MamaM 72 Posted July 3, 2012 My former PCP was always reluctant about WLS but he'd been w/me thru years of up and down scale numbers, trying different diets, health issues, etc. When I finally approached him about it, he was happy to give me the referral to the bariatric program. About the time I was finishing up, I needed to get an okay from my PCP saying I was in good enough shape for surgery and he had just moved on to another department! My 1st appt w/my new PCP was to get the surgery okay!!! I was freaking out! I had NO clue as to who this guy was and here I'd gone thru the whole program and was only waiting for this step so I could get my date and then pre-op testing done! Well, he was happy to do that for me! He'd had WLS patients in his private practice before coming to Kaiser and he'd seen good things happen. Fast forward and I have yet another PCP and this guy is typical anti-WLS, you can do this by cutting calories and exercising, blah, blah, blah. He's good but he makes me nuts too! LOL!! Didn't help that by this time I was having weight gain issues, due to problems w/my band. I did NOT have to go thru him to get my Sleeve. Good thing b/c I don't think he would have signed off on it. My surgeon told me my band had to come out and he was offering me the Sleeve as an alternative. I don't even think my PCP knows about my surgery. I would try your PCP first. Don't be nervous, they work for you. But have a plan of action to put in to play IF he gives you grief about it. Best wishes! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kmoore 97 Posted July 3, 2012 My surgeon who is also a leading researcher of bariatric surgery said that in a survey of doctors who are not supporters said they revealed they are afraid of loosing patients who have health problems once the weight is off. That is so selfish and greedy. I was wondering if that might be an issue. Greedy indeed. Glad I have found a PCP that is in it for the patient care and not money. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NisaletOAM 48 Posted July 3, 2012 My doctor was non-compliant and I ask my surgeon's coordinator what to do she referred me to a PCP and I love him he cares for his patients like they are family and is helping me through the process. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jmatt 11 Posted July 3, 2012 Yeah, I Left my first PCP who wasn't supportive too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Christine1322 20 Posted July 5, 2012 This is an update...My gut feeling was correct. I talked to a fellow RN at work who was familiar with my doctor, and she said, "Oh, HE'S not going to sign that for you." I took everyone's advice and contacted my surgeon's office. They gave me the number to a doctor in my area, and I have an appt. with him on Monday. When I made my appt. they didn't blink when I told them where I got their number, why I'm coming in, what I need. It was such a relief. I cancelled the appt. with my doctor and if I like this new one, I'll transfer all my care there. 2 MamaM and ebonisekim reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hellonurse 76 Posted July 5, 2012 Good for you Christine!! Now you will be able to proceed, happy for you We shouldnt have to beg these Doctor's for what we need!! I do that every day in my professinal life( little nurse humor) ha!! Good Luck to you and keep us posted!! Sent from my iPhone using VST 1 ebonisekim reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flipflop 28 Posted July 6, 2012 I wish mine hadn't pretended to be so supportive in the beginning. I've done my monthly weigh-ins with him for 8 months now! I was hoping to have surgery this week or next, but he STILL hasn't sent the needed information to the surgeon! I don't have time to start over from scratch, so I guess I'm at his mercy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebonisekim 1,713 Posted July 6, 2012 That's where I got my recommended dr from the surgeon office .. Cause my dr wasn't willing .. Congrats it's gone be smooth sailing ... ( wishing nothing but good vibes ) ???????????????????? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lessofmeismore 1,405 Posted July 7, 2012 My Dr was in the same hospital as my wls surgeon. It ended up they knew each other and my Dr very much respected the need for wls. He was smiling and happy for me. I was so relieved. 1 MamaM reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kansas1965 54 Posted July 7, 2012 I'm on my finess pal my name on there is tam1965 I would to like have anyone that would like to be my friend on there for support ...thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chad2rad 491 Posted July 7, 2012 Was scared of the same thing... went to the weight loss seminar and met the surgeon even before we (pcp) talked about it. I had a dream he told me I was crazy. I was more anxious about that more than anything. So I met with my PCP yesterday and it went great. The Bariatric Coordinator gave me a sample letter for the letter of necessity he had to write to my insurance. I filled in the details for him he did not remember and that was it. The letter helped give a frame work for our discussion and whet he needed to know and provide. You are doing this for you, and not to please your PCP. While you need his/her cooperation, you are the one choosing and doing all the work for transformation. Be your best advocate. You are worth it. 1 MamaM reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Changing B4YourEyes 118 Posted July 7, 2012 My surgery is July 16th and my Pcp is still against it, she things that weight watchers is the key. I have 3 different heart doctors, my Htn specialist did my paperwork with no problems he is all for it. My cardiologist was like I don't think so at first but after this last scare with my Heart rate in the 170's he was like sure! I haven't told my Pcp the news she will have to wait until post open and I am NOT ashamed because I'm trying move forward. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Changing B4YourEyes 118 Posted July 7, 2012 My PCP is not a fan of WLS at all. He asked me to leave his office if I wanted to proceed with this. He knows of one patient who had complications and died. So' date=' I did exactly as he told me; I picked up my chart and left. I found a GREAT doctor who is supportive of the surgery. Don't let anyone hold you back. If he doesnt clear you for surgery, move on and find someone who will do it. Good luck to you and keep us posted.[/quote'] I found out that was the problem with my Pcp, she lost a patient. You Needed to drop that Pcp! How rude! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Changing B4YourEyes 118 Posted July 7, 2012 My PCP is not a fan of WLS at all. He asked me to leave his office if I wanted to proceed with this. He knows of one patient who had complications and died. So' date=' I did exactly as he told me; I picked up my chart and left. I found a GREAT doctor who is supportive of the surgery. Don't let anyone hold you back. If he doesnt clear you for surgery, move on and find someone who will do it. Good luck to you and keep us posted.[/quote'] I found out that was the problem with my Pcp, she lost a patient. You Needed to drop that Pcp! How rude! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butterthebean 8,146 Posted July 7, 2012 My PCP is not a fan of WLS at all.....He knows of one patient who had complications and died.... . I wonder if he knows of any patients who died from heart attacks, strokes, complications due to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart and coronary disease....I'm sure he does. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites