Pro WLS PCP's in Anchorage or Wasilla

Hello all Just wondering if anyone can reccommend any PCP's or general practitioners that are pro WLS? I need a general doctor for pre-op and post-op care, just wondering if anyone from Anchorage or Palmer/Wasilla can reccomend a doctor in the area. I don't need a surgeon, just a general doc for monthly tests who is somewhat educated in WLS. Some docs aren't pro WLS or try to talk you out of it, that's not what I want. Just a general doc who knows a little about WLS and can do my monthly post-op tests. I'm going to be going to a doc out of country for my surgery, just looking for a local doc for post-op care. Thanks for all your help -Julie

I live in Wasilla and recently had surgery in Mexico. My dr. was supportive of me both when I hesitated to have the surgery and then when I made up my mind about having the surgery he supported me and made me feel like it was a good decision. He is not a surgeon. He is an internist...meaning he is good with multiple medical issues like coordinating meds for diabetes, high bp and so on. HIs name is DR. Boston and his practice is in Wasilla across from the HS. I also like his nurse practitioner. Amor, she is so kind and patient and supportive as well. She is the one who performed my pre-surgery tests. Anyway, I hope you are able to find someone you feel comfortable with.

Thanks LunaRae! It's good to hear from another fellow Alaskan who has gone to Mexico for WLS. Sounds like you have a good doctor, I might have to look into seeing him. Thanks again! By the way how are you doing since your srugery? Thanks, Julie

I am doing good. I am back to work part-time at our Waldensbooks store in Wasilla. I have lost 42 pounds and am feeling much better. I'm still learning to take smaller bites, chew them longer and eat them slower...letting the utensil down between bites. Otherwise, I hurt and feel very uncomfortable. Healthy, and keeping up on vitamins. Things are looking good and I take two flintsones chewables and a sublingual B12 and chewable calcium and C's. So far everything is looking good.

Hi Julie, I go to Dr. Todd's wife who is a family practitioner. (Dr. Todd is one of the bariatric surgeons in Anchorage). I asked Todd's office for a recommendation - they didn't volunteer the info. She's in the same bldg as Todd so it's convenient. Her # 264-2000 2841 DeBarr Rd. Suite 31 I normally don't check out this Alaska board since it's so quiet - I'm usually on the main OH board. Hope this helps! Melinda

What did you mean when you said you asked for a reccommendation and they didn't volunteer the info?

Todd's office told me I needed my pcp to write a referral to his office. I guess all I meant was they weren't trying to push Todd's wife - they left it up to me to find a doc in Anchorage since I don't live there. I asked them for a referral to a general practioner and that's when they gave me her name.

Good Evening Julie, My PCP is Dr. Moss in Eagle River. He had problem referring me to Dr. Todd at Alaska Bariatic Center. Like you said that you are going out of the country, well I would look into see Dr. Todd himself or even better yet have your surgeon talk to Dr. Todd. I am not sure if all WLS talk to each other. But its just a suggestion.. I was wondering why you are going out of country anyway? Have you talked with Dr. Todd? He is a awesome Surgeon... I do have to say that. You should not have to have any test done monthly. I know Dr. Todd only has his patients come in for a 3, 6 and 12 month bloodworkup review (I am going on 12 Yahoo!). I would say go talk to Dr. Moss he is very good about reading test and all. But you have to wait sometimes for awhile... Good Luck! Tom Started @ 560/ pre-op 536/ currently 354lbs. -206 lbs.

Hi Tom, thanks for the info. I have to go out of the country for WLS because I don't have any health insurance and can't afford the cost to have it here in the US. Why did your PCP have a problem referring you to Dr. Todd? Just curious. Thanks again, Julie

Julie, my PCP had kinda hesitated to referr me at the time as I just went thru some other problems... I was so depressed, and was going thru psycho therapy at the same time I asked my PCP for the referral. So I waited for about 4 months and my PCP, recommended me to see about going thru WLS. So I looked up Dr. Todd. Back in 2000 I was going to go to Dr. Fobi down in California... He had a payment plan. But that feel thru and I went on with my life until the bottom feel thru .... I was jobless and going into depression and I was gasing up my pickup there in Anchorage one Spring afternoon in 2002 and this blonde hair gal came up from behind me at the gas station checkout line and tossed a note to me and said that Medicaid would pay for WLS... I called the # on the note and talked with the gal... and checked into geting on disability and got on the first time... and then the rest is History. Here I am on the Melting Side and Love it! Take care and Good Luck ! Tom