Major Setback!!

Brandi, I can't imagine working with a doctor, getting tests ordered, and then having her pull that position out of her crooked hat!?! I too cry first, get really mad later. I think you are right to just move on, but I would get copies of your test results to have in hand when you go to your new PCP. It will keep the ball moving for that April surgery, which is going to be happening if we have anything to do with it! I saw Dr. Hong for the first time in January, and my surgery happened April 6th. No losing hope, giving up. In the great big picture, you have got a bright green light to go forward with this. It is going to happen, and be great for you! When one door closes, another opens. You will probably like your new PCP a whole lot better! Patty

You guys are the light of my life right now, I knew you guys would get mad for me! LOL! I am making my apt. with one of the Docs reccommended by dr. Patterson's office and will then make my consult apt with dr. hong right after that. Merry Christmas Everybody! Brandi

Hi Brandy, As everyone else said ....The Dr.'s at the Clinic will refer you to a WLS friendly PCP. I also didn't have an established PCP, but my insurance didn't request a letter of recommendation. Not sure why you are letting that hold you up. Anyhow, I established a PCP who was more CLUELESS about WLS then I was before learning about it. I just went in an told her, I need blood tests to have this surgery and that I know I wanted it and that she needs to send those results to my surgeon of choice (Dr. Patterson) and that was that!!!! She is from India and could barely speak clear English and I am sure I probably just intimidated her, but I knew I was on a roll and had a time limit to get all the tests done before Dr. P would even see me. Since surgery I am going to be seeing Dr. Highkin in Vancouver who was recommended in the first place as a WLS familiar Dr. and as my new PCP he was not available when I first started out, otherwise I would have gone to him. If you need any other help girl......email me. I am one NOT to mess with.... just kidding and anyway I can help I will. I really do hope you get all this going for you soon. I know you have been through hell & back. But the future is bright........ Hugs, Nadine

hey there Brandi, I know how you feel. I had to move 1800 miles away to get surgery. I was seeing a great doctor in Vancouver, if you don't mind crossing the river, Dr. Steven Grainey at the Vancouver Clinic. He was very supportive of WLS as long as you meet the medical criteria and it is safe. If you have the test results, he can tell you from those if it is a good idea. Give the clinic a call. Lauren

I was going to make my apt earlier than the 29th, but tomorrow morning I am calling to get that dang PCP letter. My ins does require it, which bites, but I will get it done. I had a bit of "ohmygawditschristmas" hub-bub to deal with, but tomorrow is my day off and I am all over it. Once I get the letter, I can formally apply to the program w/ Dr. Hong (they also require the letter). I find myself getting scared when I dwell on it, but then I look at all the before and after pics here, and I get all motivated again, I have gained A LOT of weight this year and I can no longer stand to look at myself in the mirror anymore. But that will change, I am gonna loose weight before surgery (also required) and I will be on my way soon! Thankx again to everybody, you guys totally kick arse! Brandi