Question:
Can you please help me word a support letter?

My rny surgeon wants me to get letters from my other drs stating that they will support my decision. This is not a referral letter. I am already approved and scheduled for surgery. He just wants to know that my pcp and other drs are supporting me. How can I get them to word it to show that they will continue to support me even though they may not have initially suggested surgery since they will have to care for me in the future?    — Pamela W. (posted on May 19, 2001)

May 19, 2001
You could find a "bariatric friendly" Dr. in your area tell him/her of your plans and make sure you include any problems such as sleep apnea, GERD or any other problems you have. Tell him/her that you surgery has been approved by you need a second opinion. Have the physican write simply that they agree with the patient and in their opinion Obesity surgery would be beneficial for your health and quality of life. I have found that if you write out a letter for them, that usually they will use it to dictate your letter. Go to the Find a Doc in your area and ask them who is a friendly surgeon to obese people. Any questions email me at my profile.
   — Karen Renee

May 19, 2001
This sounds strange to me. Shouldn't your healthcare be your decision? Even if you get these letters, who could possible make you stay with them after surgery? Maybe you may want to switch PCP's. Will you need your surgeon's permission? Again, I think this sounds unusual. And on the flip-side, you could find a WLS friendly PCP, get the letters and THEN change doctors. If your surgeon requires this, I would quesiton it. Sounds too controlling. Is he trying to cover his proverbial tail by showing that other doctors thought it was a good idea?
   — Shelley.

May 25, 2001
This sounds too weird to me, and is not or should not be a prerequisite for him to do the surgery. If your insurance has already approved and is scheduled, I would not worry about it. What is he telling you, that he won't do the surgery without the letter??? If that is the case, then I would see about using someone else. This does not sound good at all.
   — Lisa A.