Question:
Why are there so many with unanswered questions?
I'm really concerned as to how many people are asking questions that should have been addressed prior and post op. I have my nurse's beeper, and can call her any time of day or night with a resolution to a question. Don't get me wrong networking is very valuable, but your specialists should be well equipped to handle your concerns. Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement. I didn't realize that not being able to hit the spell check would get such a rise. I appreciate the encouragement. It takes a whole village to raise....................Bypasschick — bypasschick (posted on March 16, 2008)
March 16, 2008
I am so glad to see this post. Every day I ask myself why most of the
questions haven't been answered by doctors, nutrionists and therapist prior
to surgery with post-op follow-ups. My particular doctors flood us with
information prior to surgery, at surgery time and continuing after surgery.
We have a notebook given at our first appointment that I refer to
constantly for reminders. I can also reach my nutrionist any time via
email or telephone if I don't understand some of the instructions. If your
doctor isn't giving you adequate information, I would be concerned that you
might wish to see another doctor! Good luck to all in their journey.
— funnyandsweet
March 16, 2008
I must say I have wondered the same. My doctor and nutrionist gave me a
wealth of information before and after surgery. I knew before sugery how
much protein and vitamins I would need to take. I was also informed of how
many calories I should consume. I got a binder full of information telling
me everything that was going to happen (good and bad )and what to do. I
can call or email my doctor and nutrionist at anytime. I also attend
monthly support group meetings.
— AutumnRain
March 16, 2008
I think there are some clinics and insurance companies that do not require
the 6-month nutritional counseling & that's where I got most of my
information. Some of the WLS clinics do surgery 1 or 2 months after
initial consultation without much education or preparation for the patient.
Scarey.
Marsha
— MiniMello
March 16, 2008
I agree. but I think that we sometimes find comfort in knowing someone
else, has gone through the same thing. and I don't think it is so much that
we have not been informed, but just to see what other's have been, and are
going through, and also how we cope with the situation. I think
communication is very vital, before-during-and after surgrery. I too have
asked questions on here, but mainly to see how others opinions were. I also
feel if I can help someone out, that is great. this is such a big surgery,
and I really do think, we can find comfort in others..
— kimcrain
March 16, 2008
Thank you! I have nearly stoppped reading this forum due to my frusration
with the types of questions asked here. Anyone considering surgery, or
worse yet already had surgery should have a means of asking 90% of these
questions to a professional (a nurse, doctor, clinic). I believe 100% in
support and encouragement, sharing recipes, tips and so on - but medical
advice, PLEASE consult your professional.
— KristyJain
March 16, 2008
i fully agree with you!!! we have a great surgical team that answered
everything before we even had our first appt -- and then we had ongoing
meetings which answered even more -- plus the team we have sponsors FREE
support groups once a month - one meeting for people who are 1 yr out and
one meeting for pre ops and new post ops -- they put a ton of effort into
giving information -- we had paperwork on what to expect each and every day
for 4 months post op -- when to eat - what to eat - recipes - what docs to
see - what the hospital stay would be like - what choice of vitamins and
minerals to take and when - how much protein, fiber, sugar, calories -
EVERYTHING - we had no questions at all - we didn't have to talk to
insurance companies - we didn't have to beg PCP's for information -
everything was handled by our surgical team - we just had to show up -- but
you are correct in that networking is awesome -- i have made many great
friends - oh and our nutritionist believes in 'real' food and not all
'diet' food -- he'll tell us what kind of ice cream is the best for us or
the best chips are for us -- he knows that people go to functions like BBQ
and weddings and what have you and that you would really look stupid
bringing in your own lunch box to some events -- and he knows that people
shop at real stores and not always the most expensive organic high-end
grocery stores - i'm very grateful for the surgical team i have -- and that
is the key -- we have a TEAM to help us
— RCassety
March 16, 2008
As the respondents before me have said... "I often ask myself the same
question, why so many with so little information?"
I was receiving such an influx of information pre-op (and from my own
research) that I started keeping a notebook with dividers so I'd be able to
quickly locate any information I may need. That is in addition to being
able to call the office staff or nurse or nutritionist at any time.
I find it very disconcerting that so many "seem" to be
ill-informed before having this surgery. I AM NOT SAYING ALL OR IMPLYING
THAT FOLKS ARE NOT SEEING GOOD SURGEONS, I'M JUST STATING WHAT IT SEEMS
LIKE WHEN READING SOME QUESTIONS (NOT ALL).
— LuvNSummer
March 16, 2008
I've wondered about it too. You see the same group of questions day after
day after day (how much protein do I need, why am I not losing weight
(although they normally misspell it as "loosing weight"), why is
my hair falling out, I'm bleeding from my rectum/ throat/ ears, etc.)
