IS NOW THE TIME...???

I AM SIX DAYS OUT AND I DON'T HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH MY PCP...HE IS NOT SUPPORTIVE OF MY DECISION TO HAVE WLS...IS REALLLY DEAD SET AGAINST IT..AND NOW I AM BECOMING MORE AND MORE CONCERNED ABOUT MY AFTERCARE. HE FEELS THAT THE SURGEON LEAVES ALL THE "DIRTY WORK" TO PCPS. I HAVE BEEN THINKING OF GETTING A NEW PCP FOR SOME TIME BUT I HAVE BEEN PUTTING IT OFF; AFTER 25 YRS WITH THIS ONE...WELL, THE RELATIONSHIP IS KINDA STALE. I GUESS MY REAL QUESTION IS, "WOULD IT BE FAIR TO BRING IN ANOTHER PCP WHILE IN SUCH A CRITICAL TRANSITION?" (WLS) I'M PUTTING IT OUT THERE ANY TAKERS? M

Hi Mary. I would say ABSOLUTELY time to get a new PCP. I'm surprised that after 25 years with this doctor, he doesn't feel he should give you the support you will need after the surgery. I don't think it's a matter of not being fair to bring in a new doctor - it's a matter of making sure you are properly taken care of following surgery. Maybe your surgeon has a WLS-friendly PCP that he can recommend you to? I know there is also a website that lists bariatric physicians. Sorry, I don't remember the name, but you may be able to search for it on the Web search engines. Maybe you could find one in your area that would take you on as a patient. Good luck!

Why not explain your situation to your surgeon. He might be able to recommend a pcp. Good luck

Dear Mary, I would most definitely get a new PCP! I changed PCP's too, but much earlier than you. My PCP was very unsupportive and even down right rude about the fact that I wanted the surgery. I switched back to a PCP I had gone to when my daughter was born and I couldn't be happier! She is very supportive and I was instantly relieved of the stress that was coming from my old PCP not supporting my decision. In regards to any "dirty work" that is just plain lousy to say to you! He should be reported! That is NOT what a doctor agrees to do when he takes his oath. Would he feel that way if he had to do the "dirty work" left behind by an illness such as cancer or a heart attack? I think not! You deserve to have someone who is behind you and cares about your health. Not someone who is just plain being ignorant and lazy!! Just my thoughts!

I changed PCP's when I started this journey and I cannot tell you the joy that my new doctor, Dr Maxa, has been to me. He listens to what I am feeling and really takes me seriously. I know you are concerned about switching right now but I am concerned that if you don't and you need help that your current doctor might not be there for you. What I did to find Dr Maxa is I talked to some long term post ops in my area and asked them who their doc was so I could have a doctor who had already been through having patients who had this surgery and knew what to look for and expect. It has been the best decision I have made.

HECK YEH!!!! Definately find a new pcp...they should be supportive, understanding and caring about all your needs!! Good luck in finding a new PCP! Tricia

Mary - Get a new PCP. When it comes to your health you cannot worry about anyone's feelings or anything. Nothing is more important that your health. I will pray for you in your surgery. When you think about how much doctors get paid for treating you, he should be as nice as possible. Take care of yourself, and God bless.