Question:
How can bypass my family doctor
..he refuses to discuss.. just tells me to eat less and not to eat anything white. I weigh 285 and have tried everything.. — Kim H. (posted on September 29, 2009)
September 29, 2009
Find a new doctor.
— blueyezndevilsh
September 29, 2009
I agree with Patti. It's time for you to get a new doctor. A doctor who
will not listen to your concerns and address your weight issues, isn't a
doctor I'd want to have. Being overweight causes serious health issues.
He, of all people, should be aware of this. My guess is that he's an older
guy. Sometimes, older doctors don't seem to want to recognize the newer
information that is out there regarding these matters. Do yourself and
your family a favor...get a new doc!
— PaulaJ
September 29, 2009
I sort of had the same experience- mine didn't think I was that
"big"-and that there was nothing wrong taking all the meds I was
taking. I asked my surgeon what would happen if my PCP did not think the
surgery was a good idea - my surgeon said that it was still his decision
not my PCP and that sometimes insurance companies prefer that you have seen
a doctor who "has a different course of treatment" i.e. wants to
keep you on drugs for the rest of your life.- I would find another doctor
but if that is out of the question talk with your surgeon.
— kaylazoe
September 29, 2009
I don't belieive your doctor have any part of the sugery. I first I went to
the WLC and all they need from my doctor was my 5 year medical history
they didn't need approval. Check with your insurance and see how it work.
Although my doctor was on my side a few years ago when BCBS first denied
me. Good Luck
— sjh921
September 29, 2009
My Primary Care Physician constantly said she did not recommend ANYONE for
WLS. At the time my BMI was 61. I was on eleven meds daily. She also had a
side line of selling diet products and supplements. I finally changed PCPs
and got a note for my insurance company on my first visit. Had RNY over a
year ago....still have more to lose, but my BMI is 31.
— Dee L.
September 29, 2009
Don't try to bypass, find a new one!
— rkurquhart
September 29, 2009
Yes, find another doctor. I had one before that would not even discuss
anything on WLS. I changed and this doctor I have now, kept saying it was
expensive and then I told him how much my out-of-pocket cost would be and
he was shocked. So now I am in my 6 month weigh-in period. Run, don't walk,
to find another doctor.
— Ambria
September 29, 2009
I agree..find a new doctor. Many doctors are recommending this before the
patient even asks about it.
— gpcmist
September 29, 2009
Even after surgery, you will want your PCP and your surgeon to be able to
work together. One specialist doc I have doesn't have a clue about pill
sizes, absorbtion rates, appropriate diets for WLS patients. I run
everything by both my PCP and surgeon. Get a new PCP.
— jtoothman
September 30, 2009
Seems like your Dr needs to work on their Hippocratic oath, not
hypocritical. Dump them & get a real one who actually cares!
— SPIRIT2002
September 30, 2009
he's suppose to be there for you. Time for a new Dr. Insurance will not
let you by-pass. You have to have 6 months MD supervised dieting.
— Donna O.
September 30, 2009
I was faced with the same problem and made the decision to change doctors.
It saved my life. As it turned out my former doctor was also not paying
attention to some other serious signals: such as, I had pneumonia twice in
one year. My new doctor immediately did a comprehensive physical, sent me
to a lung specialist who did a biopsy and found lung cancer. I am 14
months cancer free and my doctor is now referring me to a bariatric
surgeon. Moral of the story: take control, find a doctor who listens to
you.
— Happy2be
October 1, 2009
When I talked to my family doctor, she didn't refuse, but she wanted me to
try a few things. I found out I had a heart problem and my cardiologist
suggested the surgery. He said he would write the letter of recommendation
and I went that way. When I had to see my family doctor to renew
prescriptions I spoke with her and she agreed at that time to also send in
a letter. I could have done it with just the cardiologists letter though.
Do you have a specialist that you are seeing that may be able to recommend
the surgery and write the letter while you are trying to find a different
family doctor? Your insurance may approve you that way. It's worth a
shot. Good luck and keep us posted to what is happening.
— Dawn A.
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