Need encouragement

First off Nancy {{{{{{big hugs}}}}}} I too don't think Dr. Weber's bedside is the greatest but I read him right off the bat as a "tough love" type of Dr. I just take his manner w/a grain of salt. The reason I did go w/him was his great surgical record and quite simply, he was the only I could find that took my insurance. I still feel he's a great surgeon, but he definately could build on his people skills. One thing I thought was especially puzzling about your visit is the calorie comment. The Nutritionist they sent me to at Steven's gave me my packet that lists we should be trying for around 800 calories a day (post op). If he feels it should be less, then he and the nutritionist he's sending people to need to communicate better! When he asked me how many calories I take in at my 5 wk. appt. I said "I'm not sure, I think around 600" and his reply was "oh, that's ok." and i was left w/ a 'Huh"? like he wasn't all that please w/that number. He didn't elaberate though. Weird! You are in no way a failure! Please don't feel that way! I only have one more visit w/Dr. Weber (right before Thanksgiving) and it's in my 3 month post-op window and after that I probably won't be going there anymore unless I have problems. I've gotten the list of blood work etc...to give to my PCP and they'll just fax results to Weber's office. Traveling the distance I have to to get to Dr W's (5 hrs) and then wait usually a long time in the office is just too hard! Try not to let this get you down, we all know you're great!

Thank you, Cori! What a great relief it has been to have so many helpful messages. I feel the same way about DrW. I didn't choose him b/c of anything else but his surgical expertise and insurance. I discussed with DrW the difference b/t his and the dietician's position on caloric intake during my first appointment. With a wave of his hand he implied that she is wrong and that the appt with the dietician is less about help/info for the patient and more about protocol. I mean, I saw her way back in June or something - months before I had surgery. I got a packet that reflects NOTHING of what he wants from his patients. Why even see her? I have met lots of other patients where the dietician works very closely with postops. Wouldn't that be great? At my first post op appt he told me to eat between 200 and 300 cals a day. This appointment when I asked him how many cals I should eat a day his response was "there is no magic number." OMGosh! What is that?? I just had major surgery and had my digestive system rerouted with the goal of losing weight and there is no magic colorie number? While I appreciate that exercise is very important, how is it that he has arrived at a "magic number" for walking, but not for the stomach on which he opperates!? Grr. I am glad for you that you don't have to see him much longer. When is your last appt with him? Do you see him up in edmonds or down in seattle? Hugs right back! Nan

Nan 30 lbs in 6wks WOW! GONGRATS to you lady!!!!! Nan I was depressed in the begining because I had stop my antidepressants but now I'm back on them. I think we try to compare ourselves to other's who might lose more, but you know I would rather lose a bit slower then to lose mussle with the fat. Don't beat your self up girl friend, I never knew of a diet where you could lose 30 lbs in 6 wks. CELEBRATE!!!!! Tee

You are right - I should be thrilled not down. Thanks to you and everyone for all the encouragement. I am overwhelmed. You are fabulous! Oh! Anxious to hear your update, Terry! Nan

Hey Nan... I read thus post a day or so ago and did not have time to reply BUT I think you are doing GREAT.... I have not lost 30 lbs in a year let alone 6 weeks... I felt happy that tricare was moving me along but now...I don't know about the good Doc Weber....I am sensitive with an attitude of a sun dried rattle snake...After I cry...I cuss...I learned a lot of choice words while in the ARMY..LOL... Hang in their and do try to eat more....your body might still be in starvation mode and may be trying to hold on to the food...You know, the expert on dieting is a dieter....PLUS i read it in a pre-op pamphlet..... Take care...and your doing good.....

Thanks so much for posting your encouragement! I tell ya, this board has been amazing! I don't mean to bash DrW - he is an excellent surgeon! I am pleased with my choice in that regard. If you haven't already, go to his siminar. You will get a taste for his personality. He's a decent man and very much enthusiastic about GB and exercise. His bedside manner is lacking, IMHO. Not everyone agrees with that. You'll know what is right for you. I look forward to hearing about your journey! Thanks again -- take care! Nancy

Nan, Don't be down....I look forward to your happy posts...it hurts me to know how down you are. I think your body is in starvation mode. I too had stricture and still struggle with it every now and then (about 3 times a day)...I have noticed the more I relax when I eat the more I get in and in turn the more I lose. I hit a big stall back a few weeks ago and I thought I would stop there...but I stuck with it and ate more...I have to really concentrate on eating...I keep track of the things that go down the best and usually stick with it....things you think would be the hardest to get down are the easiest...raw brocoli, zucinni, avocado, cauliflower......it's what I live on...I don't pay attention to calories I pay attention to the quality of the food...oh yeaH baby spinich wrapped up in cheese or smoked turky goes down really well..... Please don't be sad we are all here for you!!! I know itt rough I was where you are not long ago... We love ya, Rae RNY 9/2/04 -65lbs.

Thanks so much, Rae! YOU are doing soooog good! WOW!! I bet you look great and feel great too. You should post a new pic! I'm looking forward to those yummy foods. Only 1 1/2 weeks away! I don't yet feel up to solids. In fact, I feel the best when it's been a couple of hours since I ate. The scale continues to refuse to budge... it's discouraging. I am trying to keep my head up! Thanks again, dear! Have a fab day!! Nan

I loved that phrase "we are not failures, we are losers" and I plan to use it frequently! Your experience should remind us all that as patients whose bodies have been modified by WLS (thank God) and consumers who pay for this privilege (either by self-pay or insurance or both) we are NOT second class dummies who deserve to be left in the dark or confused. I know when I take my DH to my WISH Dr. appointments we compare notes afterwards because sometimes I hear something different than him - and he is such a big help to me!! Yes, exercise is important and so is self-respect and positive outlook!! Any professional, poor bedside manner or not, who is dealing with people like us who have fought weight for years, up and down, up and down, well you catch the idea, have fears of failure and fears of success should understand that positive reinforcement along with education works better than demeaning threats or intimidation!! And, congratulate yourself big time because as you stated even though really really upset after this appointment, you did not go home and eat!!! Would you have been able to make this statement before WLS? I would definitely not!! Take care, we love you, and we all think you're doing great. Increase the exercise, check your water consumption (these are my two big weaknesses right now) and keep a positive outlook. You are going to be a big loser, I just know it!! Karen Thompson 09-15-2004 40 pounds down

Karen, thank you sooo much for your encouragement! 40?? You are doing super! Kudos to you!! Water and exercise! Right you are! I dunno about you but I am usually missing something... if I get in all my proteinn, my water suffers; if I get in all my water, I eat less; if I think I did everything just right, I remember that I forgot my vitamins or meds. Someday I'll get it right! I certainly hope to be a big loser, Karen. The scale has not budged yet this week. GRRRRRrrrrr............. It's hard to believe that it's going to be any different at this rate. Thanks again for your encouragement! Blessings, Nan