Who to Believe? - ThinnerTimes

Texasflygirl · 04-02-2007, 11:42 AM

I'm having my surgery next Thursday, but I've got my preop appt with my surgeon this Wednesday.

I have a question for you: Who do you believe when it comes to all the different methods/practices of WLS? Why is there so much variation in the way surgeons do things? Example: some require liquid diets pre-op, some only require nothing by mouth after midnight before your surgery. Some put in drains, some don't. Some put in filters, others don't. Some allow solid food alot sooner than others......I was wondering why there isn't more standardized practices when it comes to WLS.

I realize we are all individuals, with different comorbidities and BMI's, but it just seems like there would be more consistency in what goes on before/during/after this surgery.

I guess you just have to trust your surgeon and his way of doing things.

I've read so many helpful things on this website! Thanks in advance for your input.

LisaBoston · 04-02-2007, 12:19 PM

Very good questions and it even extends to after surgery....some require liquids for certain time, certain food guidelines and so on. It really frustrated me pre-op as there were so many different ways of doing it. Surgeons do things differently - some old school, some new school. Key thing is that you follow what your surgeon tells you to do. There are many, many ways to do the surgery, many ways to eat after, post-op care..make sure YOU know what to expect with your surgeon and be comfortable.

There are many ways to pluck a chicken, in the end, the result is the same.

mauldinmama · 04-02-2007, 12:55 PM

It is really crazy how much things differ from doc to doc....I really think this forum is a lifesaver....because some people come home from surgery and their given absolutely no information....I think because wls are doing more operations every day there should be more standard's...I agree with Lisa you have to be really comfortable with your doc...

Best wishes Chery...your almost there!

StacyBee160 · 04-02-2007, 01:39 PM

I believe that nothing by mouth after midnight the night before is pretty standard. If I remember right, it's in case you have a reaction to anesthesia during surgery and try to vomit--if there's nothing there you don't choke. Or something like that.

bloomer001 · 04-02-2007, 06:54 PM

I know it's hard to understand pre-op and hard to know what is right and what it wrong at this stage. My sister had her surgery in Dallas and my friend has her's in Maryland, we all had different directions. I hate to say it, and please don't take my way. But I have just found what works for me, and it is different that my surgeon wants, but my PCP is helping and it's working.

Good luck! You will figure it out and be find, trust me.

mauldinmama · 04-02-2007, 07:02 PM

I thought of you when my husband told me this story...I had the upper GI this morning and my husband came into recovery when they wheeled me in...
He said he laughed his butt off...he said I was going on and on about my doctor and how wonderful his program is...he said you kept saying those poor people on thinner times...he said you keep saying some of them go home with no instructions at all....he said I went on and on...It was hilarious as he was telling me and I was rolling...isn't it funny what's on our mind when we are OUT!

LOL I just wanted to share.
let our countdown hurry up and get here!!!!!

Texasflygirl · 04-02-2007, 07:03 PM

It just seems like having a drain, or not eating solids til a certain time would be a set protocal, not at the discretion of the surgeon.

I'm going to do as my surgeon advises, but this question was just in my mind as I was reading all the posts from you guys about pre-op diets, drains, filters, and post-op diets. It's all over the page what people are being told to do.

Texasflygirl · 04-02-2007, 07:06 PM

Leesa, thanks for thinking of me.....I'm always telling my friends about TT, and what I've learned on it!!

mauldinmama · 04-02-2007, 07:08 PM

Some days it makes my head hurt....And LOL I guess it was on my mind today when I was trying to wake up from being put under...I do agree they need more uniform rules before someone gets hurt.
Or as my husband said God help my next recovery room nurse...cause he said I wouldn't stop talking about it.

JenBear7 · 04-03-2007, 03:30 AM

I would rather my surgeon used a different method than another surgeon.. if it was one he was more comfortable with. There are many cures/medicines/treatments that vary doctor by doctor for many things. I dont think this is different. I bet you will even find that in the way our hairdressers cut our hair... or our checkout people at the grocery store do it differently. Extreme examples yes.. I know surgery is more important than checking out at Walmart... but it really doesnt bother me that my surgeon may do it differently than yours.. Different teaching methods. Different time periods learning the procedure. New advances in nurtition for WLS that some arent "up" on. I figure, once my surgeon provides me with the tool.. it will be MY job to figure out how to use it. THe nutritionist will give me guidelines.. and that information combined with the information I have gained here and elsewhere, will give me the power to make informed, healthy decisions that work for ME... just like you will figure out what works for YOU..