How supportive was your GP?

[TattooedSeaStar 139]

I went to my General Practitioner for the first of my 6 months of observation. I already knew that it wasn’t going to be a great visit, but I was shocked at how badly it actually went.

First let me say according to the nurse at the surgeon’s office, my surgeon can’t be the one to monitor me for 6 months.

My GP is a former army doctor. I usually try to pick a female (sorry guys, there is a difference) but after my last doctor misdiagnosed my hernia as a fold of fat, I went to my husband’s doctor. Unfortunately I feel like he is a pill pusher, and today was another “let’s take a pill” kind of day. He tried to prescribe phentermine again but I hate how it makes my heart race. He then went on the prescribe belviq because it supposedly has some mood stabilizers in it because I “obviously eat my emotions” so I need that. He wouldn’t listen when I told him I had already been To see a surgeon, that i’d Been to a support group, that I have a nutritionist appointment in a few weeks, and that I have a scope right after that. He wants me to lose 20 by December or he won’t sign off. I tried to explain to him that if I lose 20lbs my insurance will no longer cover it because I will be under 40 BMI, and his response was “thats dangerous game you are playing there.” I can’t afford this surgery otherwise. He also told me that I would be “subject to regular bloodwork for the rest of my life” and that since I am HIGHLY allergic to sulfa, Multivitamins would be difficult to find. All things I know from research I’ve done.

I left and and called my mother crying. I felt like it wasn’t going to happen at that point. She told me to stick with it because we have been praying for this so it has to work out. Show him that you can lose the 14 lbs (and no more) and see how it goes. Anyway, any stories of difficult doctors with positive outcomes would be appreciated! TIA

[KatieMc 55]

Can you switch doctors?? If not, your mom's got it right, you do you!

I'll preface my experience with: I got my gastric sleeve in Mexico, no insurance/approval hoops to jump through.

My doctor was cautiously on board with me having bariatric surgery, but was wary about the Mexico part. He gave me all kinds of horror stories, personal "aftermath" ones that had shown up at his office after assorted procedures abroad. Then he thought about it...said at least Tijuana was super-close to the US, and all of the horror stories (abcesses, drain infections, etc) were from getting plastics overseas. He wished me luck, and today he took out my stitches. He was impressed with how neat, clean, and minimally invasive the work was and said he looked forward to seeing me for my post-op blood workup.

[TattooedSeaStar 139]

5 minutes ago, SublimeLemons said:

Can you switch doctors?? If not, your mom's got it right, you do you!

I'll preface my experience with: I got my gastric sleeve in Mexico, no insurance/approval hoops to jump through.

My doctor was cautiously on board with me having bariatric surgery, but was wary about the Mexico part. He gave me all kinds of horror stories, personal "aftermath" ones that had shown up at his office after assorted procedures abroad. Then he thought about it...said at least Tijuana was super-close to the US, and all of the horror stories (abcesses, drain infections, etc) were from getting plastics overseas. He wished me luck, and today he took out my stitches. He was impressed with how neat, clean, and minimally invasive the work was and said he looked forward to seeing me for my post-op blood workup.

If I change doctors I will “start over”.... trying to get the surgery by the end of the year so I don’t have to repay my deductible. ... almost would rather have a more supportive doctor.... 😑

[gabybab 696]

Where are you located? Maybe someone could refer you to a different Dr and you could switch. I have a very supportive female Dr and she was totally on board.

Good luck!

[TattooedSeaStar 139]

19 minutes ago, gabybab said:

Where are you located? Maybe someone could refer you to a different Dr and you could switch. I have a very supportive female Dr and she was totally on board.

Good luck!

I’m in Augusta, GA. I’ve had a time trying to find doctors because there are soooooo many here- we have the Medical college of GA and LOTS of doctors. When I find one I like they leave 🙁

[2ndTimeFreedom 104]

59 minutes ago, TattooedSeaStar said:

I’m in Augusta, GA. I’ve had a time trying to find doctors because there are soooooo many here- we have the Medical college of GA and LOTS of doctors. When I find one I like they leave 🙁

If your current document has documented today's weight, then all you need to do is request a copy of your medical records. You can then take that to another doctor for your next appointment, and your "clock" will not start over. Many patients do this when switching both doctors and surgeons. I am so sorry this is happening to you, sending you love and support. You could also see and AMAZING Nurse Practioner (I am so biased) who could also follow you for the medically supervised diet.

[JessLess 1,163]

Well, the surgery was at my GP's suggestion after I had spent years kicking the idea around.

I think the Phentermine suggestion is dumb. I've lost a lot of weight on it and immediately gained it back when I went off of it. It's not a long term solution.

If he won't sign off the surgery if you don't lose 20 lbs. and then your BMI would be below 40, sounds like you need a better doctor. Good luck!

[NancyLF 234]

My doctor has been trying to get me to do this for TWO YEARS! I just wasn't ready in my head. It's one of those "Ya gotta wanna" things. When I decided to do it, his response? "IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME!!" LOL! One of my other doctors did a happy dance around the exam room. All of my doctors are on board. I'm SO happy.
My surgery date is just around the corner - July 22. I have an appointment with my GP on the 16th. I know he'll be sending me off with TONS of best wishes!

[NancyLF 234]

How do you get the cute graphics depicting the surgery countdown & body weight? I can't seem to find them. -- NEVERMIND! I just found it!!

Edited July 12, 2019 by NancyLF

[Krimsonbutterflies 661]

My GP made the referral last year for me to enter the Bariatric program after seeing my struggle for the last 6 years. I cried because hearing it out loud made it real that I needed help and at the same time, I felt internal relief that real help was on the way. My first appointment was last September a week after my birthday, I wasn't ready to accept surgery as a possibility yet; but, I was willing to give the Bariatric program a chance and open my mind to make better decisions regarding my health. Just this April, I came to my own decision that wls is a good choice for me to get my health and body back on track. Thanks to my GP, Bariatric team, this website, my small support group and getting my mental health in check this is really going to happen. It's not easy, but worth having and choosing SUPPORTING CAST MEMBERS to your movie called...Your Life...

Edited July 12, 2019 by Krimsonbutterflies