I have a tentative date of 02/11/05

I say tentative because of my primary doctor. I was suppose to have an appointment w/ her of 01/17/05 but it was cancelled. So the earliest appointment I could get was 02/07/05. Since I need a letter from her to finish my paperwork, I guess I'll have to wait another 2 weeks or more. I'm having a problem w/ her, because she is against the surgery because of my age and says that I should have the will power to do this on my own. But I haven't been able to do it by myself so far. I didn't have a problem getting a referal since all you do is call and give the office staff the information (you record your request and the listen to it later) and it was processed by my insurance with no problem. I even wrote a 3 page letter to her stating why she should support me in my decision, along with other information about the benefits and risks of the surgery. All of which I am well informed of. Has any one else had problems w/ their primary doctors or is it just me?

I could maybe understand if your primary had some medical reason for not wanting you to have the surgery, but the old crap about diet and exercise just isn't even medically sound anymore. Even the NIH recognizes that wls is the only effective treatment for weight loss in the morbidly obese. Don't think twice about finding a new primary to get a referral. You can ask your surgeon's office for names of doctors who have given referrals before. Good luck. Quite a few of us have 2/11 dates and we'd love to have you join us!! Jeanie in MO DS 02/11/05 "Duodenal Switch: My New Beginning"

I also have Tricare Prime, and luckily I never had problems. I go to the local Naval Hospital for my PCP, but the Dr *****ferred me out wasn't even my PCP. She was just the Dr I could get my appointment with. I never had to get a letter from my PCP to Tricare, just the referal. I have since seen my PCP and she is fine with it, but my suggestion is if your PCP won't assist you, then find another one. It is as easy as going to the tricare office and switching. I don't know if you have a Army or Naval Dr, but for me and my weight, Naval Dr's (husband is USMC) can either be very accepting and supporting, or then can be jerks and think if you just stop eating all the time and start running everything will fall into place. I actually had a Dr tell me that a few years ago. On another note, I know when I have needed things from my Dr's asap, I just put in a telephone consult and when the Dr calls, I ask for what I need then. No appointment necessary. And most appreciate you not taking an appointment slot. I don't know if this helps, but I hope so. If you need anything feel free to email! Brandy