Vent!
I am feeling very angry, frustrated, exhausted, starving and totally unsupported! Grrrrr!!!
Briefly, if I can, I never have felt that I have gotten good aftercare. My surgeon, the only one my insurance would accept, was an excellent technician ( I believe) but terrible on the bedside manner and he was mostly a bypass guy anyway. His dieticians, support group, written literature..all bypass oriented. Got a couple of fills from him but never felt restriction and then he disappeared.
I was referred to another surgeon, new to the practice, but very experienced with lapband (10 years). I was thrilled. However, I shortly realized that he was on automatic. He didn't see me. listen to me, care about me. He did his spiel, period. He got me to restriction ASAP. But I ended up too tight with some reflux. Took me 6 months to realize it since no body was listening and I'm not the expert.
After two small unfills, found myself throwing up and getting stuck a lot. Back in for a big unfill. Went back to basics (of course gained some weight) and realized that I had not really learned good band eating. I started studying band books, started therapy again, went to a support group (awful) and mainly started practicing really HARD at the eating skills. I went into today to get a re-fill which I got. But also got interrogated, criticised, not listened to, condescended to and demeaned. And I had to drive an hour and a half each way for this!!?
I feel like I hate this guy. Fortunately, he is training a doc in my area to do fills. This doc is a lot nicer but a newbie. He did my fill today and did great but... do I want to put my precious band in the hands of a newbie? I think I'm going to try going to him for awhile since I don't ever want to see the other guy again.
The worst part is I went into this appointment all gungho to get back on track and now I feel so discouraged. But I will not let that jerk pull me off track. I am gonna do this!
Thanks for listening.
Katie
Briefly, if I can, I never have felt that I have gotten good aftercare. My surgeon, the only one my insurance would accept, was an excellent technician ( I believe) but terrible on the bedside manner and he was mostly a bypass guy anyway. His dieticians, support group, written literature..all bypass oriented. Got a couple of fills from him but never felt restriction and then he disappeared.
I was referred to another surgeon, new to the practice, but very experienced with lapband (10 years). I was thrilled. However, I shortly realized that he was on automatic. He didn't see me. listen to me, care about me. He did his spiel, period. He got me to restriction ASAP. But I ended up too tight with some reflux. Took me 6 months to realize it since no body was listening and I'm not the expert.
After two small unfills, found myself throwing up and getting stuck a lot. Back in for a big unfill. Went back to basics (of course gained some weight) and realized that I had not really learned good band eating. I started studying band books, started therapy again, went to a support group (awful) and mainly started practicing really HARD at the eating skills. I went into today to get a re-fill which I got. But also got interrogated, criticised, not listened to, condescended to and demeaned. And I had to drive an hour and a half each way for this!!?
I feel like I hate this guy. Fortunately, he is training a doc in my area to do fills. This doc is a lot nicer but a newbie. He did my fill today and did great but... do I want to put my precious band in the hands of a newbie? I think I'm going to try going to him for awhile since I don't ever want to see the other guy again.
The worst part is I went into this appointment all gungho to get back on track and now I feel so discouraged. But I will not let that jerk pull me off track. I am gonna do this!
Thanks for listening.
Katie
Don't let the Nut have any control over your life and your health. Give the kid a chance on your fills. Even with the band it is up to you to follow the plan to be a success in your journey. I know that you can get back on the wagon because you took the effort to get the fill and you got out frustration. Keep coming back to OH for support. Keep up the great work.
(sighs and laughs) Oh, I get so tired of hearing about poor behavior from doctors. As if they think are knights riding in on white steeds to lower themselves to help us. 
Those arrogant *******s need to be taken down a few pegs and the only way to do it is for us (the ones who hire and PAY them) to remind them that they "ain't all that." THEY work for us. If you went to a grocery store and a clerk treated you like crap, would you accept it or complain?
A relationship with a doctor has to be based on MUTUAL respect and trust. It has to work both ways. Tell him why his behavior is unacceptable when it happens and that it is demoralizing to you and your band experience is being adversely affected. And he also needs to be told that we (WLS patients) talk to each other, and talk to prospective clients. If the surgeon is a douche, he won't get recommended.
As for the new kid, be willing to give him a shot (pardon the pun.) We all have to start somewhere!

Those arrogant *******s need to be taken down a few pegs and the only way to do it is for us (the ones who hire and PAY them) to remind them that they "ain't all that." THEY work for us. If you went to a grocery store and a clerk treated you like crap, would you accept it or complain?
A relationship with a doctor has to be based on MUTUAL respect and trust. It has to work both ways. Tell him why his behavior is unacceptable when it happens and that it is demoralizing to you and your band experience is being adversely affected. And he also needs to be told that we (WLS patients) talk to each other, and talk to prospective clients. If the surgeon is a douche, he won't get recommended.
As for the new kid, be willing to give him a shot (pardon the pun.) We all have to start somewhere!
Congrates on realizing you had to study and be incharge of yourself. The doctor is just a surgeon. We needed him for the surgery. (and your fills), but when it comes to your pep talk and motovation, you will not get it there. Just keep cool, get your fills, smile, nod your head and get out of there. Continue to be your own best friend :)
(deactivated member)
on 7/12/11 12:15 pm - Des Moines, IA
on 7/12/11 12:15 pm - Des Moines, IA
Katie,
I'm sorry you have had a rough time lately. I really believe that surgeons have very little bedside manner. They wanted to be the person that could go in and fix a problem and then be done with the patient. Most aren't prepared to deal with everything that is involved with the aftercare for band patients. I feel like my surgeon does a great job and cares along with her PA.
I would give the "newbie" a chance. Don't let one person get you discouraged, this is your time to shine Katie. I believe in ya!
Kristi
I'm sorry you have had a rough time lately. I really believe that surgeons have very little bedside manner. They wanted to be the person that could go in and fix a problem and then be done with the patient. Most aren't prepared to deal with everything that is involved with the aftercare for band patients. I feel like my surgeon does a great job and cares along with her PA.
I would give the "newbie" a chance. Don't let one person get you discouraged, this is your time to shine Katie. I believe in ya!
Kristi
Kristi:
I honestly believe that doctors' bedside manners are getting WORSE, but if patients stop accepting that kind of behavior, it will act as a wakeup call. I've dumped more than one doctor (not my surgeon!) for having poor "customer skills" and I'll do it again in a heartbeat.
For what they get paid, and for what *I* pay for my damned insurance - basic fees and copays - I'm not willing to accept poor customer service from ANYONE, much less a doctor.
I honestly believe that doctors' bedside manners are getting WORSE, but if patients stop accepting that kind of behavior, it will act as a wakeup call. I've dumped more than one doctor (not my surgeon!) for having poor "customer skills" and I'll do it again in a heartbeat.
For what they get paid, and for what *I* pay for my damned insurance - basic fees and copays - I'm not willing to accept poor customer service from ANYONE, much less a doctor.
Sorry Katie, I truly understand. You got the right attitude, no jerk will pull you off track. There is more of us than it is of them. Take care,
Z
Z
With I will succeed.
HW: 280 - LW: 190 - GW - 180
Unfilled 8/15/11 - WT: 209
1st Fill 11/29/11 - WT: 215.5 - 3cc
2/20/12 - New Goal - Get n Onederland
2nd Fill 4/26/12 - WT: 224.0 - 3cc
Z
I understand you completely! I need another unfill and I feel like it is something I did so Im almost afraid to call teh doctors office to hear what I should be doing becuase I thought I was doing what I needed. Im as frustrated as they are! I just had an unfil then a fill and now an unfill. Darn bodies and bands!
Stay postiive as you are and I hope the best for you! It's frustrating but I know this is a tool and I need to use it! And, with your atittude you will do the same!
Kathy
Stay postiive as you are and I hope the best for you! It's frustrating but I know this is a tool and I need to use it! And, with your atittude you will do the same!
Kathy