VERY frustrated at my doctor!!!

[skinnynursebetty 23]

Ok, so I started researcing WLS a few months back and had originally decided the lap band was the way to go, then I found this website and did some more research on VSG and that is the way I'm going now. I have BCBS IL PPO insurance and they require a 6 mo diet and exercise blah blah blah program. I made an appt to see my dr today for my first weigh in and to talk to her about WLS etc. I have only seen this lady a few times, but liked her so I thought she would be perfect to do this for me for 6 mo. So I went in today and had my height and weight done. I am JUST on the border of the 40 BMI my insurance requires so I knew exactly what my ht and wt had to come in at. At home I measured, more than once, at 5'4" and my weight at the drs ofc came in right for that height to put me at the 40 BMI, well I didn't know this til almost the end of the visit but, the nurse measured me at 5'4.5" so it made my BMI 39.7!!!!!!!! I was so upset and tried to explain to the dr it HAD to be at 40 BMI or the ins wouldn't accept it. I came armed to that appt with paperwork from the surgeon, my own printouts of what the VSG was, advantages and disadvantages etc and what she needed to document as far as a low calorie diet and exercise counseling. She was VERY unwilling to help me. She said she knew a little about the surgery but just gave me back what I had printed for her without even reading it! She said they don't have time to do nutrition counseling there and then she told me I should see a psych to find out why I have this issue with food! I'm not at all opposed to that idea, actually think its good but just they way she said it to me. Then she told me after 5 years my stomach would just stretch back out and I would gain the weight back anyways. She told me to go to Weight Watchers and see a psych. I just don't know what to do now. I'm sorry, this is long and I'm rambling. I had already psyched my self for the 6 LONG months of weigh ins and now this just throws a wrench in my plans. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks, FB

[MINI-Me 196]

What about finding another doctor? Look for WLS Surgeons in your area & see if they have support groups. If so, attendees may have PCP suggestions for you - PCP's that support their patients with weightloss.

[Foxbins 625]

Can you switch to another physician who might be more receptive? Is self-pay an option? I would not worry about the BMI issue, all of us here could always put on a few pounds pre-surgery...or wear thick socks next time your height is measured...

[Rootman 1,101]

If at all possible switch doctors, I would personally hate to do this but if my doc was unsupported it would be adios amigo, I'm outta here.

If you could find a willing doctor and your insurance allows it try to get into another doctor just concerning this issue, get the approval and use your normal doc for everything else.

[skinnynursebetty 23]

That's what I was thinking! I need to find a dr that is willing to work with me and is open minded about WLS! I have a PPO so I can go to anyone that is a provider for BC. I did call my surgeons office, they are in another city about an hour from here, so they only had suggestions of docs in their area. I'll keep looking, thanks for the advice!

[samnyc 5]

Yeah, try to switch doctors. Like someone once said, remember that half of all doctors finished in the bottom half of their class!!

[Day Dreamer 23]

Any advice would be helpful. Thanks, FB

Hey girl,

listen I went to my PCP and he [skinny as can be] put me on Wellbutrin. Ok, how many diets have I done, how many pills have I taken? When I asked him about WLS he laughed it off. So, fine - I went to a bariatric center and decided to go through them instead. They have done everything. They gave an imformative seminar, did all my blood work, labs, saw nutrition and even psych - all in ONE DAY! It was amazing. They even submit for insurance approval for you. I strongly suggest finding a Center of Excellence and moving forward without your PCP. *Note, you need a referral for insurance purposes.

Good Luck

[Margaret 4]

I'm with everyone else on here! Find a doctor who has DONE HIS/HER homework on this surgery and can be supportive. You do not have the right physician for this at all! I would research the best surgeon in your area and request some names of doctors who could take you on as their patient. Mine was wonderful and I had no idea she would be so willing to help me. You deserve better! And lean on all of us!

Ok, so I started researcing WLS a few months back and had originally decided the lap band was the way to go, then I found this website and did some more research on VSG and that is the way I'm going now. I have BCBS IL PPO insurance and they require a 6 mo diet and exercise blah blah blah program. I made an appt to see my dr today for my first weigh in and to talk to her about WLS etc. I have only seen this lady a few times, but liked her so I thought she would be perfect to do this for me for 6 mo. So I went in today and had my height and weight done. I am JUST on the border of the 40 BMI my insurance requires so I knew exactly what my ht and wt had to come in at. At home I measured, more than once, at 5'4" and my weight at the drs ofc came in right for that height to put me at the 40 BMI, well I didn't know this til almost the end of the visit but, the nurse measured me at 5'4.5" so it made my BMI 39.7!!!!!!!! I was so upset and tried to explain to the dr it HAD to be at 40 BMI or the ins wouldn't accept it. I came armed to that appt with paperwork from the surgeon, my own printouts of what the VSG was, advantages and disadvantages etc and what she needed to document as far as a low calorie diet and exercise counseling. She was VERY unwilling to help me. She said she knew a little about the surgery but just gave me back what I had printed for her without even reading it! She said they don't have time to do nutrition counseling there and then she told me I should see a psych to find out why I have this issue with food! I'm not at all opposed to that idea, actually think its good but just they way she said it to me. Then she told me after 5 years my stomach would just stretch back out and I would gain the weight back anyways. She told me to go to Weight Watchers and see a psych. I just don't know what to do now. I'm sorry, this is long and I'm rambling. I had already psyched my self for the 6 LONG months of weigh ins and now this just throws a wrench in my plans. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks, FB

