Question:
How to deal with ignorant doctors

I recently had an appointment with yet another PCP that I used to go to and got totally infuriated. After listening to her go on and on about me needing to lose weight and how I have just been gaining over the past months I asked her about gastric bypass surgery. Her immediate response was "No you are not big enough. You have to be at least 400 pounds. No doctor would even consider doing the surgery on you because it would just be too dangerous." ( my bmi is almost 50 ) She just totally dismissed me without even having her facts straight. She even had the audacity to tell me to try weight    — Teekay80 (posted on August 13, 2002)

August 13, 2002
You should have directed her to this website and told her that she is completely wrong about having to weigh 400 poundsand chances are better the smaller that you are that you wouldn't have any complications. I think a lot of PCP's don't know anything about this procedure so there very quick to dismiss it due to there own lack of education. I think that's pretty sad that they haven't kept up to date with new procedures in the medical field and I certainly wouldn't want them treating me for ANY illness. Check on this website for all WLS patients in your area and see who they recommend for PCP care.
   — Patty H.

August 13, 2002
If you feel you're up for a battle, sit down and write a letter to her and gather as much documentation as you can supply on current requirements. Go through (1) types of surgery/requirements (2) pre-op requirements (3) post-op requirements (4) anticipated results. Go armed for bear. You could make it your personal battle to educate her. If you don't want a direct battle, mail her the data and then do a follow-up visit to her and hit her up again for it. Good Luck. Doctors like that need to realize that they need you a lot more than you need them.
   — Cathy S.

August 13, 2002
Can you educate this person. I did my family doctor, gave him some info to read, gave him this web site. You need to tell her before she passes any kind of judgement she needs to research it. Her information is probably out dated or second hand. You do not have to weigh over 400 lbs. I have no idea where she came up with this. Dont let her get away with it, by all means dont be rude to her. If all else fails you may just have to keep looking until you find one that understands.
   — domestic G.

August 13, 2002
Fire the doctor! You are the customer and the doctor services you. We seem to forget that. Call the surgeon you want to use and have them give you the name of WLS friendly PCP. Personally, for my insurance I didn't even need a referal from my PCP. I only did what was required from my insurance.
   — Cheryl S.

August 13, 2002
^5 ^5 ^5 Cheryl!!!! You Go Girl!!! Your absolutely RIGHT! Some doctors dismiss the need for this type of surgery - and in this case I'd go as far as to say the doctor even discriminated against you by blowing you off so soundly! 400 lbs. - hmph! I was 261 when I had it... Get the doctor some information on the surgery and if she still has the same opinion on it... by all means find another PCP.
   — lindajenkins