Newbie in MN with referral problems

Hi everyone! I am so glad to have found this sight with people in MN!!! I was denied surgery a year ago and after life happened ( hysterectomy, menopause, and new insurance) I switched to a new primary care to try to get the surgery again. My 1st PCP said she didn't have the knowledge to fight the appeal process and the surgeon said I wasn't high enough risk to fight for an appeal so I found a new PCP who now a year later still won't support me for the referral. I am 33, 5ft 2in and 213, my highest was 253. I had a tummy tuck after a 90 weight gain from a thyroid condition 3 years ago that removed 20 lbs of excess tummy skin and the rest came off with the thyroid meds but haven't lost anything else. I have gained 5 lbs since last surgery go around. My PCP says it looks like we are turning the corner....Well I take 12 pills and 2 shots a day and feel icky all day from side effects. I have diabetes II, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, depression and anxiety.  Can someone suggest a primary care physician who is supportive of the surgery that i can try to go work with to get this done? I would appreciate it so much!! Thanks for listening. Kimberly Lakeville, MN

Hi,  I am new to this site, but I am starting my journey of weight loss surgery.  I will be going to the St. Cloud hospital for surgery.  I know that those docs do not require a referral from your pcp.  You could call for a seminar, and start the process.  I know that they have a seminar on June 17.  I hope this can help you. 

I know that at some point you do need a refferal from a primary care physician, but you should try calling some of the bariatric program #'s to ask if they can help with this.   I don't know what area of MN you are in.  I'm in the twin cities area and I personally went through Park Nicollet.  There are many places that have bariatric programs though. Fairview Southdale Fairview Riverside Abbott HCMC I would try calling one of them and asking what they can do to help.   A friend of mine had to go through an appeal and through the HCMC bariatric program they helped her get everything together. I'm sure they could also recomend a physician for you to see. I hope this helps

Hi Kimberly and welcome to the MN board!! I think Suzie is right. Park Nicollet has a good program. I too had mine in St. Cloud but that is awfully far for you to go. Good luck...I hope you can find the doctor you need and have the surgery you want. Hugs, connie d

I happened to ask this same question at the information session I attended at my surgery center.  They recommended that I talk to other patients, which you are doing, to find out who they are using if they are willing to share.  They also said to call clinics and ask if they have an MD who has a lot of experience with bariatric patients.  Remember, you can interview a doc before you actually start to use them.   Also, have you gone to any support meetings offered through your surgeons office?  Some of the folks there may be able to help you find a Doc.  It's tough, cause insurance companies seem to often require a letter of recommendation from you PCP, so I wish you the best of luck.  There are many doctors out there who will help you. 

Just thought that I would add some support and let you know that there are plenty of PCPs out there who will refer.  Just follow the advice of some of the other posters and interview some PCPs.  This way you are prepared going in that they will work with bariatric patients.  I go to an Allina Clinic that has several docs, so try calling offices that have several doctors to choose from and then just ask questions up front. Good Luck on your search. Jennifer