Question:
Is there any info I can print to show my reluctant pcp?

MY pcp does not see me his nurse practicioner does(she is for the op), He thinks i should try weight watchers first. This from a man who has only seen me once for a stress test,which I passed. I feel this might be a waste of time and money. Any suggestions?    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 6, 2001)

January 6, 2001
hI THERE IS ONLY ONE THING I CAN THINK OF get a different PCP..One that understands obesity.The dr you seen apparently doesnt
   — BBD

January 6, 2001
Hi! I have a bunch of info in an email if you would like me to email it directly to you. My PCP had never referred anyone and was unsure about it when I first approached her -- I have emailed this same info to 2 other people and their reluctant PCP's were also so impressed with the amount of info that they had that they received their approvals -- as I did -- on the spot. Just email me at [email protected] and I will be happy to forward it to you. GOOD LUCK!
   — darcieleigh

January 7, 2001
a good web site is www.gastricbypass.com. click on "physicians information" and that gives lots of medical info for the pcp to look at and hopefully be convinced. good luck!! i'm awaiting my approval from the ins. co. i also don't see my md, i see a P.A. who is wonderful. she gives my info to the doc and so far he hasn't argued.
   — melanie S.

January 7, 2001
You might also try ... http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/ob_home.htm and also ... www.shapeup.org ... Both web sites have massive amounts of data to wade through, but the bottom line for each weight loss method analyzed is (1) without appropriate follow-up there is almost 100% regain and (2) for the morbidly obese, surgery might be the most appriate (or only) option with any chance of success. For my physician I printed the full NIH report and clinical results charts from the NIH page, as well as the pages outlining each method at the Shapeup America site. The full NIH report is over 200 pages long. It itemizes various weight loss methods, and buried in there are a few references to morbidly obese people, saying for carefully selected persons surgery might provide the answer. Selection criteria? Minimum BMI of 40 with no co-morbidities or 35 with co-morbidities. Oh, by the way, I had to get my niece with a degree in biology to decipher the clinical studies pages for me, but I figured they might mean something to my doctor.
   — L. E. S.