider having your chart sent to your new doctor, as some of the info - like a 5 year weight history may be necessary and your previous Dr. would likely have that. One last thing, if you find that this Dr. is not sensitive to your weight, just don't waste your time. Any Dr. who doesn't understand that obesity is a complex disease doesn't deserve to practice medicine on human beings. Good luck! -Anne

Hey Anne, Thanks for all the advice you're 'said' exactly what I needed to 'hear'... Thank you much!!! Faith

Hiya Faith, My doctor is great....she knew that I had tried all kinds of diets and that I have lost weight in the past, but I always gained it back and then some. So when I told her that I was looking into WLS, she was very supportive. I'm only 33 years old and I am in pretty good health, but my weight is starting to take its toll on my body and health. I actually started my journey last August when I went to the seminar put on by St Vincent Charity.....then I wanted to change insurance companies, but had to wait until Jan 1st for the new insurance to go into effect. I had my initial consultation with the surgeon on January 28th and got all of my clearances together and I got approved the first week of March and my surgery is scheduled for this Thursday (4/22).....OMG.......I never thought this day would come....I am totally ready for this big change in my life and I can't wait to be on the "losing side". Sorry to be so long winded.....LOL.....Good luck on whatever decision you make regarding the surgery......I know that this can be very scary and this surgery is not for everyone.........but I know in my heart that it is right for me. Good luck and Take care, ROGER Open RNY 4/22/04

Hey roger good luck tomorrow!!!!

I took my doctor a paper from the BTC and asked him what he thought and he did an EKG that day and ordered a whole bunch of blood work he said this surgery is very serious and you do need to do something about your weight and if this is what you want to do I am going to take every step to make sure you are healthy enough to have this surgery and he has since done an echo, sent me to a neurologist for sleep study, which I do have sleep apnea, and he found I have pernicious anemia, now I take injections, and he is doing a stress test. I think that is all the tests he is running....not sure but he was great about it he said he has done this before for people....so I am crossing my fingers...I have not had the surgery yet....