Good Morning. They don't know me very well, do they?

I received an invite from OH to participate in beta testing a new patient to medical professional group. They really must be hard up because you guys know how much I respect bariatric surgeons that push their measly 2 WLS on people regardless of their starting weight or eating demons--not.  Or, NUTs that tell everyone to eat an equal amount of carbs and protein, and zero fats, and never let a protein shake cross your lips. Yeah, I know there are exceptions and they "think" they're giving good advice, and all that. I just thought this invite was particularly interesting considering my in-grained biases.

I really don't know what I would ask a surgeon since I've had no issues post-op, and NUTS, well, I might be able to dream something up for NUTs...but I'd need to watch the sarcasm. Should I accept?

--g
 

You have incredible insight and a wealth of experience, so if you can keep your sarcasm in check, I'd say sure.  

You have so much to offer and so much knowledge, question is would they actually listen to you? I know you have been of great support and assistance to me and many others.

You have tons of knowledge and insight.  Go for it.  Just play nice.

Well.... they really need folks that have all kinds of opinions.   You will be surprised once you start asking questions that they just keep on coming. 

I'd ask about what complications there would be.  How many patients they've "lost" (I asked this one to my surgeon before my surgery).   How would they handle a complication.  Are they the type of Dr who thinks they know better than their patient, especially if the patient feels something is wrong (throwing up, possible strictures, etc).  I'm sure Tonya would have great insight into some of these types of questions.  Yes, hard for me too because I haven't had any issues either, but just listening to some of the folks here, it sounds like there are Drs who don't want to listen - send someone home for the "weekend" and let them continue to suffer, to only have them end up in emergency the next day. 

Other questions would be how they help their patients decide on which surgery is right for them... that would be an interesting answer.

I think you have the NUT thing covered... :)

Gina, I think you would be wonderful at helping on this.  I'm with Stacey though are they going to be willing to listen to your advice.  Most are just as determined that their way is the right way no matter what.  So is it going to be a true sharing group or is one side going to try and convince the other side that they are right?  Are they really wanting to know what  makes a person successful?

I don't know why people can't be successful in different ways and there not be a wrong or right.  We do have successful people that don't do the protein shakes.  We also have successful people that do the protein shakes.  I really feel it is what works for you as long as your labs are good and you can stay with your program.  The protein shakes just make it so much easier for me.  We have people on here from all different types of WLS's who have done great and also had some with problems.  I think everyone needs to look at the long term and what they can committ to for the rest of their lives.

I have not had any serious issues since WLS either.  Prior to surgery I had a list that I asked each doctor I went to.  I bet there are lots of people on our board that can give you great questions to ask if you accept.

Linda

You can always walk away if it doesn't suit you.

But yeah, it is interesting that they'd choose a DSer, after virtually decimating our board with their heavy handed tactics.

I can see why they'd choose you though. You're always polite and easy going and you have a lot of knowledge.

I think you would do a great job Gina. I'm sure you could come with a lot of questions to ask them.

I got an invite too but figured everyone got one so I just ignored it. I'm not big on asking questions and I really don't have enough knowledge to give intelligent feed back.

Go for it.  Hopefully they can take on board your feedback.  Guess I was spoiled with my surgeons practice because most of the information they gave matched what I heard from vets here.  Plus a lot of the advice they were giving was by their own admission what they were paying forward from listening to their patients.

Point is if you have people open to listening you can do a lot of good.

Do it!! You would be a fabulous representative. I want to know how active the board is! Are the surgeons themselves online or do they send in their staff??? You can always bail if it ends up being a waste of your time.

Meg