Banded In 07, Unfilled Since And Starting All Over Again.

[meyouus 415]

Hi Polly,

I agree with your perspective, and you are correct. For a doctor to know about an issue, understand the relationship of the psychological issues with eating patterns, and then make the connection of your presenting issues with empathy and understanding in their treatment plan for you does not always happen.

I am a licensed therapist, though retired from my profession. I am a strong advocate of each of us being a proactive advocate to take an active role in the care and treatment planning we receive from our doctors. That advocacy and doctor-patient relationship does not happen with out effective and honest communication from both the patient and the doctor.

I encourage you to be honest with your physician, as that is the way they can offer you the most effective and highest level of quality care. Remember also that you have rights as a patient; the doctor is not donating their services to you. You should be pleasant, but be appropriately assertive to have your questions answered and your concerns addressed. If the doctor does not agree with the need to effectively communicate with you, for me, it would be time to find a new doctor...

Best wishes on your resumed journey...I sincerely hope all goes well!

Sojourner,

I agree that you need to be a pro-active advocate for your care/treatment. The Dr. and/or the band does not do it for you. I am a very honest, genuine human being who does her best to communicate with the doctors and staff about my care. I'm an open book given the right situation, and this certainly is the right situation. However, I have this problem, due to my psychiatric trials and tribulations, that makes me feel very intimidated by what I call "The White Coats." Here, while I am writing this, I am completely objective and clear but when I enter the clinic (which is in a hospital) I tend to be intimdated to the point where all mental clarity and communication skills go out the door. I try so hard to bring to the table the issues at hand, but I freeze in person. This makes advocating for myself very difficult. My intentions are good and I try to communicate, but some important issues get lost in the shuffle. I just have to get a stiff upper lip and keep pushing. It helps to be on this website/forum...listening to other folks helps me out tremendously.

I am trying to formulate in my head what I'm going to say to the nurse practitioner when I see her. Or the dietician. I have 45 years of dysfuctional surviving to edit and fit into a half hour visit. I hope I can be effective in my communication, not wordy like I tend to be here, online, in text. And I definitly am working on not overloading the staff, as they are not there to counsel. But I do expect to have a huge say in my treatment! I deserve the best treatment available. And like you said, if I don't get that...move on. So thanks Sojourner, your post helped me put things in perspective.

[meyouus 415]

Hi pkb.

i'm Dee and an addict too

Best of luck with everything.

It is my pleasure to meet you, Dee. Best of luck right back attcha!

[TriciaLN 177]

My name is Tricia and I'm definitely a food addict! Welcome Polly!