Question:
Finding a family Dr. that will approve of bariatric surgery?
Hi there, My insurance will cover bariatric surgery if it is approved through my primary care physician, however, when I broached the subject of weight loss with my doctor, his response was, "If God made you fat, you are supposed to be fat." Every time that I've tried to talk about this with him, I am pretty much slamming into a wall. I asked him what was the difference between lap band and gastric bypass (which I know now, though not due to him) and he told me that he didnt know and doesnt approve. So, my question is this...Where can I find a family doctor that may approve of gastric bypass or lapband in the Eugene/Springfield area? — Jamie_Sirmons (posted on February 11, 2007)
February 10, 2007
First of all, let me say, you deserve a physician who will work with you,
and NOT contribute to your medical problems. Second, can you switch doctors
with your insurance?
Yes, gastric surgery, of any kind, is not the first choice, but it is NOT
the easy way either.
What state are you in?
Perhaps you can look through the referals here on Obesity help. They have
lots of resources, and people who can guide you towards someone who will
see your problem and help you make informed decisions.
On a personal note...I would start making loud complaints if a doctor spoke
to me in such a way. He is definately not looking out for your best
interests.
Good luck, and keep me informed.
Peace, love, health and happines
Dana
— Dana M.
February 10, 2007
I would Run, not walk to another doctor.I can't see what service he's
providing. It's OK for him to have an opinion about WLS, but for him to
totally blow you off when you ask for medical advice, whether he agrees or
not..is ignorant.You didn't mention what State you live in? Good luck to
you. Sorry that you had to waste your time and money on a complete idiot.
— purnellj
February 11, 2007
I am in CA, so I am not sure how things work there, but my insurance will
allow me to switch PCP (primary care physician) at any time. Luckily, I've
had the same PCP since I was 18 til now (35) so he has my total life
history as an adult struggling with weight. I would suggest doing your
research and checking into PCP's within you network that sees gastric
bypass surgery in a favorable light; get your medical history together and
your attempts at weight loss through the years and switch PCP's and go in
with all documentation and start a new. It's better than beating your head
against a brick wall with your current PCP. Good luck.
— jammerz
February 11, 2007
Look above under "Other Professionals" to find a Bariatric (WLS
Friendly) Primary Doctor. We can suggest without knowing which state?
— Michael Eak
February 11, 2007
Don't forget to report this doctor. He's NOT thinking of the patients best
interest and needs to realize that because of this, there ARE consequences
to be dealt with. I'm starting to see more and more doctors that are
against this surgery, however most have NEVER had to personally deal with
weight and co-morbidities, so how do THEY know what is best? THEY don't,
they are only there to "suggest" and then if YOU are agreeable,
then and only then can they treat. Good luck!
— crystalsno
February 11, 2007
Go the the Oregon forum on this site (you did mention that you were looking
for someone in the Eugene/Springfield area which would put you smack dab in
Orgegon). Click on the links of some of the surgeons where you are and
find the hospitals where they work. Then, call or visit those hospital's
websites and see if they have a general practice group (usually the
internists) who can serve as a PCP. I chose a gastroenterologist who
worked with my surgeon as my PCP because I wanted someone with expertise in
the area where I thought I might have the most issues. He has been
wonderful.
Secondly, your current PCP is either uncaring, unconcerned or a quack.
Obviously, he has read none of the literature that's been available for
over 7 years which detail the efficacy of weight loss surgeries-- after
all, if you have a PCP who is not in tune with National Institutes of
Health standards for the treatment of obesity and you are an obese patient.
So, it would be prudent to run to another PCP.
— SteveColarossi
February 11, 2007
Hi Jamie. I don't know your story, such as what your BMI is, or what your
health issues are or your age. Having surgery is a big decision and I hope
that you are giving that decision the respect it deserves. It deserves
research, it deserves time and family support. It is not a miracle, it is
a tool. If you are not ready to use that tool for the rest of your life,
then you put your life and health at risk forever for nothing. Having said
that, let me say this about your question. If you desire to have a PCM
that will work with wls, go backwards. Call a wls surgeons office and ask
them if they work well with certain PCM doctors, and see if there is a list
that they might have. Other than that, perhaps a general physician from
the hospital where wls surgeons are, and other than that, it takes
footwork, calling and asking. There are many out there, but be sure you
have done all the footwork to make a good decision. Obesity is a head
issue with a body consequence, and if you aren't ready for the head issues
to be dealt with, then the body consequence won't change in the long run.
It may for a while, but many a wls patient has had their weight return
because they abused the tool they had. Find premium health care people,
good and reliable surgeons and do a lot of soul searching. Take care, and
best to you. Patricia P
— Patricia P
February 11, 2007
I would also suggest you get on the Oregon formum and ask that question. I
am from Roseburg and have several friends from the Eugene/Springfield area
that may be able to help you. We are beginning to have a monthly group
that meets in Springfield and you would be welcome to come. Please send me
a pm if you are interested in the details. This months get together is
coming up this next weekend. Julia
— Julia W.
February 12, 2007
I can't make a recommendation about a pcp, but I would suggest that before
your current dr gets wind of you changing, you get copies of your records
from his office. It may cost a bit (often 25cents per page), but it's a
*tiny* amount compared to the history it will provide (and which your ins
may require). Don't be surprised if a third party is who you have to
contact to get the records. Lots of drs use services to provide records.
