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New to the Community...- Walnut Creek, CA

UPDATED FROM Tally_O
4 months pre

Had my 3 out of 6 appt with my Bariatric Surgeon...He kinds of left a bad taste w/me

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Tally_O
Hello my Bariatric Beauties and Gents,
Well I had a weigh-in at the dr. office yesterday...and I am please to report I lost weight since my last monthly visit...So I am happy for myself but my doctor made me feel like it was such this minor/minute accomplishment. So after waiting over an hour for my appointment (now this is the first time this has happened. I usually have early appointments) so I was a bit irritated and anxious to get weighed bc I've totally been avoiding the scale (a whole 'nother story). So I made sure to bring lighter clothing to make sure I could get as accurate of a recording as possible...So, after the nurse records my weight my doctor comes in and was like "Hello, and I saw you lost a bit of weight." I'm like taken back because I can't recall what I weighed the last time I was there bc I was groggy from the endoscopy from earlier that day...So I'm sitting here thinking I must've only lost 1-2lbs. He then starts discussing where my BMI needs to be to be able to get the surgery approved and for it to be safe as possible. So, I'm dang near ready to cry bc I feeling like crap esp. since I have been putting in major life changing efforts. So then I have to ask him about my results from the endoscopy and Psych report...and he is like "Oh, you done that let me go check"...Totally irritated now...so at the closing of my appt he mentions I should go and see the dietician again and don't give up...and that was about it...so as I'm scheduling my next appt...I see his nurse again and I ask her can you give me a record of all my weigh ins since I started coming here...she writes then down and that when I learn I losted 7lbs in a month...I'm like what the hell...this is PROGRESS...and realized that I have to be my own cheerleader and if I would've seen my dr. I would've given him the side-eye...So, yes its easier to take my frustration out on Dr. Chin lack of bed-side manner...This situation took me back to why am I doing this...who am I doing this for...This is all for ME! So I need to be my coach and my reward-er bc there will be times I have realized that I may not get favorable reactions to my decisions...but so what...what matters is how I feel about myself...

Tally_O's provider

Brian Chin, MD, FACS

Brian Chin, MD, FACS

Board Certified General Surgeon

Replies (4)

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August 13, 2013
Hang in there and 7 lbs in 1 month is a major accomplishment!! If it was easy for "us" to lose we would not be here now would we??
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August 14, 2013
You're right...I lost focus and was dependent on others reaction to make me feel good...But thank you for your support!
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August 14, 2013
I would be upset as well if my doctor acted that way. The doctors and staff need to be supportive and should be our cheerleaders too! You could see if there is another doctor in the practice that you like better.
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August 16, 2013
Hi everyone. I am schedule for my surgery on 9/4/13, I am a bit scared since I've never had any kind of surgery. I was reading n came across the comment about Dr. Chin. My doctor make me feel like I am doing the worst thing. I have one of the best surgeon is South Fl. Dr. Bayron. He is supportive n take the time to answer all my questoons. I go back to see him on 8/20/13 for I guess my final pre op meeting with him. I am a bit concern since I haven't had any of my pre op test done as yet. That is some thing I really need to talk tomhim about. My primary care doctor is not very supportive. I am scared of changing primary care n might have to start the whole thing over. I was approved by my by insurance company within a day for surgery. I use the internet for my resource. Hope everything goes well with us all on our new life journey.
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August 16, 2013
You can change primary care docs anytime you want and it should not affect anything with your surgery. My PC looked down her nose when I said I was doing it, but I only see her when I am sick. My GYN was very excited for me :) Definitely ask about the pre-op testing!! Mine included~ nutrition consultation, at least 2 visits to the exercise center, mental health evaluation, blood work, chest xray,ekg, abdominal ultrasound, echo, cardiac clearance, Endoscopy, sleep study, pulmonary clearance.....
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August 16, 2013
Hi New Me Ja Style...I'm sorry to read about your experiences and can totally empathize with not wanting to make any changes with your PCP bc of the possibility of delaying your procedure...I think it goes back to my teaching moment I had this week...We have to be our own cheerleader and everyone and incl. our doctors may not speak to our expectations...I look to them as the instrument to get what I need/want done...Hang in there and I am so excited for this New You come 9/4/13..Take care of yourself!
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August 16, 2013
Thx Tally_O..... I talk with the nurse at my surgeon office today. She said t same thing to just hold on cause if I switch PC then they will pull the referral for surgery. I'm just praying daily for everything to work its course.... Take care...
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August 17, 2013
Hi Rubensmom, if I change PC then they will pull their referral. I called the office today n voice my frustration n anxiety to the office manager today. She explain that the office policy is that testing are done 1 wk prior to surgery. That was all I wanted my PC to tell me, instead of the "we will call u when its time to schedule. I pray that everything comes back ok.
September 4, 2013
Keep the faith you have the right attitude reminding yourself that you are having this for you you you. My prayers are with you you you keep smiling :)
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September 12, 2013
Can we all be your cheerleaders too? Congrats on the loss and all the hard work at the gym, Tally this is the start of a whole new life for you, who cares what some stupid doctor thinks? You know you can do this, you have a great attitude and will succeed!
UPDATED FROM Tally_O
4 months pre

