Question:
Why does my doctor's office make me feel bad every time I go in???
Yesterday I had my 3rd post op visit. And, unfortunately, this was the 3rd time I left feeling bad. At my first visit, 3 weeks after surgery, I had lost only 14 pounds. The nurse said I was losing weight slowly and she asked me what I was eating (at the time it was liquids & things like applesauce). I tried not to let her get to me because the way I see it, as long as the weight keeps coming OFF, I am happy. My second visit wasn't so bad; although both the nurse & doctor were trying to figure out if my "slow" weight loss is because of my height. (I'm only 4'11".) THEN, yesterday, it's been 9 weeks since my surgery and according to their scale, I've lost a total of 34 pounds. (at home w/ no clothes on in the a.m., I've lost 36.5 lbs.) AGAIN, the doctor said that sometimes people my shape (round all over) and height tend to lose weight slowly. Before yesterday's visit, I was on top of the world...clothes falling off...compliments pouring in...Now I just feel like crying all the time. My doctor actually said I might have to eat LESS then I am. I'm lucky if I get 800 calories a day in and he wants me to eat LESS???? If anything, from what I've read, I should maybe eat MORE and increase the protein. Does anyone have any words of wisdom for me? I thought I was "average." From reading here all the time, I seem to be in line with most people...My average is about 4 pounds a week. What do you think? — Louise D. (posted on December 31, 2003)
December 31, 2003
My wife jen 4 10 293b pounds preop lost over a 100 pounds is out 2 years
and still qualifies for WLS. Your doc is trying to prevent you from not
loosing enough and being disappointed. over time the loss slows
dramatically:( Now jen never exercised much and now fights regain. If I put
on 50 pounds I will be chunky but jen will be ill. Up your exercise
dramatrically! Try a hour of water erobics followed by a hour of machines
each night for a week and watch the loss improve while you eat the same.
— bob-haller
December 31, 2003
Relax, just remember that not everyone is going to lose the same with
WLS, as long as the scales are showing a LOSS and not a GAIN.
Sometimes one's body just takes a little longer than others to adjust to
the change.
And by the way, FOUR POUNDS a week is good no matter how you look at
it!!! Enjoy the journey, it will come off as long as you stay the course.
— Bea J.
December 31, 2003
My doctor was the same way. He told me on my second post-op visit (at just
over 5 weeks out) that he didn't expect me to get to my ideal weight and
that I probably end up at 190 ish (which is still obease). That was
upsetting. JUST IGNORE THEM!!! Keep up the good loss by diet and water and
you'll be fine.
— Renee B.
December 31, 2003
Wow, that is so odd that they are down on you. You are completely within
the normal range of loss for 2 months (27-44 lbs). I wouldn't eat less
food, but I would exercise more if you can.
— mrsmyranow
December 31, 2003
your weightloss is great! it is even right on target. maybe your doctor
isn't concerned with you , but more concerned with HIS averages. he uses
the totals and averages for his clients to document HIS success rate
professionally....remember that he next time you go in.
— franbvan
December 31, 2003
You should discuss how you are feeling with your doctor next time you
visit. Tell him plainly that his focus on your not losing enough or as
fast as what he is expecting is stressing you and causing you to feel
depressed. Keep in mind though that the crying may be due more to hormones
which at your stage of weight loss are all out of whack due to rapid weight
loss! Truthfully, I think you are doing well and are right on target. In
the docs defense though, he is giving you the experience of his
professional knowledge and perhaps people your height and shape do lose
slower. So what?? The important thing is that you stick to the program
and continue to lose.
— Cindy R.
December 31, 2003
Since you are reassured that every pound lost is a good pound, and it
sounds like you have a good attitude, let's aybe review WHAT you are
eating? How often, how much, what kinds of things do you eat, whatkinds
of things do you avoid? How much water? Taken when? Stuff like that. If
your system needs a lil tweaking, maybe your wt loss will pick up, maybe
not, but you'll be secure in that you are doing all you can. My docs never
said much one way or another about my wt loss as I progressed, that I
remember. Nod, smile, anything hurt? Any questions? NOW, I know, they are
very pleased with my result, but I had no clue in the process. I was also
a plodder, as I see it now, but I got there.
— vitalady
January 1, 2004
Original Poster here....THANK-YOU EVERYONE! I needed your encouragement.
I will continue to tell myself that I am LOSING not gaining and that is
better than I've done my whole life before surgery. :) Thanks again &
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
— Louise D.
January 5, 2004
I think your doing fine. My doctor NEVER criticized me. Granted, I lost
faster then most people do. However, I have a friend who is over 300
pounds and it's taken her over a year to lose 100 pounds. Our doctor has
NEVER criticized her. He encourages her and tells her she's doing great.
His thought is ANY weight loss is good because it will improve your health.
I think I'd let your doctor know in no uncertain terms that your MUCH
lighter then before you started and your happy with your weight loss.
— Patty H.
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