Question:
Should I switch doctors for post-op care?

I just came from my six-week follow-up. I have lost a total of 41 pounds (25 in the last five weeks) and my doctor is disappointed and says it isn't enough. I know in my heart of hearts that I am not eating anything I am not supposed to. I was going to start doing protein drinks for breakfast and he his vehemently opposed to that (saying it won't stay with me until my next meal). I stood up to him as much as I could but was still pretty beaten down. I dread going back in six weeks because I know it will be more of the same. (I told him so when I explained that I had lost eight pounds in the second week and was averaging 3.5 pounds a week since then. He was appalled and said that was definitely not enough.) He thinks I should lose 160 pounds in six months and, if I don't, I will never reach my goal weight. So much of what he says seems unhealthy. I think I need to find another doctor in Houston to handle the basic post-op care. After all, all my doctor did was weigh me, scold me and send me on for labwork. I will appreciate any comments and/or recommendations.    — Pamela C. (posted on June 22, 2001)

June 22, 2001
Is this your PCP or the surgeon? If it's the surgeon, I would be very concerned about this. 41 lb. is great! It took me almost 3 months to lose that much. My surgeon and his support staff always emphasize that everyone is different and loses at their own rate. Getting into the mode of thinking that whatever we lose is "not fast enough" is very stressful and counter-productive. Don't let him hook you into that trap!! Find a doctor who is supportive. Also, do you have support groups available in your area? I talking to others, I think you will find that the rate you are losing is just fine.
   — Gina E.

June 22, 2001
I'm new at this but my gut feeling about your doctor is he is less concerned with your physical (and emotional) well being than he is with his own ego. I guess its pretty heady stuff for some doctors to be able to boast that his or her patients lose weight at a much faster rates than many others. If I were in your position, I think I would find a doctor who is interested in supporting you to be your healthiest and happiest self. Good Luck!
   — Donna L.

June 22, 2001
Hi Pamela, I believe that the expectation of 160 pounds in 6 months is unreasonable. Do you even have that much to lose? I read your profile and couldn't find your starting weight, but your BMI was 43.9. My starting BMI was about 44 and I only have about 120 pounds to lose. Now I realize that our height would also factor in. But if I lost 160 pounds I would weigh only 103!!! Anyway, at my 3 month check-up I had lost 50 pounds and my doctor said that was the average loss at 6 months. I have never felt pressured to lose at a certain rate or even a certain amount. I would definitely seek another opinion. As far as the protein shakes are concerned, I say do what you feel is best for your health. Try them and see if what your surgeon says is true. Otherwise, what can they hurt? All the best. Shelley
   — Shelley.

June 22, 2001
Hi Pamela...God in Heaven! This guy sounds like he's ego-tripping on you. I'm still pre-op myself but read this board every single day. I've marveled at folks that say they've lost 100 lbs. in six months. I don't think it would be possible (and given your BMI, totally out of the question) to lose 160 lbs. in six months. I hope I do as well as you in my first six weeks...that is fantastic, Pamela. If this guy is making you uncomfortable, and frankly he sounds like an idiot to me, try to see if you can find someone else to follow you for after-care. I wouldn't let a jerk like that make me feel guilty and like I'm not doing my program they way I should be, which you obviously are. I'm sure you have enough stress to deal with without having to deal with an unsupportive and ill-informed doctor. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]