Desperate!!!

After searching for a pro-wls primary doctor for 2 years, I've been through 7....each one told me point blank that i was a failure for allowing myself to get to the point I am at now, and they do not agree with wls, regardless of my health problems that are a direct result of being 350+ pounds. I have tried, really tried, to lose this weight. 2 1/2 years ago, I got down to 263 from 308, only to gain it all back and some interest to boot. I really do not know where to search for a doctor that will be open to wls..I do ask the nurse before making the initial appointment, if the doctor is weight sensitive, and I always get a "yes". But within 5 minutes, i know it isn't the case. Does anyone have some suggestions? I am closest to these areas: Fort Smith, Van Buren, Mansfield, Waldron, and Greenwood. Because I am on medicare and medicaid, i need to stay in the Arkansas area to be covered. Thank you, one and all, for any suggestions you might have for me!

I live in Little Rock and don't know those areas, but I assure you that those doctors are uninformed and that you are pursuing the right course. I'm so sorry that you have been treated this way. I know that there are doctors out there. Try working in reverse. Check the roster of members on this page and read profiles of people in your area until you think you may have found a wls surgeon that meets your needs. Call their office and ask them to recommend a pcp if you have to have one to refer you. Just a thought... Joy

Wanda, I live in springdale and am now in the process of having the wls surgery. My primary care physician is Burton Bledsoe and his number is 479-927-2100. I am using Dr. Leah Oman and Dr. Jack Alston at the NW Arkansas Surgical Clinic 479-751-3202. Dr. John Kendrick at 479-927-3100 is also doing the surgery. All of these physicians are right next to the NW Arkansas Memorial Hospital in Springdale. I don't know anything about the doctors in your area but like Joy said check out this site and see what they have to say. Good Luck.

Wanda, Dr. Carolyn Dillard is located in Van Buren. She is a fat friendly doctor and will give you a letter for a surgeon for the surgery. She is very nice and very caring. Tell her what you just said in the message board. You have tried and need the help. I believe she will help you. She practices from the Van Buren Family Clinic. The address is 209 Pointer Trail in Van Buren. The number is 479-474-3399. Good Luck and keep us posted! Angela open rny 1-26-04

Angela.. Thank you so very, very much for passing along this information to me! Truly, I cannot thank you enough! I've been at my wit's end, trying to find another doctor..this information is invaluable to me! I hope and pray that you have been doing fabulously since your surgery! By the way, who did your surgery? Thanks again! Wanda

Wanda, Bless your heart!!! I am so very sorry that you have had to endure such hostile doctors. I do know their are several doctors in Little Rock who are obese friendly. You might call Dr. Mark Gibbs' office in Little Rock and maybe they can suggest a PCP in your area. Please let us know how you are doing and the progress you are making with doctors in your area. God bless you, Dodie