Get all the records, not just the notes, all lab results, everything. Best
of luck, God Bless. Robin
— Robin W.
February 16, 2007
Wow!! Thank you so much for all of your feedback. I really appreciate it.
Yes, I'm sorry, I thought I had stated where I was. I am in Oregon.
Eugene/Springfield area is the closest surrounding area. The Dr. that I
was referring to has been my Dr. since birth. He delivered me...and all of
my numerous siblings. I am just turned 30, I have 3 children and I have
severe and I dont mean that mildly asthma. My specialist thinks that due
to my asthma I wont live long. She had me on on complete bedrest. I wasn't
allowed to go outside because of my allergies as well. I'm pretty much
allergic to everything. I was surrounded by air purifiers and nebulizers.
I am on so many steriods (which, unbelievably my asthma is resistent too)
that my muscles are deteriorating. They were giving me frequent shots of
adrenaline and also the new asthma medicine Xolair, given via injection
that is REALLY expensive. The problem with Xolair is that it is for allergy
based asthma and unfortunately my asthma is not caused by allergies. I do
have them...severe allergies...when they did the allergy testing where they
put like 70 different things on your back by using these little things that
prick you and then leave it on for about 20 minutes..well it was on me for
about 5 and i went into anaphalactic
— Jamie_Sirmons
February 16, 2007
(sorry hit the wrong button) shock. I've been hospitalized due to my
asthma MANY times. On top of this, my Specialist says absolutely NO
exercise. I'm not allowed to be out without a mask, and I'm not allowed to
go anywhere where I might have to walk for stand for even 10 minutes. I
spent 5 months like this. I work for the 4 largest software company in the
world....we produce the Norton Anti-virus....in finance. I took a 5 month
leave of absence...(tell me what kind of employer will allow that?) and
almost died a few times...
But I am determined to live. I told my Asthma Specialist that I dont want
to live like that any more. I have gone back to work. The first month was
REALLY hard...but I did it.
The steriods do so much harm to your body...one being the deterioration of
your muscles...the second weight gain. I was heavy before but now im about
250 pounds...and I'm only 5'2''. My bmi is 45.7...also not good.
I've tried about everything. starving...eating only carrots...(i turned my
skin orange...who knew THAT would happen)...
and even tried to exercise ...trying to hide it from my husband and
parents...(boy that didnt go over to well).
I've talked to my asthma specialist and she thinks that this might be my
only option. She thinks that if I can bring my weight down, my asthma
might not be as severe.
You see, before I had my first child I was only 100 pounds. I was very
very active...then due to complications during my pregnancy and the 2 after
as well...i gained quite a bit of weight. However, I cant blame it on the
pregnancy any longer..as my youngest is 7...(smile, but boy i wish I could)
— Jamie_Sirmons
February 16, 2007
One of you asked about my mental health.
I think that 5 months of being ALONE..because the Dr. was afraid that ANY
little sniffle that someone might have could kill me due to my weakened
immune system as well as 12 trips to the emergency room where your family
is frantic and afraid that they might not make it in time to have my throat
opened...as well as the frequent fainting spells where your 12 year old has
to TRY to pick you up off the floor and run for help...or where you cant
have anyone NEAR you..but have to be checked on every 2 hours for fear that
you might fall asleep and forget to breathe in your sleep...
well, i think that right there is enough mentally to tell you that you have
2 options...
Live...
or Die...
And, I dont give up that easily. I choose to live. That is why I, with
the disapproval of my Dr. got myself out of bed...and started to try to
live again.
If weight loss is my one and only LAST hope...then I will do what it takes
to live.
I've seen nutritionists...BEGGED my dr. to help...and even had my asthma
specialist write letters...and so far...nothing.
I have done hours upon hours of research. I asked questions...and checked
options..spoken with people that have had mini gastric bypass...and
lapband...etc. etc....
I know about the health risks...and since being heavy I have so many
more...its worth it tome.
The problem is that I'm not sure if i could find a surgeon that would even
do the procedure for fear that i might not wake up. as well as having a
Dr. that will help with this. My dr. doesnt talk about weight AT ALL. Not
just surgery..but ANYthing weight related. I am the ONLY heavy person in
my family. The women are all small and the men all over 6 feet. and Im
the oddity. Im not the only one with asthma but i am the only one with it
being so severe.
im allergic to soy, wheat, any type of grain, nuts fruit, anything that is
green, any type of plant or animal...there is pretty much nothing that im
NOT allergic too. So, i still eat what I can...Bread is horrible...my
throat gets tight and i cough and then of course i have an attack.
So, if anyone might know of anything that I can do...please let me know.
I really liked the suggestion to start backwards. I think I will try that
but any other suggestions are more than welcome.
thank you so much for listening (reading *smile*)
Jamie
— Jamie_Sirmons
March 10, 2007
I have a wonderful doctor in Salem, through the Salem Clinic system and
have BCBS insurance. What I did was attend an informational seminar, took
all of the paperwork back I received to my next appointment and told him
that this was something that I was doing for my life and my future. I
explained that I really wanted to be able to work with OHSU and him to make
this happen. We went over my chart together, diets I had tried, exercise
regiments and my many co-morbidities and together wrote up a letter of
support for my insurance company. He is the best! Straight forward and
honest, compassionate and knowledgeable. If you don't mind traveling for
appointments email me at [email protected] and I will forward you all the
information you will need to contact and set up an appointment. Good luck!
Dre
— dre_1974
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