First Appointment Jitters

[suzannethemom]

Tomorrow is my very first appointment with the doctor followed by an appointment with a dietician. I am going to the Park Nicollet Weight Loss & Surgery Center. I am worried that they will deny me surgery and suggest diet and exercise instead. I watched their online videos and part 1 was all about their “amazing” weight loss program. I am not going there to be put on another diet. It’s a waste of time. I qualify for surgery at 220 lbs and a BMI of 38, hypertension and have had two mini strokes. What should I say if they recommend a diet program instead of surgery? I want to be prepared.

 

[missyinacage]

Hello, Suzanne. Welcome to the group. I agree with Diane. Let them know that you are interested in the surgical program. My center also offered "medical" weight loss but quite honestly, only recommends it for those who are not eligible for the surgery. Surgery is the most successful and the most profitable so I would not worry too much about them pushing for dieting.

 

[LaurieLee]

I agree with Diane and Missy. You are the client/customer, you have the choice to engage in their services and if you are wanting only surgical options, let them know. I'm sure you have been on many diets and those of us who have been on that merry go round understand that yes you lose weight but put it right back on with more. Let them know you are wanting a more permanent option. If they are insisting on their diet and exercise program, it might be time to look for another provider. One thing I have learned through the years is you don't have to stay with a doctor that you really don't mesh with. I went to a doctor who was pretty mean to me for years and then I finally said no more and shopped around for another PCP who I get along with and listens to me and my issues without judgement and condescension. Good luck

 

[3momchaos]

The center I went to had doctor guided diet and surgical options. When you called if you said you wanted surgery, then they should put you with the appropriate team. Mine never questioned my past diet attempts. Hope it works out for you.

 

[KarenWV]

Absolutely what Diane said is correct. It's your body, your decision about your health care choices.

You could make a list of all of the ways you've tried in the past to lose weight, including how far back you've tried diet & exercise, how much you lost, and how much you regained each time. This will be the evidence you'll need to show them you need surgery as a tool to help you lose the weight. They are there to help you meet your needs.

Good luck & please let us know what happens.

P.S.I'm not pushing surgery on you or anybody. I just know it can bring success when diet and exercise alone fails.

 

[suzannethemom]

Ugh, it did not go well. I submitted a new post titled “BED”

 

[Roni]

Diet is an evil word. The real evil is that diets are interpreted as temporary. Therefore they do not work. This aspect of WLS (weight loss surgery) is not temporary, this is a life choice. My doctor and I had a very intense conversation before I was sent to the bariatric center for consult. We talked about people who managed to find work arounds and gain weight back after losing. I knew several who did this and was not sure surgery was a good choice. We talked about this being a life long commitment (even bigger than marriage and children) and the annual checkups 5 years and longer down the road. We even talked about people falling off course in the journey. This is not easy and anyone who suggests that is a moron. Just my two cents.