Question:
Has anyone had a pcp who didn't want to have anything to do with them

after they had surgery? If so what did you do. My pcp won't check my levels. She said anything I am in pain for that relates to the surgery she doesn't want to have anything to do with. She always sends me to the surgeon. i am presently looking for another pcp.    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 30, 2001)

November 29, 2001
You definitely need to get a differnet Dr. Ask your surgeon who he would recommend and who sends him the most patients...that would be a PCP that is very supportive of bariatric surgery and who could help you along the way. Good luck!
   — Diane Z.

November 30, 2001
It seems that I read a lot about people wanting to know what to do when they aren't getting the treatment they want/deserve from their doctor(s). I don't know what kind of hold doctors have over people, but I think about docs just like I would anyone else in this world. You had better treat me with dignity, respect and compassion or I'm outta here! If you aren't getting the service you deserve from your doc, get a new doc! The previous poster had a good suggestion about talking to your surgeon to see who he/she might reccomend. Otherwise, ask around town to see if any docs in your area have any wls-related experience and then go with one who does! Good luck!
   — Jenper

November 30, 2001
As someone already suggested, call your surgeon and ask him to refer you to a someone. My surgeon is a sweetheart and I contine to see and call him about everything and anything related to my rny...that's the way he wants it. But, after the first year, I really only see him for my yearly follow-up. I didn't read your stats, but it sounds like you are a recent post-op. Any wls concerns and monitoring probably should be your surgeon's responsibility.
   — [Anonymous]

November 30, 2001
Are you in an HMO? I think sometimes Doctors in HMOs are financially penalized if they "spend" more money for testing/procedures etc than the average per patient amount. They also get bonuses for spending less per patient. I hope you understand what I mean. It is in the best financial interest of HMO doctors to have as many healthy patients as possible. If they have "problem" AKA EXPENSIVE patients, they lose money. First, I would definitely REPORT your doctor for MALPRACTICE! She needs to treat ANY medical condition you have regardless of whether the symptoms are from WLS...If you have symptoms of anemia...who is she to say that it directly relates to WLS? I have anemia and I'm pre-op. You need to have your blood work ordered. After you have reported her, you should INTERVIEW other potential PCPs who aren't biased against the OBESE. Get references from Peers in your area from this site. Good Luck and sorry you are going through this with your doctor. I feel that MOST Doctors are revered by society...they have an obligation and responsibility to use their status and position to heal, help and comfort their patients.
   — Karen B.