might need to change from my unsupportive PCP in NYC

Hello all, I am in the initial stages - I've met with and chosen my surgeon for RNY, met with the nutritionist and am about to have the psych eval - but I have a lingering concern that I could use some help with. My PCP is decidedly not on board.  He, in a nutshell, doesn't believe that people should have weight loss surgery unless their life is already at imminent risk, and essentially, he doesn't feel that I am fat and diseased enough yet.  (Note:  My BMI on my profile is incorrect, since I can't figure out how to fix it - it's 45.)  Part of the reason I don;t have more health issues, I suspect, is because I work out a LOT and am thus pretty healthy, though still morbidly obese.  I sort of feel like I'm being punished for being healthy here.  I could STOP working out and would likely develop diabetes or something else fairly quickly, no to mention start gaining even faster, but obviously that seems the unwise path for many reasons.  At the end of the day, his belief is, and has always been, that I am merely not trying hard enough to lose weight on my own (His parting shot to me was "You know, you could do this yourself if you really wanted to.")  When I've asked him for help with weight loss in past years, his response was always "I don't know...try harder?" His basis for his reasoning (I asked) is that he has had some post-op patients who complain a lot about nausea.  And at least one or two who outright regretted having surgery.  This is fair enough, and I spent a few days pondering his opinion from a few angles to see what I should take from it, but ultimately I still feel that this is the very much the right decision for me.  I am aware that the PCP needs to do the pre-op screening and stuff before you can get things done.  I think this is the only thing I'd still need him for, but...if he won't do it, I think I might just switch doctors and find someone else with a more nuanced take on the subject.  I have Oxford insurance and work in Times Square.  Any suggestions?

Wow!!!  I think I would run fast and find another dr.  He doesn't sound that compassionate to the "healthy" morbidly obese person.  I would think he would support your decision, before you wind up with some life threatening disease.  And to see your reasons that you are taking a proactive part in your life to be a healthier and happier person.  Obesity is more than being obese physically it affects us mentally also.  It seems this dr. is not getting that important fact.  It reeks havoc on our self esteem and mental well being.  He is missing that the most.   Good Luck with your decision whatever it may be. Not to get off the subject but where in Astoria do you live???  I am originally from Astoria, I grew up there.  I lived on Steinway Street between 28th and  25th Avenues.  The neighborhood has changed drastically in that area from when I lived there.   

Thank you!  It did throw me for a loop for a bit... I'm at the 30th Ave stop on the N train now, but I used to live closer to your area.  I love Astoria, and I can  only imagine the changes - even in the seven years I've been here I've seen quite a lot of change!  The number of new condos alone is kind of incredible.  I hope to be here for many years to come.

I see your using my Dr Roslin!! He's so amazing!!  My PCP was wonderful I am not sure if she accepts Oxford but you can always call the office. She's  with NYU (as much as I loathe NYU I adore Dr Sheridan) Linda Sherida 317 East 34th St 10th Floor NY 10016 212.726.7460 All the best!! Hope to see you soon at the RNY Support Group Meeting.

Thank you!  That's really helpful.  And I expect you will see me at the groups after my surgery, since I'll want all the support I can get.  Starting to get excited about a new life...

You should come to the group before surgery too, I went to one before my RNY and was glad I did.