Question:
After 3 1/2 mos. of waiting,I finally have an appt. with the surgeon! Problem is.....

I'm not sure my doctor will give me one. I need to have a letter from my PCP stating she believes I am a good candidate for surgery before my surgery consult. You see, she only became my doctor two months ago, after I started this process with my former PCP (who unexpectedly retired). I wasn't able to get a letter from my former PCP before she retired. I have seen my new PCP for some acute illness issues, but haven't seen her for my actual first "physical" appointment because of inavailability of longer "assessment appts." However, I made her aware of my desire to have GBS on my first visit because I wanted her support as soon as possible (not knowing exactly when I would be able to get an appt. with the surgeon). My PCP didn't out-and-out say she wouldn't support me, but she seemed somewhat hesitant when I tried to discuss it with her, asking me if I was aware the surgery didn't always "work." I explained I was well aware of the risks, benefits, etc. ANYWAY, my point is (sorry it took so long, but background info was necessary) my surgery consult is in 2 weeks, and I don't actually have my first REAL appt. with my PCP because of appt. unavailability until JULY, PLUS I'm not sure this new PCP is 100% (or even 75%) supportive of GBS. What should I do? Any suggestions on how this should be handled? I don't want to ruin my chances for a referral letter from my PCP by alienating her.    — sweetmana (posted on April 21, 2003)

April 21, 2003
I would suggest that you call your surgeon's office and explain about the time factor of getting an appointment with your new PCP. Ask if you have to submit the referrel letter before the consult. Many times they are willing to work with you in getting all the paperwork together. I had my first consult with my surgeon before I told my PCP I wanted WLS. My surgeon's office got a hold of my PCP, my therapists and psychiatrist to get the needed referrel letters. If for some reason, your new PCP will not give you what you need, the surgeon's office can sometimes give you the names of PCPs that they have successfully worked with before. Once my paperwork all came in, the surgeon's office sent everything in for insurance approval. I made sure that I had the other required paperwork completely finished when I went in, including the diet history and the list of all my co-morbidities. I hope this helps......:)
   — Judy K.