Consultation disappointment

[LealScott]

See another doctor, do your research, and decide what's best for you.

I was extremely depressed when I had my first follow up appointment with the doctor about 4 months ago. Basically she said that at my age (59 on Wednesday) and no thyroid I might not lose too much more. Seriously, I did all this for a lousy 20 pounds? I did lose a bit more than that pre-op, but I am still overweight 8 months out. She also said that the results would have been much the same with the bypass. I just have a crappy metabolism and being over 50 doesn't help.

Well, I have lost another 10 pounds since then which is only 2.5 pounds a month. Too depressing to figure out my weekly loss. But I am losing and not gaining. At the end of the day I had zero complications with the sleeve. I no longer take blood pressure, cholesterol, or Diabetes meds. My bloodwork is perfect and I am down from a 22 to a 12/14. If I never lose another pound I am still a success in anyone's book. Those stupid charts say that I am overweight and will be until I hit 155 or I die and I think death will come first. I'll be happy to get to 170, but according to the surgeon and my weight loss doctor even the bypass would not have made a difference.

Here's a BMI calculator I like. Read the bottom and then read it again.

Prove the doctors wrong but, more importantly, be true to what you think will work best and do the best you can.

Body Mass Index calculator you'll like

[itchycat55]

I believe he is saying it to not only cover himself but to perhaps gauge my committment. All I want is help. I, obviously, cannot do this alone or without intervention otherwise I wouldn't be where I am today. I don't expect the sleeve to do all the work. I don't want it to. I've seen too many friends and family sit on their butts after surgery and they end up depressed. I get depressed because of lack of esteem now, but I'm lucky to have a mostly positive outlook on life and especially want to have a great life post surgery. Regardless of the number. I guess it's the words that temporarily deflated me a bit?

I think the sleeve is safest and has the least complications. AND I agree with most here, it depends on your commitment and motivation. Keep up a regular excercise plan and eat well and you will be a success no matter how much you lose! You will feel better and be healthier.

[niamh]

The possibility of not losing 100% of excess weight is the case with any WLS, and I guess is also a bigger challenge for those with a higher starting weight. All of us have to give consideration to our level of motivation, and work on ways on establishing and maintaining permanent behaviour change.

BUT the statement that this and other surgeons make that you're likely to lose more with bypass than sleeve is simply not supported by the evidence any more; it's just not a good argument to steer people toward the bypass. The only possible argument that interested me was the fact that bypass has longer-term outcome data than the sleeve - but if it all looks similar in studies of the first 3-5 years, with lower complications for the sleeve, that was my deciding factor.

There is also always the option of additionally going for a duodenal switch if there is insufficient loss with the sleeve, so it seems to me that sleeve is win-win.

Good luck.

[MrsB0324]

Don't allow the news to get you down. Every thing I've read states the same thing but it's not IMPOSSIBLE for you lose more than the expected 60 - 70% With hard work andeand effort you can accomplish your goal. Keep in mind that even 60 - 70% weight loss is way better than nothing.......keep smiling and stay positive!

[mstrigs]

I agree. I had the sleeve and I cant imagine losing a ton of weight. You just cant eat. i get very hungry but eat a 1/4 of a taco and I am stuffed. but couple of hours later hungry again. My point is if this goes on for a year I will lose a ton of weight. I am down 25 lbs from pre op diet and surgery. An

[livingonaprayer]

My surgeon is rated top for bariatric surgery and he told me the same thing. They HAVE to tell you that so if you don't reach your goal, you won't be surprised. With that said, ANYTHING is possible!!! Work hard, use your "tool" and you'll be successful. I know someone that had the sleeve 2 years ago. She is still following the plan she's had all along. Guess what? She has STILL continue to lose weight! Don't give up hope and don't despair. Think positive and reach for the sky!!

[shrinkinggirl]

I also just want to say that although you feel discouraged, DON'T let it stop you- you and only YOU can make the decision to change your life. I am not even 10 months post op yet and I have lost 78% of my excess body weight-- 92lbs! I have already surpassed your doctor's predicted YEAR long post op loss- there's no reason why you cannot do the same. It's all about changing your behavior and your personal relationship with food and excersise. Not just the sleeve but the sleeve plus!!! You CAN do it!! I am sending you lots of positive vibes! I agree with many people here, get another opinion, and take some time to think about how much YOU want it. You're the only one who can convince yourself you'll succeed.

[CatBee]

It will all be great, one bridge to cross at a time, first get to 200, then see how you feel and go from there. You know yourself best, some doctor can't predict what it will be like for you, just averages Positive thinking!!

[1happyloser2b]

You can do it!!!

[Enter28]

I belive information is correct at this time, because the doctors always prefer to cover themselves by not promessing anything above what they are 100 sure. You just go for it girl... As I will...

[AmyJoGo]

Just wanted to say I've read all of your comments and agree with all of you! What a smart and positive crowd!!!!! Glad we're all in good company!

I'm not deterred. Sleeve has been and will be my choice. And I'm sticking with this surgeon. I appreciate his straight forward honesty. It took me by surprise but he's just a tool to get me what I want. He's also in-network. LOL. He's skilled and that's what matters most as far as a surgeon goes. The rest of it is on me. I've carried 300lbs of excess weight for 10 years. I'm physically strong now but will have more endurance and strength afterwards. Never underestimate the determination of a girl with a goal!

[Jai Brooks]

Hi Amy Jo

You have to keep in mind that all surgeons inform their patients with blanket statements to keep themselves protected from a lawsuit standpoint and also based on their experiences with their other patients. That does NOT mean that everything he says applies directly to you. He's basically saying "These are the statistics according to the information the medical community has which I am legally and professionally obligated to share with you." You are unique and your progress will be unique. Also keep in mind that many patients will use this surgery as a magic fix and naturally, the weight won't come off as fast as they like because they still aren't working for it. This is only a tool. The point of it is to get you to a healthy place so that you can take charge of your weight loss and not have to rely so much on the surgery itself. These doctors see an abundance of patients who just want to take what they think is the easy road and not have to put any work in. There is no medical reason why you can't lose the weight you want to. You CAN do it. Perseverance goes a long way.

Let me give you another scenario. Let's say a client comes to me and wants a divorce. In my state the legal split rate is 50%. The woman comes to my office confident that she will get that 50%...but wait...there are other factors involved here. How hard will her husband fight for more than his share of 50%? What is the personality of the judge, will he be bias toward the woman? What was her conduct like throughout the marriage? Will her lack of earnings and reason for divorce greatly influence the amount she can get? Yes yes and yes. Does that mean she won't get what she wants? Not necessarily, but as a professional and expert, I need to tell her everything that can possibly go wrong so she knows what to expect if that does happen and so she can't come back at me with a lawsuit for negligence. In all likelihood, she will get what she asks for but I can't tell her that without also telling her about the bad that might possibly come along with it no matter how unlikely it may be.

I too am on the taller side, almost 5'9, not quite as tall as you but remember, we taller girls will never be stick thin. That's just how we were made. I have no doubt that you will reach your goal that you set for yourself. Listen to the surgeon but also remember that he is telling everyone else the same thing because he has to. You can do whatever you put your mind to. Stay positive!