Question:
Help!! Must write letter about why i want WLS, any suggestions

My Dr. requires i I write a personal letter about why I want WLS and my diet experiences. I want to make sure it has what they will need to know. any ideas about what I should include??    — Sheila W. (posted on May 7, 2003)

May 7, 2003
Write / type a letter telling how your weight interferes with everyday tasks. Cleaning the house, yard work, physically picking up your kids, fitting in chairs, fitting in rides at theme parks. Pleasurable activities that maybe you once enjoyed are maybe now only a memory, riding a bike, gardening, hiking, maybe even walking. Tell him how you being morbidly obese has ruled your life in a negative way. DON'T forget the health reasons. Shortness of breath with any physical activity, maybe joint pain while standing doing the dishes (back, knee, feet), heartburn? Loud snoring, possibly sleep apnea? High blood pressure? Diabetes? The list can go on and on. Studies have shown a person who is obese has a greater risk for ALL different types of cancer; an obese person has a shorter life expectancy. The mental aspect of being obese is another subject I would write on. The lack of self-confidence, maybe you battle depression. As far as a diet history think back to every time in the last 10 /15 years that you tried some sort of weight loss. Weight Watcher, Jenny Craig, Nutri Systems, The Atkins Diet, The Zone, Slim Fast, Fen Phen, any thing and tell how much you lost and how much you regained. You can do this. Good luck
   — Maggie M.

May 7, 2003
Is it your PCP or your surgeon requiring it? I can't believe you're being assigned an "essay", for God's sake! If you wanted chemotherapy, would you have to write an essay? Talk about patronizing! I'd get a new doctor quick, but that's just me. I'd certainly be offended by that request!
   — Angie M.

May 8, 2003
Devil's advocate here! I think writing this type of letter is theraputic for the patient and helpful for the surgeon. It allows him to see if you are entering into this with realistic expectations. Do as the first poster suggested - write about how morbid obesity affects your activities of daily living and what you hope WLS will do for you. I wouldn't even think of changing surgeons. You've obviously got someone who is thorough and wants you to be balanced and well informed. Best wishes to you!
   — ronascott

May 12, 2003
It's very good to write a letter like that,,,,for our surgeon, Dr. Carlos Barba,here in the state of CT. It's manditory. We have to submit our letter to our surgeon AND our psych. person. While I was writing my letter it made me think about more & more reasons WHY I wanted to have the operation. It's a VERY therapeutic thing to do. If you need any help with the letter feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] It would be my pleasure to help you in any way I can. Have not had the operation yet but have gone through alllllll the testing & am just waiting for my surgery date. Good luck to you in your journey.
   — DONNA S.