Question:
Can you recommend a PCP in San Diego Kaiser in favor of Weight Loss Surgery?

It's my understanding that I need to: 1. See a PCP that hopefully agrees with having this type of surgery for obesity (I need a name of one) 2. Take a number of tests (blood etc) 3. Have PCP then recommend me for surgery. 4. Be forwarded on to a surgeon for final approval and scheduling of surgery, Right?    — Sharon D. (posted on December 10, 2000)

December 10, 2000
Sharon, I had open RNY in San Diego, in February 2000. My PCP with Kaiser was Dr. Sanford Yee. He made it clear he would not recommend WLS just for the weight loss. I also had badly controlled diabetes, high blood pressure that was getting more difficult to control, and mild obstructive sleep apnea which Kaiser would NOT prescribe PAP machine for. So he sent me to Pacific Bariatrict to hear their seminar and then he referred me to them when I agreed. I had my approval from Kaiser for the surgery within a week. There is also another physician with Kaiser but I cannot remember his name that is WLS friendly. You can Mary Harris at the VA Hospitalin La Jolla. When you get an operator on line, ask for Mary Harris, Surgical Pathology. She went to see him and he recommended her for the surgery also and is also a PCP with Kaiser at Vandevere. Good Luck, let me know how it comes out.
   — Connie G.

April 8, 2001
My Dr is at the La Mesa Kaiser he is doing 3 cases now (4/01) Make that 4 because of me. Dr Bartolac. He should get these right the more he does, he screwed mine up 2 times but seems to be on tract now.
   — Crystal B.

April 8, 2001
Isnt Alvarado Center in San Diego? I think that Dr. Wittgrove and his team do more Lap RNY's than anyone in the country right now. Even if you didnt go there I am sure that you would be able to get qualified information from them. The website is www.gastricbypass.com
   — SusanMaria

June 3, 2002
Kaiser San Diego PCPs supporting WLS: Lindy Dugan MD and Catherine Steyn MD
   — Ashleigh Y.

June 3, 2002
Stanford yee was my Md also- he told me I did not qualify for the surgery- so i called the call center and asked them which docotrs support the surgery- i saw Dr. charles Hamori at Vandever and am now 10.5 weeks post op and down 53.3 pounds. Good Luck
   — ~~Stacie~~