Question:
HELP doctor wont listen!!!!

My doctor just gave me Paxil, but when I was reading the questions a lot of people said it stopped there weight loss. Now I am scared I am 8 months post-op and 20 pounds from goal. I am not ready to stop loosing or worse start gaining. I asked her to switch me to Effexor(sp?). She wont even listen she said she wants me on Paxil AGGGGGG. Any suggestions???? Thank you guys. Take care. RNY 9/02 213/135.    — April G. (posted on May 2, 2003)

May 2, 2003
Bring in the documentation of weight gain. I personally hate PAXIL!!!! When I was tapered off of the drug (after gaining 20 + lbs)it was like I was coming off of heroin or something. It was awful! Your doctor should listen to you and your concerns. Your doctor should work with you and not the PAXIL rep who might be paying for a night out for your doc.
   — dimpkd

May 2, 2003
I've been on Paxil for a few years now. I havent noticed a weight gain from Paxil. I had open RNY on 11-14-02 and am still loosing weight. Here is a link to a question and answer about Paxil and weight gain. http://bipolar.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mhsource.com%2Fexpert%2Fexp1090996g.html
   — Amy Hoffman

May 2, 2003
Your doctor can give you zoloft which is in the same classification as paxil and a good side effect is weight loss.It's your body and your right to request another type of drug.
   — jennifer A.

May 2, 2003
Your doctor can give you zoloft which is in the same classification as paxil and a good side effect is weight loss.It's your body and your right to request another type of drug.
   — jennifer A.

May 2, 2003
Your doctor can give you zoloft which is in the same classification as paxil and a good side effect is weight loss.It's your body and your right to request another type of drug.
   — jennifer A.

May 3, 2003
My suffestion is to get a new doctor. It is the doctor's JOB to LISTEN to her patients. If she is unwilling to listen with regards to something as simple as changing an anti-depressant (especially since there are numerous others in the same classification which will give you similiar results) I would hate what would happen if you needed to discuss something of the utmost importance. Remember, Doctors are NOT God - though at times they think they are. Find a doctor who will listen to you and finds your imput valuable!!!
   — MissKimberly

May 3, 2003
Ask the doctor, "Why?" This will open up the line of communication. Although the doctor is not god and should listen to you, I would error on the sidr of believing your doctor has your best interests at heart first and then try to find out what is driving your doctor's decision. I don't think the doctor is trying to be arbitray or dismissive. She may have felt like you were challenging her rather than trying to understand her reasons. Most misunderstandings come from the lack of communication stemming from underlying unspoken assumptions. Yes, it is your body, but it is also the doctor's job to recommend what she feels is the most appropriate and least harmful course of action. Talk to her. Find out her concerns. See if you can't come to some sort of middle ground, like you try paxil for a month and if it causes weight gain, then she will try and find a different anti-depressant. By the way, many anit-depressants impact weight either negatively or positively, but often this impact is short lived. No always, but often. Many blessings.
   — rebalspirit