[****** 12]

Ok, so I started researcing WLS a few months back and had originally decided the lap band was the way to go, then I found this website and did some more research on VSG and that is the way I'm going now. I have BCBS IL PPO insurance and they require a 6 mo diet and exercise blah blah blah program. I made an appt to see my dr today for my first weigh in and to talk to her about WLS etc. I have only seen this lady a few times, but liked her so I thought she would be perfect to do this for me for 6 mo. So I went in today and had my height and weight done. I am JUST on the border of the 40 BMI my insurance requires so I knew exactly what my ht and wt had to come in at. At home I measured, more than once, at 5'4" and my weight at the drs ofc came in right for that height to put me at the 40 BMI, well I didn't know this til almost the end of the visit but, the nurse measured me at 5'4.5" so it made my BMI 39.7!!!!!!!! I was so upset and tried to explain to the dr it HAD to be at 40 BMI or the ins wouldn't accept it. I came armed to that appt with paperwork from the surgeon, my own printouts of what the VSG was, advantages and disadvantages etc and what she needed to document as far as a low calorie diet and exercise counseling. She was VERY unwilling to help me. She said she knew a little about the surgery but just gave me back what I had printed for her without even reading it! She said they don't have time to do nutrition counseling there and then she told me I should see a psych to find out why I have this issue with food! I'm not at all opposed to that idea, actually think its good but just they way she said it to me. Then she told me after 5 years my stomach would just stretch back out and I would gain the weight back anyways. She told me to go to Weight Watchers and see a psych. I just don't know what to do now. I'm sorry, this is long and I'm rambling. I had already psyched my self for the 6 LONG months of weigh ins and now this just throws a wrench in my plans. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks, FB

BCBS IL -- Where in IL are you? There are some fine Centers of Excellence that BCBS IL recognizes.

[NewSkinnyChick30 0]

hey..well i can say i had a similar experience...when i first started looking into weightloss surgery..i went to the seminar and talked to the pcp i had a bout it...she wrote me off as well and told me to go on diet and that was that...instead of fighting with her i just called my insurance and switched my pcp...the new was very open to wls and she started alot of test on her own for me...and they have been very helpful with me..so you dont have to deal wit them at all..switch you pcp until you find one that is supportive..i hope that help..but im on way to have the sleeve..i finish the last test on the 13th...GOODLUCK

[MeMeMEEE 206]

I definitely agree - a new Dr. I am in IL also, Central, near Springfield. Where are you located/what city are you looking in?

[meggiep 57]

You have gotten great advice- I just want to send you a cyber hugs for what happened.

I feel so lucky that it was my PC doctor who recommended it for me due to my chronic pain and inability to be active.

One question- do you have any co-morbidities like apnea, diabetes, etc. that would help you qualify?

[skinnynursebetty 23]

BCBS IL -- Where in IL are you? There are some fine Centers of Excellence that BCBS IL recognizes.

I'm actually in California! My husbands employer just goes thru them! Weird huh?

[skinnynursebetty 23]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm doing a search now for a new PCP. I have PPO so I can go anywhere. I will call and talk to the receptionist and see if the dr deals with WLS pts BEFORE I make an appt! I did call the surgeons ofc thinking they may do this there, but sadly they don't. I think they would make a killing if they did all this in house and it would be so much easier, but I think they deal a lot with HMOS which I don't have. Anyways thanks again for all the advice and kind words. This site has REALLY helped me A LOT!!!

[Husky2Healthy 1]

Just don't burn your bridges, my BCBS required me to have a letter from my primary care physician stating the last 5 years regarding my weight and lab work. You may have to request copies and you want them to work with you. Even though it is the law that you are able to get your records, they will take their sweet time. They kept telling me the doctor only did letters on Friday, their 'half day' and then he took vacation, the he had a conference. I still have not gotten the letter, but BCBS finally waved it because I had copies of all my lab work for 10 years. I am now approved for VSG surgery on May 5th. Also if you had a Phych evaluation, sleep apnea testing or anything else, call them and have the re-write the letter for WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY. I had to get all my letter re-written because like you I was going to do the lap band first, then realized VSG was a better choice for me. So all my paper work had Lap band written on it, and they made me get new letters changing it for VSG approval. So just don't burn your bridges, breathe and remember everything happens for a reason, and take it one day at a time.

Best of luck!