need GP in Portland Metro

I switched over to Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield because they cover the surgery, but I lost my GP that I was seeing with Kaiser. So I need to find a new GP, preferably in Portland SE, but will travel throughout Portland for someone good. It would be great to find a preferred provider that has lapband/WLS experience or at least experience with people who have issues with obesity. (I haven't had surgery yet- finding a GP who knows the needs of WLS patients seems important.) Any recomendations? Melanie

Hi, Melanie! Would Kaiser not cover your surgery? I had a Lap RNY in January (through ODS) but my husband is trying to go through Kaiser. Any info you have might be helpful!! Thanks and good luck to you! Jana

I just love Dr Caroline Reay, she has been my PC for over 10 years now. She has been very supportive thru my decision to do WLS she is awsome she is located by Providence her # is 215-9700

Kaiser's process is very much longer. My understanding is that they want you to do a dr. supervised diet for at least 6 months, attend their health class (3 months?) and approve mostly for over 40bmi with serious comorbidities- but other people have told Kaiser stories on this board, and there is a range of experiences I am sure. With Regence, I just had to make an appointment and go to the orientation, I haven't had to beg anyone. Be well, Melanie

I like my doc, too. She's also with Providence but she's out by Gateway (the MAX stop). Her name is Dr. Heather Beecher and her number is 215-4250. Lori

Thanks, Gateway is close to me. Has she worked with you related to your WLS? melanie

Yes. She is very supportive. I have several other specialists that I see fairly regularly and she is more than willing to work with them, too. I had my surgery at Legacy (Good Sam) and they routinely forward my results to her as well. The only complaint I have about Dr. Beecher is that she only sees patients on Tuesdays and Thursdays and when I do show up for an appointment, she's also typically running behind. She is in the office on Wednesday mornings to do paperwork. When I was being diagnosed with diabetes, she actually took time out of her day to give me a call and check in on me. She's done this herself a couple of other times and I absolutely love her primary nurse, too. Lori

Melanie, I can recommend several PCP's who will take your insurance - but they're more in the Central and West sides... Does that interest you at all? Blessings, dina