WANTED: Pro WLS Primary Docs in Cinci

good afternoon folks i am embarking on the path to WLS. as many ppl seem to find out quickly, this isnt always the easiest thing to navigate. my particular questions revolve around finding a doc who isnt going to fight me in getting referrals for the procedure. i am new to the area and went to a PCP this morning, who frankly i picked from a book last year when i moved here. i was talking to him about my options to get control of my weight. and while he was willing to refer me for weight management evaluation to the Weight Loss Center at Jewish Hospital (my request). However, when i brought up surgery he really started to balk and back peddle. i chose not to pu**** as i am still unsure if i can get pre certification from my insurance company (Aetna Network Choice). but i am guessing this could be a big issue. any recommendations out there? im not overly attached to this PCP. i will change to get the right combination.

My PCP is Newton Bullard, he has offices in Clifton and Beechmont. He was actually the first person to bring the surgery to my attention. He just sat me down and said... Heather, the diets aren't working I think you need to explore new options. He also put me in touch with Dr. Trace Curry who from what I can tell is amazing. I hope this helps!

thank you heather, a lil sunshine on this rainy afternoon

HI and Welcome! I just want to second that about Dr.Curry he is wonderful. PJ wfad

Hi, Just wanted to toss my 2 cents in about Dr. Curry. I highly recommend him. If you have Aetna, you will need to consult their website about requirements. If memory serves, Dr. Curry will help you with meeting those requirements (Aetna says the surgeon performing the surgery may supervise) with the 6 month requirement anyway. They have a Multi-disciplinary regimen that is only three months and it doesn't state the surgeon doing the surgery can supervise but maybe they can. Dr. Curry's office can help you out on that one and I'm sure if needed, he could help you find a sympathetic primary physician as well. One other thing. You might want to ask if the employer where the policy is held has any "special" requirements. Even if Aetna says something on their website, the employer may have exclusions, extra requirements. Just call the human resources department and they can help you on that. Best of luck to you! Beth

thank you all for the comments. information is always good

What part of Cinci are you looking for? My PCP is Dr. JoAnn Rivera and she is awesome. She has been very supportive about WLS. Her office is in Mason. She is part of Alliance Primary Care. She is terrific. I can't say enough great things about her.

update for those of you interested in cinci.. i ended up at alliance primary care (ty for the suggestion) and they are supportive of WLS. step one, check.