Question:
Anyone had a physician document that they weren't

Anyone had a physician document that you were not a good candidate for surgery due to the fact that you had a history of using food to handle emotional issues?? I just read something that an endocrinologist wrote about me in his notes to the probable surgeon that would do my surgery. He stated that I use food as a crutch to handle difficult feelings/situations. Duh??!! Don't most morbidly obese do similar things?? Besides he stated that I have the illness of chronic depression (which I take meds for). I am in remission from my depressive state, and have been for quite a while now. Aren't there other clinically depressed people on meds that have support from their physicians to have this surgery done?? I personally think that the doctor was ignorant in what he wrote about me not being a good candidate! I lost 200 lbs and kept 150 of it off for 17 yrs!!..then TEN PEOPLE that were either related to me, or close to me..all died within the 90's plus I got a divorce. (mom and dad died too at that time)...plus best friend and the dad of my kids! WHY WOULDN'T I go into a state of depression again after all that happening?? The average person not suffering from clinical depression would be depressed!! That is when I gained the weight back. Now, it is hell to take off...as you all are aware of!! Don't you think that a doctor that says something such as that is a real uneducated jerk?? I plan on using all the tools that I have been given thru therapy over the yrs in order to keep the wt off this time. It was like he was just "tossing me to the wolves!"... w/ no options left!! Grrrr!! : ~ { Fortunately, his letter did not end up w/ my surgeon! I'd appreciate hearing your comments on this subject. Am I right or wrong in thinking the way I do about this issue??    — kathy S. (posted on May 17, 2000)

May 17, 2000
Forgive me... but it sounds as if this dr is very much a biggot when it comes to overwieght people... and it sounds as if he thinks if you just stop eating then "POOF" your going to loose all that weight... these people need to pull theis heads out of their "asses" (apologize for the language) Your surgeon that you are consulting, with regards to your WLS; I would guess be pretty insulted by this letter in the first place! I can't seem to understand why some people think the way they do. I was actually discussing this in my support group last night---obesity is the one of the most un-talked about prejedices out there... being overweight and dealing with daily tasks and dealing with these ignorant people on a daily basis is harsh and I wish every person could walk a mile in our shoes before they spit out their hurtful words that cause so much pain in our lives...
   — Jamie T.

May 17, 2000
No, You are not over reacting to this dumbass. I had a surgeon tell me I was not fat enough to have the surgery,(geesh, even failed at being fat..ha ha) so I found another surgeon. All of us use food to handle stress, thin people do too. I am so glad that the letter didn't get to the surgeon. If your surgeon won't do the surgery on you, find another one. When you have to go through the psych part again, play their game. Give them the answers they want to hear. don't divulge your true feelings. in a small word....lie.... it will help you get the surgery you need to live. You sound to me like you have things straight. Go get 'em girl!!! Good luck and to heck with that jerk Valeie
   — Valerie B.

September 23, 2000
I once had a psychology teacher tell me that all overweight people had low self-esteem. You can't love youreself and be overweight. So my question is this: Who sets the guidelines? Did I not have any self-esteem at 75 pounds overweight, but she did at 35? It doesn't matter which came first, the chicken or the egg so to speak, the result is the same. We all use food in our own way and it is depressing to be so big, not only for ourselves and health reasons, but also because jerks like your psyc are so prejudice against big people. When people realize that those of us who gain over and over are genetically predisposed to this, like they are to large noses or smelly feet, then treatment options will just be passe. I don't have my license, but have my degree in it, so I know a little bit about why he's telling you what he is. As for my "just a little less" than professional opinion, I'd just say YOU GO GIRL! Do what you have to do to get healthy!!! God bless, Debi
   — Deborah P.