Question:
How do i approach my pcp

I go on Thursfay to see a Dr. and I dont know how to approach him with the wls question. I have never met this Dr. before and I am scared. The one thing I know is that his wife had wls 2 years ago.(maybe that will be good for my part)[email protected]    — April P. (posted on July 31, 2001)

July 31, 2001
Well, I was in the same situation (read my profile). I just figure you just go in and ask for the referral! It's a big plus that his wife had the surgery!!! Good luck!!!!
   — dainty

July 31, 2001
Hi April, I would go in and just be as honest as you can. Let your doctor know you need help. You may want to share all the things you have tried in the past : exercise, exercise equipment, health club memberships, diet drugs, diets, Weight Watchers or whatever you've tried, meal replacement programs etc. Also be honest how your weight is effecting your life,your participation in family activities, your job, your self-esteem. Let your doctor know you are not rushing, have thought this through carefully, have researched carefully etc.... Hopefully your doctor will be inspired by your honesty,and by your desire to improve your health and quality of life. Best of luck to you!
   — lovebug2

August 4, 2001
Hi April, I had the same somewhat situation as yourself. I made up my mind about the surgery after I talked to my surgeon.At the time, my former pcp did not adovacate the surgery. My surgeon told me the first thing to do was find a pcp who would support me in my weight loss effort and this surgery. I did just that. I remembered a doctor who took care of my grandmother before she died. He was very caring and supportive of my grandmothers situation and our family support during this difficult time. I looked through my insurance directory and luckily he was there. I made an appointment and went in to see him. He asked me why I was seeking out a new physician. I spilled the whole story to him about the surgery and if he was willing to support me on my decision. He said yes from the very beginning. Not a single question about doubts or anything. If he was not willing to support me, I would have went to as many doctors as necessary to find one who supported my decision. If you want to take charge of your health, it is in your hands to be proactive and half of the decision making team in your health. Go in to the doctors appt, tell him/her what you want to do and ask him/her for their support. If they hesitate, find someone else to help you.
   — Jan M.

August 4, 2001
Not for anything, but your doctor is paid to do a service for you, to give referrals that are in your best interest. I wish you could have seen the look on my pcp's face when I went for the final clearance for my preop tests. I have Blue Cross, PPO, which means I don't need referrals. I did not consult him until that day. He was shocked, but he cleared me. Maybe he would have anyway, but the point is that you shouldn't ask, TELL!!!! Go in there and tell him you request a referral to see whomever it is that you picked to be your surgeon, you will be surprised that he will do as he is told in most cases. These doctors are not doing you a favor, they are getting paid for their services, and quite well, I might add. Best of luck, see you on the other side!!!!
   — jayne H.

August 4, 2001
I told my PCP AFTER I had scheduled my first surgery visit. I expected some problems, having heard that he doesn't approve of WLS. But,He was very understanding, knowing my family history, having treated many of them. Turns out my surgen was a student of my PCP. He told me she has great hands!!!!! Good luck with this Doctor.
   — Lyn R.