I had surgery 4 years ago and there was one nutrition session, that's it.
However, they have us detailed nutritional/ surgerical/ aftercare info in a
binder. THAT was a big, big help.
— Lady Bugg
March 17, 2008
I did my four years without any support group. I relied soley on my surgeon
and nutrition classes. I believed I was blessed in that I learned to listen
to my own body and learned about it without all the fears and aches and
pains and rare problems. I lost 150 lbs and have kept it off with NO
problems at all. (Minor aches and pains) With that in mind, I got lax on
taking my vitamins and thought I was doing great because I felt awesome. On
my 4 year surgiversary, I got an email from OH and came back to read a
little about how others were doing at 4 years out...I learned so many gain
weight back or have scary problems and I almost wished I didn't come
back...but I posed ONE question...I asked what people thought about not
taking all their vits and supps because at 4 years we should be getting
enough nutrition in our food, so I thought as per my nutritonist...I took
most of my supps regularly except I had cut my multi vitamin in half and
cut out my iron almost completely. (They caused constipation) I also
stopped visiting the doctor for two years. I felt that I was doing
fine...Felt awesome...Lost all my weight, kept it off...One day at the
doctors changed my attitude completely about needing support. I got back
here just in time before my vitamins and iron store shut down on me to a
dangerously low levels. I am anemic and low low low on several vitamins.
So, while there are stupid questions...there are also people like me that
might make changes in their pouch rules because they think everything is
fine...It is those silent problems that creep up on you and bite you in the
arse. Call me stupid...I deserve it. I asked a "stupid" question
that may have saved my life and my heart from stopping because of lack of
oxygen in my anemic blood! Some of us just need reassurance or a reason
"why" we are to do what we are told to do. So yes...many ask
things that they should know. My surgeon didn't speak english...and his
office girls were rude and uninterested in my pre op questions....Hey some
of us have to be the village idiots to make the village-know it-alls feel
good about themselves! Good for you! Glad you have your surgery all figured
out! Some of us need an extra mile worth of questions for reassurance. Ya
know, this is probably why my surgeons office were so rude...they got so
sick of the same questions over and over that they just forgot we are all
new and scared and need to hear things over and over. If you have no
patience...Just go enjoy your perfection leave the understanding and
sympathy and support to those of us who want to answer the stupid questions
so that even just one person can feel a little confidence and relief. I
mean no war...I just figured I'd be as honest as you were without the sugar
coating. So please take no offense...It just is what it is...
— .Anita R.
March 17, 2008
I'll address a couple of things here...first Gretchen, my apologies about
commenting on the spell check issues that another poster addressed to you.
I may have been in a mood that day, but I just found it ridiculous to
criticize you for it. Perhaps she was in a mood that day when she
criticized you, and I should have practiced more tolerance in regard to
her. And now, as I've read the recent replies to your current posting...I
think it's true, that many should have all of their questions answered, but
many don't get them answered....sometimes because they don't know what to
ask, or they do get treated poorly at their surgeon's office. Sometimes
too, I think surgeon offices assume people have done their research well
enough before considering major surgery, and have few issues that need to
be addressed. I think emotions run high when it comes to our self-image,
and we usually end up with such low self worth when living in obesity, that
we fear rejection and/or getting our heads bit off because we asked what
might be deemed as a "stupid" question. Alot of times, the
surgeon and even the nutritionists are so back logged with patients, that
they rush through appointments. That always makes me wonder if I should
ask something...but I do anyway, because I'm paying for this appointment!
I sometimes get frustrated too, when people ask the most basic of questions
here, but I also know that the information is confusing. I just addressed
a woman on another local site about how her surgeon told her that she
didn't need protein supplementation, or need b12, or that hair loss wasn't
an issue. That's the biggest reason people ask questions here....that may
have been asked a million times...or questions that we think they should
already have an answer or a resource other than here for....they want to
know what happened for us. How did it go for us?
If you've already had surgery, and things went well, that's awesome. It
doesn't go that well for everyone. Many have issues that we never
experienced...and they want to know why it went well...or didn't go well
for some and not for others. Or they want a quick answer without calling
their surgeon's office, because more often than not, the office isn't going
to get them the answer soon enough. Yes, it would be an ideal world if all
the weight loss surgery centers did give you everything you needed from the
get go....or make themselves available 24/7 for questions that come
up....but that's not reality. And having this support system/resource, is
a Godsend for many. It's a place we hope to not be judged for our
questions/concerns, and a place that we can make friends....when our
"in person" friends can't be the kind of friends we need just
now. I'm rambling...and I'm sorry. But I think it's important that we
support everyone here....whether it's by just saying... "Way to
go!" or "This is how it went for me" or "My
surgeon/nutritionist told me" and you'd be amazed how much a few
little words or a short sentence can help someone have a better day.
