"You Cheated"

 Went to see my primary care doc today.  The medical assistant girl took me down the hall to the scale and had me get on it.  She wrote down the weight and took me into an exam room.  While entering my weight into the lap top computer, she paused mid sentence and said, "wait a sec, is this right? It cant be..."

I knew what she was going to say.  It was about my weight loss.  I replied, "yeah .. its right."

She said, "OMG how did you loose so much weight that fast?!"

I replied, "oh I had 85% of my stomach removed, I had weight loss surgery."

She looked back to her lap top computer to continue with what she was doing and said, "oh so you cheated."

This is the first negative comment I've heard yet to this day from anyone I have ever told.  (which has been everyone)

I said, "why do you think I cheated?  I said they operated on my stomach not my brain, I still have to decide what I'm going to eat and have the willpower to not eat junk."

She said, "yeah but you don't get hungry anymore so its like cheating."

I said, "I most certainly do get hungry .. not as badly as before but I do get hungry and I'm exercising too."

She said, "oh well I guess you set me straight then huh?"

The mood lightened up after that as she took my bloop pressure and we continued to talk about how she doesn't feel like exercising after she works all day and whatnot.

This was my first negative experience about telling someone.  I wouldn't have thought it would come from a trained medical assistant in my doctors office but I knew it was bound to happen one day with all the other people here on OH that have remarked about negative comments they have heard.  I think I handled it OK and didn't get all mad or pissed off like I would have gotten in years past.  I don't really care what she thinks, or anyone else for that matter, I didn't have VSG for them .. I'm doing this for me so ...

My doctor was overjoyed at how far I've come so that was good.  He tried for years to get me to have this done sooner.  I just was not ready for that huge step I guess at the time.  

Just thought I would share with you all.

I work in a Dr's office, and check ppl in all day long. I would NEVER say something like that to a patient. Honestly, if it were me I would totally complain to the practice manager. You can't talk to patients like that.

You handled that very well!! This is a prime example of how ignorant people can be when they don't have the KNOWLEDGE they need before speaking on a topic!! ...and she's probably tired from running her mouth all day, not necessarily from working all day (IMO)!! GOOD FOR YOU for doing so well and having the right attitude!!!

You handled this perfectly! Me I don't know if my response would have been as calm and nice.

 You did handle that well!  I too am shocked tat a comment like that would come from a medical professional - it just goes to prove that not every professional actually is one.

That  girl was not a medical professional.  Most likely she was not a nurse, but a graduate of a technical school.  That being said, plenty of us nurses can be judgemental boneheads too. 

Your post just made my blood boil! Good for you for standing up for yourself!!!

Wow ... I was reading your post and smiling happily where she was discovering your success.  Honestly, I then felt an instant pang of anger when I read the "cheated" line.  I'm glad you were able to handle it well.  I agree with others .... really she shouldn't have said it like that.

For what it's worth,when I went to my PCP to ask advice about WLS earlier this year, her words were -- and I do quote -- this is a conversation that is long overdue.  I immediately broke down and started crying.  Seriously not what I was expecting her to say .... and seriously changed my life and outlook!  (and I'm still preop haha)

Anyway, your success is more than commendable!!!

WTG!!! you handled this situation the way i hope i will when it presents itself - although i'm not sure i would be so kewl - lol.  even though her opinion, in the grand scheme of things, means nothing - it can be hurtful when others deminish the hard work and effort you've put into improving your health.  the one consolation is in the knowledge that she clearly doesn't have a clue. hopefully, your patience and willingness to even continue the dialog will result in some much needed re-programming. but even if it doesn't - great job standing up for yourself and letting your's be the last word on the matter!!

See, you're so much nicer than me. I totally would have said something about how at least I could have surgery to help with my problems....they haven't figured out how to remove the "***** gene" yet.

You did not cheat...you acquired an additional tool to help you on the road to a healthier life. It's like saying that you cheated if you used a jack to pick up the car while changing a tire...what a dope she is.

Next time, just tell her you're doing a magic disappearing act, and there's "nothing up your sleeve"