Bummed out by doc's lack of enthusiasm

[Jessee3897 114]

So I was sleeved Feb. 8th and was actually really excited about my first month post-op visit. On my day of surgery I was 280 pounds and here I am a full one month later at 251 ( that pesky extra two pounds, was hoping for 249).

Any who in my mind, after being overweight my entire life I was thrilled at my 29 pound weight loss.

My surgeon comes in and doesn't even mention it. He has a student with him and the rn and he asks what have I been eating and if I have any questions. I was actually pretty hurt. No "way to go" or "keep up the good work." He asked what type of exercise I've been doing and I've been jogging on the beach for two miles every night and using resistance bands for toning. Which I was a couch potato before and thought that was pretty awesome too. I know that I have to be my own cheerleader but still... It made me a little sad, especially when he just nodded and then asked if I had a gym membership because I needed to work on toning..

So pretty bummed by his lackluster responses I asked him what should my weight loss be at this point and he says... You're on target, 2-3 pounds a week.

Um... That would put me at HALF of what I've lost.

Like I said I know I have to be happy for me but still a little encouragement would have been nice. And then I was mad because I couldn't reach for my trusty pals Pepsi and cheetos. And didn't eat anything the rest of the day.

Maybe he has never been fat, maybe I expected too much, maybe I'm spoiled.

Thoughts?

Edited March 12, 2016 by slimtrimshel

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

Darn tootin' I have thoughts, but not about the doctor. Who knows why he wasn't enthusiastic? Maybe because he had someone in tow, maybe he was running late, maybe he had a headache. The reason doesn't matter.

You've had a fabulous month and should be tooting your own horn. Next time, take the new, higher number on your 29-pound thrill and wave it in his face. "Hey, Smith, I expect a little celebratory reaction from you! I'm not leaving until you acknowledge that I am an amazing work of art."

In your own words, of course. Let him know who you are. Stand up to be properly fêted.

Edited March 12, 2016 by WLSResources/ClothingExch

[generator77 24]

Some doctors/surgeons just don't engage with patients like that. I used to work for a group of surgeons and they were very competent and had decent bedside manners but they weren't what I'd call encouraging or engaging. I'd look to your PCP or a nurse for that kind of encouragement.

You're doing awesome! Keep up the good work!

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Nope, it's not you.

It's him.

[Marie2016 87]

Remember, you are doing this for yourself... no one else. You are doing fantastic.. Maybe the doctor is in a routine- and can't see fabulous results unless they bite him.. lol..

Remember, you are doing this for yourself... no one else. You are doing fantastic.. Maybe the doctor is in a routine- and can't see fabulous results unless they bite him.. lol..

[Valentina 2,642]

I'll say it again----surgeons do their best work when their patients are "asleep".

They are a strange breed--completely different from all other specialties.

Their bedside manner usually is nonexistent and their social skill even worse.

Oh, there are some who can put the effort forth to be cordial, but for the most part they are aloof and cold.

Maybe it's because of the "I have your life in my hands", mentation, or "I can't allow myself to get to really know you as a person, because you might die under my scalpel and then I would feel bad.

I was an administrator for a group of physicians and surgeons and know from first hand experience that surgeons are just -------different.

I would suggest that every specialty surgical group: orthopedic, bariatrics, neurology, etc. should consist of not only a surgeon and supporting staff, but also a PCP who actually sees the patients before and after surgery. Leave the surgery and the surgery alone to the surgeons.

We all have are areas of expertise. Unfortunately being cordial is generally not anywhere within a surgeon's wheelhouse.

You know you have done marvelously well. I would have brought my success to him when he did not remark upon it. You've earned his recognition. --through some damn hard work!

That been said, Congrats! We, here know how far you've come and the difficult road it was. You can always come here and "brag or bitch". We understand and can appreciate either and both!

Great job, my friend! Great Job!

[Christinamo7 4,042]

I know that must have been dissapointing - sometimes - just like the rest of us they are having a bad day - or a bad day at home, or a headache

you are doing well, quite ahead of schedule, keep it up!

[coleycole127 4]

Awesome progress!

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