Question:
Looking for the best way to get that needed referral from my PCP

Is it best to make an appt. for related concern and then bring up the subject of WLS,say what I really want, or wait for the doctor to bring up my weight issue? Think I should just happen to have all my research materials with me to share with the doctor? Any help is appreciated!    — grokin (posted on May 29, 1999)

May 29, 1999
When I first decided to have the surgery done I immediately made an appointment with my PCP. I obtained information about the procedure from the internet and discussed it with him. He's been treating me for obesity for over 7 years so he was aware of my situation and I told him how much I wanted to lose weight and he did not hesitate to give me the referral to have the surgery, he even wrote a letter on my behalf to my insurance company and my procedure was approved very quickly. If you meet the guidelines for the surgery and your PCP is aware of your weight problem it shouldn't be hard to get a referral. Good luck
   — Kristen C.

May 29, 1999
Dear kindy g, Be agrssive. Be absolutly possitive this is for you. Schedule an appointment armed with all the info you can get. My PCP after listening to me said," Is that all you are here for" and didn't even charge for the visit. If he gives you any negative attitude, tell him to visit this web site, so he can be informed on weight loss surgery. Carol Taylor
   — Carol T.

May 30, 1999
When I went to my PCP for referral they knew that was what I was coming for. I had told them when I called for the appt. I went in with info. on the surgery and the Dr. that I wanted to go to. They did not approve the Dr. I had org. asked for but that was ok because I had changed my mind and they ended up referring me to the Dr. that I now wanted to go to. I am lucky my Dr. was willing to get my referral, because if she did'nt want me to have this surgery she would've said so. I did ask for her opinion and she was very clear that she would not comment either way. I took her willingness to get me the referral as her approval of what I wanted to do. She has been my PCP for 10 years and I know having a history with her helped in her decision. I trust my Dr. totally and if she would have been negative in any way I might have had second thoughts. Just go in and ask for what you want. You are not the first person ever to ask them I am sure. Be upfront in what you are there for and if you have a history with that doctor you won't have to explain your reasons because they will already know. GOOD LUCK
   — Annette G.

May 30, 1999
I would go to my family doctor, research in hand concerning the surgery you plan to have, and notes concerning what you've gone through to attempt to lose the weight on your own, not excuses, but specifics. Don't be apologetic, be straight forward. Then sit down and talk very frankly and honestly with your doctor and ask for a referral to Dr. fill in the blank. I didn't have to have a referral before, but if I had, I would've approched it this way.
   — Sherrie G.

May 30, 1999
If you are looking for a referral for WLS I would make an appointment to discuss weight loss, bring all the information you have and be prepared to discuss all the points that you feel are the reason you cannot loose the weight and why you want the surgery. The forward approach will save you and him time.
   — Anna D.

May 31, 1999
I printed several items from the net including the name of a Doctor. I asked my doctor to make me an appointment for a consultation. He did it without delay.
   — [Anonymous]