Referral Issues---Please Help

[Daisky23 0]

I have deceided to have the lap band surgery and the only problem I see on the horizon is my PCP referral!! I have had the same PCP for almost 14 years and when I discussed it with him he shut me down instantly...he wants me to go on a diet for the 25th time or better yet he also stated that he himself trained for a marathon and he knows how to get some one to loose weight (now keep in mind i have been on every diet know to man including starvation and also have a degenerative problem with my knee which i already had surgery on last year and my surgeon basically said loose weight or dont walk) at that point I hung up with him and cried! I know he wont give me the referral I need and I am at my wits end. I spoke to the surgeon (lap band) office and they suggested I get another doctor to write me a letter. Which means I will have to find another PCP...I have a few questions that hopefully someone will be able to assist me with:

1. Should I tell the new PCP up front about the lap band surgery and the need for the letter of referral?

2. Does anyone have any suggestions of PCP's in NYC?

Thanks:smile2:

[HarleyGirl 1]

My PCP shut me down and was quite rude about it. He is no longer my PCP. I called my surgeon's office and asked them for the names of a few "band-friendly" PCPs in my area.

I have a new doc that I am DELIGHTED with....she is 100% supportive of bariatric surgery and cheers me on every chance she gets!

Maybe check with your surgeon.....the band is going to be with you a long time, you will need a doc that is in your corner and familiar with the process.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Ask the lap band surgeon's office for a recommendation to a PCP.

[CrimsonDawn 0]

FIRE YOUR DOCTOR. You are in charge of your healthcare; you have the right to discuss other options and have your doctor be open minded. Just know you have support from us and you are not alone. I think those of us who have struggling with obesity have had many similar interactions with doctors. Many doctors have biases about obese people and subconsciously discriminate; maybe they assume you just need to exercise more or eat less, but never really listen to you and hear about the 25 diets you have already tried. Doctors are not immune from being jerks. I shop for doctors now. I look for someone who really listens and stays open minded.

[Daisky23 0]

Thanks and thats what I plan to do!! Good luck with your surgery!!

[vayiayia 1]

Hello!

Also, may I suggest getting letters of support from other doctors you have seen. For example: a sleep doc if you have apnea; a GYN if ou have ovarian cysts; a copy of your medical records if you have high blood pressure or arthritis; if you've had back or knnee probems, a letter from the orthopedic doc; documentqtion if you are depressed and/or taking meds. I agree, get a new pcp. If you really like this pcp, you can always return to to him after the lap-band surgery.

I wish you the best!!!

[jackiemhornig 0]

Yes I would ask the bariatric surgeon for some names of pcp's he has dealt with in your area - make sure they are in your ins plan, make an appointment, be upfront with him and tell him your history and your current pcp's views and i am sure he will give you the letter of necessity required by the insurance company.Don't give up - very easy just find a new doc they will give you a letter.