My PCP won't recommend me.

I'm 39 yrs old, 5'10, 306 lbs. Yes, my knees are letting me know it. I have a PCP that won't recommend me. She's nice, but really into holistic treatment. She doesn't want me to even take cold medicine. Yesterday, I went to another one that I had seen a couple years ago. She wouldn't recommend me either. She told me to drink 6-8 glasses of water daily, don't eat so much, and walk. OK, WOW, I never knew that was all I had to do! I'm scheduled to see the surgeon and the dietician on 2/14/05 for a consult. But, he requires that I have a recommendation from my PCP prior to surgery. I had considered having the procedure in PA at the Barix Center, but I didn't want to go so far. Any suggestions as to what I should do at this point?

I don't know what to tell you but I have the feeling I'm gonna have the same response from my PCP. You may want to post this on the main message board to get some suggestions also. There's more traffic there so you may get a ton of responses. Good luck!

Thanks. Good luck on your journey as well.

My surgeon does not require anything from your PCP. As a matter of fact, I don't even have a PCP. He would like me too, but I haven't been to one in years and I had my surgery last year. If you don't need a referral for insurance reasons, you might want to check out my doctor. He's in Northern Virginia so it's still a hike, but it might be worth it. Good luck! Melissa

Thanks. That gives me an idea. I have BCBS PPO. I may just have to consider going elsewhere.

Hi, sorry to hear that you are having so much trouble. For your Barix idea...I went there, and had such a wonderful experience it is hard to touch on all the wonderful nurses and my surgeon, Dr. Kacmarzski....what a wonderful guy. BTW, not sure what part of MD you live, but I am in central/western md and it took us 2.5 hours each way...the drive is not bad...even AFTER surgery...in fact, my husband I enjoyed the time together. Best of luck to you... RAE

Thanks. I think it's about 1 1/2-2 hrs from me. My husband is totally against it. But, my cousin said she'd be willing to go with me.

Hi Nadine, Dr. Daniel Collector's (Family Medicine) office in Padonia station is where I've been going for years. When I brought up the subject about the surgery, that' I'd been thinking about it for awhile, I had no problem getting their ok and referral. Hope this helps. Diana

Thanks

Nadine Hi, Call your surgeon and ask the office about "bariatric friendly physician's". They may be able to give you some options. Best wishes on your journey, Lisa