Question:
Is it the norm for the surgeon to take pre-op photos of you in the nude?
Another patient of my surgeon's told me that in the last meeting with the Dr. before surgery he does a physical exam and takes photos both wearing underwear and also NAKED. Is this NORMAL procedure? My appt. is Tuesday and as far as I'm concerned if he wants a photo of me he can take only those where I am clothed. Am I being a prude? Am I over-reacting? I'm nervous enough about my upcoming surgery without this. Thanks for the feedback, Jill RNY 3/30/00 [email protected] — R. Jill K. (posted on March 20, 2000)
March 19, 2000
When I had my VBG surgery in July 1998 at Mt. Sinai in NY, my surgeon,
Robert Greenstien, took (his assistant, actually)"headless"
photos of all surgery patients wearing only underpants. Six weeks ago, I
had the VBG revised to a RNY, and no photos were required. It was a
different docotor and hospital. Hope this helps you, and best of luck!
— Mariana G.
March 19, 2000
Jill: This is NOT the norm! I'm with you, there's no way my surgeon would
be taking nude photos of me, either. In underwear, maybe. Nude, NO. And,
if he didn't take 'NO' for an answer, I'd be finding another doctor! My
doctor took photos of me fully clothed 'before'. Good luck with your
surgery. Jaye Carl, RN, open proximal RNY 7-29-99, 95 pounds gone forever!
— Jaye C.
March 19, 2000
Yikes!!
My Doctor took a photo, but it was clothed.
The only pictures of me in my underware, pulled below my belly were for the
insurance appeal for my tummy tuck.
Tell the doc to rent the video ... no free photos!
LOL
Good Luck
M
— Mary Anne M.
March 19, 2000
My surgeon took a pre-op photo (but not nude) I was fully dressed. Actually
Never once did I have to be undressed in front of him. (well except
during surgery)even then I'm sure I was draped.. I agree with the other
members..umm this is uncalled for......
— Victoria B.
March 20, 2000
No it is not normal for a doctor to take pictures of you in the nude.
Pictures of you even fully clothed should only be taken with your full
written consent. I do think pictures you take for yourself are fine, I took
pictures of me, all 4 views, naked as a jaybird. BUT I used a Polaroid
camera, didn't want to frighten a photo lab (:-o and didn't want to chance
anyone else seeing those pictures. Now at almost 3 months post op, I look
at those pictures and can't believe the changes, but I marvel at myself, in
private and may throw out those pictures pretty soon. However, I did take
before pictures fully clothed.
— Fran B.
March 20, 2000
I fully agree with the previous respondents - this does NOT sound kosher to
me.
And even if the physician's intentions are strictly ethical,
you still have the right to say, "NO. I am not comfortable
with that."
— Kim H.
March 20, 2000
Jill, NO WAY! Go with your gut and stand your ground! Good Luck!
— M B.
March 20, 2000
Jill, I would be scared and nervous too. I would refuse to have a picture
made in my birthday suit. I am like you I think he can get all he wants
with clothes on. You are not over reacting and you should stand your
grounds. Good luck
— Lee Ann B.
March 20, 2000
I don't feel this would be a normal thing... I had my surgery in October,
and my dr. took a front view of me and a side view of me... but fully
clothed... and these were only with my consent!! You definitly have the
right and should feel uncomfortable... I can't even imagine why your dr.
needs nude pictures of your body?? I remember how uncomfortable I was even
to have my dr. examine me and want to look at my apron area---and realizing
the entire time that he had seen many of the same things and it wasn't
bothering him... just me... and he never did anything w/o my consent and my
okay... and I also asked WHY before I would consent! If you feel this is
not appropriate then stand your ground! You are having bariatric... there
is frankly no reason why he needs pictures w/o your damn clothes off!
Don't let this dr. bully you into believing that these are necessary!
please keep us updated... I would really like to know your dr.'s
reasoning's!
— Jamie T.
March 20, 2000
Jill, It is your right to refuse this "procedure". If your doc
requires it, I would find myself another surgeon and report him to your
state medical board. This should NOT be a requirement for surgery. No one
should ever have to consent to this in order to undergo WLS. It is okay to
refuse this and it is also your Right to Refuse.
If you should decide to do this, make sure you sign a consent that spells
out exactly how and why these pictures are needed and used by this doctor.
Good Luck with your visit.
— Anne L.
March 20, 2000
If he insists, and you are willing, make him sign a form that gives you
copyright over the photos and tell him you will be happy to accomodate him
for the fee of $4,500. Beyond that he must be out of his mind!!!!! There
is absolutely no justification for requiring nude photos.
— merri B.
March 20, 2000
NO FLIPPING WAY!!!!~~~~enough said!
— jennmak72
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