New here...

Hi, I am new here and getting used to the site.  I just wanted to say that WOW, it is so comforting to have other women to talk to about issues that come with being obese.  All my friends are skinny and they can not relate.  I am excited to start the process but I am still having a hard time finding a PCM that can be respectful and that has seating and equpiment that can accomadate a large person.  I have been treated so poorly in the past that I am scared to death to even go see a doctor....awful I know.  My husband is in the Navy and we are stationed in San Diego and TRIWEST is my insurance.  I already researched and found a surgeon I want, so I just need to get a doctor that will write the referral!  Wish me luck!

Welcome to our little corner of the internet!  You've definitely found the right place for support and understanding.  I agree with Jen's suggestion about trying to find a PCP in your area - post on your local state board.  I can totally relate to being afraid to see a new doctor; I also had bad experiences with the "everything that's wrong with you is because you're fat" syndrome.  Hey, wake up call, all you docs out there - fat people have health problems that aren't related to being fat.  Duh?  Four years of undergrad, how many years of medical school, at least three years in a residency and you need me to tell you that?  Hello!?!?@!   Anyway, I'm sure you'll find a, as Jen put it, "fat-friendly" PCP who can help you with your journey to weight loss surgery!  Keep us posted on your progress and feel free to ask questions -  Kellie

Wow I can relate.... But yes the cali Board is a good place to start. And Welcome to This  board. I am California girl but to far from San Diego to be of any help as far as a PCP. But anything else you might need help with feel free to ask  

Welcome to you!! I hated going to my DR too, but I found a wonderful surgeon and he makes it all worth it! Best wishes to you.

I am happy to report that thanks to a lot of research on this site I found a PCM that works with a lot of pre WLS patients.  At first the receptionist was kinda clueless when I started asking if they were "fat friendly" and she put me on hold for a long time, then this very nice lady got on the phone and was so helpful and sweet.  She really put my mind at ease.  My appointment is Next Tuesday at 10 am.  I am so excited. It has been SOOOOO long since I went to the Doctor...around 3 years....while we were in Japan actually.  And the corpsman (nurses) stood right outside my little cubicle talking about how fat I was...WE HEARD THEM...it was humiliating and ever since I REFUSE to see a doctor, even though I know I need to.  This is the first step to my journey to the REAL me.  I am so excited!  I already have my "list" of ALL my ailments, questions etc. So wish me LUCK!  I was wondering how long did it take ya'll to get your labs done?  Because my insurance said I just need a letter from my pcm, then I can pick a surgeon, then do my labs and then I can schedule my surgery.  I am hoping for a pretty smooth process because with hubby always deployed and mom so far away, I have to kinda schedule this around them so someone will be here to take care of me and Savanah. 

Welcome!  I understand fear of doctors.  I'd had so many doctors tell me that anything that was wrong with me was because of my weight - no tests, no anything.  You're fat, thats why you are having this problem.  Even my progressive vision loss, which has nothing to do with my weight, was initially blamed on being fat.  Fortunately, more and more doctors are dealing with heavy people and understand the equipment needs, etc.  I'd suggest going on the  CA board and asking people from the San Diego area for primary care doctor recommendations.  That's how I found by current family doctor.  He's not the most well-equipped (I bring my own hospital gown to most docs) but he is definitely very very understanding and fat-friendly.  My biggest issue is when exam tables aren't screwed down and you go to sit on the end and the other end comes up like a see-saw.  If its not bolted down I would not get on the exam table unless someone brought a step stool.  Small chairs in the waiting room are my other pet peeve. I wish you the best as you begin the entire pre-op process.  Keep us posted! Jenn