Question:
How did you approach your doctor about this?

I was wondering how you guys asked/approached your doctors about this. I have a primary care physician that I need to see first. I am also in Tucson, Arizona. What questions or statements did you use? What were the conversations like? Kim    — kim C. (posted on July 7, 2000)

July 7, 2000
When I first heard about the WFL program last August I ask my PCP about it. I took her information about the procedures she really didn't know much about it. So she asked me to wait. I think she did some research on it because when I went back in January of 2000 and i asked her again and she gave me a recommendation to see the surgeon she also told me what questions to ask. She thought it was a great ideal for me to have the surgery.
   — Sharon T.

July 7, 2000
Hi Kim, I saw your question and I thought I would share with you what I did. I went in only after doing a bunch of research on the surgery. I took with me a lot of testimonies from the list stating that they had lost weight and with lots of support from the list stating that the surgery is successful. My doctor has been my doc for several years and knew that I was obese. He just never said anything to me. I also took a letter with me. Which I can send to you if you would like to read over it. Just let me know. It is also the same letter I took to the surgeon to send to insurance company. My doc was not really knowleable but was willing to learn. He has so far been really pleased at my weight loss. I am 5 months post op and have lost 73 lbs. Good luck and hope this has helped.
   — Lee Ann B.

July 7, 2000
I am in Phoenix and I had my surgery in January. If you would like to ask any questions, feel free to E-mail me. Dr. Zahn did my RNY and it is the best thing that I have done. I have a good friend in Tucson that had her surgery in June so surely we could help you get this thing going...or at least do our best.
   — S S.

July 7, 2000
Kim, I just went to see my PCP yesterday aout WLS- I was very apprehensive about his response- he could tell I had done my research and had my mind made up- much to my surprise, he was very supportive and wrote a letter to the insurance company supporting my decision. SO, i guess my suggestion is to be well informed and just be honest and up front. This was especially difficult for me as there has been so much shame and embarrassment regarding my morbid obesity, but the support here has helped me to start to let that stuff go. Good luck!
   — Julie M.

July 7, 2000
Before I really made up my mind, I made an appt with my PCP for the purpose of discussing WLS. My PCP has seen me thru Medifast about 7yrs ago and so he knows the struggle that I have with weight loss. I just asked him what he thought about WLS and did he think that it could help me. He's had a couple of patients that have had success with WLS, so he had no objections to getting me a referral to a surgeon. My appt ended with Hugs exchanged and good wishes for success. Now I'm just 12 days away from being on the "other" side:) Warm Healing Skinny thoughts to all:) ttfn
   — Barbara I.

July 7, 2000
Thank you for all your wonderful answers! With some more research, I'll be ready to go!
   — kim C.