new member

Hello to everyone!  I just joined after coming to the website for a while.  Just moved back to Richmond with hubby after a 7 year stay in Texas.  Glad to be home!  I'm so glad I found out that they actually have a section for Virginia!  I am wondering if anyone in the Richmond area (midlothian) can recommend a pcp that is willing to work with obese patients.  I saw the link for other professionals but alot of the reviews are pretty dated.  The PCP I have now I can say doesn't seem to be willing to work with me at all.  I was beginning my 6 month physician monitored program when we transferred back.  I spoke with my PCP here about my interest in Lap Band surgery and his response was "if you want to lose weight, quit eating".  For lack of a better word I was not happy.  Anyhow, any suggestions?  Have a great evening!!

First of all I want to say welcome. Next, if you are willing to travel to Chester area I have a great dr. His name is Andrew Rose. His nurse had the lap band surgery herself and they were wonderful too me during my 6 month pre op, He is very sensitive about weight issues. I love him to death. I can look up his number if interested. PM me if you would like. good luck

I just wanted to come in and say welcome. I'm a fellow newbie.

Welcome Jenn!  Great group here & we are always open to share in other journey's.

Welcome back to the area!  I am sorry you are having problems with your PCP -- there are a lot of people on the Board from your area, so hopefully you will get some names soon from some of them.  Welcome to the VA Board...it's a great group here!  :)

Welcome to Richmond! We're glad you're here! I just moved here about a year ago from Charlottesville, and my PCP there didn't think the surgery was a good idea, either. He would have supported me had I pushed it -but at least he didn't blow me off like it sounds like yours did! I would be unhappy, too!

I have sort of stumbled onto a PCP here that I may or may not keep.... my surgeon was the first doctor I had here and they recommended that while waiting for my surgery I go to this "boot camp" pre-op program for bariatric patients. So I've met with a trainer, a nutritionist, and a "life coach". But I also have a PCP there - It's called the Center of Integrative Medicine (http://www.centerofintegrativemedicine.com/) There are two PCPs on staff - Dr. Smith (a man), who I think is a co-founder, and Dr. Powell (a woman), who is my doctor. They're very into natural, alternative kinds of things (I call them very crunchy and granola) which isn't necessarily my thing, but it is a very different experience than a typical doctor's office. The doctor sits with you for a long time, chatting and getting to know you. And it doesn't look like a typical dr. office. They're located in Richmond - I don't know if where they are is considered the Fan or West End, but it's somewhere near where those two meet Anyway, they do not serve only obese patients, but it's definitely a large part of what they do. They also work closely with my surgeon (Dr. Elliot at Richmond Surgical Group) which was a plus for me.

I know that's a lot - if you want any more info, feel free to PM me here. Looking forward to getting to know you more!

"very crunchy and granola"  LOL  You're a trip!  :) We are coming into the home stretch now - what are you doing the next few days to get ready?  Also, what hospital will you be in?  Will you mom and dad be coming down on surgery day to be with you?

Hi and welcome to the VA Board!!  I am sorry I can't answer your question but I am sure that there are people here who can. I just wanted to say that we are glad to have you here! Jackie

Welcome to you. Chesterfield County born and bred here. Former Austinite as well. And I used to be very overweight. You'll find this is a pretty friendly crew, so enjoy it!

Love the new pic!!