Reluctant PCP

My PCP is really starting to **** me off. Did I say that? Forgive me, but I've gone through all her extra testing and done rather well on all tests considering the fact that I weigh 301 pounds. The cardiologist thinks its probably the best thing I could do for myself. My PCP has known for some time that my surgery is scheduled for July 31st but she still hasn't gotten a letter to my bariatric surgeon to clear me for the surgery. O.K. she was con- cerned because of my size and for that I'm greatful but for her to purposly be moving at a snails pace is really ignorant. Has anyone else had to put up with this kind of bull? Fuming in Pa. Gloria

I wish you the best of luck hopefully all will go as planned I 'am scheduled to have the surgery on 7-31-06 as well so we both will be celebrating our anniverssary together hold on to faith everything will work out

Seductive Caramel: So we're going to be sharing the same rebirth date huh? That's nice to know, maybe we can keep in touch as we begin this wonderful journey. Thanks for responding. I'm sure it will all work out, it's just that I don't like waiting until the last minute to do anything this important to me. Maybe thats it, it's more important to me than my PCP. See you on the losing side. Gloria

My PCP had basically nothing to do with my surgery once she sent a recommendation to bariatrics at my request. That stinks that your PCP has so much control over your surgery. I would call her office everyday and nicely ask for status on her sending the approval letter to your surgeon's office, and remind the staff that your surgery is the 31st. Keep bugging them!

I am July 31st as well . My PCP is not very supportive of WLS either. I started going to her for my 6 month required supervised diet and she has constantly harped on how it's better to lose it with diet and exercise. I have did the diet thing since 6th grade and I'll be 34 this year so I think I'm almost an expert by now and sick of hearing it.....anyway, the whole thing was originally my endocrinologist's (I see him for my diabetes) idea so he was the one who did all my referrals. In fact she does not even know I am scheduled for surgery on 7/31. I have an appointment to see her in August and unless my surgeon demands I tell her or something I think I will just be like surprise when I see her next month. I guess my whole point is does the letter to clear you have to be from your PCP or do you have another doctor that you see (like my endocrinologist did for me) that could do it as well? Keep me posted and I hope all goes well for you. Mo

I went throught the same thing with my PCP who I thought might be intentionally dragging his feet. Both the nurse at my surgeon's office and myself made regular calls to the point where I said I will come and sit in the office and wait for it if that would help and Presto! I had a letter and date . Hang in there and just get on their nerves. instead of them getting on yours . -Kim

Gloria, Call the PCP and tell him or her that you appreciate their concern for the risks, but you are making an informed decision and need their medical necessity letter to move forward. Unless he or she has a valid reason not to support your surgery, you need to become "the squeaky wheel here to get the most attention" if you get my drift. I would park my ass in their office and refuse to leave without the medical necessity support letter in hand or faxed and copied right in front of me. Their personal nor professional opinion of bariatric surgery should not have any bearing on the choice you have made, unless he or she thinks you have not done your homework? Good luck, ShelleyAnne