I Need a PCP

Hello most wonderful WLS supporters! I'm looking for a new PCP who "believes in" WLS. I'd like to find a PCP who will support my decision and keep me on track as I move into a more healthy lifestyle. I love my PCP, but she doesn't believe in WLS at all. Of course, I need my PCP to write a referral and send it to my insurance to get them to cover WLS; the PCP has to make a good case that it's medically necessary for me. I'd love to know who your PCP is! I'm in West Seattle and work in Redmond. I'll travel some, but not too much; it's difficult to get out of work for too long to go to the doc. Y'all are great! Thanks for your help. Emily

Hello, Emily, I would recommend Dr. Julie Pattison, at Virginia Mason; she is an internist. You can't go wrong with the VM system, their standards of medical care are excellent, and their diagnostics are comprehensive and complete. They have several clinics in the area, and their main hospital (Seattle, 9th & Seneca) is awesome. Dr. Pattison recommended me for WLS. She told me that she has another patient who had it awhile back, and has been very successful. Perhaps that's why she's recommending it now. Virginia Mason has 3 surgeons who do surgery: Dr. Thirlby and Dr. Moonka do open; Dr. Hunter does lap. So, if your insurance will cover you doctoring at VM, I would definately recommend that institution. If you look at their website: http://www.virginiamason.org/default.asp, you will note that they've also won 3 prestigious awards this year: Healthgrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence; its among the top 50 hosptials for gastroentrology; and also Virginia Mason Medical Center was named one of the nation's 100 Top Hospitals® by Solucient for hospitals that have achieved excellence in quality of care, operational efficiency, financial performance, and adaptation to environment. Good luck on your quest; I'll keep you in my prayers. Susan

I go to Dr. Rowena Reyrao, part of the MultiCare Network. She absolutely believes in WLS and is very supportive. Of course, she views this as a last alternative to weightloss. But she really is a great, caring Doctor and best of all (to me) is that she sits down and actually talks to you and lets you ask questions.. she doesn't rush thru your visit like some other doctors I've had! I dunno if Auburn is too far for you to travel, but she is worth the trip Good luck on your quest Emily, Kimanne