Newbie Not Doing Well!

[#MagicWithinme 173]

I had my check in today and dr was soo pleased, I was the one that was anxious and all freaked out, cuz I know I haven't eaten as I should, added something that I shouldn't of. But Dr. was soo excited and very supportive. You are paying this dr for his services to help you, upsetting you is not helping. He should of asked what seems to be the problem, how can we help? Doesn't he realise word of mouth is a powerful thing? I would let him know how you feel and if he continues with his attitude, find a different doctor. You have enough to worry about trying to get the hang of things.

Good Luck!

[Sojourner 2,446]

I had a lap band and plication surgery on 1/23/2012. During my pre-op appointment, I was 196lbs and 194 the day of surgery. When I went for my 1wk check-up, I was still 191.5lbs and was completely admonished, as if I should never have wasted the time/money on the surgery. It was horrible! The surgeon suggested it was not possible that I could have lost only 4.5lbs and that I must be consuming tons of sugary drinks. Truthfully, I cheated once with some ice cream, on one day. Other than that I had liquids only and fewer than 30g carbs per day. Due to the plication, it just was not possible that I could really have eaten yet.

It's now day 19, and I'm 189.6lbs. I have had only low carb Protein shakes (110-160 calories each), some string cheese, egg omelettes w/ cheese, and soft lean meats. Regardless, I feel incredibly hungry, all the time. It's horrible! I don't even want to go for my next appointment on 2/17/12 for the first fill, because I haven't lost any weight! I actually lost way more weight pre-op (Jan 4 - Jan 23 I lost 10lbs). The surgeon told me the other patient who had surgery the same day as me had lost 22lbs and that I should have lost at least 15lbs... by the first appointment?

I completely subscribe to his insistance that low carb is the way to lose, but I'm miserable, and the scale isn't moving. I've written down everything to look for hidden carbs/calories, but I was writing down my intake prior to heading into this adventure, and I am taking in only 20-30% as much as i was before coming up with the hairbrain idea to have WLS and pay for it, etc.

Help? I think I've made a huge mistake...

Your doctor seems unsually insensitive to patients...everyone is a unique individual, and should never be compared to others. That's PSY101...very basic.

I hope you don't take the doctor's remarks and hold onto them, if you do than you will be adding emotional "baggage" which no one needs at this time of adjustment. Focus yourself on your progress to date. Identify realistic goals for every day, and do your best to achieve them. Don't be hard on yourself, just keep your focus on the reasons you chose this procedure.

Though I have not had the surgery, delayed due to multiple medical issues, a year after the surgery was able to be scheduled, I am still focused on why I am on this path. I hope sincerely you will not continue to question your choice...that could interfere with your goals and success.

Good luck...and remember to take a day at a time.

[Grider 92]

I think loosing slow and steady is better all the way around. Everybody will loose differently, but as long as you are making progress. I do not want my gall bladder removed from loosing too much at once. I am now looking at 185 the last 4 days... it was stuck at 187 but wala... dropped two someplace. and I am happy for that. I am learning --and my body is adjusting.

[u4leigh 7]

Nice to see posts from folks who are doing so great! Maybe I need a ticker - everyone's is inspiring the way the little icons are shifted to the right direction! I have been trying to view myself through the eyes of the surgeon and not just consider him an arse based on my first few contacts. Having been a self-pay patient, I sailed right through... pretty much showed up, got on a scale, started scheduling appointments. Of course he spent a good amount of time with me during the first visit, but it was relatively rehearsed, and I likely tuned out. My other two meetings were in groups, which I guess has benefits, or not. I've seen/heard other sing the praises of this doctor, but each patient does need to be treated independently. The only baggage I'm carrying is shaped like a doughnut around my midsection that I'm going to shrink! I would encourage all newbies to take a turn at this forum. I never realized how supportive a web group could be, and didn't sign up until after my surgery was done, although I had poked around reading posts for a while.

[morelgirl 177]

@u4leigh I see people who adore their doctors, too, and I don't have that either. Mind you, I don't dislike my surgeon at all and have no reason to complain about my treatment or care. He's just not the warm, fuzzy type, but he is competent, intelligent and always ready to respond to my questions and explain things, and that's really all I require. Remember, though, that you are paying your doctor for a service, and if he treats you badly, there are other doctors out there who could take over your care if you wanted to switch. That's another benefit of being self pay (I was, too), in that you aren't wedded to a practice that takes your insurance--you can to with whoever you please!

I think you're doing great! Keep working and keep your great attitude, and you'll absolutely succeed!