Need Dr. who supports surgery around Bloomington, IL - Health Alliance Ins.

I am interested in finding out if I can have surgery.  I know that my Dr. is not supportive of it.  I've brought it up 2 or 3 times and she doesn't even want to talk about it. It's pretty surprising because she's very overweight too.  I don't know what the deal is!! I'm 5' 8"  and weigh 315 lbs.  I have sleep apnea, high-blood pressure, varicose veins, acid reflux.  I'm sure that I would be a good candidate. I really want to get the surgery but I need to find a different Dr. I have Health Alliance HMO as an employee of State Farm Ins.   Can anyone recommend a good Dr. for me.

Off to the side here you can see where it says find a bariatric surgeon...go to that and you should be given a list for your area....if you want to travel up north we all have our favorites we can recommend but I would try your area first.   My regular doctor wasn't against it and kind of learned thru me but he saw as soon as I really wanted it he became very supportive.  Maybe you need to find another doctor.  You really need their support plus their referrals when it comes to submitting the paperwork!  Keep us posted. Pam

Thanks Pam.  I don't need to worry about finding a surgeon yet.  I just need to find a regular Dr. that is covered under my insurance who is supportive of surgery. I don't see that my Dr. will change her mind or be helpful that all.  That's why I was hoping to find someone on this board who has had surgery who could recommend a supportive Dr.

Have you tryed Caryle in Urbana? You might try going through their registry. maybe that will help with both, a pcp and a surgeon. You can also try St Francis Hospital in Peoria.

They do Bariatric Surgery at OSF St Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. I would I would find a doctor in Peoria, Dr. Rossi was my surgeon for Lap-Band, and I have had really good results, but my insurance was not Health Alliance, but I think  you can come to St Francis with Health Alliance insurance, I would check into that. Peoria Surgical Group is the one who does Bariatric Surgery at St Francis Medical Center.

The PCP I had when I went through the process was Dr. Murray Propes, he's private practice now so I am not sure if he still takes HA HMO. I have Health Alliance through Meijer, and I had my surgery done at Carle in Urbana.  The surgeon is AWESOME =D. Check through the pcp list that your insurance packet should have come with - or maybe even call Dr. Oliphant's office, they might be able to recommend a PCP that supports the decision to have WLS. Good luck!

I have been to Dr. Valentine a few times. He is very nice. He is in over by St Joseph's hospital by Eastland Mall. I have seen him in a year or so, but the last time I was there, he was great. He listed to everything I had to say. I didn't discuss gastric bypass with him, but he seems like the type that would be for it if it would help someone.