Question:
Primary care physician problem. Is your PCP willing to do follow-up care?

I am having WLS performed by a surgeon thousands of miles from my home. My PCP has told me he doesn't want to do follow-up care. I am having trouble finding another PCP. When I tell them what I am doing, they want no part of it. They ask what happens if I have a problem with infection, leaks, etc. They seem to be so uninformed. What will I do if no Dr will monitor me? Has anyone else had this problem? My surgery is scheduled Oct 5.    — Sag (posted on August 16, 2000)

August 16, 2000
You'll be having your surgery on my 6th "anniversary" date! We also had to interview PCP's when we moved & when our ins changed. Big nuisance. We just asked what they thought of WLS and if they said it was dangerous, or unnatural or "they just need to push away from the table", we said thank you and left. We've spent all our years as morbidly obese being told our ingrown toenails and ear infections are caused by our laziness and stupidity. The same ignorance could cost us our lives if a lazy PCP assumes our brain tumor is a result of our WLS! The one we have now looks about 13, but was really excited for us to be his first WLS. We can teach him a bit, as we go along. And so far he's done VERY well at ordering labs and recommending treatments for our incidental problems that have NOTHING to do with either our (obesity) disease OR our WLS. YAHOOOOOOO! As to leaks and infections, I'd assume that you will stay near your surgeon for a week or two, in which case those problems would occur very quickly, not 6 months down the road. Have you got anyone else to interview for the job?
   — vitalady

August 16, 2000
Keep looking. Any good PCP should be willing to work with you and your surgeon via telephone, fax, or email. Anything less is substandard medical care. My local PCP was thrilled at the opportunity. Thank God I have some good and caring physicians!
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 17, 2000
My surgeon provided a comprehensive packet of information for my PCP which was very helpful in answering his clinical questions and dispelling misinformation/myths regarding the surgery. He also assured my PCP that he would be readily available to him for any questions or assistance. All my post-op labs and day-to-day issues are handled by my PCP; labs are then FAX'd to my surgeon. I am an out-of-state patient also, and my surgeon only requires a 3 month, 6 month, and then yearly post-op visits, all of which are very manageable. My advice is to start at the top of the list of family practice physicians or internists that are in your area or that your insurance approves, and keep searching until you find a qualified, informed, and enlightened medical professional who is willing to be part of this process. You might ask your surgeon to provide you with some preliminary written information which you could copy and take with you to these appointments. Don't give up..there is a PCP out there somewhere who is just right for you. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

August 19, 2000
My surgery is in 10 days. I saw my PCP yesterday and he was thrilled that I am doing this. I told him I wanted him in the loop and he asked me if I wanted him to remove my staples. I said yes and asked if I should bring my own staple remover..he laughed. :) I think you should look around for another PCP who is caring, compassionate and who wants to help you when you need it. --Libby
   — Libby B.

December 2, 2004
I was one of the lucky ones I guess. Not only does my PCP support me in the surgery, but he is great about asking questions, doing research and helping other patients as well as myself. My sergeon provided a good checklist of things to watch/monitor after my surgery and I gave that to my doc. He has been good about watching my blood work and making sure I'm doing well...
   — Laurie L.