PCP will not support my decision to go to Mx

[Idahospud 102]

Went to see my PCP this week and he bluntly stated he "did not support (my) decision to go to Mexico and would not follow you after words or give orders for follow up blood work." I am at a loss!! When asked why he said that he "didn't think you need it at this point. Just cut your calories and walk a little more and you will be fine." Completely dumb founded and upset I left the office with no intentions of returned for any care there!

Sitting at 363 pounds right now and can't possibly see why he can't support me Any advice would be wonderful!

[I'mPossible052614 4]

Wonder if we have the same doctor. It's crazy - most of my specialists are very supportive of my decision - but my PCP - not so much! I am also looking for a new provider and it def isn't easy. I know right of the bat I want to find one who is supportive and willing to work with me - not against me. - good luck to you!

[LipstickLady 25,682]

Find another doctor. That's the bottom line.

At 363 pounds, "cutting calories and walking a little more" isn't going to get you the results you need and desire. If you were 20 or 30 pounds overweight, your doctor would be absolutely correct. I assume you have worked at your weight loss for years, like many/most of us, have lost and regained many times over and have hit rock bottom emotionally regarding your dieting efforts.

You need a doctor who is more sympathetic to obesity and who understands how hard it is to lose and keep off the weight, especially when your BMI is so high. He's not the one.

Edited April 24, 2014 by LipstickLady

[Idahospud 102]

You are absolutely right, I am at rock bottom. I thought I "had it all figured out" and getting his approval was the last step.... well needless to say I feel like I am starting all over again. My insurance has a strict EXCLUSION for anything related to weight loss, so everything I do is out of pocket. Hell I feel confused as to where to start for another PCP ! Just so incrediably discouraged at this point.

[Blondiee 278]

As previously stated...find a new PCP.

[slvrsax 301]

I had a similar experience. I went to Mexico and honestly had better care there than I do in the states. My surgeon in Mexico informed me I have GERD and have had it for many years given the scar tissue he found. I had complained to my doctor about a constant cough for years, he said it was allergies. It turns out it was acid, I just didn't have the typical heartburn.

Needless to say I'm looking for a new doctor.

[NMJG 1,266]

Get a new PCP, one that has experience with WLS patients. You are going to need a strong doctor who will do the follow up blood tests, etc. I am blessed with an excellent PCP who knew nothing about WLS but learned all about it so he could support me. Now he tests me every 3 months and checks my Vitamins etc., even though my bariatric surgeon is available. I hope you can find the same.

[katesuccess 990]

Sorry to hear about that lousy experience with an uninformed doc, Odahospud! You might look up and call a bariatric surgical Center for Excellence in your area and ask if they have a suggestion for primary care doctors who work well with them in their experience. They will know who refers to them too. A least you'd screen out those who don't agree with WLS on principal, like I'm guessing your last doc was. Good luck with it, and don't stop trying to find one!

[webhopper 57]

My PCP didn't actually agree with WLS but ultimately wasn't going to stop me either. I was very nervous but he finally signed off on it in march.

I agree that you should start looking for a new PCP who is not morally opposed to weight loss surgery.

Edited April 25, 2014 by webhopper

[JaneyB 28]

That is awful. Is this a small practice or a large one? Some places have a patient advocate that can help you.

I'm curious as to what he thinks "the point" is where he thinks this is reasonable. Your weight is at a level where it can seriously impact the rest of your health.

Do you live near a major city? Maybe it would be easier to find a PCP there.

There are PCPs that are supportive. Mine was enthusiastic about me getting surgery and very supportive about going to Mexico.

[Kindle 8,667]

Where in Idaho are you?

[Idahospud 102]

To everyone that took the time to reply to thread, thank you! I have been offline for a bit but since my last post I have left this PCP office and went in search of a new one (have not found one) and also signed up in a program for self pay o VSG surgery! Since I am self pay I didn't have to have that PCP's referral anyway! So needless to say I am very happy and am on my way to VSG at the end of September Down 37 lbs so far and still going! EEEkkkkk