Stupid Doctor

I've been having pain in my band area so I had a consult with a GI dr yesterday to find out what's going on. As soon as I mentioned that I have a band he cuts me off and says that's my problem. I'm eating too much and that's causing the pain. Really? I've had this band for 7 years. I know the difference between the discomfort of eating too much and the agony I'm in right now. He then goes on to tell me that my band probably grew through my stomach and now I'm going to have to have major surgery to remove it. He also said "those things are a nightmare". I felt like I was in the twilight zone.  

I switched doctors and I now have a HIDA scan and an upper endoscopy sceduled.

What ever happened to bedside manner?

I'm really sorry you're in pain. I've had several doctors tell me that bands are nightmares, too. And, unfortunately, there is a very good chance that the pain you're experiencing is either from the band eroding into your stomach or from it being in the wrong position. I hope it's not, but be prepared. I highly doubt the pain is from your "eating too much." You know your own body and when something isn't right.

I agree that your doctor had a less than great bedside manner. I saw a doctor a couple of weeks ago who told me that the lapband is one of the worst "contraptions" ever... and I have to agree, having gone through hell with my own. Of course, this doctor also thought that gastric bypass and gastric sleeve were the same procedure, so...

Good luck with the tests. Hope you feel better.

 I don't understand why people insist on speaking about things that they don't clearly understand. It makes no sense to me. 

I hope the problem isn't with the band either but I have a feeling that it is. I've been bracing myself. Whatever happens I'm sure I'll be ok. I'm strong. I can deal with it. But I'm not looking forward to it! :)

Thanks for the kind words.

I'm sure you'll be OK, too.  I hope you find an answer. It's no fun being in pain, especially when the cause is unknown.  (Captain Obvious here at your service!) 

~Nicci

 
Some doctors have a good bedside manner and some do not.  It's always been that way.

Did you know stats show that if patients don't like the bedside manner of their doctor, those doctors are more likely to be sued?  A sweetheart of a doctor can make the SAME mistake and they don't get sued at the same rate as the butt heads.

I'm glad you are getting the diagnostics.

 This makes sense. Not that I plan on sueing him, but I do think he's more sueable. lol

My biggest problem with him is that I was already scared when I went there and instead of assuring me that they can find and fix the problem he chose to terrify me and make me wrong for having a band in the first place. He said if I ate less and exercised more I would feel better. How does he know what I'm eating or how much excercise I'm getting? He didn't ask. I'm currently 115 pounds so I must be doing something right.  He was so condescending. He instantly made me feel like I was 210 pounds again. I thought I was past all that. :(

He's an asshole and I would have changed Dr's as well! His comment about it's your fault b/c you overate when there was absolutely nothing to indicate that this was true, reminds me of the blame the victim mentality that I have seen on this forum over and over when bandsters have failed bands. It's bad enough when it happens here, but to pay to have someone trash you like that is horrible!

Now I do respect him for telling you the truth about the band being a nightmare though. There is no reason to candy coat it. It is what it is. :-(

 A hidascan is used to check the function of your gallbladder... I recently had one. So at least he is looking at other options too... Weird he's not sending you for an ultrasound too to look for stones. I also recently had an endoscopy which showed severe gastritis in my pouch. I am getting my band removed on Tuesday. 

Good luck with your surgery!!!

 I was referred to this dr because the ultrasound I had done came up clear, no stones. I never even heard of a HIDAscan until yesterday. What was the procedure like? The radiology department said I should allow for 4 hours from start to finish.

I'm sorry to hear of your gastritis. Hopefully the removal of the band will have you feeling better. Much luck on Tuesday!