Aftercare from Surgeon...

Ok, here is the deal... I had my surgery on July 13, 2004. I lost a total of 160 lbs and I am slowly gaining weight now... I am a member of my local gym but, I do not work out as often as I need to. Shortly after my surgery I moved to Oklahoma City. I lived there for a year or so. I only had three f/u visit with my surgeon. I have moved back to the area where I had my surgery. I know I need to go see my surgeon but, I am embarrassed and quite frankly a little scared to go see him. I guess I am fearing the butt chewing I deserve... anyone else had a simular experience and if so, how did your surgeon treat you when you finally went back.

Hi, Michael. I can so much understand where you're coming from here. None of us wants to face our docs when we know we've probably done things they won't approve of. I totally understand. If you're having any health issues, though, you should really see your doctor. Otherwise, if you're feeling well, and are just having this slow re-gain problem, now is the time to focus and get things back under control. You're in a good place here to get some much-needed support. I know you can do this. Get yourself back to the gym. At the same time, reassess what you're eating and how you could improve things there. I know it's not easy - trust me, I am about as far from being the WLS poster child as anyone could get. There just aren't any easy answers, unfortunately. The surgery got us a great weight loss, now it's up to us to hang onto it. I haven't been back to my doc for some time now. I haven't really felt the need, though I do keep in touch with the office through my surgeon's PA. She is wonderful and always answers my questions quickly. When it's time for my blood work, I just email her and she sends me a script for that. Is there a way you could start up a relationship with the doc's office that way? It might help you ease yourself back in, help you get re-started on the weight loss, and give you some added support as well. Best wishes, Carlita

See if you can find a WLS support group in your area. If your surgeon is associated with one, that is a very good sign that your surgeon will understand that weight loss is an on-going challenge for as long as we live. Your surgeon SHOULD understand. But if not, please just find another one who does. This is a common problem for all WLS patients, and often requires support groups, nutritionalists, psychologists, and any other support mechanisms out there. We will all struggle with this for the rest of our lives, so don't be ashamed to get the help you need. And set some short-term and long-term goals for yourself. Like rewarding yourself with plastic surgery, or a cruise, or a new TV, when you lose 50 pounds. Motivation is a good thing!

M, Tomarrow is my third year anniversary. I started at 300 and went down to 169. I now weigh 215 again. I never reached goal or I dont think so as neither my Dr. or myself had ever set one. I have not been back to my surgeon in almost 1 1/2 years because of the same reason why you are avoiding it. I do go to my regular Dr. occassionaly for other things at which time he gives me a script to have blood work done. The only thing ever showing is I am very very low on B-12. I give myself a shot every other week and have for over a year now. (its still a bit low) I have NEVER taken vitamins and dont plan on it as I hate the taste of all of them. I have sent three friends for surgery. All of them have done better than me. Sometimes I feel like such a failure and yet, sometimes even though I weigh 215, I feel okay. I know I looked and felt much better at 169, but for the most part, I am okay with where I am. No one makes a big deal about me and no one keeps looking at me. Is this normal? I dont know. Sometimes, I just wish no one ever knew I did this.

Hi Michael ... from my 15th month post-op (Sept 2004) to my 25th month post-op (July 2005), I had gained 20 pounds (freaked me out ... big time) ... and the only reason I found out was because I went back to the doc for my 2 year labs (I WAS going to blow them off, but something made me go). I "knew" I had gained some, but of course, tended to turn my head the other way. When the doc weighed me, he asked if I wanted to get back on track ... and I said "hell ya" ... so I set up appointments with the therapist and nutritionist ... and have since lost 80 pounds. Granted, I have "other issues" now, but I thinik you should go back. These docs need to know how to handle long term post-ops, because there are a lot of people who gain, or develop hypoglycemia or who knows what other trends will occur ... and there is a definite need for long-term follow-up ... and you should not be embarassed (I know, easier said than done). You've made the first move, knowing you need to do SOMETHING. If not the doc, see if you can get in with a support group in the area or something along those lines (plus, we're all here!). Good luck to you! Karyn