a little nervous

I finally got all my cards and stuff from Medicaid, and now I have to make an appointment with my new doctor. (Had to pick a new one because we moved into a different county.) I plan on calling tomorrow, I'm almost out of my pain and anxiety meds. So I need to get them ASAP. But how do I bring up the weight loss surgery issue with her? I've gone to her before, as has my mother...but I'm still a bit nervous about it. Any ideas? Any tips on what I should ask her? I was thinking that I need to call my previous doctor and ask her to write a letter for me saying that she thinks WLS would be medically necessary for me. Thanks, Amanda

Hi Amanda, I found it helpful to write explaining how I felt and why I wanted the WLS. That helped solidify in my mind what I really wanted and why. Then, when I went to my PCP I had a basic outline of what I wanted to say. He was somewhat surprised but at least I didn't stumble over my own words. It was clear, concise, and factual. Good luck. Cheryl

I know at times we can be intimidated by the "white coat". You just need to be well informed and ask for what you want. Personally, I tell them what I want. It is not "do you think WLS might be an option" it is "I want you to refer me for WLS. I discussed it at great length with my previous doctor and she thought it was a great plan for me". Be prepared to give her the reason why and your previous attempts at weight loss. Be prepared to let her know you are aware of the risks. The more well-informed on the procedure you are I think the more impressed & likely to approve they are.... Good Luck, Tonya

Amanda, What a timely post! I haven't been to see my regular dr for over a year, but in talking to the phone nurse and asking if she knew how he felt about bariatric surgery, I didn't get a positive response. I went in yesterday because I was having trouble with allergies, and had to have some routine blood work for my high blood pressure/chlosteral etc, so he mentioned my weight was a big issue (have gained several pounds since I saw him a year ago). I asked "what do you think of bariatric surgery-not telling him I was scheduled July 15) and he says-I don't recommend it except as a last measure-does he really think any of us chose it as a first choice????-duh. Then he goes on to say-have you tried any programs to lose weight like WW, etc?(another duh here) Well, extremely emotional me starts tearing up and I list many of the things I have tried before. He hands me the kleenex box and says-we really need to find a program that will work because the next step for you is a stroke or heart attack. That certainly helped the tears!!!! All that did to me was confirm that I NEED this surgery to get healthier. I have tried to lose for almost 30 years. He said he wanted to see me in a month to see if I could lose some weight or he will have to put me on more medication. I didn't even say anything about my surgery which is in a month. I don't know whether to find another doctor who will be more positive post surgery or what. Forgive the vent here everyone.

I'm so happy for you! To have a surgery date in a little over a month...wow. Did you go through something like liv-lite or New Start? Yeah, I think you need to find a supportive doctor. Not only do you need your families support, but you also need your doctors support. And you deserve to have a doctor who is supportive of you and your choices. Does that make sense? I've been pretty lucky, all of my doctors have been supportive but one...and I don't see him any more. (I actually haven't gone back to a male doctor since...except for specialists and my ob) I have an appointment for Monday at 1:45pm. I've called my former doctor and talked to her for a good 20 minutes about the surgery. She's going to write me a letter saying that she thinks it is medically necessary. I expressed my concern to her that I don't have the co-morbidities, and she said pretty much what I'd been thinking anyway...if I don't get something done, I will have them before long. I've started writing down the medical history of my parents and grandparents. Even gone back as far as my great-grandmothers on my mothers side. Diabetes is present in an alarming rate. In fact, I'm quite surprised that I don't have it. I've been tested nearly every year since 97. My mother and father have heart problems...father has had a couple blockages and at the age of 24 or 25 had a small heart attack. My mother has congestive heart failure. My mom is 46 years old, my dad 50 and they're both disabled. I don't want that for my life. I wast to be able to take my son places. I want to be a part of his life...but I can't when I'm like this. Wow. Now I'm crying. Do you know how hard it is to type when the screen is a blur? Sorry for my venting...