Just getting started

[Less of Leslie 90]

I have an appt with my new PCP on Weds. I have not met her yet and I am going to ask for the sleeve referral. I have already faxed my records from a weight loss clinic that I was going to, but I don't know if there is anything I should know about how to approach the subject with my new doc. I am DESPERATE! I am 30, struggling for 10 yrs. 5"2 247. That should be reason enough. I just want to make sure I say the right things to get things moving. Any advice?

[ybnormal 21]

I told my doctor that I was having it, but I already knew my ins. wouldn't cover the sleeve, I just wanted to give her a heads up. I still believe in the straight forward approach. Tell her you would like a referral to have the surgery done and get the process going.

Renee`

[TheButterfly145 9]

Check with your insurance first to see what their specific requirements are for the Sleeve and if they cover it before you talk to your doc. Many of the big ins companies will cover if your BMI is over 40 and you can get records to show it has been that way with recorded attempts to lose over a certain time frame (varies by company). Check with them first so you go to your primary prepared. If the ins requires you to do a supervised program then you'll want to start that on this visit instead of having to make another appointment in order to get started.

Good luck on your journey!!

[Wheetsin 714]

Yes, do make sure you're covered (unless you're self pay). For the reasons Butterfly mentioned, and because many doctors have a fee for completing paperwork, including referrals. Sometimes it can be $100+. You don't want to pay that fee for an insurance packet if insurance isn't even an option.

Are you sure you will even need a PCP referral?

There's not really anything you can say to make up your doctor's mind. I *thought* I needed a referral from my PCP for my AGB - ends up I didn't. Before I knew I didn't, I met with her. She was so completely for getting the weight off that I didn't even really have to ask. She just volunteered to document all my issues, test me for comorbodities (detectable through labs), and give me a copy of her dictation including my BMI. Unless your PCP is anti-WLS, or anti-VSG in particular, just tell them you need a referral.

[Less of Leslie 90]

Unfortunatley, I have an *** and do have to go thru my PCP. On the brighter side, my *** is one of the best in Northern CA (Sutter Med Group) and the surgery is a covered benefit. The skin removal is even covered! (Med necessary of course.) I am just worried that my PCP is just going to spin my wheels because she is my new PCP and we have not met yet. I just want this done yesterday!!! Very anxious to get things going and don't want to say anything wrong.

[Bryn Dawson 9]

My PCP has known me for a few years, but she is a DO not an MD and is not really for the surgery. I waited a while to break the news to her, but there are things to remember when doing so:

1. Relax.

2. Breathe.

3. Remember - YOU are the patient. Patient = client. Client = boss.

4. Lather, rinse, repeat.

The worst this PCP can do is refuse to write a referral, and then you find another one that will. I KNOW that is not what you want to contemplate right now but that really is worst case scenario. If you go in and calmly, rationally explain your reasons for wanting to have the surgery and that you have already begun the research process, your PCP will listen. That, after all, is their JOB. We've all developed this inferiority complex when it comes to doctors, like they are some great and powerful being and we are lowly peons, but it is not true at all. They're just people, doing a job like the rest of us. Do your best, and if the outcome isn't what you want, vote with your feet. You have the right to a 2nd opinion, 3rd opinion, etc.

Don't forget to repeat steps 1 and 2 as frequently as necessary!

My PCP expressed her opinion ('Wouldn't it be nice if you could lose the weight without the surgery?') and we left it at that. She has NOT refused to treat me and did all my pre-op testing KNOWING what it was for and giving me the best care she could anyway, even though she has reservations about WLS.

I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you!

[Less of Leslie 90]

WOOT WOOT!!

My doctor sent the referral!!!!! I am so happy. I have to wait until the insurance authorizes the referral, which is about 7-10 bus days and then I will be able to get things rolling with my surgeon! Thanks to everyone who responded to my post and all of your positive thoughts and well wishes!

HERE WE GO!!

[Bryn Dawson 9]

Yay! Congrats!