Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Do you tell your PCP ?



Recommended Posts

Just curious, do you think your PCP should be told about your mexico vsg decision ? - I haven't told mine yet - I guess I am very concerned the man will try and talk me out of it or scare me, or worse, tell me I could just "follow a sensible plan of diet and exercise"

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think it's important that your PCP knows about your VSG. If there are any complications he needs to know that you've had this surgery. However, I totally understand your reservations because of the Mexico thing. You have the option of telling him in a "hey, just wanted to let you know this was happening" sort of way, without revealing further info. You could also have the sleeve and then immediately tell him when you come home. Either way, he should be told at some point.

Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For sure your PCP needs to know for many reasons! Most doctor's are good with it........most speciaaly if you are overweight!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I told my PCP I was going to Mexico for this surgery and he gave me a referral for Kaiser. Best thing I have ever done for myself. He was very supportive. If he wasn't I would have changed to a PCP that is supportive. :P

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It's always best to be open and honest with your PCP, they know you better than your surgeon does!! :)

I told mine. And turns out it was the best thing ever. She did her clinicals in a bariatric clinc! So I can see her for most of my issues :) One stop shop!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was afraid to tell my PCP I was planing on having VSG surgery in Mexico, but I though it was important for him to know. I made an appointment with him afraid of what reaction he might have, and if maybe I would have to start looking for a new PCP. I was very nervous ( I don't know why), but when I told him he was very supportive. He asked me if I was using a local surgeon. I explained to him my insurance does not cover any kind of weight loss surgery and I was going to Mexico. I gave him the name of the DR, and informed him that I have researched the physician and procedure. He said he would follow up with me after surgery, and I will have a complete physical before surgery, which I just scheduled for Jan 7 2014. I also informed him that my surgeon will give me a report of my procedure and copy of all my test to take to him.

Don't be afraid to talk to your PCP, he or she should be on your side if not maybe you should find another one,

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • KeeWee

      It's been 10 long years! Here is my VSG weight loss surgiversary update..
      https://www.ae1bmerchme.com/post/10-year-surgiversary-update-for-2024 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Aunty Mamo

      Iʻm roughly 6 weeks post-op this morning and have begun to feel like a normal human, with a normal human body again. I started introducing solid foods and pill forms of medications/supplements a couple of weeks ago and it's really amazing to eat meals with my family again, despite the fact that my portions are so much smaller than theirs. 
      I live on the island of Oʻahu and spend a lot of time in the water- for exercise, for play,  and for spiritual & mental health. The day I had my month out appointment with my surgeon, I packed all my gear in my truck, anticipating his permission to get back in the ocean. The minute I walked out of that hospital I drove straight to the shore and got in that water. Hallelujah! My appointment was at 10 am. I didn't get home until after 5 pm. 
      I'm down 31 pounds since the day of surgery and 47 since my pre-op diet began, with that typical week long stall occurring at three weeks. I'm really starting to see some changes lately- some of my clothing is too big, some fits again. The most drastic changes I notice however are in my face. I've also noticed my endurance and flexibility increasing. I was really starting to be held up physically, and I'm so grateful that I'm seeing that turn around in such short order. 
      My general disposition lately is hopeful and motivated. The only thing that bugs me on a daily basis still is the way those supplements make my house smell. So stink! But I just bought a smell proof bag online that other people use to put their pot in. My house doesn't stink anymore. 
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Oh yeah, something I wanted to rant about, a billing dispute that cropped up 3 months ago.
      Surgery was in August of 2023. A bill shows up for over $7,000 in January. WTF? I asks myself. I know that I jumped through all of the insurance hoops and verified this and triple checked that, as did the surgeon's office. All was set, and I paid all of the known costs before surgery.
      A looong story short, is that an assistant surgeon that was in the process of accepting money from my insurance company touched me while I was under anesthesia. That is what the bill was for. But hey, guess what? Some federal legislation was enacted last year to help patients out when they cannot consent to being touched by someone out of their insurance network. These types of bills fall under something called, "surprise billing," and you don't have to put up with it.
      https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
      I had to make a lot of phone calls to both the surgeon's office and the insurance company and explain my rights and what the maximum out of pocket costs were that I could be liable for. Also had to remind them that it isn't my place to be taking care of all of this and that I was going to escalate things if they could not play nice with one another.
      Quick ending is that I don't have to pay that $7,000+. Advocate, advocate, advocate for yourself no matter how long it takes and learn more about this law if you are ever hit with a surprise bill.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Some days I feel like an infiltrator... I'm participating in society as a "thin" person. They have no idea that I haven't always been one of them! 🤣
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • ChunkCat

      Thank you everyone for your well wishes! I totally forgot I wrote an update here... I'm one week post op today. I gained 15 lbs in water weight overnight because they had to give me tons of fluids to bring my BP up after surgery! I stayed one night in the hospital. Everything has been fine except I seem to have picked up a bug while I was there and I've been running a low grade fever, coughing, and a sore throat. So I've been hydrating well and sleeping a ton. So far the Covid tests are negative.
      I haven't been able to advance my diet past purees. Everything I eat other than tofu makes me choke and feels like trying to swallow rocks. They warned me it would get worse before it gets better, so lets hope this is all normal. I have my follow up on Monday so we'll see. Living on shakes and soup again is not fun. I had enough of them the first time!! LOL 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×