Have to Vent for a Second

OK, so I know that there have been other posts like this one before but I have to just vent for a second to people who can truly understand my frustration. So I have been having a bit of a weird heartbeat for a few months and so I got in to see a cardiologist this morning. As we are going over my medical history he see's that I had my sleeve surgery done and his jaw about hit the floor when he learned that I have lost over 200 pounds. That was all good but then he felt the need to say, "Well I have seen a lot of people regain their weight after having those surgery's. All it takes is going back to McDonalds for a few milkshakes and it reopens that door ya know." OK, so instead of being encouraging about the massive weight loss and improvements I have made to my health your going to say how easy it is to fall back into weight gain? This just really rubbed me the wrong way. I of course responded by telling him promptly how I faithfully log every bite I eat in Fitness Pal and how I know it is easy to fall back into bad habits however I have not gone through all of this to just throw it away. I don't know, it just aggravated me and I have no in person people that would really understand. Sorry, rant over!

Yeah, it's bad enough coming from the masses, but even worse from a health care professional. Most of my doctors are very supportive, but I've had an orthopedic that told me he was opposed to it (the same one that told me years ago he would not operate on me if I didn't lose weight). And I had one PA say "everyone I have ever met that had WLS gained all their weight back and more". Not sure how they find comments like that helpful.

The data does not support the PA's statement. (Whether helpful or not can b debated, I guess, but it is not true.

Only 3-5% who loose weight without surgery, keep it off 5 years later.

With WLS 75% keep off at least 50 pounds. 25% have kept almost all of their lost weight off.

I also have to point that out to my regular docs. Except my ortho - he knows that stats!!!

You are totally correct. I am sure it was based in nothing but a small anecdotal personal sample at best.

That's so infuriating. In a perfect world you would have said "Well, thanks for the vote of confidence, doc." and not tried to justify having the surgery and your behaviors. Ugggh.

I'm sorry he was so insensitive. Moments like that can be good motivators to make sure we stay on track.

Keep up the good work.

I had to get clearance from my cardiologist due to history, and he was very happy I was getting the surgery and very happy to sign off on it, but he just HAD to tell me about all of the patients he's seen who lose the weight and then put it right back on, cautioning me that I have to be diligent to keep it off. True, obviously, but it's disappointing to have the medical professionals focusing on the relapses and not giving constructive advice about the successes they've seen. Luckily my surgeon and primary are awesome about it. And my cardiologist will get to see how well I do, because of my history I have to go see him annually.

COMPLETELY understand your frustration! There are SO many other ways he could have given you the advice to stay strong, and follow the plan.

Hi TheRealmeWithin, your stats are close to mine, you had different surgery and I have a big problem with my esophagus right now, but I would love to hear about your diet and your calorie intake? also your exercise. Your stats look awesome, could you share with me please. TIA

They are like the bratty little kid who tells everyone in kindergarten that there is no Santa and your parents buy those presents.