No support from Gynecologist!

[sheree212 21]

Ok so I had a appointment with my Gynecologist today and I spoke with her regarding the VSG surgery and my reasoning for wanting to do it (PCOS, endometriosis, high cholesterol, Achilles tendonitis and to become more heathy and build endurance and breathing). She says she does not support the surgery and strongly suggest that I dont have It because its the easy way out. She stated that I would appreciate it more if I did it without surgery. I just feel like no one knows the struggle of a overweight person until you have been. I was hurt because she didnt support me for she has been my doctor for 8 years and has helped me through somethings. She said that shebhas patients that have the surgery and are unhappy after 3 or more years because they gain the weight back. What do you do when someone who is a medical professional tell you their negative views? How do you refrain from running scared? I believe this is the right decision for me and I believe that this is just a tool to help not a permanent fix. I just dont want to regret my decision. Can I have some opinions please , would be greatly appreciated.

[johnlatte 1,232]

Any Dr. that took that attitude, would not be my Dr. much longer. People that take the attitude that this is easy, are super clueless. I am really surprised that she said that you would "appreciate it" more? Appreciate what exactly? Either through surgery or the old fashioned way, the result is still the same, you going to be MORE healthy. Is there a risk of regaining the weight? Sure, but isn't that the case if you took the weight off the old fashioned way? I mean hellooooo reality check here please. Stay strong here. If the surgery is going to help you, then stay with it. Drs. are just people with degrees, some have more smarts than others. Sounds like your's might have missed a class or do along the way.

[SoCalDixieGal 172]

"appreciate it more . . " oh puleeze! That's ridiculous. That's a shame she wasn't supportive. As a doctor I'd think she'd support whatever path you took to be healthier. Sounds like she's pretty ignorant on WLS overall and the issues people who are overweight deal with.

What has your primary doctor said? And, just as with anything you can regain the weight, but you're more likely to be successful with than without WLS.

[Ms.AntiBand 2,984]

You're dr is not very professional. My PCP hated the fact that I went for the band (many times), but not once did he say I shouldn't do it. Only time he said anything was after the final time it was removed. After, He stated his opinion, but added that he is a health provider and is there to provide care for me in whatever ways I need it. Before I had lapband WLS , I never asked for his opinion therefore he didn't give it.

Unless it's for insurance reasons you don't need your OB/GYN personal approval so .. Don't sweat it. She's never had a problem so she may never care to understand.

[lilbearzmom 584]

WOW. Just WOW. I didn't think doctors could be that ignorant.

-Kendra

[Supersweetums 1,164]

That is really sad, but not surprising as many doctors really have no clue to the real struggle with obesity and some of the reasons for it. If it was that "easy" and we all "appreciated" it more doing it our selves, we would all be skinny! The reality is, it just doesn't work that way. I have lost way many times, had to work my butt off to do it, only to gain it back and feel like a failure. I have maintained on the sleeve longer now than any diet I have ever been on. I am happy and healthy and that is what it really comes down to. This doctor of yours has obviously never struggled with her weight and is uneducated. If you want to approach the subject with her, give her information to read to help her really understand the surgery and obesity. Knowledge is power, and when we know better, we do better.

[Kristine 18]

I did not tell very many people before I had surgery, but I did discuss it with my internist and my gyn. I don't want to throw them under the bus, but neither were very supportive. My pcp really has not had much experience with patients having a sleeve and he was at least honest enough to say this. His experiences were related to lap-band and rny patients. His primary concern was (is) that I will gain back the weight. His comment to me was "your brain will find a way to make you eat". The next appt I had with the weight management MD, we discussed this exact possibility and his response was "Yes, you can gain back weight, but it is so much harder to do and you can get a handle on it much easier." Decision made. I didn't mention surgery to my ob-gyn until just a few days before I was to have surgery. Just as Msantiband said, I didn't need her approval, I was just keeping her in the loop as one of my providers. Her response was more neutral, but I didn't get the "great" I was hoping for.

I am sorry you didn't get the support and approval you were seeking. Unfortunately, physicians (especially specialists) often do not have any more knowledge about a topic out of their area of expertise than the general public. To many perpetuate prejudice and ignorance in relation to obesity and weight loss surgery and your experience demonstrated this. My advice is to ignore her. If you decide to keep her as a provider (since you did say she has helped you with other areas of your healthcare) then live your life as an example regarding how successful a vsg can be. Perhaps you will help to educate her and change her outlook. Your other option is to change ob-gyns. Do not for one minute think there aren't other great doctors in your area that will help with your gyn issues and provide the support you need as a wls patient.

Just remember...... She. Is. Wrong.

