chocolate_macchiato

...okay, I worry about everything. That's just who I am. Today it's I hope my comorbidities are severe enough for insurance to qualify me. My Stats: 5' 3" 211lbs, BMI 38, c/m high cholesterol, hypertensive and arthritis. Anyone else wanna share?

So, I advised my PCP roughly about the first part of December that I'd made the to get the VSG, he hesitated and asked me to make and appointment with his office so that we can discuss it. *My annual exam was in Oct. On that day flat out told me I need to loose some weight. So, yesterday I went in for the appointment. Thinking ahead I scheduled it as WLS consultation just in case. l dont know know if BCBS will require them but I want to be as proactive as possible. PCP: ....so you want to loose some weight huh? Me: yes. Didn't you also suggest it a few months ago? PCP: You'll have to change your lifestyle a lot. Have you see a dietitian? Me: Yes I have several times, she says my eating habits aren't the worst she'd seen. She feels like I will be fine once I get the weight off. PCP: Well.....I going to prescribe you 2 diet pills and something to work on bringing down your Triglycerides. Me: Are those the same pills you gave me 4 years ago that did nothing for me? PCP: **blank stare** Me: My WLS surgeon also told me that I am Hypertensive, do you have a prescription for that as well? PCP: **blank stare** The nurse will take care of those for you. All I could think is WOW! It was beyond me that he would rather commit me to a lifetime of medication to correct a problem that I have already found my fix for. You didn't even bother to see if I had taken the medication previously or what the out come was. At no point did he offer any guidance or additional information on the WLS procedure. I am praying that I don't have to go back ever! Needless to say after this is all said and done I will be looking for a new PCP.

I've read a lot of forums/comments and am even more confused. Some folks seem to sail thru the process without a hitch. But there are others that are required to have 3, 6, or even month doctor or dietitian visits. My question is who makes that decision if not your plan?

What exactly was the purpose of the 3 month wait? Was it diet related?

CONGRATULATION!!!!

Annie you're gonna love this. My PCP never mentioned to not a single time that my NO was even elevated let alone that I am hypertensive. My surgeon brought it to my attention. Even after I went to the doctor after seeing the surgeon did he bother addressing it trying to treat it.

I haven't nor do I intend to tell anyone. Some people are very judgmental and others are just jealous you're doing something they would never have the courage to do themselves. My ego and attitude simply don't require the approval of other's so I think I can handle all the questions after the weight starts coming off. Ill just tell them none of you business.

Congrads! Don't loose focus! Ultimately if you don't know whats best for you, no one else will either.

Thank you for the inspiration! I have already selected a new primary if he hesitates once! The same one I'm switching to after I get his signature,

I know this may sound jaded but I pay enough in insurance premium that the only answer I want to her from my PCP is yes. Think about all the years that you pay for insurance and never use it! Some of these doctors are friggin nutts!

I agree, I lost both parents to co-morbities. Mom at 54 and Dad at 57. My Mom had her first stroke at 40...sad enough my PCP knows all of this!

So there are plans that don't require you to visit your PCP for 3 months or a dietitian for 3 or 6 months! My surgeon never said I had to do either but reading all the forums/blogs, there seems to be a common theme.... I'll be done with all of my appointments by 1/14. I hope to schedule surgery soon after.

Lucky you Peppy! Mine is officially a QUACK!

My belief is, "practicing" medicine is an extreme lucrative career as long as your patients need you. In most of instances after the surgery not only do you eliminate off of most of the medications.....PCP needed services are needed far and few between.

Thanks ladies. I was simply in awe! I am still rather upset about it all.

Good luck, and hang in there!

Met with my surgeon on the 12/27, ordered a battery of test (stress test, sleep study and stomach scope). Super excited Dr. Sabharwal is fantastic! He answered all of my questions, very straight forward and put my mind at ease. Hoping to have all testing completed by 1/14/13 and a surgery date soon there after. Anyone have BCBS Philadelphia?

Thanks IO!

Thanks Brandy!

Thanks Annie! I can barely contain myself.