Anyone in Des Moines?

Does anyone know of a WLS friendly PCP in Des Moines? I've just been informed that the dr I've been going to for the last 3 years is very anti-WLS. I have an appt with her on the 17th, but I anticipate I'm going to be switching doctors in the near future. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!!

Cindy, I don't live in Des Moines ( I did a long time ago ) but my brother lives in Mitchellville. He was telling me about the new bariatric surgery clinic at Mercy. Maybe you could call the clinic and inquire about a primary physician from there. Or maybe the state has a doctor referral line. I know Alabama does. Connie

Its a toughie.....like you said you have been with your PCP for 3 years....so she has your records and knows your struggles......I would go to that appt and make it very clear that WLS is the path you have chosen to take with lots of thinking it over and studying it or whatever....depending on your insurance you might not even need a PCP's referral.......find out if you do......the surgeons office you plan on going to should be able to tell you.....ask to talk to someone who does insurance billing and ask them.......if you require one......flat out tell her you will need a referral and would apprecaite her support......if not, you need to get healthy and this is the option you have choice and you will be finsing a new PCP, then thank her. And if you do have to find a new PCP go to the peer section of the Iowa boards......read some of the profiles of the folks who have had surgery at that particular place and email them and ask them to recccomend a PCP.......good luck! Take Care Jesi

Those are both good ideas. I'll wait until after my appointment and see what happens. I just know that the decision to have this surgery is tough enough without someone who has an input in the decision trying to stop you.

Tim Evert at Mercy South on Army Post is WLS friendly. He was my PCP during the approval process and wrote a really good letter for me. The Mercy South staff drove my nutty but he's really nice.