:-S Culturally Deaf Patient

Hi! I am a Deaf woman, 31, and am going in for orientation and to meet with the doctors soon. I am wondering if there are any Deaf patients here and if you've had any attitude problems (condescending) regarding interpreters and such. Has anyone experienced discrimination if you sign only? Thanks!

Michele: I don't know anyone who has experienced what you described, but, as an interpreter and someone who has had the surgery, I would be interested to know your experience. Will you be taking your own interpreter with you to your appointments or is your surgeon's office providing one. Please keep us updated.

Thanks for the reply. I've found my experience with MMPC and bariatric surgery to be very rewarding. I was impressed with their lack of argument. Sometimes I have doctors who say they don't need to hire an interpreter (which, of course, they do by law), but not this place. They've had an ASL interpreter at every appointment and, luckily, it's been the same one every time. I would never bring my own interpreter. Never! That's their job. I know some might do that, but not me. My surgery is scheduled for December 13th! I'm very excited!!

Hi Michele~ I hope your surgery went well and you are going through your recovery with ease. I'm almost at a year out now and doing great. Hope you do too. Cheers, Rusty

Howdy!! I am Deaf woman who had VSG surgery in 2008. I lost 160 lbs. I am having a hard time to attend support group becuase they will not provide me ASL interpreter due unburden cost.