Doctors and WLS

[Guest guest]

I told my psychiatrist that I was thinking of WLS and he immediately

made it clear that he was opposed to it. He didn't even ask me why I

was considering this option. He then suggested a support group with

other obese clients of his. I turned that down.

I started seeing him because I feel that I have been having

difficulty focusing in school and he keeps asking me if I am

depressed. He also has been pushing Ritalin on me with the lure that

it can sometimes suppress appetite. I have seen him 3 times and

instead of him helping me figure out why I may be losing focus he

keeps wanting me to admit I am depressed. I know that he refuses to

believe that someone my size could possibly be somewhat stable. He

obviously has preconceived notions about fat people. I think this is

the reason why some doctors are against WLS. Not because of research

into the current improvements in WLS, but b/c first and foremost they

are no different than the rest of the population who have extreme fat

prejudices.

Fortunately, my pcp has had weight issues in his past and he has been

very supportive of me following Atkins (his weightloss method)and now

WLS. I think doctors need to realize that a patient who has hundreds

of pounds to lose has problems that are very different from someone

who needs to lose 10-15 lbs. These two people can not be diagnosed

and treated in the same manner. I have dieted and failed with major

consequences. Each time I regain at least an additional 10-20 lbs.

I can't do it anymore. I can't keep looking for the magic bullet

diet that will cure me.

I have long known about WLS, but like many was sure that it was

drastic and was just for people foolishly looking for the easy way

out. With all that I have learned in the past several weeks, I am

shocked that many doctors aren't considering this as an option for

their patients.

All that said, doctors who are truly concerned about the health of

their patients need to be on top of current options and view them non-

biasedly.

lola

BMI 59

Consult w/ Dr. Ren 7/11/01