Question:
different recommendations

I have to ask why there seems to be so much variance in the different doctors and bariatric programs. From reading the questions on here, it concerns me that people are having this life changing surgery done with what appears to be little or no follow up or support, from some programs. When I see someone ask what they are supposed to eat after surgery, it shocks me. I saw the dietician with my program several times before surgery and see her everytime I see the surgeon for follow up (am now 6 wks post op)and have a written program to follow for the rest of my life. I see the program's physical therapist next week ( saw the exercise specialist when first starting the process) It just seems there are so many different recommendations or expectations depending on who you go to. That to me is scary.    — bcruiser2003 (posted on February 14, 2010)

February 14, 2010
I agree I don't understand it because if I did not have my RD I couldn't of made it.
   — ladyrdhk

February 14, 2010
I think it it that sometimes people don't really read or listen to what they are supposed to do. I am shocked at some of the questions also - drinking soda, eating pizza or other fatty foods. Also, that is why you have centers of excellence. They have to meet certain criteria to get that status. I don't see my NUT every time I see my surgeon but I am a year out and only have to see my surgeon every year unless I am having problems. Just remember you are only 6 weeks post op and the farther you get out the harder it gets, so later on you may be having some of the same questions. We all plan on following the plan but we aren't perfect so we all get off track, and you will too, as much as you think you won't.
   — Dawn A.

February 14, 2010
Dawn - I don't recall saying I was never going to get off track or that it would be easy, that's why it is so scary that some people don't seem to have the support they need from their doctor, dietician, exercise specialist, psychologist, etc. I have those resources available to me, as well as a mentor from the program for when those times arise. I was just concerned that there seems to be such a variance in the approach to this life changing decision/treatment. I'm glad there is a forum such as this for all of us to ask those questions.
   — bcruiser2003

February 14, 2010
Dawn Alter wrappedit up in a nut shell, you must go to a center of excellence, I did. The whole group is so amazing.
   — FSUMom

February 15, 2010
I totally agree it would be very scary. I follow up with the doctor office all the time, i go to counseling every week, i have a book with all the rules for every phase. Cleveland Clinic in florida has all sorts of help for people monthly meetings with other patients... its great
   — MarthaJ0110

February 16, 2010
Bonnie, I have wondered this same thing myself. I think maybe with "Big Medicine" and Carnie Wilson and others giving this surgery a higher profile, some people get the idea that this is an easy journey!! I do my part... I go to my support group and gently nudge new folks in the right direction... and I post answers here on OH especially to folks who don't yet seem to "get it" that surgery is only a part of a much larger life-changing plan. Of course "you teach best what you need to learn the most" so I'm doing this as much for me as for the greater good. My personal story involves having quit a program with a local surgeon in favor of driving an hour to a much better program. I didn't like the "feel" of the support groups, I didn't like that you don't get to see the surgeon 'til very far into the process, I was getting a feeling of not being supported enough and it had become clear to me reading OH and other sites and books that support is a big key to success. So... just thank your lucky stars that you have found a good program, that you have learned already that not all surgeons and programs are created equal, that you have learned that the surgery itself is only part of the process. Good for you! Join us in spreading the word about how to have successful weight loss surgery. Best of luck to you!
   — Greg K.

February 16, 2010
Bonnie: I would welcome the opportunity to discuss your personal experience with you, but would love to do so privately. Would you click on my profile and contact me offlist? I tried to send you a personal message to this effect, but it appears your profile is "private" and I was unable to do so. As a fellow WLS patient myself (around the same time as you, in fact), as well as a medical professional I think I have some information regarding your concerns that you may want to hear. Best of luck to you! ~Trish
   — momeego