Checking In...I know its been awhile

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Tally_O
Since my last post I had my endoscopy...interesting procedure...but the best sleep I've gotten in a long time...overall the results were good...was a little sluggish for the rest of the day...Had my 2 out 6 appointment that same day...Major takeaways...I hate the scale at my doctor office...its always higher than my recorded weight when I check-in at my WWatchers meeting and I need to wear light clothing when I go next week. I think a tank and leggings will be my outfit of choice...Next, I need to lower my BMI from 55 to 50 and that about 38lbs for me...It caused some major anxiety because I don't want to be the reason why my procedure is delayed. So I have to completely transparent and say I went thru a weird period where I started putting in efforts but I was so focused on what if...that I was still emotionally and mindless eating but...I had a pep talk with myself and researched and found a gym with a evening aqua class that right where I park my car at BART so all I have to do is go in the next parking lot and I'm at the gym. So I've been consistently going 3-4 times a week and have a trainer...and I am proud of myself...have I cheated some days...YES...but I make sure I make a better choice at my next meal and I make sure I got hard at the gym.

Hmmm...what else...met with the dietician...very informative The stage II diet isn't as bad as I thought...but it goes back to how committed I am...and I am...You may all have been asked this why are you doing this or folks who know or have found out about your procedure may not agree with your choice...But whenever I faced with this My response is I choose ME...I choose life...and I found this great mantra that's in my weight loss/exercise journal...Life is too short to be fat...So in closing I'm glad and content and ecstatic about my Pro-Me decision...

Take Care!

Replies (1)

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August 11, 2013
congratulations on making the choice to take care of yourself!!
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August 13, 2013
Thank you Reubensmom! I appreciate the encouragement and your story is an inspiration...
UPDATED FROM Tally_O
6 months pre

Making Progress

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Tally_O
Just Checking In....Since my last post...I had my psych evaluation today with Linda-great conversation and it was reflective....I really felt affirmed once again for making this life-changing event-I felt a major high from telling Linda that I'm committed to taking care of Tally...Next,I met with the GI doctor this past Friday and my endoscopy is scheduled for 11th of July...Man this is really feeling REAL....YaY!

P.S. Decided on my celebration when I stable from my surgery...Going to the amusement park and riding EVERY single ROLLER COASTER

Replies (4)

June 25, 2013
Welcome to the family Tally. My first post was titled "The Waiting is the Hardest Part" and trust me it really is. All of the appointments will pass very quickly and you'll have some answers and start to formulate your plan. Your reward to yourself also sounds awesome!! Mine is going to be to run the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta next July 4th. 43 days to go till surgery date!
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June 25, 2013
Hi Kevans, I am so excited for you...I can't wait for you to get that rush as you cross the FINISH LINE...
June 25, 2013

Thanks for the updates, glad your appointments are going well!

I also had my psych appointment recently (yesterday) and my endoscopy is set for 5th July. Looks like we're on the same track!

It's exciting and scary all at the same time!

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June 25, 2013
G"morning Kristy....You said it...is a combo of emotions...I watched a youtube of the surgical procedure...it put me at ease...weird...but it did...Yes...we are making PROGRESS!
June 25, 2013

Research is key! I've also looked at videos, articles, reviews, etc. Being informed, although it can be scary, is the best way to make the procedure as safe as posisble for us!

June 27, 2013
Hey Tally, I am super excited and anxious also. Glad to hear you have your surgery date. Sounds like you have yourself all organised. I am hoping to have my surgery in July also. I am not as fearless as you. Once I have had my op and it has healed I hope to abseil down the Kangaroo Point Cliffs in Brisbane, Queensland Australia. Good luck :)
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June 30, 2013
Hi Sazzles...I'm more excited to h e the opportunity to really enjoy a new quality of life I want to be energetic have the option to have babies...it's more of the outcome I'm excited about inn conscious that the journey will have its "valleys" but through support of family, friends, Real Self, and watching YouTube videos of folks whose gone through the journey it has put me at ease. One "bariatric beauty" I watch at least one of videos per week as become my therapy of the unknown-though I know my journey will be different it has provided some ease. I'm so excited for you!
June 30, 2013
Heello every one my name is tif my startin weight is 285 I decide to go with the gastric sleeve.i had my 1st appt.i read up on alot of stuff.i did my xrays of my kidney, bladder, gallstone, and liver.i also did the gi test.i go in july to my psychology for my evaluation and bk to my regular md.then in 3 month visit my surgeon again...I cant wait am already in 2 months in got 4 more before surgery
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June 30, 2013
Hi Louise! In so excited for our journeys....the waiting came is crazy...but I'm glad you taken the steps to take care of YOU! Go Team Tif!