Trading Problems?????????????

Today I had to go get an updated TSH test so that my surgeon can resubmit my info to insurance for approval for surgery...we are on a tight schedule to get my package in and approved because my insurance will not cover WLS next year...and there is no grace period that carries over to next year even if I'm approved this year...the operation has to be done this year period. Well, as if I'm not already under enough stress...I did not get to see my usual PCP, I had to see an associate to get the test done...and I had to listen to an almost 30 minute lecture of why Bariatric Surgery is bad, that surgeons are luring us down a path of destruction, that I'm just trading one set of problems for another worse set. I explained that it's to get rid of or reduce my comorbids is why I'm doing it and also because 3 of my grandparents died because of heart attacks/disease, my mother has congestive heart failure and my dad has suffered a stroke that left him partially blind...In my mind I have very strong supporting reasons for surgery. He told me that by losing weight it was not going to reduce my risk for heart attack or stroke that it was a genetic tie and that surgery does not cut the risk. He said that they are lying to me if they say it will...Also, he told me that I'm going to be trading the problems I have now with bigger problems caused by malabsorbtion...also that I will will not be able to absorb enough of medicines that I need to manage illnesses... I was in his office for over an hour!!! And I felt so humiliated...He said that surgeons are over-reacting and luring unsuspecting patients into having surgery...he said is similar to when OBGYN's used to make women have total hysterectomies for everything until they realized the problems it caused with osteoporosis and other hormonal related issues. So, I thought I'd put the question out there to those of you who have lived through the surgery - would you say you've traded your problems with another set? If so, is the new set better than the old? And would you do it again? Thanks in advance for all your support and answers! Chris S

Hi Chris, I can tell you that I do not regret one moment of mine. I will not lie, it is not a simple fix. There will be a lot of relearning. Life on the losing side is a wonderful place to be. Dr's differ in many areas not just wls .. look at chiropractors, many Dr's say that will kill you .. well I have lived under that care too for 20+ years now. Only you can make the best decision for your life. God Bless Your Journey, Sheila -96#

I haven't had surgery but I can tell you that I would definitely say something to your regular PCP. Doctors sometimes think they are "above" us, what right Doctor have to treat you this way? I understand he is only trying to show you the negative side but at least back it up with information and websites. I bet the guy didn't have a weight problem either. My accounting manager went to a cardiologist who was so awful to her. He was a "little man" and he asked her "do you want to continue eating or do you want to continue living?" and proceeded to tell her she just needed to push away from the table. What most people don't realize is the heavier you get the harder it is for your body to lose weight! Sorry.... I had to vent!

Hey Chris, I would have my surgery over again in a heartbeat if I had too. It is not an end all be all answer but the best tool to help for those of us who lose and gain and lose and gain. That is more dangerous than staying the same. That doc is a donkeys rear (Using nice words). He reminds me of the heart doc who told me to stop eating, period, nothing at all going in my mouth and that I would lose that way. Close that idiot out of your mind and go with your gut instinct. The people on this board won't knowingly steer you the wrong way. Just be glad that man isn't your surgeon. If you need anything at all, just let me know. Hugs, Debra =^..^=

This surgery is NOT the easy way out - contrary to the popular belif of those who do not know the truth. I was perfectly healthy before surgery - other than a re-occouring knee problem. (Which acts up more now because I'm so much mor physically active than I was....) I lost both parents to problems with obesity related diseases (Congestive heart failure, kidney disease, diabetes, poor circulation, amputation, poor eyesight, heart attacks etc.) Yes I am genetically more peone to get those diseases regardless of my size - but the pure impact they can have on my life as a smaller person will be MUCH less severe. I'm only 5 months post op....and still have quite a way to go, but in the last 5 months I've lost close to 120 lbs and GAINED the real me back. The only thing I really don't like about this is that I get sick at least weekly. I'm still learning my pouch. It's very moody.... But eve with this problem - YOU BET YOUR LIFE I'd do it again in a heart beat! Good luck with yours!!!! You're in my prayers!