help me if you can

Hi this post is not really about me. It is about my partner. She has decided to have WLS. Today she had an appointment with her PCP and decided to talk to her about it. Her PCP said to her absolutely not and if she had wls she needed to look for another doctor. Of course, I told her that I think she should find another doctor. I was sitting there quite mad because her doctor basically told her that nothing will work. She proceded to give her insulin because no other diabetes medication will work. She was in tears all the way home. Do any of you know any doctors that will support her decision in the Toledo area? I am kind of at a loss here. She has hip problems and some other health issues. I see her come home from work in so much pain sometimes it makes me want to cry. Thank you for any suggestions Erin Clement

HI Erin, It really depends on her health problems. If they are problems that would cause more problems with the surgery then I can understand it. If it is just her not liking the surgery than I would look for a new doctor. I would just look for someone that has more experience with WLS to help her make an informed decision about the different types of surgery such as RNY, Lap or yes even DS and if she is capable of having those surgeries. A specialist would be able to tell her. I get a little angry when doctors tell patients to look for another doctor if they want to get opinions. They all specialize in there different fields and should let the specialist do there thing. Good Luck! Richard

Thank you for your response. My partner has high blood pressure, diabetes, and joint pain in her hips. Her pcp told her that she has had patients that had it done and it does not work and EVERYBODY has complications and it is just a racket. So really I feel that she needs a new doctor. She kept saying that she had a patient who had it done 4 times and it was so sad and she will not have another patient go through that. Thank you again for your response.

Now that really ticks me off. That doctor is probably thinking of the RNY, or is completely off their rocker. My PCP wasn't up on the different procedures and I had to educate her myself. I would tell the PCP to let the surgeon determine if your partner is a good candidate or not. Your PCP is NOT the expert!

Erin, My pcp also told me "no" five years ago. I let the idea go and I was so angry but I thought that she knew best. Well,after several unsuccessful diets I approached her with the idea again, she started with I'm not sure this is a good idea. I told her if she wouldn't agree to the surgery that I would seek another pcp, she hesitantly agreed. I've been with this Doctor for 11 years. She knows everything that I've tried in this time, and watched me suffer mentally and physically. Anyways I am 7 weeks post op! Tell your partner "don't give up" it doesn't hurt to get a second opinion. In most cases it pays to get a second opinion, and it sounds like her pcp has no bedside manners or compasion for patients. Keep your head up and seek other options, best of luck! Josie

Thank you for your words. I did contemplate telling my partner to stick with this doctor for awhile and see if she can educate her into why this would be best. Then I think about how she basically told her that there is no hope for her to loose weight because exercise and dieting won't work, I get so mad. She basically told her you will be fat and have medical problems because you are and there is nothing you can do.

erin....who is YOUR pcp??/have your partner go to him/her.... i see you are going to dr schram--my gf shirley had her surgery with him and loved him! DO NOT accept the words of an uneducated person-help your partner as you are helping yourself.....sounds like with her co morbs she would benefit.... sorry-i'll get down off the soap box now........

Hi Thank you for your response... I thought that would be a good idea for her to see my pcp as well, unfortunately her insurance will not allow her to see my doctor. I am trying my best to help become healthier. I am just hoping we can find her a doctor that will support her decision. Yes I like Dr. Schram so far as well. I am hoping to get my date soon. The scheduler has my chart so it is a matter of waiting for the call. Have a nice day

Hi Erin, I would call your surgeon and ask him for recommendations of wls friendly PCP's. I am sure they would be happy to help you. Have a Blessed day, Amber

That is such a good idea. I would not have thought about that, but it makes sense. Thank you so much.