NanaB73

First of all, my PCP is terrific. She's been amazing for myself and for my mom, who I am a caretaker of. We've been blessed over and over again by the level of her care. But......I've been moving forward to VSG in Mexico. I do not have other health issues to speak of, so have not really involved my PCP in this decision. I did mention 2 months ago that I was thinking of it, and she told me she is not against it, that she had even considered it for her own mom. She did speak of the challenges and cautioned me, particularly emotionally since I have dealt with depression. And I understand that. Since I am now ready to schedule my surgery I wanted to let her know and make sure she would do my aftercare. I called and left a message and her nurse called back with dire warnings of the dangers and a very strong "Dr.O does NOT advise this". She wants to see me if I decide to go ahead and I dread it terrible because I know she will try to talk me out of it. This will not stop me, but I feel discouraged about it today. Can anyone speak to this?

First of all, my PCP is terrific. She's been amazing for myself and for my mom, who I am a caretaker of. We've been blessed over and over again by the level of her care. But......I've been moving forward to VSG in Mexico. I do not have other health issues to speak of, so have not really involved my PCP in this decision. I did mention 2 months ago that I was thinking of it, and she told me she is not against it, that she had even considered it for her own mom. She did speak of the challenges and cautioned me, particularly emotionally since I have dealt with depression. And I understand that. Since I am now ready to schedule my surgery I wanted to let her know and make sure she would do my aftercare. I called and left a message and her nurse called back with dire warnings of the dangers and a very strong "Dr.O does NOT advise this". She wants to see me if I decide to go ahead and I dread it terrible because I know she will try to talk me out of it. This will not stop me, but I feel discouraged about it today. Can anyone speak to this?

I don't take that as discouragement. I appreciate the input and I do need to look at every aspect. Thank you!

I have found the PCPs sometimes are not up to date on education regarding bariatric surgery and even bariatric issues. Our program has a training class that PCPs in the area can take to be better informed. My PCP was not against my surgery but she wasn't 100% for it. She signed off on it but she kept asking me if I was sure I wanted to go the surgical route and offered to put me on a structured diet a few time. On the other hand my OBGYN was ecstatic about it and couldn't stop singing the praises of bariatric surgery. It's interesting that they might not be up to date. I wonder if it just is not common enough for it to warrant their attention? I do know they cover many issues as general practitioners, so I am not being critical. I feel like my Dr will be willing to learn.....at least I'm really hoping so!

I'm saddened that the unscrupulous surgeons in Mexico have tainted the opinions of the whole. I am so grateful to have the chance at this surgery because of Mexico.

I do agree with you. I cannot be careless when it comes to depression. I feel I'm in a good place, yet know I have to be realistic as much as is possible without knowing just what my journey will look like.

I don't believe they do have to on a cash payment surgery as in Mexico. I'm guessing the signing off would be needed for insurance purposes. But it would still be nice to have their approval, even if a bit hesitant, wouldn't it!

And Good Luck to you as well!

Your PCP seems like she has the right view of the risk and reward aspect of this surgery. I'm really hoping mine will too once we sit down to talk. As I've thought of this throughout the day, I'm thinking the Mexico part of it all might be the issue.

I really hope I don't have to do this, but I understand that it must happen sometimes. We need the support! Your words are so kind. Thank you. I do believe the best about her. I hope I'm rushing to judgement here and find out next week that we can understand each other better. I am blessed to be in therapy now and have been for 3 years. I feel like that is crucial for me and I'm so glad to have a very competent and supporting therapist.

dmdakd, You've made so many good points and I'm jotting down notes on the things you mentioned to discuss with her. And you are right, I would really feel good about having her blessing. I guess that is what I'm looking for. I've made an appointment for next week. I'll have some time to write my questions down and get prepared. Thank you for talking with me. It really helps!

That is a good point. I know the nurse said she had no idea how Mexico did things as far as preparations....psych eval, nutrition, etc. Maybe that is more of the concern, though it sounded like the whole idea as bad. That is something I need to clear up. Maybe I am overreacting too soon. I just need to face her and ask her to explain. She's a dear, but she strongly opinionated, and I'm not very good at dealing with that. But I can and I will!

Her nurse did mention that Dr O knows nothing about how Mexico does things.....like psych evaluations, nutrition, etc. If she does have any WLS patients, it is likely they have gone through insurance process which would look very different, I know. At one point she wanted me to try to follow a crazy strict diet which only set off my emotional eating worse than ever. We've not explored prescriptions for weight loss or anything like that. I have been overweight for probably 18 years and obese for 12 of that. I lose weight very slowly and gain very fast. I really feel like it contributes much to my depression. You have a very good point of getting her opinions straight from her, rather than just through her nurse. I'm just confused by her two differing reactions and I need to ask her to explain that. Thank you!

I too, am having surgery by Dr Lopez-Corvala, hopefully in early December. It's really good to hear this! Best wishes awaggs!