Weight Loss Surgery: Stand Up for Yourself against the Doctor

[cat.jackson89 206]

My PCP didn't give me a referral (I asked for about a year) to the bariatric surgeon until I saw a cardiologist who told her I needed it. In that time of waiting I gained 50 pounds and developed sleep apnea and asthma. I definitely should have been more proactive.

I had a neurologist that disagreed that I should need WLS for my Pseudotumor Cerebri.. Fast forward 2 years, 60 pounds, and 8263682873 spinal taps to drain Fluid, a blood transfusion to patch the leak in my spine, and I started going to a different neurologist- who, on the very first visit said I've been through so much in the past 6 years, I didn't deserve to have to wait so long for someone to sign off on the surgery. And now I'm here.. 15 days post op. [emoji4] Be your own advocate! You know what is going on with your body. Nobody knows better than you.. You just need to find someone who'll listen!

[liposuction68 178]

My PCP won't be for it, luckily she isn't part of the decision. My rheumatologist perked up when I asked her if it would be a good idea, and she started telling me benefits to the surgery that I hadn't even heard of. She referred me to a surgeon who I meet with tomorrow. My PCP probably won't know until it's over, if I decide to go through with it. Funnily, my PCP is the one who's been on me about my weight forever, but she thinks Atkins or gluten free is the way to go. Not for me.

[Anna Nim 196]

I have a history of not taking any BS from doctors. I have switched doctors for having bad staff, stood up to them when I was not really in a strong position to do so (Literally on my back at a charity clinic).

YOU are the expert. YOU pay the money, call the shots and wake up with your body. Your doctor can certainly express concern, that is their job..but that is about where it stops.

[Kindle 8,667]

I am a strong believer in being your own advocate. And yes, choosing to have WLS was MY decision, not my doctor's. I actually didn't even tell him about it until a month postop. And after seeing my VSG recovery and results, my PCP now refers his patients who don't have insurance that covers WLS to the surgeon I used in Mexico.

But my proactive participation in my own healthcare isn't just limited to WLS. I also researched and chose the neurosurgeon who did my cervical fusion after my PCP diagnosed the problem. My PCP called the surgeon he normally uses in order to discuss my case. Turns out the guy I chose was top of the field and is the specialist my PCP's surgeon uses for his harder cases.

Fortunately my PCP fully respects and supports my independent medical decisions. He's perfectly happy to work as a team. And in turn, I totally respect and trust in his medical expertise. He's always provided outstanding care and is truly an amazing Doctor.

[buckleysmom 45]

My PCP doesn't even know I had a procedure and never reacted to my weight gain, increasing blood pressure and cholesterol over the years. Agree with all posters. Bariatric practices are masterful at dealing with insurance issues. Bypass the PCP if you are getting any pushback.