Question:
How do you actually go about asking for the sugery?

I went in today to my Dr to talk about possibly getting the surgery and found mmyself getting all shy and embarrassed about even asking for some reason. She referred me to a nutrition clinic and the endorinology lab instead of to bariatrics. I'm going to bring it up to the Drs she referred me to, but what should I actually say? What were some of the things you said when you requested the surgery so I can be prepared when I talk to them again?    — froggie775 (posted on February 25, 2000)

February 25, 2000
First thing is you must know you meet the first criteria of being at least 100ibs. overweight. Tell Your physician that you have been researching Weight Loss Surgery, Gastric Bypass and Gastroplasty and you would like to be referred to a Bariatric Surgeon in your area that would be accepted by your Ins. Plan. If there are no Bariatric Board Certified Surgeons in your area then maybe there is a general Surgeon that does these kinds of surgery. Ask for a consultation appointment. If they refuse, find another personal Physician that will. Don't take no for an answer!! Good Luck.
   — Jeanie W.

February 25, 2000
I told my PCP I wanted this surgery after doing a lot of research and was immediately told no-no, you don't want that, it will never work (she was skinny and I don't believe she had any concept of what living with obesity is like)She just politely refused told me no way & and sent me to a nutritionist. I took it upon myself to check the phone book and found a surgical weight loss center (they are usually mixed in with the diet places) that I dealt with directly. This made the whole process much easier and I didn't feel like I had to go before the almighty doctor and beg for it. Sure, I know they are not just helping me because they are nice (they make a lot of $$ for themselves & the surgeon they affiliate with)but it took a whole lot of the work off my end of it(work being: referrals, paperwork, insurance evaluation and submission, etc). This may not be available to you in your area, but it is certainly worth looking into and/or considering traveling to get. p.s: I got my surgery scheduled today, and I only started the process a month ago! Yippppeeee!!!
   — Mark T.

February 25, 2000
I contacted the surgeon's office and they sent me a packet telling me what I needed to do. They told me what my insurance required, etc. So, I took care of all the prerequisites before I ever made an appointment with the surgeon. I didn't need my personal physician's help, but he ended up supervising me on a 3 month weight loss program (one of the requirements of my insurance) Also, read your insurance plan yourself and see what it says about coverage.
   — Cindy H.

February 25, 2000
Although Dr. Thirlby is a bariatric surgeon at Virginia Mason, I don't think he's available as a PCP since he's not a gp or internal medicine specialist. My doctor at Virginia Mason is very supportive of WLS, her name is Margaret Adam. If she is not accepting new patients, you can probably ask one of her aides for help on who else at Virginia Mason is pro WLS, PCP wise.
   — Elizabeth M.

February 29, 2000
I get the same way! On my first appt.my pcp told me I needed to deal with my stress first and then offered to put me on a diet pill!I declined I should have accepted cuz now awaiting approval my ins. want a supervised reduction plan in the last 6 months! Second visit to pcp I told him I was still having the same problems and that i WANTED TO HAVE THIS SURGERY. I told him That I understand he doesnt know me so I brought him information that I collected about this surgery a list of diets that I have done and letters from family members stating that this is a problem I have dealt with all my life that it along with other obesity related health problems that exist in my family history.He proceeded to tell me that I didnt need to convince him i need to convince my ins. company and gave me a refferal diagnosing me with morbid obesity , reflux, depression and arthritis. I am 26 yrs old! My surgeon tells me to remember that I pay him for a service that he provides to me I am the BOSS!!!!!!Be strong and good luck I am sending prayers your way!!!! Cristy
   — cristy P.