Question:
my PCP wants me to wait sx months to see if i can do it on my own

Please help me find a new DR. in the okc area. MY PCP wants me to wait six monts to see if i can do it on my own, i am 25 ifit were thateasyi woul have aready done it. at first he told me itwas a great idea now he has shattered my dreams. I am so upet i don't know what to do. If anyone knows of a DR. within an hour ok oklahoma city that would help me please let my know. I have pacificare ins. i am desperate please help me. Ifind thatto be an insult from my Dr. thanks Kaye e-mail me at [email protected]    — Angie H. (posted on February 10, 2001)

February 10, 2001
I have been exactly where you are and I feel for you. I am 24 and obese. I first mentioned my desire to have this surgery a year or so ago when we lived in Nashville. My caring GP told me I'm too young. Told me to read "suger busters", "carbohydrate addicts", etc. None of those worked. I spiraled into a deep depression. NEVER listen to your dr when they tell you you're too young or to wait. Most dr's are very against any type of weight loss that is brought about by pills, surgery, etc. They assume you don't try hard enough. That's not the case. We recently moved to Austin, TX and I found a great GP who BACKS ME UP in my decision to do this. He has seen the results firsthand from interning in a weight loss hospital. Dr's assume they are omnipotent. They assume they know what is best for everyone but they don't. I suggest you use this site. I found a great surgeon thru here. If you get the surgeon you can ask them to suggest a GP/PCP who has recommended this procedure before. Whatever you do, do not let some skinny doctor who thinks he's god tell you to wait. It could be a matter of life and death.
   — Renee V.

February 11, 2001
Kaye, I've been there too, so I know how you feel. Here's what I did. I went back to argue my case with him, armed with every herb, diet, exercise plan ever tried. I also brought my husband. If you are single, bring along a supportive friend or family member, just in case you need a little extra back bone, or someone to speak up on your behalf. If all else fails, cry, cry, cry! Most of the doctors, or folks in general, who don't want it done, are those who've never had this type of weight struggle. Either that, or they're afraid for you, because they aren't educated about the surgery. It's your job to convince him of the positives. If it helps, bring evidence of the safety long term (this site helps with that), or just put your foot down. If he doesn't come around, then hunt for a new doctor. I'd imagine it's easier if he's the one with all your past history and records of obesity related problems. Good luck! Write me personally if you need me or want to talk more about our struggle! I'm still pre op too. [email protected]
   — Amy K.

February 11, 2001
Call a bariatric surgeon in OKC and ask for the name of a WLS friendly PCP. I grew-up in OKC, and my mother worked in the medical community there for over 30 years. When I told her I was having the surgery (I now live in VA) she commented on how backward the OKC medical community was when it came to WLS. I'm sure you won't be the first person to call a bariatric surgeon in OKC and ask for the name of a PCP. Don't let a doctor stand in your way - you are entitled to this surgery. Remeber, he is not the one who wakes up every morning carrying 100+ extra pounds. This decision is yours - not his.
   — [Anonymous]