First PCP visit after surgery in Mexico

[HoosierGirl 780]

At last year’s annual physical, I asked my primary care physician (PCP) if I would benefit from weight loss surgery. She said, “Yes, weight loss surgery would benefit you. But, not something as drastic as the by-pass due to absorption issues.” Great – that is all I needed to hear.

Last summer, I completed the program at my local bariatric center – even though I met insurance criteria, I was immediately denied – both insurance appeals were denied – I got determined – started researching all options - then chose my surgeon in Mexico. (My BMI was 36 and I had a co-morbidity and met the insurance requirement for surgery, but was denied because my hypertension was controlled with two medications.) It never occurred to me to ask my doctor for her “permission” to go to Mexico for surgery nor did I check to see if she would treat me after surgery. She said I would benefit from weight loss surgery, so I was doing it! After surgery in Mexico, I faxed her the surgery notes and she helped me get off all my blood pressure medication.

Fast forward to today and this year’s annual exam. This was my first visit to the doctor since surgery in February. Of course my weight is down, my resting heart rate was great, and my blood pressure NORMAL with a normal sized cuff. YES! The appointment started out like normal, she was asking how I was feeling, etc. Told her I felt great, was eating well, exercising, and losing weight after bariatric surgery in February.

She said, “Oh yes! I got the surgical notes you sent me…did you REALLY go to Tijuana and have surgery?! I thought you might have been kidding!”

It was sort of comical. As I started with the story – here eyes were huge! But, once she understood my surgeon’s credentials, facility certification, what procedure I had, post-surgery follow up, she had a big smile.

My PCP said, “You did good! Our medical system is such a mess and everyone watches the doctors & hospitals, but who is watching the insurance companies? Oh, and I would be really interested in talking to your surgeon about how to practice out of the country. We love the Caribbean and I would love to take care of the ex-patriots living there.” She looks at my incisions and said they looked great.

For anyone considering Mexico and concerned about what your doctor might think, don’t be. If your doc is on board with weight loss surgery for you, they might be really interested in learning more about medical care outside the US too.

[guate_mama05 64]

Thanks so much for that post! My PCP has always supported me having WLS and just had a few questions about going to Mexico. I can't wait to visit him after a few months post-op and show the new me! Maybe........just maybe I can be an example to others that feel defeated by our health care system! One month from today!

[deedadumble 1,033]

My first PCP visit was identical to yours, even down to how big my doctor's eyes got when she found out I went to Mexico for surgery!

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,145]

Hooray they you're happy and healthy. I'm glad your PCP is supportive. Quite a rush, I imagine? I'm happy for you!

My PCP has been onboard since go and was also fascinated by Mexico.

[Jenniferkatie 21]

I just informed my PCP that I was going to Mx for my and my hubbys procedure this summer...at first she was concerned about the ability to get in toucch with the MD for questions or concerns. She stated that as long as she has contact information, copies of instructions afterwards, leaktest results and surgical report, she would be happy to do the follow up care. I think the MDs are aware of the state of our healthcare situation and are concerned for our well being as well as obese pt.'s who currently have no "problems" but this could quickly change in a heart beat...I can't wait till a couple of monthes out and coming in for a routine appointment and labwok and see the differences :)...I'm so glad she gave her approval, as that is a relief off of my sholders if something were to come up, who would be willing to care for me....i do think it is most proper though to notify them before hand that you are going to Mx for the procedure...I think they would be more willing to accept the responsibility if they know before hand then if you just walk into the office and let them know it was done already and hope they don't mind...just common curtousy I think....Can't wait for mine in July and hope hubby gets his this june!

[gastricsleever 259]

At last year’s annual physical, I asked my primary care physician (PCP) if I would benefit from weight loss surgery. She said, “Yes, weight loss surgery would benefit you. But, not something as drastic as the by-pass due to absorption issues.” Great – that is all I needed to hear. Last summer, I completed the program at my local bariatric center – even though I met insurance criteria, I was immediately denied – both insurance appeals were denied – I got determined – started researching all options - then chose my surgeon in Mexico. (My BMI was 36 and I had a co-morbidity and met the insurance requirement for surgery, but was denied because my hypertension was controlled with two medications.) It never occurred to me to ask my doctor for her “permission” to go to Mexico for surgery nor did I check to see if she would treat me after surgery. She said I would benefit from weight loss surgery, so I was doing it! After surgery in Mexico, I faxed her the surgery notes and she helped me get off all my blood pressure medication. Fast forward to today and this year’s annual exam. This was my first visit to the doctor since surgery in February. Of course my weight is down, my resting heart rate was great, and my blood pressure NORMAL with a normal sized cuff. YES! The appointment started out like normal, she was asking how I was feeling, etc. Told her I felt great, was eating well, exercising, and losing weight after bariatric surgery in February. She said, “Oh yes! I got the surgical notes you sent me…did you REALLY go to Tijuana and have surgery?! I thought you might have been kidding!” It was sort of comical. As I started with the story – here eyes were huge! But, once she understood my surgeon’s credentials, facility certification, what procedure I had, post-surgery follow up, she had a big smile. My PCP said, “You did good! Our medical system is such a mess and everyone watches the doctors & hospitals, but who is watching the insurance companies? Oh, and I would be really interested in talking to your surgeon about how to practice out of the country. We love the Caribbean and I would love to take care of the ex-patriots living there.” She looks at my incisions and said they looked great. For anyone considering Mexico and concerned about what your doctor might think, don’t be. If your doc is on board with weight loss surgery for you, they might be really interested in learning more about medical care outside the US too.

I'm glad I read this. My PCP also recommended surgery but when I started my preop at the local hospital I found out that my insurance has an exclusion policy and will not cover anything related to obesity being your primary diagnosis! I started my own research on having the surgery done and then after finding this website I started researching having the surgery Mexico. I think I will schedule a PCP appointment in January before I have my surgery February just make my doctor aware of what's going on.