Why don't we ask our Surgeons?

I don't know how to say this, but here goes....I look at this site everyday and I see a lot of medical questions being asked and answered. It's a little scarey! I personnally researched bariatric surgery for 2 years before I had surgery. I went to my surgeon with tons of questions and they were all answered. I just feel that at times we give advise to simple questions and then give advise to questions that should be answered by a medical doctor. I would like for us to tell memebers to call their doctors. It will be 3 years out this November for me and I do not have all the answers because what works for me, might not work for you. I don't want anyone to get upset with this post, but come on...I'm sure we are not all in the medical field. Cathy

well i dont disagree with asking your doc questions, bUT many docs do not have all the answers, they are in a sole practice, they are not nutrition experts and very often ( and i work for a doctor) they just cant be bothered by phone calls and questions, due to lack of time or interest, especially once you have had your surgery. i feel that ppl ask questions here just because they get a cross section of ppl from all over who may have had similar experiences and may in fact have helpful answers or suggestions. obviously if you have a true medical issue, the doctor should be called or god forbid in an emergeny, you should go to the ER.. well so much for my five cents. jacki

I also had Dr. Nusbaum as my surgeon, BUT when it comes to some of my questions, I can see where while he may be an excellent surgeon, he's not very knowledgeable on what it's like to live with this body. At my 1 month post op, I mentioned I was having terrible leg cramps. He told me to eat bananas. I am almost 3 months out now and STILL can't eat bananas. You hire a surgeon because of his skill and knowledge as a surgeon. I think, though, that you have to keep your eyes open to the fact that as intelligent as they are, they have limited knowledge about some things. That's where you need other medical professionals and people who have experience living with this new body.

I agree with both of you! But when it comes to REAL medical problems, please seek medical advise from a medical professional. We can share our experiences with others, but to advise them what to do is scarey. I also work with doctors and yes they may not have all the answers, but if I feel faint or vomit all the time, I want to know why? That is why when you have WLS you are told to go to a nutritionist, have blood work and follow-ups. I am 3 years out in November and some days I can eat a banana and somedays I can not. That's why we are told to introduce new foods slowly. I can not eat apples. We are all different from each other. Sharing ideas and experiences are a good thing. I don't want to upset no one, but name doesn't have MD after it. That's my ten cents

hi cathy i fully agree with you -- alot of people are not making informed decisions and do not have enough information on what to do before and after surgery -- i am not a doctor -- but i do have some credentials -- Pharmacology, The Body in Health & Disease, Human Services for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities -- ALL are college classes -- i would refer someone to a doctor if i am not positive -- oh and for my pat on the back i had a GPA of 3.8 -- very proud of that i will research my answer on the web before i post it on here and also post the webpage if need be -- it really is amazing how many people do not have support around them or attend any support groups and complain about having a psych exam or going to a Nut -- so many people try to find information AFTER surgery i also have been researching this surgery since 6/04 and ross had his surgery on 5/22/06 and mine is 11/22/06 -- started with 1 surgeon and changed minds REAL fast!! found a 2nd surgeon -- i read this board and contibute -- i read the main board and go thru the OT crap and try to get to real issues, but most times i don't have the time or patience for that our surgeon is very approachable!! Nutrionist is VERY approachable by email and phone (you get a call back or answer in 24 hours or less) our PCP is very involved in our surgery and watches us continuously for any problems people tend to forget that this is Life Altering Surgery -- not having a wart removed ok off the soap box -- actually i use a milk crate -- it's lower to the ground so when i fall it's not far PLEASE everyone!!! find a surgeon who is Knowledgeable about WLS and the effects on the human body/mind after surgery also -- call your surgeon -- go to the ER -- do NOT wait for a 'response' from a message board!! ok ok i'm done can anyone picture me and timmy ray in the same room hahaha take care roberta

Hey Roberta! Your right!! It's scarey when your scheduled for WLS and you do not know the difference between RYN and banding?! I really feel strong about obtaining knowledge before surgery. This surgery not only changes your appearance, but with some of us it changes your relatonships and marriage. I had great support and thank god for that! Hell, I researched for months about the good, bad and ugly of WLS. I just lately have been using the NJ board. I'm glad you feel the same! Thanks and keep in touch! Cathy