New Here! Pre-Op Concerns

[nicolemm 24]

Hi! I'm new to this! I'm 27 and in the pre-op stages of surgery. I have my first pre-op nutritionist appt Monday, followed by my psychology appt and a pulmonology appointment the week after. .

I had to visit my primary care physician today and he was very discouraging about the surgery. He said studies show only a slight weight loss (he kept mentioning 30-40lbs) with lap band. I am 100% commited to getting surgery but his discouraging visit made me very nervous! My surgeon of course says otherwise but did anyone else find that their Primary care dr was less than encouraging?

[jesbowne 19]

When I went to my PCP, he was VERY encouraging. I am almost 38 and the only health concern I have is my obesity. When I told him what I was wanting he told me it was best to get the surgery before developing diabetes and hypertension (as they both run in my family) than to wait until I'm older. He was very supportive through the whole process adn let me tell you....I have WAY more than 30-40 pounds to lose. I can't imagine he would be supportive if that was the case....I think YOU have to make yourself successful. The receptionist at my PCP office recently had the surgery and she as well has plenty to lose and he was the one that referred her to the surgery.

[nicolemm 24]

I hadn't involved him originally because my insurance doesn't require a referral from a pcp to a specialist but they found when I went for my pre-op upper GI that I may have a small ulcer forming so I had to make an appt with him to get that fixed.

I'm 27 and have been overweight my entire life and he has been my doctor forever so I'm not sure why he wouldn't encourage me. I definitely have more than 30 lbs to lose so he was talking gastric bypass which I am not interested in. It would have been a lot easier on my nerves had I not had to see him

Today!

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I was lucky, my PCP was and continues to be very supportive.

I very firmly believe how much weight you lose with the Lap Band is entirely dependent on you committed you are to making it work and doing the right thing. Some do only lose a small percentage of weight, but that is by their own doing most of the time. Then there are others that lose literally hundreds of pounds- also by their own doing.

For the record, I've lost 132 pounds since January, so I'm living proof you can lose a lot more than 30-40 pounds with the Lap Band.

Best wishes to you.

[nicolemm 24]

Thanks so much! Every bit of research I've done has made me realize this is the right thing for me and I am committed to this decision. Plus I have an amazing support system with my family and friends. I think just the fact that he is a physician being so discouraging was really getting to me. So much I decided to join this forum. So thanks again!