Tired of hearing I don't need surgery!

[Dknal2 1,066]

Okay, I'm at my PCP getting preop labs and EKG done. The nurse comes in to do everything and says oh you are having surgery & I answered yes. Then she saw what type surgery. She was like you are 222 lbs and you look so great why would you do this. I told her I started way higher at 244 and loss I have now is result of a 90 day dietician consult with diet changes. I said it's not that I can't lose the weight , it's that I can't keep it off. She said you are at risk for clots, stomach leak, taking Vitamins rest of your life and not to mention the nausea and diarrhea. I asked her if she had surgery and she said no but I had patients that had gastric sleeve and they have told me. I was like everyone is different and I trust in God and know I will be fine. She was like you don't need it. I wanted to say leave me the heck alone . She is seeing me after 20 lbs gone but didn't see me at 244.@ 5'6 . This is so irritating to me... no one is in support of me doing this . My PCP is on board though so that's good. Just tired of people saying what I don't need. I know my body ... lose 40 pack on 60... story of my life. I'm doing what's best for me. Bad enough my husband just doesn't get it and is totally against me having it. Geez!

Edited November 23, 2016 by Dknal2

[theantichick 2,204]

Sleeve patients don't have malabsorption, so they don't necessarily need Vitamins for life (though it's suggested for micronutrients), and they don't typically have nausea/vomiting/diarrhea past the first few weeks post-op. The risk for clots is the same for any surgery, and leaks are very rare. So she's badly misinformed.

Also, just FYI, most doctor's offices don't actually employ registered nurses anymore (though there are a few that still do), so there's a good chance the "nurse" you're talking to is actually a medical assistant. While I don't want to dis MA's, they are absolutely critical to keeping patient flow going in a doctor's office, they are NOT registered nurses, and their training is limited to taking vital signs and a few other tasks they do in a doctor's office. So next time, ask her what her credentials are. Not that having an RN makes what she's saying OK, because it's wrong regardless, but it might help your perspective of where she's coming from, or give you ammunition to shut her down if that's what you want to do.

I address a lot of this kind of crap in my post

http://www.theantichick.com/2016/08/05/the-easy-way-out/

Bottom line, if diet/exercise worked even 50% of the time, they might have an argument. But the data tells a different story. I have no issue telling people to educate themselves before they start lecturing me about what to do with my body. My medical team and I came to a decision about what was the best option for me, and everyone else needs to respect that. If someone has a genuine concern or information, I'm happy to listen, but I don't tolerate people telling me I'm making the wrong call based on bad information.

Good luck to you!!!

[Dknal2 1,066]

Thank you so much. I kind of felt she was confusing this with gastric bypass but I just let her say her piece. I am not discouraged and I know that this is right thing for me. I will def read your link due to so many people are against me having this. Thank you again.

Sleeve patients don't have malabsorption, so they don't necessarily need Vitamins for life (though it's suggested for micronutrients), and they don't typically have nausea/vomiting/diarrhea past the first few weeks post-op. The risk for clots is the same for any surgery, and leaks are very rare. So she's badly misinformed.

Also, just FYI, most doctor's offices don't actually employ registered nurses anymore (though there are a few that still do), so there's a good chance the "nurse" you're talking to is actually a medical assistant. While I don't want to dis MA's, they are absolutely critical to keeping patient flow going in a doctor's office, they are NOT registered nurses, and their training is limited to taking vital signs and a few other tasks they do in a doctor's office. So next time, ask her what her credentials are. Not that having an RN makes what she's saying OK, because it's wrong regardless, but it might help your perspective of where she's coming from, or give you ammunition to shut her down if that's what you want to do.

I address a lot of this kind of crap in my post

http://www.theantichick.com/2016/08/05/the-easy-way-out/

Bottom line, if diet/exercise worked even 50% of the time, they might have an argument. But the data tells a different story. I have no issue telling people to educate themselves before they start lecturing me about what to do with my body. My medical team and I came to a decision about what was the best option for me, and everyone else needs to respect that. If someone has a genuine concern or information, I'm happy to listen, but I don't tolerate people telling me I'm making the wrong call based on bad information.

Good luck to you!!!

[Dottygirl 32]

bless you it has probably taken a lot for you to consider surgery in the first place I know it has me and then for her to say this to you is wrong! Good luck x

[ShondaDaDiva 15]

I go through the same with people. This is why I have just not shared my news with many people. You know what you need better than anyone. Best of luck to you and keep praying.

Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

[Dknal2 1,066]

Thank you so much for the encouragement

bless you it has probably taken a lot for you to consider surgery in the first place I know it has me and then for her to say this to you is wrong! Good luck x

[i agree and thank you so much . quote name=ShondaDaDiva" post="4326595" timestamp="1479923920]

I go through the same with people. This is why I have just not shared my news with many people. You know what you need better than anyone. Best of luck to you and keep praying.

Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

[izzy13 117]

I had the same experience, my bmi was on the low end (36) but I had 2 comorbitities. Every appointment I went to, I had to explain to the nursing staff (including the morning of surgery!!) why I was "indeed fat enough" for surgery and "no I won't regret it".

I'm 6 weeks po today and I'm down 41 pounds and no longer take bp meds and finally wearing clothes that make me feel good and not self conscious, that's what they don't see when you just hide your fat well!!

[Dknal2 1,066]

I have 2 comorbidities as well and I'm over 200 lbs at 5'6. That's not healthy but because my weight is carried differently people feel I don't need surgery . 'My PCP is on board so I'm moving forward with this.

I had the same experience, my bmi was on the low end (36) but I had 2 comorbitities. Every appointment I went to, I had to explain to the nursing staff (including the morning of surgery!!) why I was "indeed fat enough" for surgery and "no I won't regret it".

I'm 6 weeks po today and I'm down 41 pounds and no longer take bp meds and finally wearing clothes that make me feel good and not self conscious, that's what they don't see when you just hide your fat well!!

[Dknal2 1,066]

I haven't told anyone but I know my husband will probly tell people in an attempt to shame me from doing it. Sad to say but true.

I go through the same with people. This is why I have just not shared my news with many people. You know what you need better than anyone. Best of luck to you and keep praying.

Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

[LizCapeCod 29]

I hear you! After 40 years of yo-yo dieting, obese most of the time, and getting heavier after each diet, I KNEW I needed something more to get the weight off, get healthy, and keep that way. I could carry my 219 pounds better than many (it was everywhere and I dressed carefully), so I heard from a nurse in my PCP's office and from many other people that I didn't look like I needed WLS. Well, YES I did.

[Dknal2 1,066]

Yes and that is the problem that no one is getting. I will lose it but it comes back, it always goes. I'm confident in my decision.

I hear you! After 40 years of yo-yo dieting, obese most of the time, and getting heavier after each diet, I KNEW I needed something more to get the weight off, get healthy, and keep that way. I could carry my 219 pounds better than many (it was everywhere and I dressed carefully), so I heard from a nurse in my PCP's office and from many other people that I didn't look like I needed WLS. Well, YES I did.

[tenseintexas 182]

I had a lot of people tell me that too- well the people I have told---- I was 212 and 5'4. But I know I would of never lost it. I am 14 weeks out and still not super happy I did the surgery. Hoping it turns around.

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[Dknal2 1,066]

Why are you not happy that you did surgery? How much have you lost.

I had a lot of people tell me that too- well the people I have told---- I was 212 and 5'4. But I know I would of never lost it. I am 14 weeks out and still not super happy I did the surgery. Hoping it turns around.

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[tenseintexas 182]

Why are you not happy that you did surgery? How much have you lost.

I had a lot of people tell me that too- well the people I have told---- I was 212 and 5'4. But I know I would of never lost it. I am 14 weeks out and still not super happy I did the surgery. Hoping it turns around.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I actually haven't weighed in a few weeks but last time I weighed I had lost 43 I think? From week 8-14 I was nauseous all day - every smell made me gag and all food made me so grossed out. I hate Water now. Which is so bizarre and stinks because I don't drink coffee... So options are slim ( don't like crystal light type drinks- too sweet now) I went to the doctor multiple times but he just said my stomach must be sensitive . Just this week I have started feeling a bit better. I can't eat meat at all- which is worrisome to me because - I hate hate Protein powder and I worry I will have to take it my whole life

I just feel like before I felt fat. Now I feel

Sick. I would rather feel fat.

However I am still hoping it will turn around .

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[LizCapeCod 29]

TenseinTexas: I'm sorry you have had such a struggle. It does get much better. I hardly think about it except when I get full so quick. I do still have some intestinal issues (which seem to coincide with the gurgling), but I feel great most of the time and definitely feel it was so worth it. Someone asked me recently if it was reversible and I said No, but why would I ever want to?