Question:
PCP says I need to have diabetes under control before she releases me for surgery.

My last A1C test was 8.1 and she wants it at 7.0 before she will refer me for surgery. The Barix Clinic said they will do the surgery with a reading of 8.0. I don't believe Aetna requires this, so can I have it done without her 'blessing'? What if I cannot get it down to an acceptable level?    — caren1957 (posted on March 3, 2005)

March 2, 2005
It all comes down to whether you need her referral or not. If you have a PPO and Barix is In Network, then you probably do not need her referral. If it's an HMO I'm assuming you will need that referral. Personally I would find another doc. Hasn't she heard that WLS tends to resolve diabetes very quickly, so the sooner the better. From what I have read most diabetics leave the hospital off their meds and never go back on them because the numbers drop like a stone almost immediately. As far as I am concerned she is just wasting your time and delaying you getting onto a healthy life. Maybe she needs to do some reading on the benefits of WLS.
   — zoedogcbr

March 3, 2005
I went thru Barix and did not need my pcp's blessing, even tho she was the one who referred me and was very enthusiastic about me having surgery. Barix has their own internist who sees their patients for surgery clearance. That said, it would be in your best interests to be in as good as shape as possible preop for a faster recovery, and better wound healing. Can you do you best to cut your carbs and sugars and start a mild exercise program to help your sugars be in better control going in? It would be worth it to go in as healthy as possible and reduce your risk of complications. Making that commitment now will help you in the long run with the commitment to be not just thin but healthy as well post op. I send big {{{{{huggs}}}}} to you and blessings for a safe surgery and healthy recovery.
   — **willow**

March 3, 2005
I agree with Willow, that you do need to be in the best possible shape for surgery. With that said, my DH's A1C was 8 when he went in for his Band surgery. The staff monitored his sugar constantly and gave him several insulin shots. (He wasn't normally insulin-dependent, but he couldn't take his oral meds in the hospital.) After 3 weeks, he's on half his meds, his A1C is normal, and his sugars are consistently normal as well. My point is, the hospital staff will know you are diabetic and take the appropriate steps to take care of you. Best of luck!
   — Jeanie

March 3, 2005
My PCP put this requirement on me plus I was involved in a diabetes research study for 3 years with him before my surgery you will heal better with lower A1C levels. I think the surgeon wanted it to be at least 7.5 before surgery. But what you need to consider is that A1C levels are what it has been over the last 3 months so are you saying your Dr is going to make you wait another 3 months for clearnance? What I was doing besides the fact that I was on 2 oral medications and insulin when I went into surgery I also gave up all white foods nothing made with sugar or flour no bread, pasta, no potatoes, no rice. Now 1 year after surgery and no medication since 8 weeks post op my A1C level is 5.6 and at 6 months was 5.7 so not doing too bad. Nancy
   — nefish

March 3, 2005
Thanks for the input! And yes, what I am saying is that I have to wait another 3 months to do another A1C test. I am worried that maybe it won't be low enough......I was just diagnosed in Oct. 2004 and recently changed meds....what if these meds are not right either? Just anxious - frustrated....you all know!
   — caren1957