Question:
Who do you listen too?

I have seen my surgeon, and a dietician - there pretty much agree on what to do post op, but their opinions differ from what I read on line, from other surgeons in the area...have read in the pouch rules for dummies and on this and other websites, it's confusing and scary. Who do I listen too?    — Princess D. (posted on February 2, 2003)

February 2, 2003
I would always listen to my surgeon and dietician. If you find something on here that differs, than I would take that information back to the surgeon/dietician along with any corroborating evidence that you have found through your own independent research. Then let the surgeon/dietician decide whether this new information changes their opinions...JR
   — John Rushton

February 2, 2003
You have chosen a doctor you are going to trust your life to in surgery. I would listen to the doctor.
   — barbara A.

February 2, 2003
It all depends. Exactly what are we talking about here? My surgeon gave me different advice, but then I had the DS, so I don't have the same rules as the RNY-ers. Additionally, if you'll notice, many RNY-ers get different advice depending on whether they have a general surgeon who does RNYs as part of his practice, or a bariatric surgeon who specializes. And, most "dieticians" will vary depending on how much they have truly studied the specialized needs of the bariatric patient. I think you ulitimately cannot relinquish responsibility for your caree to anyone without being fully informed and asking your doctor about contradictions that he is recommending over the recommended guidelines of the general bariatric community for your specific surgery. For instance, I think it is ludicrous that some people are only on full liquids for 6 weeks after surgery. But then again, maybe that person is getting specific advice because of a previous history that I am not aware of. Maybe the doctor is being overly cautious, knowing that such a restrictive (but unescessary) diet will facilitate faster weightloss. I paid strict attention to my docs recommendations for when to introduce flesh (meat and fowl) back in because those things are harder to digest and carry bacteria that a healing bowel may not need to deal with. However, I did enjoy an egg foo young two weeks after surgery, which he did not recommend as being "too greasy". He did not see what I ate and I knew it wasn't "too greasy". So, ulitmately, you make the decisions on what you decide to do.
   — merri B.

February 2, 2003
DS or RNY?
   — jengrz

February 3, 2003
It IS confusing and scary at first, to see so many diverging opinions. Especially on long-range issues like vitamin supplements. I listed to my doc and dietician, but then I read postings here and in the Yahoo OSSG (Obesity Surgery Support Groups), in the groups specifically dedicated to protein, vitamins, and especially the group for long-term post-ops (out a year or more). I learned a LOT from just reading all those postings, and evetually sorted out what made sense to me by just reading over time.<P>I'm glad I didn't listen to my surgeon and dietician and take "Tums" for calcium, based on what I read about calcium carbonate vs. calcium citrate. Lo and behold, the surgeon got a different dietician in the office about four months *after* my surgery, and now they no longer recommend Tums (now, they recommend calcium citrate). So even the docs and dieticians are learning. I really like my doc, and he's been a bariatric surgeon for almost twenty years, but there's just too much benefit in reading what lots of people's docs are saying to just fixate on my own and ignore the rest. :o
   — Suzy C.

February 3, 2003
Princess, listen to your doctor/PCP or surgeon. Each one of us have different "issues" and different surgeries. Which means there may be somewhat of a different approach that should be taken. As a previous poster has indicated, this will be for the rest of your life~be safe, listen to the one that is taking care of you. Ask "us" as support. Hope this helps!
   — yourdivaness