Question:
My current PCP doesn't want me to have the surgery...what's next?

I just went to my doctor and he was very close minded about WLS. He said that 225 lbs. is not heavy enough for the surgery and he would do everything in his power to talk me out of it. I explained that I accepted all of the risks and that I knew it was "not the easy way out." He wants me to go back and try everything that I have already done a thousand times. I even made a detailed list of all the diets I have tried. He said, "let's try them again." I don't know what to do next...I live in a very small town and he is the only local doctor. I am 225, 5'5" with no co-morbidities. I have aches and pains, and I am depressed (on Zoloft). Can anyone suggest anything?    — Stacey J. (posted on December 18, 2001)

December 18, 2001
Get a new PCP that is WLS friendly, you can change. Then you can change back to your old one after your surgery if you really liked him.
   — Cindee A.

December 18, 2001
No offense, but your doctor may just be following your guidelines. At your current weight, your BMI is just 38. Without serious comorbidities, you really aren't an ideal candidate for the surgery. Also, since you suffer from depression already, you may not be able to withstand the serious stress this surgery puts on the psyche. I don't know -- just my opinion.
   — [Anonymous]

December 18, 2001
If you don't agree or feel comfortable with your doctor, get a second opinion. Good luck!
   — M. S.

December 18, 2001
I disagree with the "Anonymous" poster. (funny how when they have nothing nice to say they always post Anonymous!!) Anyways, I had the same problem. My PCP told me to find a new Doctor when I kept asking for a referal for a surgeon. I called the surgeons office and asked them who they would recommend as a WLS friendly PCP. My pre-op BMI was only 35. I am 5'7" and weighed 228. I am now 9 weeks post op and down 40 pounds. Dont give up!!! Call the surgeons office. Good Luck!!!
   — skymaxjr

December 18, 2001
I realize that this is the only PCP in your area. Don't get me wrong though, but it is a bit hard to beleive. Try to realize this many of us have traveled accross the county to have this done. If it means that much to you, then you should find the next closest PCP and go to him. From my experience you are required to be 100lbs overweight. Do you fall in to that category? Best of Luck to you!!!
   — Kristina P.

December 18, 2001
Thanks to those of you who are replying. I just wanted to add that I just hit the 101 lbs. overweight mark.
   — Stacey J.

December 18, 2001
I am the last person to tell another person they aren't heavy enough to have the surgery. I know how you feel when surgery is your last resort. I know. I never thought, way back when I was in my 200s that I could have even had the surgery. I waited til I was almost 400 lbs. I weighed 215 lbs when I was 15 years old. I miss those days when I was skinny LOL. Anyway, I think you would be ideal for the surgery just because you are still in good health. You can withstand the surgery better physically and you'll recuperate much faster. You'll have less weight to lose than if you were my weight. But if you're anything like me, those pounds just creep up more and more and more, until you are big like me. You have to do your research and find another doctor who is going to understand this. Good luck to you. I hope it all works out!!
   — Jennifer H.

December 18, 2001
Go see your PCP again. Tell him directly you are getting the surgery with or without his support. Tell him you would like to remain his patient but will get a NEW PCP if he doesnt give you a referral. You know the customer is always right? Well YOU are the customer! Change Docs if he doesnt cooperate.... He is likely aware of the old stomach stapling and doesnt have current info on the RNY. You might get some medical documentation from a surgeon and give it to your pcp to help your case.
   — bob-haller