Problem with PCP - Need advise :-s

I am really confused, I actually have two Dr.'s I'm dealing with and have been dealing with these two men for the last 3 years or more. I have had both of them say "Barbie - you have to lose weight", basically saying that it was medically necessary for me to lose weight because of the co-mobilities. Now, that I am presenting them with WLS, they seem to be back peddling. 1st Dr. who has asked me to lose weight - any amount of weight - just starting losing. I did Dr. Atkins diet through his recommendation (but not "medically supervised"), but he is uncomfortable with WLS?? Now says "Well your not really that fat - You should try Atkins again" 2nd Dr. who is also telling me the only way to reduce or get rid of these co-mobities is to LOSE WEIGHT, Is recommending Jenny Craig instead of WLS. What?? I am 100+ lbs over weight, sleep in a recliner that is if I sleep when I am not suffering from insomina from depression, and have very limited mobility! What is the problem? I just don't understand, it appears that if I needed a letter of "medical necessity" to join the Aktins or Jenny Craig programs, I would get one, but when I need one for an option that with a much higher sucess rate these guys are faultering. Hell - I wouldn't even have know about the WLS option if Dr. #1 didn't tell me about it in the first place. Any advise?? - I would be greatful.

If you can find another Dr. there are doctors out there that are WLS friendly.

Are you in an HMO? Sometimes in a capitated system it is in the doctors best interest to keeps cost down. Or perhaps they are just not comfortable with the concept of WLS, many people are not. Can you change PCP's? However, before doing that I would go to your doctor and be right up front and give him the opportunity to tell you exactly what his objections are or to change his mind and give you the referral. Red

I have a PPO plan. One of my Doctors (the one *****commended the procedure) seems to be on the fence, I've asked for a referral, he hasn't written it yet, but he also hasn't said he wouldn't. Then other doctor just flatly said he doesn't do referrals or letters. Hell the cardiologist I went to see seems to think positively about WLS but doesn't write letters either. Six months ago I would have swore to you that these people were behind WLS, but now that I have actually asked for a letter, they have completely changed their tunes. I thought about pursuing them a little more formally (by letter), by asking them to put their concerns about my weight and their infallible belief that I MUST LOSE it in writing. I thought about going to see a gynecologist since I have not seen one in years, as a possible avenue for a referral, but how do you know which Dr. will be WLS smart? This is no doubt very depressing, and now I am just wishing I could find a Dr who knows about WLS who could give me a true unbiased opinion about this procedure, and if they recommend it, they stand behind their own recommendation. If anyone knows of such a person in Lee, Hendry, Charlotte, or Collier County, I'd appreciate the referral.

Barbie- Was your doctor referring to all letters and referrals or just those for WLS? Have you decided on a surgeon yet? If you have not decided on a surgeon, then why not go ahead and find out who accepts your insurance and start with the surgeon. Once you have a good idea which surgeon you might use you can could try what I call "backing into a PCP". Ask the surgeon's office for a referral to a WLS friendly PCP. Get a list of family doctors and internists from your insurance provider and show it to the folks at the surgeons office. Ask them if they see anyone on the list that they have worked with in the past. You could then have all of your records transferred to the new PCP's office. It is worth a shot and I am sure this is a problem that the surgeon's staff has to deal with every so often. You might also try attending every informational session that you see advertised and talk to the other patients that attend the sessions. The folks that attend will generally be at all stages of the process of approval and many will be very knowledgeable of the "ropes and hoops." You might be able to get the name of a good WLS friendly PCP this way as well. My other suggestion is to get the list from your insurance company and start calling potential PCP's and asking their staff if they have ever referred patients for WLS. I imagine some will tell you right away that they have had patients that have had the surgery. Good luck- Red

Honey i feel your pain. On my first visit with my new Doctor she recommended wls. To tell the truth i was devastated. I didn't think i was that big nor did i feel i needed this surgery. She told me to reconsider. So back in october of last year i have researched this over and over. Now When i need a referral to the Surgeon she recommended me too i got EXCUSES. I was told to get my referral, records and medical necessity letter she had to see me. So i went to see her and now she is back biting her words. Now she say i have to research this. I reminded her that i have since she first told me to. She told me that i could die on the table and she doesn't want it to be her fault. Now she says i have to go back to the endocronoligist before giving me my letter. The last time i was there she took me off my blood pressure pills and put me on water pills. When my refills ran out CVS called for 1 refill she refused. I was in between insurances and waited a month to go see her. Well in the process my pressure jumped to 140/90. She asked me what happened and i told her. She told me i was a liar and i was irresponsible. To say the least i am not happy and am in the process of looking for a wls friendly DR in fort lauderdale florida. Be encouraged this is just a stepping stone.

I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm not sure where you are located but here in Ft. Lauderdale or Miami, we have a number of doctors who promote WLS. If you are near Clevland Clinic try calling them. My doctor is Carol Liberman I've visted her one time, and she has given me a refferal and is willing to do the paper work. I'm not sure if she is to far for you.