Re: [MiniGastricBypass]physician approval

May 21, 2000

rcpr918@...,

Trying to get physican approval was very scary for me also. I am a nurse but

have been very lax in taking care of my own health. I told a very good friend

at work that I had decided to have this surgery. She told me about someone she

knew that had recently had wls and arranged for us to talk. I have found that

no

matter what procedure people have had they are so excited that they want to

share

the information. Anyway, I talked to her and she gave me the name of her doctor

and several others that she was aware that had approved their pt for wls. I

spoke with one of these, I knew him from work. I asked him if he would follow

me

if my PCP said no. We discussed the pros and cons and he knew I was informed.

He said he would do it. This gave me more confidence to talk to my PCP. When I

saw my PCP I took my manual that I had downloaded along with an extra copy of

the

physican letter to give to him. I told him I had decided to do this and asked

if

he would be willing to follow me. He asked me many questions. I was able to

answer all his questions and to show him the answer in the manual. This helps

because they know you know what you are getting into and that it is not an

impulsive decision or you think that this will be a quick weight loss with no

consequences. You know the risks and the changes that this will make. I showed

him all the requirements that I had to do and the steps I had already done. I

appreciated his agreeing to do this but knew I had a backup if he declined. As

soon as he agreed I filled out my personal information and submitted it. I was

on my way. One of the women (sorry, but I read all the posts but I forget who

says what) is collecting a list of PCP that have agreed to follow their pt.

When

she posts this it may help or if you or if you tell us where you are located

someone may know of a doctor in your area. Sorry I was so longwinded. Good

Luck, Darlene

Recommended Posts