Hello fellow New Hampshire citizens!

Hi everyone! Im new here so please excuse my ignorance. Check my page to read a bit about me. I would like to know how do I start the process from a local point of view? I have an uncooperative PCP. I have seen a physicians assistant who said I was a perfect candidate for gastric bypass. But my doctor says I am too young. (Im 30) He also says its the easy way out. Well excuse me buddy. I have been overweight since I was 14. This guy doesnt know what I have been through. How can he say that? I have three children, a wife, and some great inlaws. The inlaws just want me to be healthy. Wife and kids are very supportive. (kids are young still) I want to be able to walk my daughters down the isle. I am a bit scared for the future. Ive tried every diet I can think of. I havent tried a gym though, but I am too embarrassed to go there. With all those weight lifters... Sorry about the rambling. I want to know, how do I go about setting up to find out if I can have this surgery (and what kind) if my doctor is against it. (purely for idiodic reasons) I am in the manchester area. Does anyone know of any local surgeons? Maybe I should call ? Thanks so much for all your help! I just love this site. It is the most informative and supportive site ever! ~Dan

I'm from Northern MA, but very close to Nashua.. in the MA forum they talk alot about a really good doc at NEMC named Shikora...well .. at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua there is an MD named Dr. Drinkwater and he trained under Shikora... I am also just starting the process too...informed my husband last night of my intent and he's supportive ... I have BCBS PPO and i don't think you need referral..have not even started that yet.. i'm calling SNHMC obesity center today! here's the link good luck and keep me posted http://www.snhmc.org/our_depts/obesity_ctr/index.html

Hi Dan, The first thing you have to do is find a WLS friendly PCP. You have an HMO so you will need a referral to go anywhere to start the process. At the same tiime, I would start a doctor supervised diet - just in case it is required by your insurance. I'm in Nashua. My PCP is Dr Peter Lundquist - 577-3300 - and he was fantastic in helping me with the process. I'm not sure he is taking on new patients at this time as he is in the process of splitting with a couple of other doctors from his current practice. But I love him and he has been great with me. Someone else on here may know of a WLS friendly doctor in Manchester - that would make life a lot easier for you. Second, call your insurance company and ask them if they cover the surgery. Do you have any medical conditions that would help make it medically necessary? That will be a big help. If they require a doctor supervised diet, get started on that. Just go to the doctor and have him put you on a diet with monthly weigh ins where he records your weight. You can actually do that with the physician's assistant I would think if that's easier. It may take a couple of months to get an appointment with a new doctor - you don't have to waste the time though. I had my surgery done with Dr Drinkwater at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua in Feb 2003. I think he is fantastic and have been very happy with the program. I'm not sure what the wait list is like now. I know there is a program in Manchester as well - just not sure where. If you find a WLS friendly PCP in Manchester, he will probably refer you to a program there. Most importantly of all, be persistant. This process takes patience and a lot of effort but is well worth it in the end. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions. Best of luck, Kathy

Dan, The Catholic Medical Center in Manchester has a SWL Program. The Director there is very helpful and can lead you in the right directions. There are two doctors that do the surgerys there and the program is very organized. The # is 663-7377. Good Luck, Chris

Hey there! I have been going thru the process since March. I have seen Dr. Drinkwater and love him and the office staff. I recommend him. My PCP is in Milford and he is the one who suggested Dr. Drinkwater and was very positive about the surgery. Dr. Drinkwater has a great record and UI havent met anyone who doesnt like him. There is no wait for him. I saw him less tyhan 2 weeks after I called the office. Call the office and request the preliminary questionaire to see if you qualify. I did and it didnt take long at all. I have 2 young children too. I definiately need to be around for them. Good luck on your journey and keep me updated! Chris

Hi Chris, I've just started my journey as well. My PCP is also in Milford and I am going to see Dr. Drinkwater on Monday 6/21 for a consultation. I'm sooo excited/anxious/nervous/happy/scared!!!! What's the next step after meeting w/the doctor? Have they given you any type of timeframe?

I just wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions and support! I have seen my PCP and there was surprising news! He is the assistant surgeon to the surgeon who would be doing my lap. rny. Great huh? Wife and I are excited and also a bit anxious. Thanks again for your help everyone!

Wow, thats weird. Now it looks like theres two of me. haha! I dont know what happened there. Oh well, haha!