PCP in Roanoke/Salem VA

Hello,

A close family member is considering weight loss surgery.  She visited her PCP today and was told it wasn't that she "couldn't" lose weight, she just "wouldn't."  He made references to being fileted like a fish, strangling her stomach, etc.  Her BMI is over 40 and this man has taken it upon himself to decide what is right for her life.  

She doesn't want a physician that refuses to respect her wishes.  

We are now trying to find a credible PCP in the Roanoke/Salem area that would be supportive of WLS.  Her insurance does require a PCP referral.

Thanks

You might get more answers if you post this question in the VA forum.

I know it may cost a few dollars more, but I've never even thought about choosing a HMO to be heavily dependent upon a PCP with my life. Can she change her insurance to a PPO during open enrollment? I don't see how folks are able to even get weight loss surgery with out having a PPO....I've always went anywhere I wanted with my PPO, it's powerful if you want EXCELLENT healthcare. It's worth paying a little more out of pocket each month for excellent healthcare needs, whether you need weight loss surgery nor not.

I would think getting something like the lap band with a HMO would be a disaster anyway, you can't depend on a referral when your band is too tight or if you need to see your surgeon for a fill, she will need the capability to see her surgeon RIGHT AWAY without that referral nonsense.

With a PPO you don't have to deal with this nonsense you can just go where ever you want without a referral.

Thanks for your reply Jean. I've posted in the VA forum but haven't received a response.  There doesn't appear to be as much activity there as here and in other surgical boards.  

She has Anthem BC/BS and that is a PPO, HMO.  The bariatric clinic requires a referral from her PCP.  Her PCP has to recommend her for the surgery. He is trim and fit, totally against it.  He offered pills and told her to eat 4 meals a day, less than 400 calories...easy as that.  He was also way out of line with other comments about the impact on her personal life.  It is just obvious that he isn't going to listen to what she wants...only what he thinks is right for her.  So, she is looking for a new PCP, not just for WLS but one that will respect her decisions.