Question:
Anyone have to deal with a non-supportive PCP?

Well I'm using my holiday weekend to prepare for my PCP appointment Monday...I'm so excited to finally get things started but I'm also petrfied of the outcome! I think I've really prepared myself by reading Carnie's book along with The Medical Guide to Weight Loss Surgery, internet research, and I've been to a support group meeting. I'm very aware of the operation,changes, etc. I have an HMO policy so I really need my PCP's "blessing" to see a surgeon, and it's very possible I'll need a medical necessity letter for insurance approval. My doctor has always been very respectful of my weight...she obviously wants to see me lose the weight but she's not mean to me. I think she'll be glad I'm taking positive steps to saving my health but I also am very worried she's gonna be like "you haven't tried hard enough!" As you can see from my profile my BMI is sky high...it's not just an apperance issue anymore. Maybe I'm too much of a worrier, but I'm just wondering if anyone did go to their PCP and had a hard time convicing them the surgery is the answer? So far my plan is to show the doctor I've been to a seminar and I've filled out the screening paperwork. I'm also going to come in with a list of reasons why I feel this is the best option for me. Anyone else have any other suggestions? Cause at this point I feel well informed and that's the best I can do. Anyone's input would be greatly appreciated :)Thanks!    — mzcath (posted on July 5, 2002)

July 5, 2002
My PCP was not the MOST supportive. She reluctantly gave me a referral to see the surgeon, and once surgery was set, she dragged her feet a little in supplying the letter of necessity. In fact, that is what took the most time in the whole process (about 3 weeks). Once, the insurance company received her letter, I was approved in one week. I am 4 months post-op now.
   — ZaZa F.

July 5, 2002
I was absolutely positive my PCP would not approve my surgery as my BMI was only 36-37, and I have a chronic illness. I was so sure that she wouldn't approve, that I actually got the surgeon to refer me to an internal medicine doctor who was friendly to WLS. I got my referal from the new doctor and then decided to be up front with my own PCP. When I told her, she was very positive and encouraging, had lots of tips and told me about a number of her other patients who had had WLS. You live and learn. Be prepared for your visit by having a diet history ready. Also talk about specific ways that obesity impacts your life; physical symptoms such as asthma, reflux, arthritis, high BP, diabetes or pre-diabetes, depression, skin fold rashes, hygiene problems, exercise intolerance....you get the idea. Also recognize that WLS is not a magic pill. Your post surgery success will involve attention to diet and exercise for the rest of your life. Being able to verbalize this concept can go along way to reassuring your PCP that you are reaching for a tool, not a miracle.
   — Bobbi G.

July 5, 2002
I was sure mine would not be happy about the surgery. I worried myself sick before the visit a week before surgery. She is really thin and I just did not feel she would be happy. The day I went for my check up I got lucky and she was out and I had to see her covering DR who seemed in favor of the surgery along with the head nurse that day so all went well . I went for the surgery and about 2 weeks after I went in to see my regular dr for a blood check on my diabetus . She looked at my file and realized I had the surgery and went off on how that surgery should not even be legal and yes I would lose but I would put it all back after a year or two as everyone does. I was really upset when i left her office . I realized that God was with me the day of the pre ob . I now have the name of a new pcp in the area that does support this surgery . If by some chance u have a problem call your insurence and change your pc . I know that is what i would of done :-)))))))) Good luck ok and remember we are all here if u need any help
   — sallie P.

July 5, 2002
heres what i did..my pcp was a little "careful" not so thrilled bec shes had 3 patiens who gained the weight back. I took along photos of me, and i took some bef and aft photos of just 2 or 3 people on the wls site..(dont overwhelm) and i wrote her a personal letter from me telling her that i would abide by what the surgeon told me and exercise and try to take all the meds and whatever i needed to do to maintain a healthy happy spirit and body. She now tells her patients..you should see Jacki!!!!!! good luck!!!!
   — Jackiis

July 5, 2002
Hi Cathy, Here's what I did prior to my initial visit with the surgeon. I wrote letters to my Sleep Apnea, Gyn, Arthritis and Gastro intestinal (colonoscopy) doctors stating that I was going to see about this surgery and how it would help make me healthier and make their job easier in the future, and that they could help by mailing me a letter stating how it would benefit my overall health and well=being to lose weight. I enclosed self addressed envelopes and 3 out of 4 doctors sent me back letters of support. I am giving them to my surgeon in order to assist them getting approval for my surgery. Hope this helps. Martha
   — Martha P.

July 6, 2002
I saw my PCP for months and every month he would tell me to 'try one more month'. At the time he drove me nuts! I finally changed PCP's. The new PCP gave me a referral to the surgeon on the first visit and a letter of medical necessity within a week. However, I look back now and those extra visits to my first PCP were a blessing. The insurance company asked me for 12 months of supervised weight loss attempts. I had them!! I went back to my previous PCP and asked him for a letter. I told him he didn't have to 'endorse' the surgery, but simply state that he had supervised my weight loss attempts and document my comorbities. He was SO supportive. He didn't hesitate to help me with my letter or documentation. (GO FIGURE). ANyways....all this to tell you that if you are not happy you always have the option of changing PCP's. But I think you should not worry. Everything along the journey usually has a reason and works itself out. Good luck to you.
   — Lily C.

July 6, 2002
Don't make life ( and this surgery process ) harder on yourself. Find a new PCP. Good Luck
   — Cindee A.