Question:
My Dr. has not even gone over most of what I'm reading here...
Should I be concerned? I mean, he does know that I've been researching the gastric bypass surgeries for some time now, so maybe that's why. However, he did mention that if I wanted to know about what food to eat then I'll need to contact a nutritionist (sorry if sp wrong LOL). He doesn't want to have to "hold my hand through EVERY step". What do you think? Should I be concerned? My friend went to him and she just said "That's how he is. Not a great bedside manner, but excellent Dr." Thanks and God Bless. — Tanya P. (posted on May 26, 2003)
May 25, 2003
I look at this from the other view point. I've had 14 surgeries so far and
I had one surgeon who had an excellent bedside manner.... but he butchered
me. Believe me, I'd much rather have a surgeon who knows his stuff, even if
he has a losey bedside manner. Been there, done that! Give me a great
surgeon anyday, no matter what personality. ;) Skill matters. Personality
does'nt.
— Danmark
May 25, 2003
I truly believe there are two kinds of WLS patients. Those who NEED a
doctor with a regimented program and those who don't. I chose not to have
a doctor with a strong program (though now I see he does have this, but I
don't participate) and chose my own nutritionist, etc. I see him for
follow-up lab work and such, but otherwise we leave each other alone and I
enjoy his wonderful surgical skills. It's necessary for you to decide what
kind of doctor you need.
— [Deactivated Member]
May 26, 2003
I'm the other side. I'm glad my doc is not only renowned in wls but has
the pre and post programs to support me long after. He has a staff of
nurses, nutritionists, pharmacy people for questions any time. We recieve a
booklet that spells out everything from eating to medication to exercise. A
support group that has many locations throughout the state I'm in. I
wouldn't want a doctor that does surgery and leaves me hanging to guess
what I'm supposed to do and doesn't support me after. That is my own
opinion of course, since you asked.
— ZZ S.
May 26, 2003
My surgeon does not have the best bedside manner and I knew that going in.
But he does have an excellent bariatric program with an RN who is the
program coordinator and is an angel. She really runs the show for the whole
group of doctors. They also have a nutritionist on staff and a pharmacist
to answer any questions. I would rather have a great cutter cutting me who
may not be a sweetheart to talk with, but knows his stuff when it comes to
creating my "tool." I've had 2 other surgeons before (unrelated
to WLS, both had great personalities but only 1 was also a great cutter).
It can be a challenge to find the best of both worlds among surgeons. They
are highly skilled, intelligent beings but some of them forget what it's
like to be human (it's called God Syndrome).
— Anna L.
May 26, 2003
Personally I would be concerned that he is sort of saying I will do the
surgery but that's it. My opinion only. However, you may try saying that
you are concerned and that you appreciate the suggestion of talking with a
nutritionist but that you need to feel comfortable with him and his
practices. Unfortunately there seems to be quite a few doctors that seem
to be more concerned with just getting it over with and not having to deal
with the aftercare. I wish you luck.
— Kitty Kat
May 26, 2003
Your doc should at least have names of nutritionists, therapists, and
exercise specialists that he feels good about referring you to. Docs
(most) know next to nothing about nutrition, so seeing a nutritionist who
is familiar with wls is important. But it is bad form to just provide the
surgery and not give patients access to the other important professionals.
— [Deactivated Member]
May 26, 2003
I would be concerned at his totally hand's off approach. I agree, he
should at least have a listing of nutritionists, physical therapists, etc
that are experienced with this particular recovery. No, he doesn't have to
hold your hand, but to do a surgery without being certain the correct
support system is in place for a good recovery seems thoughtless at best,
and uncaring at worst.
— Stacey R.
May 26, 2003
Personally, if it were me, I would be concerned. After surgery, I had to
visit my doctor every two weeks. Each visit he gave me a guideline
(printout) of what I should be eating. It also included helpful tips
(don't drink water during meals, try new food at home in case you
experience dumping...stuff like that). He also suggested and provided a
name of a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. I found it very
helpful. It all depends on the person...I like that my doctor "walked
me through it" but some people would probably like to do it
themselves. Good Luck!
— Jillian C.
May 26, 2003
I agree with the other posters who think your Dr should have a list of good
support services (nutritionist, etc)to refer you to at your request. I
think most of us research WLS a great deal before having it, and he may
have had many patients who initiated their aftercare/support on their own.
Good Luck to you:o)
— Mea A.
May 26, 2003
Unfortunately this is a good sign of how he will treat you if you have any
complicatons afterwards. He doesn't sound interested in any type of
aftercare and for a procedure like this that is pretty important.
— Holly R.
May 26, 2003
Ofcourse, I'd want my surgeon to be a little more concerned and forward
with information, but on the otherhand, he is a surgeon and doesn't need to
know everything there is dietwise about this surgery. That is why most
recommend or require you seeing a nutritionist. So I strongly urge you to
do so, it will help out alot. My surgeon was good all around, so I lucked
out. But as long as he knows what he's doing and very qualified, then all
you need is to get a nutritionist. But another question is his longterm
care? Make sure he wants to continually see you post-op, that's another
sign of a good WLS surgeon. Goodluck to you :-)
— Lezlie Y.
May 27, 2003
In my experience I have found that you need to do what is best for you.
Only you know what is working for your body. Of all of the posts you get
to your question, you may only use one or two ideas, and someone else may
use all of them. We are all individuals and we need to find what works for
us. I have learned so much valuable information from here and my local
support group. I can say from experience that if your Dr has a good
support system in place that it is a great benefit. I know several people
who have had this surgery and everyone of us have Dr.'s that do things
differently. You need to do what is best for you. My Dr. is very general
and vauge and also has me refer to a nutritionist for help. He specializes
in the surgery itself, the dietician/nutritionist will help with the foods
you should eat. And make sure that you find a good support group, that
will be invaluable. I try not to miss mine. It is such a great source of
re-newed excitement each time. You see the changes everyone is going
through and it is so helpful. You get great ideas, recipes and meet new
friends. I am also currently in the process of starting my own support
group. I do beleive that your Dr. should hold your hand to a point, but he
was the one that formed this tool for me and ultimately it is up to me to
find out the best way to use it. I am 9 months out and still do not eat
anything with "sugar" in it. I do keep sugar free treats on hand
(S/F Reese's Peanut Butter Cups...mmmmm - S/F cookies.....) but I find
that as long as I know they are there, I don't CRAVE them. So I usually
throw them away due to being stale before the package is even 1/2 gone.
Personally I have succeeded so far because I don't tell myself I can't have
anything. I CAN have whatever I want, I just choose not to have it. Keep
protein first and then veggies and it will all be ok.
As far as your Dr. not holding your hand at every step - that's up to you.
My Dr. did not hold my hand and I am at goal (-130 lbs) within 9 months and
I feel fabulous! And I found out what works for me. It is so much easier
(and more rewarding) to follow a plan that you created, than follow the
rules strictly by a specific Dr.'s book. Remember, that's how most of us
ended up here in the first place. How many "diets" did you
follow in your lifetime??? Find YOUR plan and stick to it. The beauty of
this tool is that you have the first 6 months of the honeymoon phase to
develop YOUR plan, and by then you feel so great that it is easy to adopt
it to a lifelong plan.
Good luck to you!!! This is about you, not what works best for others.
You will know what feels right.
— Dana B.
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