How should I approach my doc about surgery?

[TQUAD64 9]

My primary care doctor of over 13 years saw me through the good and bad of my health issues. She left. Yep, she just closed up shop and moved out the country. She did not even say good-bye. I knew she was home sick and I knew she was wanting to go back to her home country, but I thought she is the one person who knew all my struggles with weight and weight related health issues and now she was gone.

She sold 1/2 of her practice to a doctor that I never heard of and to make matters worse he was a man. I loved the comfort of having a female doctor who understood my female issues and now I had to decide whether or not I was going to continue to go to this practice and see a male doctor.

So, I gave it a shot. I decided I would go meet this new doctor and if I didn't like him I would find someone else. Plus, I wanted his support for the WLS. I had the support from my previous doctor, but now she was gone, so I needed to find out if this new PC was supportive of WLS. And he was.

He really took the time to talk to me. I shared my fears and concerns and he was very supportive and kind. He recommended that my insurance company allow me to go to the next step of the process. And here I am today, banded and getting healthy.

It all starts with your primary care doctor. You need their recommendation to the insurance company so you can start the process. If you cannot get the support of your PC, then find a new PC. Your health is important, so find a doctor who will support you.

[KOLaficionado 0]

Thanks to all of you for your words of advice. I took it and after getting another health issue(weight related of course) cleared up, she gave me the go ahead and sent in the referral! My consult with the surgeon is April 2ond, and I'll get my other appointments set up that day too! :ohmy: Hopefully Tricare won't take too long to approve! I just started wearing a CPAP at night and HATE IT!!! So I'm really looking forward to loosing my first thirty pounds or so that will let me get rid of it! Thanks again!!:tongue_smilie:

[Kristine73 1]

I saw my PCM today to get a referral to see a surgeon about WLS. I went as prepared as possible, all ducks in a row. Just checked Tricare's site and referral to the surgeon was approved!

I found these links elsewhere on this site. But, will put them here to make it easier for you!

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f8/here-requirements-tricare-49813/

and

Met life ideal height weight tables references

Go through the documents and high light the important info to make it easier to locate. This also makes the limited time w/your pcm more effecient.

I also looked us wls surgeons in my area and looked them up to see in they accepted tricare prime. I also printed out that pg so my pcm knew who I wanted to see. Maybe bringing all the info is what helped push my referral to see the surgeon through so fast.

Good luck

Kristine