Best wishes and hugs....and I'm hoping I didn't misspell anything..tee hee
Cheryl
— Cheryl K.
March 17, 2008
While I doubt your intention was to alienate others from asking questions
that should have been addressed by their doctors, I am afraid a post like
this will make some un-easy about asking questions in the future. I
sincerely hope I'm wrong! While a lot of people have valid opinions on
different topics, I think most of us realize that is just that, an opinion.
We do need a forum in which we can ask questions...even basic questions,
seek opinions, and feel connected to others that have gone through a
similar eperience, and not feel like we are being looked down on. I for
one am thankful to have some place to anonimously (in a large way) bounce
things around.
— Lisa S.
March 17, 2008
I know! I think alot of people go get by-pass surgery, and when they wake
up from the anesthesia, their first question is..."What's by-pass
surgery?" I did 5 years of research b-4 mine, I'm still not an
expert, I still research all the time, and alot of the questions are
helpful to me, but some of the basic ones, that people should know the
answer to b-4 going under the knife, totally blow my mind! Thanks to all
of you who went before me and guided me. Without you, I would have been
lost alot of times.....Lesleigh in Ga.
— lesleigh07
March 17, 2008
I feel the same...just proves there are some quacks out there that just
want the $, but don't want you to be educated for the after care. That's
why I'm always happy to see other's ask about surgeon's on here and up
coming surgeries etc. That helps! God bless and good luck!
— crystalsno
March 17, 2008
i am in the waiting game and I have done alot of research but i feel some
people just like the input of people that have already gone through the
surgery but the surgeon and nutrionist should be your main source of info
— bikermama
March 17, 2008
I was always taught that the only stupid question was the question not ask.
I have not had my surgury yet and am very scared, but I like to read these
questions. I fell that I get alot of help here. Even if the questions are
ask over and over.
— ronni5468
March 18, 2008
I can answer for me. It's not that my Doctor cannot answer the questions.
They give the clinical answes. For me, "I want to hear it from the
horses mouth" Who better to ask then someone going through it.
— Regina_07
March 18, 2008
How sad that a posting like this is sent. I have a great surgical team;
have a big binder, did my own research and still asked basic questions.
There was a time I had a stricture... left a message at my surgeons office
and the next thing I did was posted on here to get input from 'those that
have been there'. Not that I"m gonna take thier word over my docs,
but having input is always good. I was also one that has posted about
being in a weight loss slump..and is this normal, etc. Sometimes you just
need another persons input. I agree with one of the other posters that the
only stupid question is an unasked one. Lucky you...you were so well
informed after your surgery that I"m sure you never had to post a
basic question here; but some aren't and how sad that this sort of opinion
is spat upon us for using this site/forum as it's meant to be used. It's
funny that some people, after having this surgery and being post op for a
while seem so Holyer than thou. Seem to forget what it was like when you
were just a short time post op. I"m sure at some point post op you
asked a simple question on this forum, got it answered and moved on to help
others I'd hope....but what about the next person that is where you WERE?
Why brow beat them for asking simple questions or make them feel stupid?
It's funny because I very well researched my options before my
surgery...after surgery it was almost like I forgot everything. Sometimes
this forum is not cool at all because of postings like this.....IF WE COULD
ALL BE AS EDUCATED IN THIS THING AS YOU!!! the world would be a better
place! If I post a stupid, basic or ridiculous (in your opinion) question,
please don't reply to it...just let it be stupid and unanswered.
— hatda
March 18, 2008
I must agree with some of the post I have read. This website is a support
system. Here we motivate, encourage, and give personal advice and share our
personal experiences and difficulties we have encountered during the whole
WLS process. I am hoping to have my surgery within the next month or so,
And I must tell you this website is pricesless to me. No matter how many
times I see the same question asked I welcome it and try to share to the
best of my ability sound advice. obesity help is a community of friends
supporting one another......may god bless everyone :)
— Jan D.
March 20, 2008
I've wondered the same. Although some questions that are repeatedly asked
are "basic" - such as symptoms, etc. others are severe symptoms
that the person should have been instructed are significant warning signs
of potentially serious problems. I've worried about possible consequences
that may have happened because a person's waited for our answers instead of
feeling comfortable enough to contact their surgeon. As part of my research
before selecting my surgical team I also researched who should be part of
the team, as well as what I should look for in my hospital. I learned
(sadly!) that there are surgeons in my area who do the surgery - period. No
preop testing or nutritional counseling, no post op nutritional support,
and no support groups. My surgical group has recently opened up our support
group meetings to these people, but very few attend. I'm glad my group
requires a minimum of 3 meetings preop; so far I've attended 35, and I'm
still learning something new at most meetings!
— obeseforever
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