Bangor Bariatric-friendly PCP??

 So I am at the beginning of this journey - just at my wit's end, and seriously considering surgery.  I have been doing lots of research, and understand I need a referral from my PCP to attend a class/support group and then from there decide if I want to go through the next steps (dietician, psychologist, physical therapist, sleep study).  So here are my issues...

1. I have a dr. appointment tomorrow morning with my PCP - I brought up surgery in the past (back when I wasn't really seriously considering it) and she dismissed it saying I wasn't a candidate b/c of my emotional issues with food.  I am planning on insisting she give me a referral b/c after speaking to my pulmonologist and realizing I have 2 new weight-related health issues (sleep apnea and GERD), I cannot continue living my life like this.  I mean - aren't all overweight individuals eating for emotional reasons???  I'm worried she still won't give me one, and then I'll need to switch to another PCP.  Any recommendations????

2. After the class/support group session, I understand physical therapy is a 1x deal.  What about the dietician and psychologist evaluations?  Is there a certain time period you need to meet with them before they will give you a consult with the surgeon?

Thanks for the help!  I'm desperate!!!
Lauren

I would  request another referral from your PCP at tomorrow's meeting. If she gives you the same line, you could counter that any issues which need to be dealt with will be found during the pre-screening at EMMC Bariatric porgram. If your PCP is still unwilling, I would contact the EMMC Bariatric Center and ask if they can give names of PCP's who have referred patients in the past.

The process has several steps before choosing and seeing a surgeon.
The requirements are:
Group informational class
Attend at least 1 support group- though more is better.
Physical therapy group meeting- we were 3 in a class
Nutritional group meeting
Psyche testing and evaluation
1:1 nutritional meeting
Other attointments as needed- I had to see a pulmonologist for a sleep study and get a CPAP.

If you make all your scheduled appointments the process, at the least, can take 6-8 months to get a surgical date. Part of this program is that you keep your appointments. If you are a "no-show" for anything you may be released from the program.  My particular journey was delayed twice due to snow storms and me re-scheduling appts w/ 24 hrs notice.

Hope this helps.
 

Each surgeon is different and each insurance is dofferent with what they require. I did not need a referal but got one anyway. Check to see exactly what your insurance requires you to do to cover WLS You don't want any surprises. It is not exactly your PCPs place to judge if you are a wls candidate that would be left up to your surgeon. Good Luck with your pcp and just tell them you want the referral even if they are not in favor they really can't refuse.

 Thanks for your help, ladies!
I guess I jumped the gun with the PCP thing, but I wanted to be prepared just in case.  I went to see my doc this morning and she gave me the referral to the EMMC Surgical Weight Loss Center. 

And wow - AT LEAST a 6-8 month process???  Holy moly!  I contacted the weight loss center and they said they would be sending me information and only then could I sign up for a class - apparently the classes are already booking out in September.  

I already did a sleep study per request from my pulmonologist -- I have an appointment Wednesday to get a CPAP machine.  How was your experience with the CPAP?  Was it difficult to use?  Could you tell a huge difference?  How bad was your sleep apnea after getting the sleep study?  Did they say it was severe.  Mine is apparently severe.   

Congratulations on the referral!

My sleep study found that I have "mild" sleep apnea. I did stop breathing 5-6 times per ____ ( I can't remember if it was minutes or what). I knew something was wrong. I was always tired, could fall asleep in my car-pool, during lunch break and sometimes at my desk at work!. The CPAP machine took some getting used to. I have a mask which covers my nose. I found myself taking it off in my sleep. But after about 2 weeks wore it through the night.

Every once in a while I try a night without it and know now that it really works. The night I don't wear it I am tired and wanting a nap in the day.