Primary Care Physicians

I'm just curious how you all feel about your primary care dr's both before and after surgery.  My PCP is going on maternity leave and is part of a large practice, Hartford Medical Group.  I'm not crazy about the Dr's there but I can always get an appt. when I need one and they have eve. and weekend appts so that's cool. 

But, they don't seem to know ANYTHING about WLS or patient care after the fact.  I'm considering looking for a new Dr. but not even sure how to begin to look for one that's familiar with post-op WLS life. 

So, the challenge, if you choose to accept it my fellow nutmegers, is to tell us about your PCP Dr. and whether or not you think they're going to be a good fit for your post-op WLS life.  Why or why not? 

Thanks!  Joie

Mine is a good fit...she knows how hard and long I have struggled and she is good about making sure I get the correct labs etc.

I've been with my PCP for over 20 years and he is the first to admit he knows nothing about WLS. I would rather have a doctor admit he knows nothing rather than to try and pretend he does. I think we as patients can help educate them so they can help others.

I am not sure about how much my PCP knows. I do know if I have a question I am calling my surgeons nurse to ask them.

My surgeon did take matters into his own hands with my current health issues and it really pissed off my PCP. Personally, I am thrilled he did since I think my PCP was out of his league with it and I needed a specialist.

Good luck with this part of the journey.

I absolutely love my PCP.  She was very supportive before and after surgery.  She actually had some knowledge of the procedure and recommended my surgeon to me.  I am 5 1/2 months out now and down 110 pounds so whats not to be supportive about.  If you don't feel comfortable with your PCP, find another one!  Being able to get an appointment quick is not a good enough reason to me.  I can't always get a quick appointment with my doctor and sometimes when I am able to, I have to wait in the office for a while.  But I know that when she finally gets to me, I have her undivided attention.  I don't feel rushed.  She allows me all the time I need with her.  That's a sign of a good doctor.  Good luck.  I don't know where you live but I recommend her highly.

Hi Joie,
I have Htfd Medical group, too...in Windsor...I first went to Dr Gigstad and didn't like her...switched to Dr Bissell, liked her, but she went on maternity leave and I don't often go to the doctor...but, I needed to while she was out for a bad back and went to Brenda Manfredi and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her...I asked if I could switch full time to her and she said yes. 

She seems to know a limited amount about RNY, but most PCP's only do.  You have to continue on with your surgeon for follow up care for intense supervision. 

Dr Manfredi (Bissell too) have agreed to run my blood tests to keep things up to date (I'm lax about going to Aranow for my yearly) and they know what to order and what to do if something is off.

Don't know what HMG you go to, but, I'd say call in and make appts with other docs in the practice...you may just find someone in there that you like.

paula