Took First Step Today

Well, today I finally did SOMETHING...I called the surgeon's office and talked to the nurse.  I signed up for the information session on 09/04 and after that I will set up a consult with the surgeon.

Nurse says I can go ahead and start scheduling screenings (cardiac, pulmonary, psych., and endoscopy).

I need a letter of medical necessity from my primary care doctor...that's rough; she will not be supportive.  I've asked several times for her help as I watched my weight climb and her answer is basically "it's easy, cut back on what you're eating and exercise".  She doesn't seem to think there's anything "wrong" with me other than being a pig...so speaking to her about my decision isn't going to be a lot of fun.

I need 6 months total of some type of supervised weight loss attempt...I have about 4 months at Weigh****chers which the nurse says will count... So, I guess I am on my way...by the nurse's estimate, I could potentially expect surgery in December some time.  That would be great - my company gives us (in addition to vacation time) ten days off for Christmas with pay...the same days school is off for kids so if I could schedule in that time frame, I think that'd be good. Well, everyone - keep your fingers crossed.  I guess I'm finally on my way.

Congratulations on taking a very important step. I know it feels great to be on your way. If your doctor will not be supportive, it's time to find a new PCP. I personally would have done that anyhow if my doctor ever said that to me.  Your doctor should be making recommendations based on your health and your mental and physical fitness to have the surgery.  NOT on her personal opinions which obviously aren't based on medical facts.

Thanks for the reply - and it is way past time for a new PCP - I've never liked mine but ****il now) I've never been much on seeing doctors.  I'm relatively healthy for being as heavy as I am...and this woman was successful at treating the occasional sinus infection...that really was the extent of our relationship.

Of course, I guess she felt compelled to offer her ever so insightful wisdom about my weight - you know as if it never occurred to me to cut back my calories...apparently being overweight makes you stupid in her office :-)

Anyway, I specifically asked the surgeon's office if they have dealt with PCPs who are not supportive and, surprisingly, the nurse said they have.  I can't even imagine how a doctor can say he or she is concerned for a patient's best interest but not try to help them with such a big problem as obesity...

But anyway, the nurse at the surgeon's office said that all I need from my doc is basically confirmation that yes she has been my doctor and yes I have been fat (okay - she said it in a nicer way but that's the gist - PCP needs to "confirm I've struggled with obesity'") which I guess she HAS to do because to do otherwise would be lying.  So basically, I need her factual statement, not her blessing.

It does feel good to be on my way but it also doesn't feel real as it's only been like an hour since the phone call :-)  Patience is not one of my strong suits so now I'm in that "Okay, now I want to GET GOING" phase.  I know it's a long road and the logical side of me knows that I've been obese for a long time and a few more months is not a big deal but the impatient, ready to not be obese anymore side says "Okay, I've spent several YEARS researching, I've made up my mind...let's get to it.  Fortunately, I'm dedicated to doing this and have a supportive husband and daughter to keep me from going completely insane while the time passes.

Why to go JLS.  Who is your surgeon? If you have any questions on anything I am sure that someone on this web site has had the same question.  I know I had lots and still have lots.

Hi Melanie.  Nice to meet you.  Looks like my surgeon will be Dr. Terrence Fullum at Upper Chesapeake (Harford County).

And I don't have too many questions - JUST ABOUT A MILLION !!!! I have questions about EVERYTHING...from the "beginning" of the process to what'll it be like afterward.  I am so excited, I can barely keep still. It just feels good to be DOING SOMETHING instead of sitting around being miserable because of my size...I know I'm months away from the "real stuff" but I'm just glad to have made the first step. The poor ladies that answer the phone at the surgeon's office - over the last few days I must have called and hung up on them a hudred times because I couldn't muster the courage to actually start the conversation.  Once I did though, it turned out to be very productive.

Congratulations on taking the first steps. Wishing you the best on this WONDERFUL JOURNEY! Kelli

Hi - hate to cut in here on Melanie's time.  But wanted to assure you that Dr. Fullum's staff is wonderful.  They have no problem with going that extra mile with you.  I have no first hand knowledge of Dr. Fullum though.  My surgery had to be postponed due to unrelated surgical complications and then insurance problems.  So I ended up starting over with my original choice of doctors. Good luck.  Expect ups and downs.  Go with the flow, but fight for what you need. Oh yeah, change your PCP. Keep posting,

Hi April! Thanks for the response. Glad to hear someone has some experience with the office I've chosen...so far I haven't heard from anyone who's gone thru their practice. The PCP is going to be a goner...just not sure if I should switch now or wait...will switching now mean I'm effectively starting over (the horrible PCP did at least treat my other ailments so there is some sort of history there).

You can personally request a copy of all of your records from the PCP (be sure to requests all records including tests, notes, etc.).  Or you can have your records sent to a new doctor.  She can not refuse your request.  You have to do what is best for you and what you are comfortable with. As for Dr. Fullum, he has only been with Upper Chesapeake since the beginning of 2006.  I'm not sure where he came from.  Perhaps you can get more info on him from the Upper Chesapeake website. Have a good holiday weekend. April

Best wishes as your WLS journey continues.    Hugs, Mo