Re: Advice to Pre-ops re: PCP

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

Reading Kendra's post about her unsupportive PCP got me thinking. I really

think it's to your advantage to send to your PCP materials regarding the

surgery BEFORE your visit. Considering how the MGB is misinterpreted by WL

specialists, it would follow that many PCP's are going to be skeptical,

especially those who might be thinking " old wls. " To reiterate what I just

posted to Kendra, (for those who read by thread and might have missed it),

this is what I sent to our PCP beforehand:

1. Personal letter from me about my weight, weight history and how it

affects my life (you could also include family history). I included a weight

loss chart showing that ON MAJOR DIETS ALONE I had lost and over 350# in my

llife!

2. Emails from over 40 MGB patients, (the proof is in the pudding, as Laurel

said).

3) The Dr Profile on doc R (found on website).

4) The Patient Ed Manual-- yep, the WHOLE thing.

Then I took my husband for moral support, (and also because he is a shrewd

business man and a negotiator by profession--calm, rational, logical,

results-oriented. I knew that if my doctor started on the " let's try another

diet " path, he would take over when my BIG FAT insecurities kicked in).

I mailed it " return receipt requested " and wrote " personal and confidential "

on the envelope to be sure she'd get to it right away. Then I called before

going in to make sure she'd read it. When my husband and I went in with

our doc was " bowled over " and immediately agreed. I think our PCP's

feel it's their duty to make sure we know what we are getting ourselves into.

After reading our " packet " she knew we had left no stone unturned and had

made a thoroughly researched decision. I might add that she was very touched

by what I shared and told me that she felt my pain--and she's a size 2!!

Also, don't forget, our docs have Dr's in their network whom they should

refer you to. Our PCP started to go that route, but when she saw the Patient

Ed Manual comparing the surgeries, she felt compelled to go along with Dr. R.

Finally, I think it important, beyond our just getting our PCP to support us,

that we realize how powerful we can be in helping " the cause. " Every bit of

information that we put out there in the medical community can only help.

Doctors are only human-- like all of us, they network within their

profession. That Patient Ed Manual will get passed around the office, shared

will other colleagues, etc. Then, once and I start losing weight and

feeling great, we will be walking ads for the MGB. The snowball effect could

be amazing!

Okay, that's the end of my public service announcement! Just remember,

knowlege is power!

Regards,

Debbie in IL

Daughter MGB 8/9 Cigna (3rd appeal)--BMI 45

Counting on Cigna for Debbie (BMI 40) ins letter re-sent 7/14

<< Hi everyone...went to see my endocinologist today fro a follow up and

going

in my spirits were high because i found out today I was approved by my

insurance for the surgery...but when I came out I was very down...I dicussed

the MGB with her...she was all negative...saying that long-term success was

not there that my stomach would just stretch and I would regain all my

weight

and why put yourself through major surgery and the risk of complications

like

small bowel perforation...she suggested that I get a personal trainer(I

wanted to laugh-and ask her if she was going to pay for that) and to get on

a

diet with the exercise...low and behold I explained to her, which she

already

knows, I have been on every diet in the book with all failures...so here I

am

thinking my approval from my insurance was a sign from the good Lord that it

was meant for me to have this...and now this happens. So I am on the hunt

for a doc who will support me in this long battle with my weight. I guess I

will just have to pray about it and hope the good Lord lets me know if this

is the right decision or not. Thanks for all the open ears and

understanding...Kendra

>>