What do I say to my PCP?

[MeganES 41]

First I wanna apologize for all the questions I've been asking. You all are WONDERFUL people and have been so helpful. So please bear with me!

I have an appointment with my PCP tomorrow to get my letter of medical necessity for surgery. I'm surprisingly nervous about this. What do I say to him? He's also been a family friend for over 20 years (my mom used to work for him), and while our personal lives have never gotten in the middle of my care, I'm still a little nervous in that regard to have the conversation. I have this fear that he's going to think the surgery isn't a good idea??? Not sure why I think that when my family history is absolutely terrible (which he knows all too well) and he knows I've been obese my whole life, but it's a concern I have. Are there any questions he might ask that I should be prepared to answer? What should I be saying to him?

I think I've mentioned before that I have a huge fear of doctors so this whole process is going to turn me into a jumble of nerves (heck, it already has LOL). Just a hurdle I'll have to jump to do what I need to do!

[pantala 125]

Consider it all part of the journey......When I first mentioned WLS to my PCP I was shocked that she agreed it was a good idea - even though I was below 40 BMI. Then when I mentioned it to my Ob Gyn, he was positive as well! So you just never know. But you may as well get used to putting it out there in the world and learning to handle reactions good, bad, or indifferent. It will help make you strong for what's ahead. Good luck!

[vsginkc 117]

FWIW, here is what I would do. I would make a list of all the reasons you think this surgery is necessary. This would be especially important if he doesn't know much about VSG and/or he is only familiar with gastric bypass or the band. Here is what my list would have looked like (I've been sleeved):

-I am 40 yrs old and already borderline Type 2 diabetic. I have two grandparents who were both amputees caused by diabetes.

-PCOS

-Severe orthopedic issues (knees and feet)

-I have tried every diet imaginable (list out). I have succeeded in losing 20-50 lbs at times, but never kept it off. Even if I were capable of losing ___ amount of pounds at this point, without some additional tool, I think the chances of me keeping it off are slim.

-This is a relatively safe surgery. Mortality rate is less than with hip replacement surgery or gallbladder surgery.

Good luck!

-Angela

[butterfly_gal 151]

Just be honest. I was very worried about telling my primary. I have had her for many years and much like yours knew of my weight issues for many many years. She has tried helping me with diet planning and such but have had no luck. When I told her, of course right away she was like "nope nope nope, lets try this..." and I was devastated. I ended up going home, having a good cry and making another appointment for the following week with my rant about my morbid obesity and high blood pressure. I went back with all the info and she agreed to fill the paperwork out and submit. Long story short, when I came back to her for a routine appointment a few months out and down over 50 pounds and doing very well, she was elated! She was so happy for me. Good luck, just be yourself and be honest

[Pixie Dust 526]

My PCP is a good friend too...we had a mutual friend that was always having parties & that's how I got to know him & his family really well. Anyway, he didn't beat around the bush...when I was dx'd with Type 2 diabetes, he (gently) suggested having WLS. He didn't mention which one he thought I should have but he just mentioned WLS. When I finally decided & went to him to renew my prescriptions, I told him that I finally decided (a year later) to take his advice, he was so happy for me & mentioned something about me flying around like a butterfly once I lost the weight, like I used to do! He knew me "when..."

[cubbies76 132]

I spoke to both my PCP and my closest friend who is an Internal Medicine physician (in a different city). Both were completely on board with it. And neither were surprised. We've been obese for a long time, it isn't shocking when it is brought up.

[MeganES 41]

Thank you guys so much for your replies! I felt so much more confident going in. He asked me a couple questions, like about past efforts at weight loss and what made me decide on this, and took my vitals and then said it was good to go and wished me luck. Great experience all around

[tabbatha35 44]

I can understand how you feel. I've always had conversations with my doctor about weightloss, but never mentioned to him that I was considering weightloss surgery. Once I made my decision to have the surgery I then had the conversation with my doctor and he recommended that I do have it since I have struggled with my weight issues. He told me that he fully supports in every way and plans to help me in my journey. I wouldn't be so afraid. You would be surprised about how your doctor will support. Besides you have all of us here backing you too!

Tabbatha