Question:
Should I tell my surgeon that I am a recovered bulimic?
I have been recovered for 6 years and haven't had any episodes. I am not the same girl that I was then, and I have no desire to be. But I am afraid that if I tell the surgeon of my history, that it will ruin my chances. Please help. — [Anonymous] (posted on December 2, 2001)
December 2, 2001
i think you should be totaly honnest with your surgeon... i too have an
eating desorder witch is binge eating and my doctors and surgeon know it
— carou1313
December 2, 2001
I too think that you need to be totally honest with your doctor. This is
going to be a life altering procedure and you need to start preparing for
it now. If you have not had any problems in 6 years than there should be no
reason to worry. Everyone has a past and you should not be ashamed. Be
honest with your doctor and let him know so that he may give you the proper
advice to help you! Everyone is different and he needs to know your
complete medical history. Good Luck!
— Nicole F.
December 2, 2001
If you are not the same person as you were, then why tell anyone? It may
very well keep you from getting approved.
I've found that honesty usually gets you screwed. I know being honest is
"the right thing to do", but I also know anything you say can and
probally will be used against you.
It is for you to decide. ;) Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do.
— Danmark
December 2, 2001
I agree with Daniel that no-one else has to know, EXCEPT I think you should
tell your doctors. They can't help you if you withhold medical information.
Although it has been six years (congratulations!) you may have damaged your
esophagus, larynx, or stomach lining with the bulimia. In addition, you
surgeon should know about any medications you were taking or perhaps are
still on in regards to this disease. Although you are very different from
what you were six years ago, you may still harbor hidden fears about
throwing up and/or eating. These fears may return after the surgery;
especially when you're only able to eat tiny amounts and may experience
vomiting in the early months post-op. I wish you the best of luck!!
— [Anonymous]
December 2, 2001
I have heard of people being denied for surgery based on a history of
bulemia. If I were you, I wouldn't say a word to anyone--especially your
doctor. Why take that chance and end up ruining your last opportunity to
lose this weight you've been fighting your whole life????
— artistmama
December 2, 2001
I think you should tell your Dr. about it. They may request further psych
evaluation because of this information, but at least you'll be able to
'head off' any 'residual' problems. If you're not the same person you were
back then.. then there should be no problem. I told my PCP and my surgeon
about past periods of bulimia. Still, from initial consult on 3 July 2001,
I'm heading for surgery this coming Monday (10 Dec 2001)..!! JUST being
PREVIOUSLY bulimic(sp?) couldn't be the reason someone is denied surgery...
OR (if truth be told) probably 1/2 of the people who DO get WLS have been
bulimic at SOME time or another..!!Good luck to you, and God bless...
— Diane E.
December 2, 2001
Boy thats a tuff question... Personally I dont think I would risk it by
mentioning it before surgery, but I would fess up to it AFTER surgery so
your surgeon is aware of it. The brutal truth that many people do not
realize is that some WLS patients suffer from bulemia and forms of binge
eating post operatively. They will use the excuse that "it got
stuck" or "it didnt sit right" "I ate too fast/too
much" etc. and vomit their food purposefully back up. And if after
your surgery you find yourself in this posistion, you need to find support
for the problem (I believe there is even an form of eating disorder OSSG
somewhere out there for this problem) and curtail it. Chances are though
that you wont have this problem post op and all will be okay! :)
— Tee G.
December 2, 2001
I think you must tell your surgeon and admit to it during your psych eval.
Bulemia can potentially cause lasting health effects which must be known by
your surgeon before your under the knife. I understand your fear of being
denied - but if you die, or stroke on the table for last of being honest -
think about the ramifications for your family and friends. I do wish you
luck. A concerned RN
— [Anonymous]
December 3, 2001
Please do not lie to your doctors about your past medical history. It is
never a good idea. If you trust this surgeon enough to have him perform the
surgery, trust him enough to know how best to deal with your past history.
If it is truly all behind you, you should have nothing to worry about. If
not, use this opportunity to deal with all the issues BEFORE you have
surgery. You will have enough issues to deal with as a post-op. Most of
them unexpected issues. As the one post mentioned 'fessing up afterward,
that won't help if there are complications while you are on the table! If
you don't tell pre-op, why bother post? Anyway, I urge you to give your
surgeon a COMPLETE medical history so he will be able to do his best on
you. Good luck, whatever you decide to do.
Maria
— Maria H.
December 3, 2001
I told my surgeon about my eating disorder. In the Psych eval I was asked
about it. The evaluator highly recommended me for the surgury because I
understood the process, and the lifestyle changes necessary for it to work.
I think eating disorders are just another sign that something needs done.
It caused me no problems.
— Dawn Y.
December 3, 2001
Thank you everyone for your advice. I haven't decided yet what I should
do, but I will take alot of time to consider my answer. I realize the
complications that could occur if I don;t say anything, but I am afraid
that I will be denied if I do. I am leaning towards telling them. I
really appreciate you all for your imput.
— [Anonymous]
April 26, 2002
I told my surgeon because I wanted to have an "internal checkup"
to make sure there wasn't any damamge. I also wanted to be honest. It was
not a problem for my surgeon and I don't think he even wrote it in my
records. I have received treatment for it years ago and had not had any
episodes. I think as long as you are mentally ready for it, then don't
worry about telling him. If he is like my surgoen, he really wants to help
you overcome your obesity so having that in your past just illustrates the
emotional pain you have had in dealing with weight issues. The only
concern I have for you is this...when I throw up from nochewing well, for
just a second I have this feeling like I should get it all up. However, I
have managed this feeling and just let the one bite of unchewed stuff come
up and then keep the rest down. Old habits die hard! Good luck to you.
— [Deactivated Member]
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