Question:
Need help with my Primary care doctor

I went to see my surgeon before I went to my PCP about this surgery. I did research, research and more research and finally decided that I wanted to do this, and actually got really excited about it. When I went to see my PCP, she shot all of my hopes down in a matter of 15 minutes.She wasn't totally against it, but wants me to try Xenical first, and said that the risk of death during this sugery is huge, and that the complications afterwards are awful. She also said that she has seen many people gain the weight back even after the surg.because thier stomaches stretch back out.(especially with binge eaters, like I am) She also wants me to go to counsiling to find out why I binge. I need help deciding what to do. I still have my heart set on having the surg.but do I find a more understanding PCP, or try her suggestions? She said if the Xenical and the therapy do not work, she would support me with the surg.But I am VERY sick of trying diets that DO NOT WORK!! PLEASE e-mail me with any suggestions. [email protected] Denise    — Denise P. (posted on May 7, 2002)

May 7, 2002
Denise... I had a similar reaction from my therapist when I ha dto request a letter from her to my surgeon. Its very discouraging, isn't it? If you've really done your research, tell your PCP what you know. Be specific. I don't believe the death rate with this surgery is any higher than with other major surgeries. My surgeon gave me a very specific sheet on all of the different risks and their frequency - I would be happy to copy it down for you. Are you completely against trying Xenical? It is true, from what I've read, that some people do gain their weight back, but that it is not typical and usually happens with people who graze all day long as opposed to binging. Don't quote me on anything, but this is all what I've read from my hours and hours on this site. Good luck to you!
   — K. Joyce Smith

May 8, 2002
Okay, I have a couple of view points here. First, how much do you/or don't you like your PCP? Being on the cautious side isn't a bad thing. She didn't come out and say no! Now, with that said: the mortality rate was 1 in 200. Which is 0.05%(or 1%). That's probably no different than having your gall bladder out! The biggest risk(I believe)is due to the anesthesia and throwing a clot-that could happen for ANY surgery!!!Not just WLS.I would also ask her for where she gets her info. from. Not just heresay but documented medical facts.Also, do you have 2 medically supervised diets? If your ins. requires you and you don't then you may need to play the game and do the Xenical for a 6 month period or whatever. If you already have a medically documented history then I wouldn't do it. I wouldn't do the RX's as the FDA's history of late hasn't been very good. I would ask the Dr. where the info. is on the Xenical that makes her think it's going to work! We all know it dsn't. Changing your eating habits can and does for many along with exercise. Now, about the Therapy. I personally think that's a good thing. If you binge and it's out of control sometimes surgery can exaserbate a problem and it becomes worse. I think it also looks good for you on trying to get a handle on things and being serious about your "issues". If you already know what your triggers are and you think it's a waste then only you know best. However, if you don't really know what those triggers are and why than it can't hurt to get a handle on them. Best wishes on this journey
   — Linda M.