[T'snewstart 251]

Hi I just have to chime in on this one. I understand that it is important.to have the support of the Dr.'s that are involved in your health care. However, some just will take the time to do the research. I am willing to bet you are more informed on this subject than this Dr. is....... The painful truth is we will not get support from 100% of the people in our lives...be it a Dr., friends or family. Sorry this Dr. let you down. As long as you know it is best for you than that is all you need. Best Wishes

[Fair2bslimLady 72]

Easy I would like to see her do the Clear Liquids for 2 weeks, get a new doctor and keep it moving no need to take her thoughts into consideration.

[TrophyWife 11]

I lost over 107 lbs several years ago and after an injury and depression and lack of support from weight loss plan regained about 80 lbs before deciding on surgery. My PCP has been so compassionate and helpless in helping me get a handle on my weight regain. I had already decided and started on qualifying for surgery before I told her. She knew nothing of VLS, but is so excited and supportive of the process and eager to learn more. I may have a hang up with insurance but she will be my ace in the hole if I need her. If I could have lost the weight the old fashion way I would have. It was a lot of work, but I felt so strong and confident and when I gained it back I felt defeated and weak. I don't want to feel like that one more minute. I am taking back my life and making a decision that will give me the support and best chance of success. Good luck and own your life!

[Geminidrive 389]

She is just stating her opinion and everyone does not have to agree with the choices that you make. I would thank her and advise her that I made my decision. They are physicians and are helpful, but the choice is yours. If she is a good physician I would continue to see her.

[sheree212 21]

Hi guys thanks for the responses and advice. I think she is wls ignorant. She is a small petite doctor and she doesnt understand why it would be beneficial because she never has to go through it. My pcp is very understanding although he doesnt like the methods. He is willing to help me through the process. I agree either way u loose you have the chance of gaining back. Its all up to the individual self as to what your success is with either way you choose to become healthy.

[sheree212 21]

I did not tell very many people before I had surgery' date=' but I did discuss it with my internist and my gyn. I don't want to throw them under the bus, but neither were very supportive. My pcp really has not had much experience with patients having a sleeve and he was at least honest enough to say this. His experiences were related to lap-band and rny patients. His primary concern was (is) that I will gain back the weight. His comment to me was "your brain will find a way to make you eat". The next appt I had with the weight management MD, we discussed this exact possibility and his response was "Yes, you can gain back weight, but it is so much harder to do and you can get a handle on it much easier." Decision made. I didn't mention surgery to my ob-gyn until just a few days before I was to have surgery. Just as Msantiband said, I didn't need her approval, I was just keeping her in the loop as one of my providers. Her response was more neutral, but I didn't get the "great" I was hoping for.

I am sorry you didn't get the support and approval you were seeking. Unfortunately, physicians (especially specialists) often do not have any more knowledge about a topic out of their area of expertise than the general public. To many perpetuate prejudice and ignorance in relation to obesity and weight loss surgery and your experience demonstrated this. My advice is to ignore her. If you decide to keep her as a provider (since you did say she has helped you with other areas of your healthcare) then live your life as an example regarding how successful a vsg can be. Perhaps you will help to educate her and change her outlook. Your other option is to change ob-gyns. Do not for one minute think there aren't other great doctors in your area that will help with your gyn issues and provide the support you need as a wls patient.

Just remember...... She. Is. Wrong.[/quote']

Thank you soo much for this. ..you have excellent points. She has helped me and I will have my surgery and become an example to show her that its not as negative as she believes.

[sheree212 21]

I lost over 107 lbs several years ago and after an injury and depression and lack of support from weight loss plan regained about 80 lbs before deciding on surgery. My PCP has been so compassionate and helpless in helping me get a handle on my weight regain. I had already decided and started on qualifying for surgery before I told her. She knew nothing of VLS' date=' but is so excited and supportive of the process and eager to learn more. I may have a hang up with insurance but she will be my ace in the hole if I need her. If I could have lost the weight the old fashion way I would have. It was a lot of work, but I felt so strong and confident and when I gained it back I felt defeated and weak. I don't want to feel like that one more minute. I am taking back my life and making a decision that will give me the support and best chance of success. Good luck and own your life![/quote']

That sounds good to me. "Own your life"! I have been through sooo much! My dads sickness, stress and drama work, my brother being diagnosed with schizophrenia, loss of a great friend/sister of breast cancer. I felt as if nothing was in my controll. The only thing I realized that I can control is ME! So yes I will own MY life with the best choices for me! Thank you.

[Skinnypie 66]

I'm sorry you got that response frome her... As others have said, not everyone will agree and many are not informed... My OBGYN is actually the reason I had my surgery, we had a long talk about my weight and his concerns about my fertility since I was recently married and he referred me to my surgeon... Good luck!! I hope you Have lots of success and give her a real example of wls... As they say, success is the best "revenge"